Barococo

Happenstance Theater’s *Barococo* is a collaboratively devised physical comedy about aristocratic privilege at the edge of collapse. Loosely inspired by Olivier Blanc’s *Last Letters: Prisons and Prisoners of the French Revolution*, the production plunges into the late Baroque and Rococo worlds of elaborate costumes, wigs, panniers, ornamental gestures, and extravagant behavior.

The six-person ensemble examines oblivious entitlement through pantomime, parlor games, visual spectacle, and an absurd comedy of manners. Its charming aristocrats invite the audience into a dazzling but increasingly revolting charade that explores indulgence, political danger, and the excesses of an elite lifestyle. The production is presented just in time for the midterm elections.

When: October 29–November 14

Showtimes: October 29 at 7:30 p.m.; October 30 at 7:30 p.m.; October 31 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; November 1 at 2:00 p.m.; November 5 at 7:30 p.m.; November 6 at 7:30 p.m.; November 7 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; November 8 at 2:00 p.m.; November 12 at 7:30 p.m.; November 13 at 7:30 p.m.; and November 14 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: General admission is $25, senior and artist admission is $20, and student admission is $15. The October 29 performance is pay-what-you-can.

Lineup: Mark Jaster, Stephanie Baird, Gwen Grastorf, Sabrina Mandell, Sarah Olmsted Thomas, and Alex Vernon.

Venue: Baltimore Theatre Project

Presented by: Happenstance Theater, an award-winning theater company based in Washington, D.C.

Note: The run is sponsored by Carolyn and Dan Matthews.