Cast: Shelley Cooper.
About the Trap Open Series
Trap Open explores non-traditional forms of playmaking, while developing and giving voice to the next generation of groundbreaking theatre artists. In keeping with the promise to foster innovative forms of expression, Trap Door opens up its space to company members, as well as guest artists, to develop new work that exists outside the realm of a traditional theatrical run. These performances occur sporadically throughout the prime-time season as additional offerings during the week and late nights. Whether it is a workshop of a bold new play, a daylong performance installation, or a collaboration with artists from other mediums, Trap Open offers audiences thrilling, unexpected experiences while granting artists the opportunity to take risks that push their artistic practices to new heights.
Content warning: This performance contains strong themes including parental physical abuse, suicide ideation, child sexual exploitation (including prostitution), and sexual assault (rape). These topics are depicted through dialogue and/or action and may be distressing for some viewers.
Trap Door’s Trap Open Series Presents:
Rag Doll on a Bomb Site
Written, Performed, and Choreographed by Shelley Cooper
Directed by Kelsey Miller
December 11th – 13th, 2025
Where: Trap Door Theatre is located at 1655 W. Cortland St.
Accessibility: Trap Door Theatre is wheelchair accessible.
On opening night of The Threepenny Opera, Kurt Weill demands the show be canceled—Lotte Lenya’s name is missing from the program. Desperate to perform, she relives her traumatic past through emotional songs and haunting dances. Sung. Danced. Lived. But will it be enough to change his mind?
The production team includes Kelsey Miller (Director), Shelley Cooper (Book, Music, Lyrics, Performance, and Choreography), Roger Pavey, Jr (Video Projection & Graphic Design), Kasia Olechno (Stage Manager).