Caligula – Alternative Theatrical Performance
Project Description
ARCH was retained by legendary off-broadway producer Randy Weiner (owner of The Box, Sleep No More, and Queen of The Night) for Caligula’s set design, scenic painting, custom rigging, textile design, weapons fabrication, art direction, custom fabrication, and full service installation. The first off-broadway production took place at La MaMa theater in the East Village in 2010 with subsequent productions at House of Yes in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Performance collaborations included Lady Circus, Acid Betty, and Kayvon Zand.
Caligula Maximus takes place on the last night of the notorious dictator’s life, in his palace where he is stage managing, directing, and starring in one of his famous “entertainments” which test the limits of human intellect and appetite. Caligula, sensing the encroachment of monotheistic religions (Christianity and Judaism) holds a phantasmagoric revival meeting in which he attempts to save the world by ushering in a new religion with himself as its principle prophet and god. Caligula’s “senate” is an outrageous collection of circus performers, wrestlers, animals, show girls and freaks who enact his spectacles and indulge his whims and fantasies. As the revival meeting reaches fever pitch, his troupe grows weary of being used as toys, gains a sense of their own power and, bedecked in the war paint and leather costumes of barbarian invaders, descend upon him and murder him in mob frenzy.
Project Details
Client Randy Weiner of The Box, Sleep No More, Donkey Show, Queen of the Night.
Date April 2011
Skills Custom Design, Metal Fabrication, Textile Design, Set Design, Custom Props
Industry Entertainment / Theater