#31  – Why ‘Irma Vep’ Is a Wild, Campy Celebration at Everyman Theatre | Joseph W. Ritsch
S10 #31

#31 – Why ‘Irma Vep’ Is a Wild, Campy Celebration at Everyman Theatre | Joseph W. Ritsch

Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at The Mystery of Irma Vep – A Penny Dreadful at Everyman Theatre, where director, choreographer, and arts educator Joseph Ritsch brings gothic farce, drag, and campy spectacle together in a production bursting with sharp humor and political edge.

In this episode, Joseph joins Rob Lee to unpack why Charles Ludlam’s cult classic still hits hard today — blending outrageous comedy with queer history, lightning-fast costume changes, and a message that feels more urgent than ever.
  • Gothic camp unleashed: why Irma Vep still dazzles with drag, horror, and farce
  • Two actors, eight roles, 30+ costume changes: the technical choreography behind the comedy
  • Queer theater as protest: honoring Charles Ludlam’s legacy and reclaiming space onstage
  • Building community: Joseph’s 15-year journey at Everyman Theatre and why it feels like home
  • Mentoring young artists: how Everyman University’s Observership Program connects students to the real work of professional theater



Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:
  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor
Photos:
  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.
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Creators and Guests

Rob Lee
Host
Rob Lee
The Truth In This Art is an interview series featuring artists, entrepreneurs and tastemakers in & around Baltimore.
Joseph W. Ritsch
Guest
Joseph W. Ritsch
performer/playwright/director/designer/choreographer; Everyman Theatre Director of Education