“(Heidi Van is) a stalwart of the alternative theatre scene.”
– The Pitch
Bedford Fringe, July 23 & 24 - TICKETS
Camden Fringe (London), July 28 - August 2 - TICKETS
Dive into the dark heart of American history. 1873 – Kansas.
Based on the true story of the West’s first known serial killing family, the Bloody Benders, this bold new play shatters time and space to reveal the chilling legacy they left behind. At the center is Mary York, a grieving widow turned relentless detective, piecing together a puzzle of violence, justice, and memory.
This new project, concieved, written and directed by Heidi Van,
features an all star, Kansas City cast...
Heidi Van is an actor, director, and producer of experimental theatre, known for staging performances in unconventional spaces. She is the Producing Artistic Director of Fishtank Theatre (IG: @fishtanktheatre) a hub for new theatrical work and activism, and owns The Black Box (IG: @theblackboxkc) a dynamic venue in Kansas City's Historic West Bottoms. Recent producing credits for Fishtank include Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812, Collective Rage, and Spilled Milk. A Charlotte Street Generative Artist Fellow, Rauschenberg SEED Grantee, PITCH Mastermind, and Dell’Arte International alumna, Heidi is celebrated for her bold, innovative contributions to the theatre scene
Katie Gilchrist is a multidisciplinary theatre artist with over two decades of experience as a performer, director, and producer. Her work centers purpose-driven storytelling, equitable access to the arts, and consent-forward practices in rehearsal and performance. Her work has spanned from Kansas City to New York to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She has earned multiple awards for her contributions to the stage and was most recently a Presenter at the Future of Theatre Conference at @sohoplace. Katie is currently pursuing certification with Intimacy Directors and Coordinators, continuing her commitment to fostering ethical, expansive, and impactful creative spaces. #uplift #resist #persist
Vanessa A. Davis is a multifaceted artist now based in Kansas City, known for their work as an actor, director, writer, and teacher. They have spent a majority of their time in the tv/film industry, but continue to always find ways to be around the stage
Bob Paisley works with theatres across North America, UK and Australia. He has played such challenging roles as Teach in American Buffalo, the title role in Faustus (LA Dramalogue Award), John Proctor in The Crucible, Tom in The Glass Menagerie, Heisenberg in Copenhagen, The Man in The Event and President Bill Clinton in Bill Clinton Hercules. Bob is a founding member of the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre in Kansas City