we come to collect: a flirtation, with capitalism
WORLD PREMIERE
AUG 26–SEP 27, 2025
Written, co-directed, and performed by Jenn Kidwell
Co-directed by Adam Lazarus
Ooh, you feel that on your neck? That tantalizing whisper? That’s capitalism, and she wants you bad.
OBIE Award winning artist Jenn Kidwell and Brandon Kazen-Maddox answer capitalism’s siren call in an evening of hysterical undertakings. The world premiere of we come to collect: a flirtation, with capitalism, instigated by the artistic collective the blackening, debunks the alluring tale of American economic might by weaving stand-up comedy, performance art, and the carnivalesque. You know you can’t resist.
A Week of Pageantry
Mark your calendars, raid your closets, and prepare for a week of pageantry. We are playing up the ostentatious participation of our world premiere of we come to collect: a flirtation with capitalism with “dress codes” during the first four nights of the run. These nights are not for the faint of heart but for those looking for a not-so-typical night out at the theater.
👠 Tues, 8/26 | Dress Beyond Your Means
Drag your look through the hedge fund. Don that splurge you were forced to put on credit.
👑 Wed, 8/27 | Let Them Eat Cake
Power and powdered wigs. Channel Victorian opulence. Embody aristocracy.
🎭 Thurs, 8/28 | Mardi Gras
Go big, go beaded, go purple, gold, and green. March your parade-worthy carnivalesque flare straight to The Flea.
🍬 Fri, 8/29 | Candy Couture
Accessorize with sugar. Unwrap your ring pops, candy necklaces, and edible underwear. If it melts, you’re doing it right.
Book your tickets now for any or all themed nights and get a *secret* FREE goodie when you arrive. We cannot wait to see you strut!
Performance Dates with Front of House ASL Interpretation
Saturday, August 30 | 2pm-3pm
Tuesday, September 2 | 6pm-7pm
Wednesday, September 3 | 6pm-7pm
Thursday, September 4 | 6pm-7pm
Thursday, September 11 | 6pm-7pm
Saturday, September 13 | 6pm-7pm
Friday, September 19 | 6pm-7pm
Saturday, September 20 | 6pm-7pm
Thursday, September 25 | 6pm-7pm
Friday, September 26 | 6pm-7pm
Saturday, September 27 | 1pm-2pm
we come to collect was commissioned by Woolly Mammoth’s Weissberg Commission program and developed with support from MCA Chicago, the Ucross Foundation Residency, Under the Radar’s UFO series, Venturous Theatre Fund, Subcircle Residency Program, and The Flea.
This project is made possible, in part, by the Culpeper Arts Fund of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor. we come to collect was made possible with funding by the New England Foundation for the Arts' National Theater Project, with lead funding from the Mellon Foundation and additional support from the Doris Duke Foundation. Production design support provided by the Edith Lutyens and Norman Bel Geddes Design Enhancement Fund, a program of the Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York (A.R.T./New York).
CAST & CREATIVE TEAM
WRITER, DIRECTOR, & PERFORMER
Jennifer Kidwell*
ASL ARTIST
Brandon Kazen-Maddox*
CO-DIRECTOR
Adam Lazarus
SCENIC CONCEPT
by Jian Jung
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Evan Spigelman
SOUND DESIGNER
Jordan McCree
VIDEO DESIGNER
Matthew Deinhart
PROPS & OBJECTS DESIGNER
Petra Floyd
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER
Lisa McGinn*
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER
Kyra Davis*
CREATIVE PRODUCER
Jecca Barry
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Brian Freeland
DRAMATURG & INTERDISCIPLINARY PERFORMANCE DOULA
jaamil olawale kosoko
*appears courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association
