#31 – Why ‘Irma Vep’ Is a Wild, Campy Celebration at Everyman Theatre | Joseph W. Ritsch
Download MP3Get 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
The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore).
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
Host
Rob Lee
The Truth In This Art is an interview series featuring artists, entrepreneurs and tastemakers in & around Baltimore.
Guest
Joseph W. Ritsch
performer/playwright/director/designer/choreographer; Everyman Theatre Director of Education
