When was the last time that you were truly challenged, even frightened by a piece of theatre? Just in time for Halloween, Urban Death VEGAS has arrived and we are here to tell you that you are not ready. We are also here to tell you that if you are a fan of horror and theatre, you have to see this show. Part Grand Guignol, part Theatre of Cruelty, Urban Death VEGAS takes audience members on a creepy, crazy, often hilarious, and provocative tour through a gallery of absurdity and darkness. Located in the Vegas Arts District, at the Vegas Theatre Company, Urban Death VEGAS runs weekends now through November 2.
Okay, so what exactly is Urban Death VEGAS? That’s a fair question. The short answer is that it’s horror theatre. The brainchild of L.A.-based Zombie Joe and Jana Wimer, from the celebrated Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre, Urban Death is an hour long show featuring a collection of vignettes that depict a sort of subconscious wasteland. Here, director Jana Wimer brings the Vegas edition of the show to terrifying life with a heavy mix of classic bits and a healthy dose of new scenes.
We arrived at the venue and, after we are checked in, we venture into the theatre lobby. Just beyond we find the intimate theatre. An ominous drone plays, filling the space with dread. A singular performer stands facing the audience in a trance. As we wait for the show to begin, we watch as this singular performer seems to be peering just over our heads, fixated on some unreachable reward. What is this nameless character hoping for? It could be anything, from a life goal to a simple wager. No matter. After a brief announcement asking everyone to shut off all electronics or light-emitting devises, the show begins. We are immediately plunged into darkness.
The lights come up to reveal something new. A pile of bodies center stage. They suddenly twitch and stammer to life only to lunge at the audience before the lights go out again. Scene after scene we are witness to virtually wordless scenes exploring everything from the loss of youth to ICE raids. Some of the scenes feature full nudity but there is hardly anything titillating. Other scenes feature bodily fluids. The show assaults your senses and sensibilities in a way that few other shows will.
Director Jana Wimer has crafted an hour long nightmare that commands the audience to embrace the inky darkness that bookends each scene. The talented troupe of fearless performers bare their souls and then some to create a truly exhilarating piece of live theatre. At $30 per ticket, this is, without question, the best bang for your buck this Halloween season. Far from the polished glow of other offerings, Urban Death Vegas offers true horror that will leave you hungry for more.
Urban Death has come to the Vegas Arts District and it has never felt more alive.
