Bastille Day at Eastern State Penitentiary
‘A Long Day Party at Eastern State Penitentiary ~ The End Of An Era’
What is Bastille Day? It’s a French holiday, which in France, is called La Fête Nationale (The National Celebration). It takes place every year on July 14. This day represents the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789; which was a French prison and is seen as a symbol of the uprising of the modern nation that took place back then in Paris, France.
Bastille Day, an annual celebration, has become very popular all over the City of Philadelphia, most noticeably at Eastern State Penitentiary, to where they will have a 2-hr special event which will take place on July 14, 2018.
But all great things must come to an end. After 24 years, this will be the last year. Per Eastern State Penitentiary’s representative Sean Kelley, who plays the masked executioner, “the cheeky summer celebration no longer jibes with the historic site’s mission statement.”
If you are interested in how this all began and more, read this article by Lauren McCutcheon for the Philadelphia Inquirer: Eastern State Penitentiary’s Marie Antoinette will toss Tastkakes Saturday for final Bastille Day
Bastille Day at Eastern State Penitentiary ~ Experience & Atmosphere
Eastern State Penitentiary will be teaming up with The Bearded Ladies to showcase the entire French Revolution.
Starting at 5:30 pm, you’ll get to experience song, dance, and a fake beheading. The performance will take place on Fairmount Avenue, free and open to the public.
For those interested in a better (French Bourgeoisie) view, exclusive VIP seating is available for a donation fee. VIP tickets include table seating, beer and refreshments, heckling from the lower classes, and revolution goodie bags. Click Here (Sold Out)
This year’s performance will continue with the annual theme of oppression and revolution then and now, the Bearded Ladies will connect past and present with a topical commentary on our political climate today. Guests can expect a show that is, as the Beards say, “both intellectual and accessible, entertaining and meaningful, stupid good and just plain stupid.”
This playful reenactment of the storming of Bastille will be emceed by the voice of Paris herself, Edith Piaf (portrayed by John Jarboe, Artistic Director of The Bearded Ladies), and will include appearances by characters Joan of Arc, Benjamin Franklin, Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Krasner, and a six-foot-tall French Baguette. The script will touch on such topics as Philly public school education, criminal justice, racial injustice, the border wall and firewalls.
After the 1 hour performance by the Bearded Ladies, there will be a playful reenactment of the storming of the Bastille. Dozens of French revolutionaries will storm the grim walls of “the Bastille” (Eastern State Penitentiary) and will capture Marie Antoinette (portrayed by Terry McNally, co-owner of London Grill). She’ll then be dragged to a real, functioning guillotine as more than 2,000 Tastykakes are flung from the prison’s towers.
Mingle with some of the famous people from back in the day as there will also be appearances by Napoleon, Joan of Arc, Benjamin Franklin, and a life-size French Baguette.
After this event, don’t forget to hang around the Fairmount neighborhood and check out the many great restaurants and bars located in this area.
Schedule of Events
10 am – 5 pm ~ Tour Eastern State Penitentiary. Standard Admission. Last entry 4 pm.
5:30 pm ~ Bastille Day Cabaret performance. FREE!
6:30 pm – Until close ~ French-themed food and drink specials at select Fairmount restaurants. For list of restaurants, click here For More Info ~ Bastille Day at Eastern State Penitentiary ~
Liberté! Egalité! Fraternité!
For other restaurants around Philadelphia celebrating Bastille Day, Philadelphia Style has created a list: Bastille Day meals
Location
Eastern State Penitentiary
2027 Fairmount Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Date
July 14, 2018
Hours
Pre-Show | 2:30 pm
Main Event | 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
VIP Tickets
- Click Here (Sold Out)
Web Site
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