This October, history and the supernatural collide in Hallowe’en Revels: Séance and Secrets at the 1897 Poe House. Hosted in partnership with Sweet Tea Shakespeare, the immersive theatrical event promises an unforgettable evening of mystery, suspense, and Victorian-era intrigue. Performances will run Oct. 10 and 11 and 17 to 19, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The story unfolds in the elegant but eerie rooms of the historic Poe House, where audiences will meet Mrs. Poe, a grieving widow desperate to reconnect with her departed husband. To bridge the gap between the living and the dead, she seeks the help of Madame Graham, a celebrated medium whose talents—and tricks—have captivated the county. Guests are invited to step into a world of flickering candlelight, hushed whispers, and spiritual suspense as they participate in a séance that blurs the line between history and haunting.
More than just a ghost story, the production offers audiences a glimpse into the fascinating world of 19th-century spiritualism. In the Victorian era, séances, mediums, and supernatural investigations were popular social entertainments, rooted in both genuine grief and a cultural obsession with the afterlife. Hallowe’en Revels explores not only the allure of these practices but also the skepticism that arose as debunkers and scientists sought to expose fraudulent mediums. This rich historical context adds depth and authenticity to the chilling, interactive experience.
Each 45-minute performance takes place inside the 1897 Poe House itself, offering a rare chance to enjoy live theater within the walls of one of Fayetteville’s most iconic landmarks. With groups limited to just 15 people per show, the setting is intimate and atmospheric, ensuring that every creak of the floorboards and flicker of the lights adds to the tension…