It was October 2019 when the theater troupe NoExit Performance had their last show – Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” at the former grounds of Central State Hospital in Indianapolis.
Their plan was to wrap up the show and then kick off production for the next one, “The Gathering.” The play is about a renowned spiritual medium, a skeptic on a mission of truth and a woman caught between them.
But then the pandemic happened and plans changed.
Now, six years later, they are back and ready to resurrect “The Gathering” with performances at The Athenaeum Oct. 16-25.
“We’ve been around since 2002, making site-specific theater all over the city,” said Georgeanna Smith Wade, who is the artistic director of NoExit Performance. “We knew we weren’t done, but we wanted to take our time to figure out how we could continue with sustainability.”
The players of NoExit Performance rehearse their upcoming play, “The Gathering.” Plus, a flyer from the show.
We talked to Smith Wade to learn more about the upcoming show.
This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
How should attendees prepare for “The Gathering”?
It’s a site-specific performance piece and we move through the building. Be ready to walk around — although there will be seating available — and come ready to be close to the actors. And if you want to wear your 1920’s best, feel free!
How did you choose The Athenaeum as a venue?
Many reasons! NoExit Performance is officially a part of the Athenaeum Foundation now, which is a relationship I’m so excited about. In addition to them paving the way for us to create this piece, this building is a perfect site-specific theatre site.
There are so many nooks and crannies, interesting architecture and spectacular spaces. I guarantee you will see parts of this historic building you have never seen before if you see this show!
Do people need to know a bit of history about seances to enjoy the show?
You don’t need to know anything about seances before you arrive! However, if you dive into some of the history of spiritualism in Indianapolis, in the late 1910s to early 1920s, you may find some interesting Easter eggs in the show.
How many actors are you working with?
There are eight of us onstage, and we’re being supported by an incredible team. We are working with so many amazing artists, and all of these actors are favorite, familiar faces to NoExit audiences!
What is something you contributed that you feel excited to share?
This piece was devised by the company, which means we didn’t start with a script at all. Ryan Mullins, one of our directors, came in with a great amount of source material, ideas and questions. The company worked together to figure out those characters.
I love my character and her journey so much. I can’t wait to share her story of searching for answers while she grieves. I can’t wait to share that.
Will there be more NoExit shows after this one?
Absolutely. Our goal is to do a site-specific performance piece every year. We can’t wait to show off our city in an unusual way.
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Jennifer Delgadillo is Mirror Indy’s arts and culture editor. You can reach her at jennifer.delgadillo@mirrorindy.org.
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