What and Who is Spectra?

Hey folks! Been a super busy week and a half of learning this show. I’ve got a ton to talk about and not a lot of time to write this week, so I’ve decided to share my origin story of my character Spectra (and share a few pictures of the show) so you can get a sense of what I’m getting into! My director tasked me with creating a background for how Spectra and this cabaret came to be. Also feel free to comment questions or things you would like me to talk about next!

Spectra’s Origin

Possibly born in the medieval times, Spectra’s first life was spent as a traveling musician and storyteller with her family. They were known around their community for eccentric fashions, gender fluidity, and stories of a future centering freedom and autonomy-themes that went against the teachings of the society. As the family grew in popularity, society religious leaders feared their followers would turn against them and demand more rights and equity . In an effort to control their people, society leaders sent their soldiers to set fire to the families current encampment. All of Spectra’s family perished in the fire. As Spectra gasped for breath, she prayed to the Gods to spare her life. When the fires died down, the soldiers scanned the area for bodies but found no trace of Spectra’s body anywhere. 

Spectra was granted the power of eternal life and the ability to change her form. In order to thank the Gods for this gift, she made it her mission to save other artists throughout time and to form a family. A family that would spread a message of love equality and acceptance through their artistic gifts. 

It is rumored Spectra has served as a friend and mentor to some of the greatest artists throughout time, including Leonardo da Vinci, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, and even Grace Jones. Along the way Spectra found her family and together, their powers grew.

While living through the late 60s, Spectra appeared to Daisy and Violet Hilton who were nearing death. She had followed their journey and realized their talent and desire to perform. Moved by how awful society had been to the twins, Spectra offered them a chance at a new life, separate but still together, in exchange for their friendship and assistance in finding others to save and protect. This is what created the Harmony Sisters-forever in sync but more individual than they’d ever been before. Together this trio traveled through time collecting agents of rhythm to join their family. As their powers grew, they could no longer contain it all within. They fused a portion of their powers together and created the rhythm stick-a totem of sorts that helped to focus and control their powers.

As for the agents of rhythm, their origins are all over the place. From war musicians killed in battle to queer artists of the 80s succumbing to AIDS to courtesans tortured by kings for resisting their advances. Each agent possessed stunning artistry and a kindness in their souls. Each soul Spectra saved was imbedded with a piece of Spectra’s power. This is what allowed them eternal life. 

In order to avoid detection as they travel through time and space, spectrum family live in a semi reality realm that allows them to inhabit the same spaces as mortals without being seen. At the top of the show, the audience has stumbled into an old abandoned cabaret theater. Spectra senses their desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves and a desire to be fully seen and understood. It is in this moment that the Ovation family break through their realm and transform this old Cabaret theater into a beautiful futuristic oasis. And so the show begins.

What is the shadows and darkness in the show? 

The darkness and shadows that seem to follow Spectra throughout the show are actually a physical manifestation of her fears and past trauma. Can she truly protect her new family while grappling with the devastation of losing her original family to a fire? They begin to grow as the show goes on until they form a full entity that Spectra must come to terms with and banish from the oasis.

Until next week,

Dom aka Spectra aka a very tired and grateful performer

Xoxo