Distinguished Guest Series - Topsy Turvy

Written and directed by Tim Robbins and performed by the L.A.-based The Actors’ Gang, Topsy Turvy is a bold, genre-blending theatrical experience that fuses classical Greek tragedy with the irreverent spirit of vaudeville. Set in a world upended by a mysterious plague, a once-unified Greek Chorus is forced into isolation, prompting a surreal journey through divine intervention, existential reckoning, and absurdist spectacle. Featuring appearances by gods like Dionysus, Aphrodite, and Bacchus—alongside magicians, hypnotists, and a mischievous monkey—this musical explores the human need for connection in the face of chaos. With original music, live performance, and biting humor, Topsy Turvy is a cathartic response to the disconnection of the pandemic era. Director’s Note When the world shut down, so did our stages. What was missing wasn’t just performance—it was community. Topsy Turvy was born from that absence, from the longing for connection in a time of isolation. I wanted to explore what happens when a chorus—once unified—can no longer sing together, and how that dissonance mirrors the divisions we’ve all felt in recent years. By blending Greek mythology with vaudeville absurdity, we created a space where gods, mortals, and misfits collide in search of meaning, healing, and reunion. This play is a love letter to the resilience of theater and the human spirit. May it remind us that even in chaos, there’s a path back to harmony. — Tim Robbins, Artistic Director