-Brenda Hillegas
LGBTQ artist, performer, choreographer, and producer Gunnar Montana is back with another immersive experience that’s full of magic, witches, creatures of the night, dark woods, and incredible aerial arts. Black Wood, which launched in early September for this year’s Philadelphia Fringe Festival, is extended through November 5th. If you’re looking for a unique experience to pair with the spooky season, don’t think twice about getting tickets. Black Wood is selling out night after night, so make a plan immediately.
From the moment you enter the Latvian Society of Philadelphia (531 N 7th St, just off Spring Garden and directly across from the Edgar Allan Poe house), you’ll be surrounded by a dark, eerie atmosphere. Candles light the way with dim lights and haunting music. Before you enter the performance space, stop by the equally enchanting bar for a drink…and another to take with you for the show.
Then, creep up the stairs, through a cave, into the forest and to your seat. By now, you should realize this show won’t be filled with glitter and bold colors like Montana’s previous performances. Black Wood tells the story of a coven of witches who discover their supernatural strengths and the power of women in dark, trying times. As soon as they being to dance, hang, intertwine and move together on the frame of a camping tent, you’ll know you’re in for something spectacular. The choreography is so breezy and chilling, the music perfectly paired, the costumes eerie- you might forget for a second that you aren’t really in mythical woods.
Aside from nudity, note that the show depicts abuse and assault, and some cannibalism. This is an 18+ performance. Leave your concerns at the door and be a part of this new world for an hour. You’ll be completely wowed with what you just saw and hopefully you’ll make plans to attend the next production from Gunnar Montana. Do not ever sleep on getting tickets to one of his shows.
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