THE ILLUMINATI BALL NYC
- Written by Cynthia von Buhler
THE ILLUMINATI BALL RETURNS
Critically acclaimed intimate immersive event from Cynthia von Buhler, inspired by the Rothschilds’ infamous 1972 Surrealist Ball, greatly expands in its second incarnation
(February 1, 2018) For the past two years, Cynthia von Buhler and her team have transported adventurous theatergoers from Manhattan to a secluded lakefront estate outside of the city for an intimate theatrical event, The Illuminati Ball: An Immersive Excursion. A much larger urban version of the ball, for one thousand guests, will take place on Friday, February 23, 2018 at the Weylin in Brooklyn. Formerly the home of a prominent New York bank (the bank’s vault remains on display on the premises), the Weylin recently underwent a $27 million restoration to restore this former monument to money to its 1875 glory.
The Illuminati Ball—New York City is a surreal immersive theater experience inspired by leaked photos from the Baron and Baroness de Rothschilds’ legendary 1972 fete, which drew elaborately masked guests such as Salvador Dali and Audrey Hepburn to the powerful couple’s mansion in France. Von Buhler’s version of the ball explores the myth and mystery of the Illuminati in conjunction with a powerful story about modern-day medical experimentation. Guests will be invited to take part in esoteric ritual ceremonies throughout the 6,500 square foot space, featuring eclectic music, provocative dance and daring performances unfolding continuously across three floors of interactive Illuminati-inspired rooms.
Upon arrival, guests enter into The Dressing Room where they will choose a unique mask to wear for the evening (and which they may take home afterwards as a memento of the night’s adventure). Inner circle VIP initiates and Inner Circle Kinship Initiates enter directly into The Domed Ballroom to choose their mask. VIP Initiates are given an Illuminati ring allowing access to the secret third floor. Inner Circle Kinship Initiates are paired with an animal leader and are taken under their wing (and they have exclusive access to Chumanzee's lair).
Featured performers include Vincent Cinque (Baron Guy de Rothschild), Luka Fric (Vacanti), Katie Kat (Parthenope), Countess Eden Atencio (Kahmadhenu), Travis Moore (Chumanzee), Maria Rusolo (Baroness Helene de Rothschild a.k.a. Demeter) and Justin Moore (Douglas).
Some other highlights of the evening:
Delysia La Chatte, Speakeasy Dollhouse’s choreographer directs The Initiation, written by Cynthia von Buhler, and The Tableaux throughout the evening in The Domed Ballrooms and dances The Chair Dance.
Katherine Crockett, star of the hit immersive show The Queen of the Night and member of the Martha Graham Dance Company, presents The Portal in The Vault and dances The Initiation on the stage in The Domed Ballroom.
The recently deceased hip-hop legend Prodigy of Mobb Deep wrote and recorded a poignant song specifically for the production with opera singer Katie Kat. Kat performs the song in The Domed Ballroom with dance by Delysia La Chatte.
Actress, director and model Syrie Moskowitz will be recreating an intimate version of The Rothschilds’ Party in The Trustee Room and Victorian Parlor on the VIP-only third floor, accessible by an antique birdcage elevator.
Ventiko will stage animal tableaux featuring Instagram senasation, Dexter the Peacock, and other creatures.
The Haiku Guys and Gals will interview guests and type out personal haikus on antique typewriters in The Cashier's Office. Professional wizard, Devin Person of Person Is Awake will cater to guest’s personal desires.
Jonathan Sims’ Chromadetic interactive projections will be on view throughout the building.
Burlesque performer Zoe Ziegfeld will dance with her live python, Fantasia, on The Aerial Stage.
The Lost Boys Aerial Troupe will perform from the aerial stage in The Domed Ballroom Entrance.
Countess Eden will bathe with guests in her Breast Milk Bath in The President’s Office Suite.
Lady Blaze, Cinder and Syrena Nicole will be performing fire dances on The Fire Stage.
Leo Abel, Marcela Coberlini, Natti Vogel, Misc Allaneous Dom Top, Perle Noire, Pythagoras, Kathryn Kendall, Madame Rosebud, Pearls Daily, Celeste Hudson, Audrey Love, Carolyn Chiu, Haleigh Ciel, Cliff Fuller, Erick Szentmiklosy, Daniel Zaltsman, Lisa Ann, Jonathan Goldberg, Bella Sarah, Falana Fox, Lucy Rezu, and Ruby Mechant perform on both stages in The Domed Ballroom and will interact with guests throughout the massive building.
The Illuminati Ball New York City from Cynthia von Buhler on Vimeo.
