2026 Philly Fringe lineup just announced! Tickets are on sale now.
Edu Díaz
Clown, Drag, Immersive, Puppetry, Solo Show, Theater
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In YOUR QUEEN PRESENTS: PETRUS, Catherine de' Medici herself unveils the wild true story behind Beauty and the Beast. Through shadow puppetry, clown, and stagecraft, the Queen attempts to summon the story of Petrus Gonsalvus, a man from the Canary Islands with hypertrichosis who was taken to the French court during the 16th century. Created and performed by Edu Díaz as Catherine de' Medici, the show blends historical material with camp, absurdity, and contemporary performance language. YOUR QUEEN PRESENTS: PETRUS explores how power transforms bodies into entertainment, how monsters are manufactured, and what remains human underneath performance. This presentation marks the next stage of PETRUS, a large-scale theatrical project inspired by the extraordinary story behind Beauty and the Beast. "Díaz is an exuberant performer." ★★★★ THE STAGE "The audience left wanting more." ★★★★ The Daniels Review "Outrageous persona, impeccable costume." Thinking Dance
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 Project Space 
September 9, 2026 5.30pm
1219 Vine St
General Admission: $25
PWYC Options
September 10, 2026 7.00pm
1219 Vine St
General Admission: $25
PWYC Options
September 11, 2026 8.30pm
1219 Vine St
General Admission: $25
PWYC Options
About the Artist
Edu Díaz is a queer theatermaker, clown, performer, and producer from the Canary Islands, Spain, currently based in New York City.
A Fulbright alumnus and creator of the award-winning shows A Drag Is Born and LIPSTICK, his work blends clown, drag, magical realism, and metatheatrical performance to address identity, resilience, and survival.
His projects have been presented in the US (New York, Orlando, Los Angeles), the Edinburgh Fringe, and Spain.
- Edu Díaz Producer ediazcastro@gmail.com
- Pablo Jesús Gatto Costume Designerpablojesusgatto@gmail.com
Accessibility & Content Considerations
Contact the Fringe Festival Box Office for up to date accessibility information.
This event is appropriate for ages 13+
Violent ContentAdult Language
Strobe/Flashing Lights
Audience Interaction
PETRUS addresses mature themes, including abuse of power, exploitation, and othering of bodies, captivity, silencing, and ecological loss. There is no graphic violence, but some moments may feel emotionally tender or uncomfortable through implication, historical context, or language. Dark humor and metatheatrical framing are used throughout. The piece may include abrupt lighting shifts, use of flashlights and other devices, sudden sound cues, changes in volume, and direct address to the audience.
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
