Treat yourself to a hypnotic and hilarious adventure in “shadow self care.”

An anonymous, shambling creature is your guide in this comedy meditation on failure and resilience, written and performed by Mary McCool, developed with Jack Tamburri.

Weaving crowd work, chaos magic, and live digital vocal effects, STRESS EXORCIST brings the audience to a vital new kind of healing. Through a series of rituals and games, obstacles are lifted and loving your dark side makes magic possible. Ridiculous and meaningful, Mary McCool delivers a monster-drag solo spectacle of virtuosity in a comedy rite that will literally change your life.

This character was developed by Mary McCool in a FringeArts residency, the Dael Orlandersmith residency at the Kimmel Center, and the Jilline Solo Performance Program at 1812 Productions.

For ages 18+

Interested in a not-necessarily-romantic way to connect over art? Select the Blind Date ticket at checkout and Cannonball will pair you with another audience member for a pre- and post-show experience. Blind Date is only available for this show on Thu, Sep 29, 2022 7:00 PM. Check out https://www.cannonballfestival.org/blinddate for more information.

This show is presented as part of Cannonball Festival, Philly’s artist-centered performance hub, packing in 65+ full length shows and 300 performances in two nearby venues. Discover risk-taking theater, dance, circus, music, and comedy alongside a vibrant garden bar with a free nightly cabaret, pop-up events, workshops, artist talkbacks, and more. September 1–30 at the Maas Building (1320 N 5th St) and Icebox Project Space (1400 N American St). Learn more at cannonballfestival.org.

Content Considerations

This performance contains brief graphic language, brief suggested violence, and strobe lights.

Health & Safety

Proof of vaccination is required to attend this event, and masks must be worn for the duration of the performance. Audience members will be asked to show proof of vaccination before entering the venue. Both digital and physical proof of vaccination are accepted. Please plan accordingly.

About the Artist

Mary McCool is a performer & writer, co-founder of the theatre company New Paradise Laboratories, and a frequent collaborator with Pig Iron Theatre Company. Her work as a performer/creator in ensemble-based, devised theatre has been presented at venues including the Andy Warhol Museum, the Public Theater, Tokyo Arts Meeting, the Brooklyn Lyceum, FringeArts, and the Humana Festival. Ms. McCool’s work as a solo artist has been supported by FringeArts, The Kimmel Center, 1812 Productions, and The Independence Foundation.