Off-Broadway’s Keen Company will give Katie Bender’s site-specific Instructions for a Séance a New York premiere in 2027, the centerpiece of the company’s 2026-2027 season. Performances will run February 12-March 7, 2027, at artXnyc.
Described in press notes as “part séance, part cheeky historical re-enactment,” the work, both written and performed by Bender, sees the performer attempting to conjure famed escape artist Harry Houdini to help audiences learn how to escape their lives.
“One of our guiding principles at Keen is to produce work that is a balm for these overwhelming times,” says Co-Director Kelly Kerwin in a statement. “Instructions for a Séance is vital and hopeful, heartfelt, and thought-provoking while also being a sheer delight.”
The company’s Mixtape Series, offering one-night-only evenings of performances curated by a visionary artist, will also return, with dates and artists to be announced. Upcoming programming also includes the 21st season of the Keen Teens program, and a fall gala set for November 5 at Conwell Cocktail Hall.
More details are at KeenCompany.org.