The Fool (played by Alex Cogburn) smiling and jumping up with arms wide. Photo by Errich Petersen.

The Fool. Photo by Errich Petersen.

SEASON 30 | march 2018

Performance Park
March 23-May 12, 2018

Conceived and Directed by Bonnie Cullum
 View photos from the production here (March) and here (May).

The Dream Come True Austin Critics Table Award
The Mount Everest Austin Critics Table Award
The Good Enough to Eat Austin Critics TableAward for Melissa Vogt
The Future of Theatre Austin Critics Table Award 

Pass through the Gates of Mystery and Imagination and into a world of multi-layered games to be won, intriguing riddles to be unraveled, and stories to be explored. Along the way, we work together to disrupt hierarchies of power and restore balance.

Performance Park is a totally unique experience in Austin theater, a community event that bursts past the boundaries of the Vortex’s stage to dominate its entire complex and create a must-visit destination . . . future events in Austin theater will be measured against the magic of this moment.
— Andrew J. Friedenthal, Austin 360

Unlike anything you have ever experienced, Performance Park is an interactive game, an original musical, an art installation, and a magical divination through Tarot. But like an amusement park or national park you may take in as much or as little as you wish. Dress up in a costume, wander the grounds, unlock the mysteries, play games on the Midway, sing songs in the bar, seek entry to the Magician’s Sanctum, or stand back and watch the characters sing, dance, and play from afar.  Choose your own Adventure!

CAST

Sarah Abrahiem (The Magician), Andy Agne (Tower), Susan Bennett (Queen of Pentacles), Toni Baum (Judgement), Alex Cogburn (The Fool),Jennifer Coy Jennings (Queen of Cups), Michelé Crowder (The World), Kristin DeGroot (Strength), Trey Deason (The Devil), Sandie Donzica (The Star), Micah Gause (Hanged One), Eryn Gettys (Hierophant), Annie Kim Hedrick (Queen of Wands), Traci Laird and Marliza Mendez (The Lovers), Content Love Knowles (Death), Gabriel Maldonado (The Emperor), Chelsea Manasseri (Justice), Tyler Mabry (The Chariot), Lori Navarrete (The Moon), Tiffany Nicely-Williams (The Empress), Mary Ochoa (The Sun), Heidi Penix (The Hermit), Ali Marie Stuckey (Knight of Wands), Jesus Valles and Samuel Grimes (The Wheel of Fortune), Melissa Vogt (Baba Yaga/High Priestess), Oktavea Williams (Queen of Swords), Patricia Wappner (Temperance).

PRODUCTION CREW

Conceived and directed by Bonnie Cullum. Writing and dramaturgy by Sarah Saltwick, Lorella Loftus, Teresa Cruz, Bonnie Cullum, and the Ensemble. Original Music and Sound Design by Chad Salvata, David DeMaris, Tyler Mabry, and Sergio R. Samayoa. Choreography by Toni Bravo. Scenic Design by Ann Marie Gordon and Griffon Ramsey. Lighting Design by Patrick Anthony. Costume Design by Pam Fletcher Friday. Prop Design by Helen Parish. Makeup Design by Amelia Turner. Assistant Direction by Dillon Yruegas, Rudy Ramirez, Anna Eisley, and Teresa Cruz. Stage Management by Tamara L. Farley. Production Management by Jennifer Rogers. Water Engineering by Kenneth Gall. Photography by Errich Peterson. Video documentation by Jose Lozano, Magic Spoon Productions.


Funded and supported in part by VORTEX Repertory Company, a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts, and by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.