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Garden Party – Truman Capote's Black and White Celebration

 
Richard Beck Review by Richard Beck 2 Published: 9 Aug 2025 theSpace @ Symposium Hall Show Dates: 1 Aug 2025-9 Aug 2025

There were probably occasions when the ubiquitous socialite Truman Capote might have wished he’d been left off the invitation list – even of his own party. Garden Party – Truman Capote's Black and White Celebration at theSpace @ Symposium Hall is probably a case in point.

As with many parties, you sometimes wonder why you went

We’re invited to don a black lace eye-mask to feel fully part of this immersive theatrical experience by Paris-based Kulturscio’k Live Art Collective that uses all available space. Two hosts, Sean O’Callaghan and Paul Spera, mingle with the guests and engage in chit-chat about the rich and famous, bandying around names such as Audrey Hepburn, Greta Garbo, the Bloomingdales, Peter Lawford and Patricia Kennedy, David Niven, Tony Curtis, Natalie Wood, Hope Lange and many more. Meanwhile, director Alessia Siniscalchi hovers around in the manner of an operatic diva, fanning herself. Cue song and dance routine as the gentlemen take to the stage as socialites for an interlude of musical entertainment with live backing from Didier Leglise, who has been seated behind his keyboard with guitar playing incidentally – all part of what they call the ballad of hypocrisy.

More mingling follows and it terminates nearly 20 minutes before the end of its programmed 50-minute running time. As with many parties, you sometimes wonder why you went.

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The Blurb:

A mysterious investigation of the great American writer, inspired by his scandalous life and the Black and White ball he hosted at the Plaza Hotel. A provocative journey through success, sabotage, addiction and true crime, from Garden City to New York. This adaptation, with original music, plunges the audience into a dangerous conflict where art and life are intertwined. Social hypocrisy, class power, gossip and murder are the guests of honour at a garden party worthy of Truman Capote. A new work by Kulturscio’k International Live Art Collective.