The Fleecing Brings a Secret Cult into Audiences’ Homes
Award-winning Almanac Dance Circus Theatre reimagines an audience favorite immersive production for
digital space
Philadelphia -- January 10, 2021. This February, one of Philadelphia's most exciting performing arts companies will produce
an immersive, multidisciplinary digital production. The physical and imaginative virtuosity of Almanac, Philadelphia’s
trailblazing contemporary circus company, enhanced by Die-Cast’s contributions to world development and Cirque Du Nuit’s
creative flair, The Fleecing casts audience members as acolytes of one of several sects of a fictional Order. This annual
audience favorite, called “witty and alluring” by ThinkingDance, has been reimagined. As the fortunes of the ancient order
wane, only one sect can be the future. Will it be yours? Performances will be held February 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 7pm, with a
preview performance on February 4 at 7pm. Tickets ($10-$50) are available at https://www.thealmanac.us/the-fleecing-2021.
In February of 2021, the seven planets will align, and the stars will be in their proper place. It can only mean one thing: The
Fleecing is upon us once again! While the unsuspecting Devotees are preparing for a business as usual ceremony to select
the next worthy host, the Bumblefish has grown tired of flopping from host to host only to be swiftly slain. Changes must be
made. Let The Shearing begin! In this time of uncertainty, the Devotees must flock together for survival, but is your fate linked to theirs? Choose wisely; skills and wisdom are necessary.
As audience members, you must navigate the mysterious and
alluring world of the Order, your allegiances will be tested, and your actions may determine the fate of the world, offering a
poignant exploration of blind loyalty and the dangers of a central figurehead. In this time of uncertainty, the Devotees must
flock together for survival, but is your fate linked to theirs? Choose wisely; skills and wisdom are necessary.
The adventure is yours to embark, you can take a guided tour of the performances, search for the missing conspiracy theorist,
or enjoy wandering through the universe at your whim as you unravel the mystery of the Bumblefish. Along the way, you might discover personalized mystical musings, stunning and haunting aerial and acrobatic performances, and characters who will guide you through fantastical and whimsical landscapes as you determine who is worthy of leading the cult -- and the world -- through the dark times ahead. Be wary: not all is as it seems, and power, feverishly sought, corrupts even the truest of souls.
Nathan Alford Tate, Almanac company member and lead artist of The Fleecing, says “With three companies putting their
heads together, it’s exciting to see where we will all go afterwards; how will we influence each other? My prediction is, all
groups will be better from this collaboration”. “The world is so in flux right now,” adds Brenna Geffers, co-founder of Die-Cast.
“Artists, joining forces and collaborating with new ensembles, is not only exciting, it is essential for survival”. And Kaitlyn Chin
from Cirque du Nuit remarks, "It's been a brave new year for jumping into digital experiences, and Cirque du Nuit is proud to
have done a lot of learning and experimenting as we adapted what we love about our work to the virtual. We are very excited
to have this chance to meet some of our favorite Philly folx in this new space, and see what we can create together.”
