This Way to a Fireside Chat with Lucifer | Lightning Bolt Collective
My consultation with Lucifer was booked for 6:00 pm sharp, and being late did not seem wise. So, with only a general idea of where I would face my sins, I drifted down Fish Lane, searching for any satanic symbols amongst the packed bars and restaurants. Being a Friday night, throngs of helpless souls filled the area, unaware that Satan was around the corner. I soon found a series of election posters encouraging me to “Say Yes to Lucifer”, accompanied by a group of the dark lord’s followers, eager to introduce me to their Boss.
Entering a small tent, I found myself alone with the devil themself. Given the state of the world, it is easy to think that Lucifer returning to earth is the last thing the people of Australia need. But in my consultation, I was quickly informed that Satan is here to run in the national election. Lucifer’s candidacy feels at home in an age of populist and potentially demonic global leaders, running on an appealing platform of climate justice and the fulfilment of my every desire. The conversations around politics grounded the experience while simultaneously making light of the often depressing political landscape. Voting often feels like deciding which party is the lesser of two evils, so why not vote for the devil?
Unlike a stolen kiss in 7 minutes in heaven, my time spent in hell resulted in my soul being stolen. Luckily for my eternal salvation, the experience did not end there. Instead, I was given a quest fitting of Dante to save my soul. I was surprised by the direction the performance took, as I found myself not only interacting with performers but also progressing the narrative on my own. Without giving away the fun or incurring the wrath of the Morning Star, my journey to the trick the devil required me to explore Fish Lane and brush up on my Latin (by consulting google translate). My efforts culminated in the recital of a powerful curse and the freeing of my soul.
A Fireside Chat with Lucifer blurs the lines between spectator and spectacle, inviting the audience into the world of the Prince of darkness. The performance requires the audience’s active participation, and Lucifer expects the conversation not to be one-sided. With half a dozen members of the Lightning Bolt Creative, the show leaked onto the streets of South Brisbane. Not only was the show immersive, but it also prompted me to consider the state of Australian politics. The devil encouraged me to pursue my interests even if they led to the apocalypse. The juxtaposition of climate action and selfish desires was used to start a discussion about the election, and this aspect of the show is what remained with me. If you need to confess your sins, doing it with Lucifer is an engaging and entertaining way to do it; better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.
Originally published on nothingeverhappensinbrisbane.com on 7 May 2022.
