The Curious Revelations and Astounding Insights of the Great Shamé
Produced by: Tozy Magic
Rating: NC-17
Synopsis:
The Great Shamé is an absurd illusionist who will make you cower in bewilderment—and she has taken hold of the mind of Reno’s beloved magician, Tozy. Traditional magic meets modern clown… with a dash of drag and puppetry. A fantastical, raunchy, and poignant experience that is as delightful as it is astounding.
“Terrific… filled with self-discovery and revelations.” Reno Arts News.
Q & A with the Artist
We are proud to showcase a variety of different kinds of performing arts at the fringe.
What is your show? What kind of performance is it? What is it about?
My show is a solo performance born from a small mistake I obsessed over, which in turn revealed a deeper shame that had followed me my whole life. From growing up religious to leaving the church, exploring my sexuality, becoming a stripper, and beyond, I realized shame was a persistent voice in my mind. When I finally turned to face her, what I saw was an absurd illusionist—and since I had been studying magic and clowning, I put her on the stage and called her Shamé.
Fringe festivals are a place for art at all levels of creation. Where are you at in your process?
Is this a first draft? A previously produced piece? An experimental show? Or something else?
I have been working on this show since the summer of 2024, and I brought on Natasha Mercado as director and co-deviser in September. I did a handful of workshop shows in Reno in early 2025, followed by 7 official shows, and I am taking it to the Atlanta Fringe Festival May 28-June 8! There are parts of it that are still being shaped and experimented with, and overall it has been a vulnerable journey of self-discovery.
Why did you submit your show to Omaha Fringe?
I love sharing this work with new audiences, and Omaha felt like a place that would welcome something bold and weird, with a ton of heart. I’m excited by the festival’s support for diverse, original voices, as well as the community it brings together.
What are you hoping audiences will experience when they see your performance?
What can audiences expect to take away?
Many people have appreciated my show for its unique blend of traditional magic and modern clowning, along with its dash of drag and puppetry. Others have connected with its deeper themes, like the absurd illusions of shame. I hope that people find resonance in the strangeness, delight in the silliness, and wonder in the surprises.
Show Times
Venue
Friday 8/8/25 9:30pm
Saturday 8/9/25 6:30pm
Sunday 8/10/25 6:30pm