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Sydney Marie Hughes
Storytelling & Spoken Word, Theater
Connect
Inspired by Aeschylus' "The Suppliants" - one of the oldest surviving plays in the Western canon - this new ensemble-driven production reimagines an ancient story through the lens of Appalachian folklore.
A group of storytellers gathers to retell an old tale. As they do, the barriers between past and present dissolve. What first seems like an old legend gradually reveals itself to be a story about agency, belonging, and the choices communities make about what we owe to each other.
Blending elements of Greek tragedy, folk traditions, movement, and devised performance, the play explores how stories travel across generations and why certain myths refuse to disappear.
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.
PWYC Options $5+
Venue: Asian Arts Initiative Third Floor 
September 10, 2026 8.45pm
1219 Vine Street
General Admission: $25
PWYC Options
September 15, 2026 8.45pm
1219 Vine Street
General Admission: $25
PWYC Options
September 23, 2026 7.15pm
1219 Vine Street
General Admission: $25
PWYC Options
About the Artist
Sydney Marie Hughes is a director, educator, and theatre-maker originally from Kentucky and currently based in Philadelphia. Raised on a lifetime of wild family tall tales, her work frequently explores storytelling and the ways community shapes identity. Drawing from her background in music, devised performance, and classical adaptation, she creates ensemble-driven work that bridges familiar stories and contemporary concerns. Hughes holds an MA in Theatre from Villanova University and a BM in Musical Theatre from Oklahoma City University.
- Sydney Marie HughesDirector/Producerhughes.sydney.m@gmail.com
- Alex Thurtle SM / Assistant Directoralexthurtle@gmail.com
- Lucy HortonCostume Designerlfhorton@gmail.com
- Justin Badoyen Set Designerjustinbadoyen@gmail.com
- Nasya GayActorNASYAG88@GMAIL.COM
- Jeff Hunsicker Actorjeff.hunsicker@gmail.com
- Susan BettenActorsusanlorabetten@gmail.com
- Madeline BurkActormadelineburk29@gmail.com
- Matt McPhersonActormattmcphersonactor@gmail.com
Accessibility & Content Considerations
Contact the Fringe Festival Box Office for up to date accessibility information.
This event is appropriate for all ages
Violent ContentAdult Language
Audience Interaction
Discussion of assault and gendered violence
Covid-19 Safety policy
This event does not require masks to be worn
Copyright © 2026 Philadelphia Fringe Festival
140 N. Columbus Blvd.
(at Race St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Directions
Tickets: 215.413.1318
Admin Office: 215.413.9006
