The doors to The Shop for Mortals and Fools are about to creak open for the first time, revealing a world where mystery intertwines with allure, and where the foolish dare to dream. Old relics, unique finds, hidden trinkets, and heirlooms await discovery – treasures that whisper forgotten stories and hold secrets to be unearthed. In this shop, the audience is invited to explore its collection, where each object has a tale to tell, and one clever audience member may unlock a hidden mystery by participating in a game woven into the experience. The winner will have the chance to play a special scene, reveal the mystery, and, if successful, receive a gift from the gods to take home.

Step into a world where gods and mortals clash, where chaos reigns, and where the memories you thought were forgotten still linger, haunting your every step. The Shop for Mortals and Fools beckons those bold enough to navigate the blurred lines between myth and reality, desire and revenge, and the mortal and the divine.

Conceived by multidisciplinary artist Vinicius Salles, The Shop for Mortals and Fools is a site-responsive and immersive physical theatre experience. Inspired by Euripides’ The Bacchae, this production reimagines one of the greatest tragedies ever written, weaving an original narrative that explores power, revenge, and the fragility of the human spirit. Salles’ vision invites audiences to delve into a narrative as captivating as it is deeply human, where ancient myths collide with contemporary themes.

As an artist known for his interdisciplinary approach and immersive storytelling, Vinicius Salles continues to push the boundaries of theatre and performance. Drawing from a 35-year career collaborating with companies such as Punchdrunk, Gecko, and Jasmin Vardimon Company, Salles combines his expertise in physical theatre, narrative, and multimedia to create unique experiences. With The Shop for Mortals and Fools, he explores the power of environment and interactivity, crafting a performance that is as much an exploration as it is an experience.

Audiences will be immersed in a carefully designed world, where every corner of the shop holds a fragment of a larger story. Blurring the boundaries of immersion, the experience will also feature an exhibition of artworks by artists such as Anita Wadsworth, Alberto Pavan, Leah German, and Daisy Young, with these works available for purchase. From physical performance to detailed set design, the production creates a multisensory journey that invites participants to question their perceptions of reality, memory, and the human condition.

This project marks another chapter in Salles’ career, which includes directing the dance film We Might Briefly Resonate and creating immersive productions such as Paper Boats and Slot. Building on his reputation for innovative storytelling, The Shop for Mortals and Fools promises to engage and challenge audiences in equal measure.