People of Pittsburgh I: The Alchemist of Sharpsburg
“Loved the ideas—that we are all part of other people’s stories, that magical people exist all around us.”
Audience member
The Alchemist of Sharpsburg was the first in a unique theatrical series that tells the stories of ordinary, extraordinary Pittsburgers.
People of Pittsburgh I: The Alchemist of Sharpsburg explores the life of Candra, a Hindu-practicing, black-metal-listening game enthusiast with multigenerational roots in Sharpsburg, through a live, interactive theatrical experience that’s as much like a role-playing game as it is a play.
This production, created by Rusty Thelin and ceramicist and fellow game-lover Emmanuelle Wambach, had its first showing at the City Theatre’s Lillie Theatre in April 2022. The second took place at Atithi Studios in Sharpsburg, Candra’s hometown, in February 2023.
Wendy Arons, The Pittsburgh Tatler
“RealTime’s alchemical experimentation with theatrical form is, in the end, not only about Candra’s extraordinary ordinary life; it’s also about the transformative power of story.”
Entertainment Central Pittsburgh, Mike Vargo
“Is life a game or is it a drama? At RealTime Interventions, the answer is yes... You’ve got to be there to really get it.”
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From the audience
Check out what audiences said about the show!
audience member—
“We laughed, we were somber, we sang (or I did, anyway), we got to participate as much (or as little) as we liked, and I, for one, felt a profound connection to my fellow Pittsburghers, to this wonderful place, to our home.”
Photo Credits
RealTime Arts; Pixelab Studios.
