Go To Hell

Gothamist has always been suspicious that Williamsburg might have links to the devil, but we're too lazy to actually venture out to do research. If the new, first-annual Hell Festival hadn't popped up, we'd probably never have formed an educated opinion on the subject.

The Brick Theatre is currently presenting the work of more than 35 artists and companies in a multi-media extravaganza, thematically linked by their exploration of all things infernal. From visual arts to music to dance to theatre, the festivities run throughout August, culminating in the Carnival of Souls, a closing-night party where guests "are encouraged to dress as their favorite demonic icon."

Gothamist is especially looking forward to seeing Tom X. Chao, performance-artist and bladder-taunting comic, who had a much-deserved success at FringeNYC last year with his original play Cats Can See The Devil. He'll be performing How To Invoke Pan an hilarious "ritual" co-written with Craig Heimbichner.

Also on the schedule demanding our attendence is Cold Fire, a faux radio play written and directed by Trav S. D. Originally slated to open 9/11/01, this very funny script -- about a paranormal investigator looking into a mysterious series of spontaneous human combustions -- is finally getting the production it deserves. We're practically on fire with anticipation.

For a listing of what's playing and when, make your way to the Brick Theatre website.