Strange Root, or the murder of PT Barnum by Joice Heth

Julia Baccellieri / Almanac Projects

Circus, Clown, Drag, Interdisciplinary

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In 1835, PT Barnum exhibited an enslaved woman named Joice Heth as a living curiosity — charging admission to see her, then charging again when she died to watch her public autopsy. Her exploitation launched his career. American circus was born.
Strange Root: The Murder of PT Barnum by Joice Heth begins where the historical record ends. The reanimated Joice Heth and PT Barnum share the stage in a relationship that shifts from apparent partnership into something far more familiar. It ends gloriously, gorily, and catharically, with Heth getting what she is owed.

Created and performed by Julia Baccellieri, with Lex Alston as Barnum and directed by Obie Award-winner Jenn Kidwell, the work uses aerial circus, physical theatre, and bouffon to stage a reckoning that is both deeply historical and urgently contemporary. The exploitation of Black bodies for spectacle, profit, and national mythology did not begin with Barnum and did not end with him, either. Strange Root makes that case in the body, in real time, with considerable skill and no small amount of blood.

Produced by Almanac Projects (thealmanac.us), a multi award-winning producer of the most dynamic contemporary circus from US Artists.

Cannonball is the largest hub of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, championing a revolutionary artist-led model that prioritizes equity, experimentation, and community connection. Now in its sixth year, Cannonball presents more than 100 artists across five stages, representing nearly 30 percent of the overall Philadelphia Fringe Festival. From rebellious circus and delicious dance to fearless theater and activist art, Cannonball pushes the boundaries of live performance while creating a vibrant, artist-centered ecosystem for independent performance makers and adventurous audiences alike.

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Details
Run Time: 60 mins
Ticket Price: $25

PWYC Options $5+

Venue: Icebox Project Space Gallery

Dates: September 9, 2026 - September 12, 2026

September 9, 2026 8.30pm

1400 N American St

General Admission: $25

PWYC Options

September 11, 2026 9.00pm

1400 N American St

General Admission: $25

PWYC Options

September 12, 2026 6.30pm

1400 N American St

General Admission: $25

PWYC Options


About the Artist

Julia Baccellieri was born and raised in the vibrant Chicago performing arts community, beginning their training as a dancer at the age of five. Recognized for their distinctive movement quality and advanced acrobatic skills, Julia specializes in dance trapeze, Chinese pole, hula hoops, and acrobatic dance. Their multidisciplinary approach and dynamic presence continue to make a strong impact across contemporary circus and performance art spaces.

Lex Alston is a New York based performing artist, actor and teaching artist. They received a BA in Theatre and Performance from Purchase College where they premiered their one-person silent physical-comedy show, Falling on Purpose. Lex has performed in all 5 NYC boroughs with Bindlestiff Family Cirkus’ Flatbed Follies as a member of their Clown Alley and works as a teaching artist with Bindlestiff’s Cirkus After School, Time Flies Circus, and The Muse as a youth circus skills instructor.

Obie Award-winner Jennifer Kidwell's performer-driven theater work addresses the complexities of race and notions of American history with sharp intelligence and wry humor. Invested in probing challenging social and historical truths, Kidwell says her work is "concerned with discomfort and/or confusion around normative practices and systems." With Scott Sheppard, she premiered and performed in Underground Railroad Game.

  • Julia BaccellieriPerformer/Creator julia.baccellieri@gmail.com
  • Lex AlstonPerformerl.exalston1@gmail.com
  • Jenn KidwellDirectorjennikkid@gmail.com
  • Laura SchmidtAssociate Producerlaura@thealmanac.us
  • Ben GrinbergProducerben@thealmanac.us

Accessibility & Content Considerations

Contact the Fringe Festival Box Office for up to date accessibility information.

This event is appropriate for ages 13+

Violent Content

Adult Language

Strobe/Flashing Lights

Audience Interaction

Fog/Smoke Effects

Covid-19 Safety policy

This event does not require masks to be worn


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