The Shop for Mortals and Fools, a site-responsive and immersive production from multidisciplinary artist Vinicius Salles, is set to open its door next month at Stanley Arts in South London. Audiences will be immersed in a carefully designed world, where every corner of the shop holds a fragment of a larger story. Old relics, unique finds, hidden trinkets, and heirlooms await discovery – treasures that whisper forgotten stories and hold secrets to be unearthed.
Photo: Stanley Arts/Vinicius Salles
From physical performance to detailed set design, the production creates a multisensory journey that invites participants to question their perceptions of reality, memory, and the human condition.
Audiences of up to 10 people per performance are invited to explore the shop's collection, in which every object has a tale to tell. One audience member may unlock a hidden mystery by participating in a game woven into the experience, with the winner getting the chance to play a special scene, reveal the mystery, and if successful, receive a gift from the gods to take home.
The production reimagines The Bacchae by Euripides, weaving an original narrative that explores power, revenge, and the fragility of the human spirit. Salles’ vision invites audiences to delve into a narrative as captivating as it is deeply human, where ancient myths collide with contemporary themes.
As an artist known for his interdisciplinary approach and immersive storytelling, Vinicius Salles continues to push the boundaries of theatre and performance. Drawing from a 35-year career collaborating with companies such as Punchdrunk, Gecko, and Jasmin Vardimon Company, Salles combines his expertise in physical theatre, narrative, and multimedia to create unique experiences. With The Shop for Mortals and Fools, he explores the power of environment and interactivity, crafting a performance that is as much an exploration as it is an experience.
Blurring the boundaries of immersion, the experience will also feature an exhibition of artworks by artists such as Anita Wadsworth, Alberto Pavan, Leah German, and Daisy Young, with these works available for purchase.
The Shop for Mortals and Fools runs at Stanley Arts in South Norwood from 14th February to 1st March 2025. Tickets are priced at £20.00, with VIP tickets available for shows on the 28th February and 1st March. To find out more and book tickets, visit stanleyarts.org
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