Multidisciplinary, experimental performance artist Laurel Johnson (they/them) originally from Philly and currently based in Chicago, returns to present their new solo show GRIEF ASTRONOMER, running for a limited engagement September 12th, 13th, and 15th, at the Icebox Project Space Gallery (1400 N American St. Philadelphia, PA 19122). This is a featured piece as part of CANNONBALL and the Philadelphia Fringe Festival.
“This show is profoundly meaningful to me, and to those who have seen it. It is my attempt to alchemize pain and grief into something beautiful, to take the tragedies that leave us feeling disconnected and use them to bring us together. I want to assure people they are not alone, and remind them why holding on is worth it. I am honored and grateful to bring my show about finding home to the first city I ever called home.” – Laurel Johnson, Creator, Designer, and Performer
Weaving together movement and poetry with projections, animations and audience interaction, Grief Astronomer is a truly unique and magical experience, exploring trauma, disability, childhood, and our relationship to a massive and mysterious cosmos. Aboard our rocketship, we’ll become cosmonauts of memory, turning a telescope toward the distant cosmos, and a kaleidoscope toward our inner cosmos. Earnest and playful, tragic and tender and raw, Grief Astronomer is a story of resilience: how we survive the unsurvivable, make meaning of the meaningless, seek connection in the chaos, and find our way back home.
Slumber party meets therapy session meets light show at the planetarium, this event is BYOB (bring your own blankie), BYOP (bring your own pillow) and jammies are strongly encouraged. Seating will be pillows and blankets on the floor, with chairs available for those who need them. There will be snacks! and glow sticks! and secrets! and balloons! Come ready to get cozy, have fun, and go deep.
Tickets to GRIEF ASTRONOMER are currently on sale by visiting: https://phillyfringe.org/events/grief-astronomer/.
Tickets are available on a sliding scale from $5-$50. Show runs about 60 minutes. Masks are required. All performances will be Relaxed Performances, designed to accommodate folks with physical or developmental disabilities, or sensory sensitivities. The venue is wheelchair accessible. More information can be found by visiting the ticketing website or on Instagram @griefastronomershow.
Laurel Johnson presents GRIEF ASTRONOMER
September 12th @ 6:30
September 13th @ 9:30
September 15th @ 8:00
Icebox Project Space Gallery
$5-$50 PWYC sliding scale ticketing
Tickets available at phillyfringe.org
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