Documentary Immersive Play

Summary: Nellie & the Women of Blackwell is a deep, dark dive into the mental health system of the late 19th century in New York City. Using a cast of just four actors, the audience is led by legendary stunt reporter Nellie Bly through the narrative described in her ground-breaking story, “Ten Days in a Madhouse.” Donning their role as junior reporters, the audience joins Nellie in her reporting- and her attempt to escape- the decrepit conditions and cruel treatment of Blackwell’s Island Lunatic Asylum. Uncover the stories and secrets of the women long-forgotten by history, and learn how far mental health has come- and has to go- in this innovative experience that is redefining immersive theater.

Text: Based on the stories and anecdotes from Ten Days in the Madhouse 

Concept: The audience goes into the lunatic asylum with Nelly Bly and down the rabbit hole, not knowing who they will meet and what will happen next. Who decides what is sane and what is not? And if a woman spends her life locked up and her voice never heard, how do we know she truly existed? 

Productions/Workshops: 

• Wildrence Immersive, NYC. Winter 2020.

Winner of Broadway World’s Best Theatrical/Immersive Experience 2021