#31 – Why ‘Irma Vep’ Is a Wild, Campy Celebration at Everyman Theatre | Joseph W. Ritsch

Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at The Mystery of Irma Vep – A Penny Dreadful at Everyman Theatre, where director, choreographer, and arts educator Joseph Ritsch brings gothic farce, drag, and campy spectacle together in a production bursting with sharp humor and political edge. In this episode, Joseph joins Rob Lee to unpack why Charles Ludlam’s cult classic still hits hard today — blending outrageous comedy with queer history, lightning-fast costume changes, and a message that feels more urgent than ever.Gothic camp unleashed: why Irma Vep still dazzles with drag, horror, and farceTwo actors, eight roles, 30+ costume changes: the technical choreography behind the comedyQueer theater as protest: honoring Charles Ludlam’s legacy and reclaiming space onstageBuilding community: Joseph’s 15-year journey at Everyman Theatre and why it feels like homeMentoring young artists: how Everyman University’s Observership Program connects students to the real work of professional theater Check out the THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP: A PENNY DREADFUL: Director Interview Host: Rob Lee Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor Photos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted. Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★