Michelle Levy summons the serendipitous elements that brought her to this moment: a déja vu in a field; a religious craving; an overlooked report card that is very, very old; a letter drafted from the sky; a grandmother’s cryptic message; a scotch sour; Poland; and possibly, falafel.

Performed at the intersection of premonition, research and reanimation, Ruins of Achelach shares a genealogical mystery as it unfolds.

Ruins of Achelach was presented in October as a one-night-only show. The theater was packed, the audience cheered and yet, an unfortunate error was made. The slightest bit of mischief led to repercussions beyond the stage. Michelle awoke the next day aware that she had inadvertently done the unthinkable: insulted her grandmother (of blessed memory) … in public.

Michelle waited to hear whispered in her ear “and what am I, chopped liver?” But the universe had veered off course, leaving nothing but an icy trail behind.

Things have not been the same since. For the sake of Michelle’s grandma and, by extension, possibly humanity, the story must be set straight. Thanks to Theaterlab, Levy will perform Ruins of Achelach once more, corrected, with audience and camera as witness.

The event will conclude with a moment off-camera, for those who wish, to air and have forgiven your own regretted insults to loved ones.

Concept, audio/visuals, script and performance by Michelle Levy
Developed with and directed by Sarah Cameron Sunde