Works by Julia Brandenberger

a theatre ritual aimed at DETACHMENT from success

funeral for expectations

“It was absurd and beautiful, very powerful”- Portland audience member

 

This immersive and participatory ceremony of disposition examines the life of Expectations, who measured success.  As Expectations always used to say “Once you’ve achieved this goal, once you’ve accomplished this thing, once you’ve attained this position, then you will be fulfilled”.  A funerary procession will lead you and your company into a dark room.  You will then be taken through a series of landscapes, fun and goofy, dark and deep.  You will be respectfully invited to share of your own experiences with Expectations throughout the service.  

 

what audiences have said:

“Julia took us out of ourselves. Spaces that can do that are so rare.”

“She does such a masterful job of holding the space, she allows herself to go into dangerous places while the audience stays completely assured that they are taken care of and safe”

“I wish that there were more ritual theater shows like this. I think that is what the public is after when they go to the theater- this piece actually goes there.”

“I always appreciate her work. It is such a rare space to be in- there are moments of complete silence and stillness. It is so unlike our wider culture to have moments like this. She creates such an intimate and unique space that I love to be a part of.”

“It was absurd and beautiful, it was very powerful”

“I love how analogue it is- completely removed from technology”

"This feels like a cure for the success stories of the 'American Dream'"

"I felt lighter after this performance.  I felt like a weight had been taken off my chest"

"Julia crafted an individualized experience that pointed the audience inward, which is specifically part of my definition of fine art"

PRESS:

http://www.broadstreetreview.com/theater/philly-fringe-2017-julia-brandenbergers-funeral-for-expectations

photo gallery:

All Photos and Video taken by Colin Logue

past showings:

Performance Works Northwest, Portland OR 2020, February 28th, Mar 6th and 7th

Headlong Studios, Philadelphia 2020, January 2nd

Performance Works Northwest, Portland OR 2020, March 17th and 18th

Headlong Studios, Philadelphia 2018, March 3rd and 4th 

Philadelphia Fringe Festival, Philadelphia 2017, Sept 7th-10th, 22nd-24th

SoLow Festival, Philadelphia 2017, June 17-18th