OFF THE CLOCK: Performance Art Showcase at Darkhorse Theater

Catch some of the most experimental and daring new works in the Festival at our annual Performance Art Showcase! This year’s selection of four bold original creations assemble thought-provoking, tongue-in-cheek, and occasionally glittery reflections of our relationship to business and pleasure. Spoken word and multimedia artist Landry Butler leads us through a cheeky timeshare-inspired presentation about the coming Utopia. Dynamic mover Chris Strauss performs a hilarious send-up to the “9 to 5” culture. Queen of experimental burlesque GrandmaFun invites us into her Mardi Gras world where the Carnival Queen is the center of attention, complete with a trio of Filipino string musicians. Mutli-hyphenate and all-around legend Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva explores the art of clowning with her rainbow-colored character Sprinkles the Clown, unlocking a complicated history of Black circus performers and Sideshow Attractions. The four projects together create a funhouse mirror of our contemporary moment, making for a truly unmissable event.

Presented as part of Kindling Arts Festival 2026: UTOPIAS, July 23-26.