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What is the Butt Game?

Savannah Reich & Connor Hogan

Theater

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In 1989, when playwright Savannah Reich was three years old, her daycare was shut down by the Child Protection Agency under suspicion of child abuse. The primary investigator was particularly interested in something a child called the butt game, and interviewed many of the kids and parents to try to find out how it was played. This investigation was part of the Satanic Panic; a fear sweeping the nation over the idea of Satan-worshipping sex cults that loved to abuse and ritually murder toddlers. All these accusations later proved false, but in the late 1980s, police and social workers were sure that Satanic cults were operating right under their noses. After Savannahs daycare was shut down, the parents stayed in touch; trading kids back and forth for sleepovers, hosting barbecues in the summer, and camping together on the shores of Lake Michigan. The accusation of Satanic abuse was the very thing that brought the group closer and made them into a chosen family. With the help of collaborator Connor Hogan and an ensemble of local actors, Savannah attempts to answer the question: why did CPS see danger where Savannah saw love and community? How much of truth is objective? And what actually was the butt game?


Cast


Sept 1 - Ashley Demain, Jenna Kuerzi, Megan Thibodeaux
Sept 15- Rose Luardo, Rebecca Posner, Brooke Schilling
Sept 20- Francesca Montanile Lyons, Ben Rosenthal, Mason Rosenthal
Sept 26- Ciera Gardner, Kelly McCaughan, Sarah Sanford


All nights star Connor Hogan as Savannah Reich.

With over 100 offerings from rebellious circus, delicious dance, fearless theater and activist art to workshops, parties, and more Cannonball pushes the boundaries of live performance at four different venues this Fringe. Come as you are and stay past bedtime. Blaze your own trail at cannonballfestival.org.

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Details
Run Time: 60 mins
Ticket Price: $25
Venue: Christ Church Neighborhood House

Dates: September 1, 2024 - September 26, 2024

September 1, 2024 3.30pm

Feat. Ashley Demain, Jenna Kuerzi, Megan Thibodeaux

20 N American St

General Admission: $25

PWYC Options

September 15, 2024 3.30pm

Feat. Rose Luardo, Rebecca Posner, Brooke Schilling

20 N American St

General Admission: $25

PWYC Options

September 20, 2024 8.00pm

Feat. Francesca Montanile Lyons, Ben Rosenthal, Mason Rosenthal

20 N American St

General Admission: $25

PWYC Options

September 26, 2024 6.30pm

Feat. Ciera Gardner, Kelly McCaughan, Sarah Sanford

20 N American St

General Admission: $25

PWYC Options


About the Artist

SAVANNAH REICH is a playwright and screenwriter based in West Philadelphia. Her play "Oedipus in Seattle" was an overall Fringie winner at the 2022 Philadelphia Fringe, and she received a commission for "What is the Butt Game" from the Lucille Lortel Theater in NYC. She is a new Assistant Professor of Playwriting & Screenwriting at Drexel University.


CONNOR HOGAN uses play to bring together folks from all backgrounds. Their most recent works include "Gilligan Gigs Again", "Dinner! Connor and Franny Write a Cookbook", and "I Have to Pay My Rent!". As a performer, they have worked with theaters such as the Folger Theater, Constellation Theater Company, and Theater Unspeakable.

Accessibility & Content Considerations

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

This event is appropriate for ages 18+

Adult Language

There is no actual sexual abuse of children in this show, but the story includes false accusations of abuse and discussion of healthy childhood sexuality.

Covid-19 Safety policy

Masks are required during this event


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