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Imagine 1890s San Francisco — the Gold Rush is over, the City is undergoing massive growth, and the Barbary Coast's wild ways are in full swing — now, imagine its come back to life. The Soiled Dove, a new production from the Vau de Vire Society, will recreate the feel of 19th century San Francisco's red light district in a new production set to debut December 4. But while they're pulling inspiration from the City's history, the immersive experience will stray from the darker side (so scratch that whole bubonic
plague part) to bring audiences a senses-heavy performance piece that includes not only theatrics, but music and dining; they're also encouraging audience members to embrace the culture of yore and dress in period attire for the performances.
Director Mike Gaines says, “we'll have over 40 performers and musicians collaborating to help transport guests to the heart of San Francisco circa 1890. Our production team is tenaciously transforming the existing environment into a brothel and refined drinking-hole of that historical era. The stories and characters are mostly created and developed for this production with reference to a couple historical characters like Emperor Norton and Shanghai Kelly."
While this 10-day theatrical immersion experience is new for the Vau de Vire Society, you may recognize their name as the hosts of the annual
Edwardian Ball and other Bay Area productions.
The Soiled Dove will feature adult-centered entertainment (it is centered around the Barbary Coast after all), a five-course dinner by Work of Art, and musical backings of Jazz Mafia/Realistic Orchestra and Squid, Inc. If you've never seen a Va deu Vire Society production, performances feature everything from aerial stunts, to fire performances to choreographed dances and circus-themed "sideshow acts."
If you want to journey back, The Soiled Dove runs from December 4-14, at the InnerMission (633 Florida St.), and
tickets are $120; this is a 21+ event. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Zaccho Dance Theatre’s Youth Performing Arts Program (YPAP).
