Houdini is a new play created by Sandbox Theatre’s new aerial program called The Swingset. Created from scratch in seven weeks, Houdini is an examination of the life of the greatest showman of the 20th century.
But how did we get here? Why Houdini, and why aerials? For that, let’s introduce you to Evie...
"I just really never got over wanting to fly as a child."
A Sandboxer since 2014, Evelyn Digirolamo has trained in aerial performance for seven years. During that time, she’s become an instructor and choreographer for aerial silk performance, most notably on Sandbox’s 2015 production, The Little Pilot.
"We rarely get to tell stories in the vertical plane. There's all that creative space taunting us above our heads. I've seen a lot of breath-taking circus performance on aerial silks, but their story-telling potential I feel is still in its infancy. As an actor, being able to perform while pushing your body to its limits brings a new kind of voracity and freedom to your ability to tell stories. Also, there is just so much unlocked potential in all the ways we can use the fabric to create stage pictures and represent emotion. I've learned that giving yourself a restriction as an artist, like sticking to one color as a painter or only using aerial silks as the entire set, brings out so much exciting innovation."
The Swingset is equal parts education and production program — designed to teach aerial silk artistry to new or returning participants, while generating new show material that can be performed as a showcase, or developed into full-scale productions, like Houdini.
The framework and themes for the Houdini were constructed by project lead Evelyn Digirolamo, and production manager Danielle Siver.
We start the creation of our plays with an unh, the guiding question we seek to answer with the show. For Houdini, it’s an exploration of our human desire for metamorphosis; how we seek to change ourselves, our world, and the price we pay in our pursuit.
As with all Sandbox shows, Houdini is a full team effort.
“He can make the world into anything he wants.”
Sandbox Theatre’s Houdini runs August 15-18
We’ll see you at the show!