Carolyn Clough and Janelle Togno are changing the game in local activism and putting their money where their mouth is by doing something about their personal pain caused by war and our government, not just complaining about it. The Haunted House of Representatives, Located at a private residence just up the Crystal River from Carbondale, came out of a cry of injustice and missing community to lean on during uncertain times. An experience and a political play, the curated outdoor tour is full of artistic and terrifyingly real commentary on our current political landscape.
Feeling like I was in an escape room, my primed sensory bank wanted to solve puzzles and bust free into a new reality. That would be preferred, because the story that comes to life in my friend’s backyard is bleak and truly haunting. It’s a short story, and without much of an introduction to settle into, but still packs a punch — you get the gist that some politicians are beyond evil and simply voting won’t solve the problem.
The production quality is over-the-top, with actors wearing realistic make-up that stumble around with vacant eyes and zombie-like, aim-to-kill movements. I actually felt fear, and so did my companions. We got a glimpse into the power-hungry men ruling the world, making dark transactions that sell their souls to the devil. Dead babies decorated the meeting room, dismembered people were scattered in bits. The strobe lighting and chilling music gave a disjointed feel as we flurried down the winding forest paths in fright and despair. A witch cackled, bent over her cauldron. Can her spell make it all better? Make the war in Gaza go away?
All the elements of a truly haunted house are included, with a political narrative twist. Everything is thought out, down to hot apple cider and doughnuts. So much work has been put into this project’s execution, and no one is making a cent. The decorations are chilling and memorable, the acting is convincing and fun, the creepies are creepy. Hauntedness is achieved.
All the proceeds go to a Gaza circus school to help them rebuild and” keep these kids smiling who have nothing left,” according to Clough. The last showing is this Thursday, Oct. 30, right before Halloween. Spots are still available here. It also took place on Oct. 24 and 25, giving Carbondale a good taste of hard-to-swallow activist medicine. May we take the message to heart and be inspired.
And you can bet they did not forget the escaped convict murderer at the end with a chainsaw, because what is a haunted house without being chased away by the scream of a chainsaw?