Artist’s Statement
The distinguishing feature of a Rocky Horror showing with a shadow cast is the multilevel interaction between the film, the performers, and the audience. “A Strange Journey” pushes this interactivity a step further by aiming my camera back at the audience, the shadow cast, and finally, the screen. I want to provide a layered visual experience that evokes the pure wonder I felt when I first saw a Rocky Horror performance, and that reawakens each time I return.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the longest running film in theatrical history, showing since 1975. What sets it apart as a “cult classic” with its own unique subculture?
Note: The title for the photo essay comes from the narrator’s first line in the film: “I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey.”
Click the photo titles below the images to read the captions!
ALL HAIL THE QUEEN
Like the legendary Tim Curry, cast lead Kelly applies her own makeup for tonight’s role of Dr. Frank N. Furter.
VIRGIN ALERT!
Audience members who have never seen Rocky Horror with a shadowcast, known as “virgins,” act out giving birth on stage as part of a pre-show ritual. Mildly embarrassing virgin “sacrifices” are a longstanding part of Rocky Horror tradition.
LET THERE BE LIPS
Donna, or “Lady Morgan,” performs as Trixie, opening the show with the song “Science Fiction/Double Feature.” As a Rocky Horror shadowcaster since 1985, Donna tells me that she got bored of the traditional Trixie striptease years ago. Now, she prefers to dress as a clown and “harass people” by throwing candy at them.
IN THE VELVET DARKNESS
“There’s a light in the darkness of everybody’s life,” sings Janet, played by Emerson. Crew members rush by with flashlights and squirt guns, and the crowd protects their hair with newspaper like Janet.
IT’S JUST A JUMP TO THE LEFT…
The audience jumps to their feet to join the cast for the “Time Warp,” the official dance of Transsexual, Transylvania. Some are hesitant at first, but any uncertainty quickly melts away. The lyrics tell you exactly what to do!
TIME WARP AGAIN!
The audience and cast become one to “do the Time Warp again!” Magenta, Columbia, and Riff Raff take center stage.
THE BREATH OF LIFE
Tonight is the night that a beautiful creature is destined to be BORN! Cast lead Ali, or “Eden,” takes the starring role of Frank on the second night of November performances.
FRANK: I hold the secret….
AUDIENCE: To life?
FRANK: To life…
AUDIENCE: Itself?
FRANK: Itself!
IN JUST SEVEN DAYS (AND SIX LONG NIGHTS)…
“Frank and Rocky, rah rah rah!” Kelly beams as Frank marvels at his new creation, Rocky, during the reprise of “I Can Make You A Man.”
SAME ROOM, DIFFERENT LIGHTING
The audience looks on as Frank seduces Brad and Janet. To recreate the silhouettes on screen, the Sonic Transducers shine a red light at a bed sheet, behind which the actors simulate…something.
TOUCHA, TOUCHA, TOUCH ME
As Janet and Rocky, Stewart and Emerson flip the roles during Janet’s sexual awakening. This moment in the show is always an opportunity for actors to deviate from what’s on screen to have some fun and get laughs from the audience.
UNDERWEAR RUN
When Frank slaps Janet in the face, she takes off running right out the theater door. The audience is invited to strip down to their underwear, like Brad and Janet, and chase after them during “Planet, Schmanet, Janet.”
WILD AND UNTAMED THING
This climactic portion of the film is known as the Floor Show. Kelly’s performance is amazingly screen accurate, right down to the facial expressions.
WHAT’S A RADIO PICTURE?
The Floor Show continues.The choreography, costumes, and shadow cast performances in this memorable scene always perfectly encapsulate the essence of Rocky Horror.
STUMBLE, STUMBLE, FALL
Janet and Brad reckon with what’s happened to them after the Transylvanians’ castle takes off into the sky. Virgins in the front row watch in amazement.
LOST IN TIME, AND LOST IN SPACE…AND MEANING
Live performances are ephemeral; they happen just once and are different every time. Each show only exists in the memories of the cast and audience who participated in making the experience what it was. Luckily, for Rocky, you get to keep coming back and being a part of it.
CRIM: And crawling on the planet’s face, some insects called the human race. Lost in time, lost in space, and meaning.”
AUDIENCE: One more time for the virgins!
COMPANY: Meaniiiiinggg……!
