Explore the story of a historic theatre that was once owned by a cult

When: June 20–24
Where: Shea Theater, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376
Price: $25

Tags: #immersivetheatre, #promenade, #sitespecific, #MobilityAdvisory

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In Deus Ex Machina, audience members will be invited to explore the many corners of the historic Shea Theater, which has been a home for 1920’s vaudeville troupes, a controversial 1970’s commune called the Renaissance Community, and much more. Though a carefully-curated experience, they will get the chance to play with the ghosts of the building in exciting and sometimes unexpected ways.

Indeed, the star of the show is the Shea Theatre, a venue with a long and wondrously checkered past. Denis Shea opened the theatre on Valentines Day 1927. The stage was the home for amateur theater productions put on by such groups as the American Legion Auxiliary, the Rotary Club, and the Turners High School. Mr. Shea also brought in occasional vaudeville shows. He died in 1945 and his family sold the theatre two years later. It continued to operate under various owners until 1956. The Shea then remained dark except for a short time in 1963–64.

In 1973, the Renaissance Community bought the Shea and used it as a recording studio and site for their religious activities under the leadership of Michael “Rapunzel” Metelica. In 1986, they sold it to the Franklin County Community Development Corp, who launched the restoration project whereupon the town of Montague bought the property. Most recently, in 2015, a new board of directors took on the lease and restored the building to once again become an active and vibrant community cultural center.

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Contact Level: Light (Business/Acquaintance). Contact is limited to touching hands, arms, shoulders and head. The audience member always can turn down this invitation, which the performer will honor. Audience members are not permitted to initiate contact with a performer during any part of the show.

Content Advisories: Small spaces, dim lighting, stairs.