TAMARA

By John Krizanc
Conceived by Richard Rose & John Krizanc

Bigger than even ambitious Quantum’s usual projects, TAMARA is the granddaddy (grandmother?) of popular trends that have produced immersive theatre like New York’s acclaimed Sleep No More.

You’re in the great home of Gabriele d’Annunzio, the Italian poet responsible for the Nationalist movement which Mussolini – Il Duce – turned into his brand of Fascism. It’s 1927. There is great anticipation because Tamara de Lempicka is due to arrive, the iconic Polish artist. You’re offered a glass of champagne. And it begins: you meet 10 characters, each fascinating, each with secrets.

TAMARA has been described like an elaborate movie set, with each audience member poised as a camera. The audience certainly has choices to make, journeying from room to room in Rodef Shalom Congregation, a magnificent stand-in for Il Vittoriale degli Italiani. As characters leave a room, which will you follow? Or will you wait and see who shows up? As in life, each is the star of his own story and the stories intersect (think Downton Abbey) with the audience free to drop in on their most dramatic moments.

Performing in about two hours, the evening is a bit longer because the audience shares a wonderful Intermezzo dinner outside on the terrace. Quantum will partner with six restaurateur/caterers, one for each of the six weeks of the run, as well as with Pittsburgh’s greatest decorators and antiques dealers to dress the Henry Hornbostle-designed facility.

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Things to Know

The experience is unique

Patrons will follow the character of their choice (among 10) around Rodef Shalom, which has been beautifully dressed top to bottom, transformed into 1927 Italian luxury. Friends should split up to see the story from different perspectives.

Dress the part

We are suggesting Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes. You will be entering the grand home of Gabriele d’Annunzio… dress up a little or make a nod to the period if you wish, who doesn’t love 1920s fashion? But be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

To move or not to move

Especially the fascinating servant-class characters move like the dickens and where they’ll take you is really fun, skip the gym that day and don’t hesitate to join them! However, if you are someone who has trouble with stairs, we’ll make sure you are on a special track which will keep you on one level- and don’t worry, you will see plenty on that level. Call us for special assistance or to ask more questions.

Six weeks. Six chefs.

Incredible restaurant partners preparing a two-course dinner each night (E2, Above & Beyond Catering, Open Bottle Bistro, All in Good Taste Productions, Casbah, and Stagioni). Choose your night based on the dinner! Vegetarian options available with advance notice. Please call 412-362-1713 to let us know.

Outdoor dining

We want you to enjoy the beautiful summer evening by dining outdoors on the terrace, the Fifth Avenue expanse of verdant green is its own blast from the past. But for those August scorchers or when it’s raining, we’ll move indoors to the sweet air conditioned ballroom.