Cabaret Rising: One Nation. Underground.

Rachel Messbauer
Mar 9, 2018
2 min read

From February 1st through March 4th, Rachel was spending her weekends underground. Beneath the sidewalks of DuPont Circle, the devised and immersive production of Cabaret Rising settled into the DuPont Underground, a renovated streetcar-station-turned-performing-arts-space.

But what is immersive theater exactly, and why did over 1,500 people go see this show? Here are some highlights from the coverage of the show.

Check out the TV coverage of Cabaret Rising (which provides background on what immersive theater is and the challenges of casting such a show) on WUSA 9 here , here , and here !

Excerpts from The Hoya: "Underground in DuPont, the Cabaret comes alive" by Faris Bseiso

"Incredibly strong performances [from] the actors.

[...]

There is no universal experience at an interactive show, as the performance changes based on the audience’s response... What audience members get out of the show is largely determined by how open they are to immersing themselves in their surroundings.

[...]

Regardless of how much one engages with the show, the performance is enjoyable for every type of participant. The myriad of political messages leaves audiences with plenty to ponder. The extraordinary talents of the show’s actors... made the performance all the more intriguing. On the whole, “Cabaret Rising” is by far one of the most original experiences that Washington, D.C., has to offer."

Excerpts from DCMetroTheatreArts: "‘Cabaret Rising’ by TBD Immersive at Dupont Underground" by Elizabeth Ballou

"[Cabaret Rising is] jumpy and sexy and dangerous... It’s worth seeing for anyone who enjoys experimental, hands-on theater.

[...]

Like other immersive shows, the action of Cabaret Rising doesn’t unfold on a single stage. Instead, the show’s characters walk the shadows of the Underground, which has become the base of the Resistance in a 1984-style dystopia... It’s up to audience members to decide who’s right, who’s wrong, and who’s just there for a thrill.

[...]

The show comes close to sensory overload in the best way.

[...]

It’s a post-apocalyptic Wonderland that calls to mind video games like Fallout and Bioshock. And, like the best video games, the set pulls you into another world you can see, hear, and touch. For three hours, I forgot that the D.C. of 2018 was just meters above my head. Instead, I had the great luck of meeting the Resistance leaders in 2028.

[...]

I didn’t regret a single minute of the three hours I spent running around the Dupont Underground.

If you’re a fan of cabaret acts, immersive or situational theater, or even video games, don’t miss Cabaret Rising. After all, how many shows let you chat up cast members, run after ghosts, and watch local burlesque acts – all at the same time?"