You’re invited. For one week in January Katie Bender—playwright, performer, mom—will host a series of séances at OKC Rep to contact Harry Houdini to teach her how to escape her life. And maybe you have things you want to escape from?
Instructions for a Séance is a playful yet poignant exploration of motherhood, artistic ambition, and the urge to escape. Inspired by the Houdini archives at the Ransom Center, Séance is a 70-minute theatrical gem: compact, gleaming, and utterly unforgettable.
SEE THE PLAY
Performance Schedule:
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Thursday, January 22 - 7pm
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Friday, January 23 - 7pm
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BOTH SATURDAY PERFORMANCES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER.
Three Ways to Buy:
1) Reserve in advance online.
2) In person at Oklahoma Contemporary.
3) Call Oklahoma Contemporary at 405.951.0000
Location:
Te Ata Theater
Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center
11 NW 11th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
Content Advisory:
If you have specific concerns about this production that might have a bearing on comfort or well-being, or if you would like to know more about the content and age appropriateness of the show, please contact OKC Rep's office at 405-768-2191 or info@okcrep.org
POST-SHOW EVENTS
Thursday, January 22 - Opening Night Celebration
Come for Opening Night and stay for the party! The bar will stay open and lite bites will be served.
Saturday, January 24 (Matinee) - Q&A with Katie Bender
A conversation with Katie Bender and Executive Artistic Director Emily Comisar following Saturday's matinee performance.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Katie Bender (she/her/hers) is a playwright, performer, and theater maker. Recent performance credits include Instructions for a Séance at Amphibian Stage, The Alley All New Festival and The Playwrights’ Center and NEXT YEAR PEOPLE at Fusebox Festival. Her plays include Judith, SHE WOLF, The Survivors/Los Sobrevivientes, Instructions for a Séance and Howling, Texas. Katie’s work has been developed and produced all over the country. She was a Jerome Fellow and is currently a Core Writer at The Playwrights Center. She received her M.F.A from The University of Texas.
Katie performed Instructions for a Séance at Amphibian Stage in Fort Worth in 2024. Photo by Evan Woods.
CREATIVE TEAM
Lily Wolff
DIRECTOR
Lauren McPherson
SET DESIGNER
Clara Starkwell
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Jacob Henry
SOUND DESIGNER
Lauren Brooks
STAGE MANAGER