Underpinned by the idea of asking questions of the future, Fortune Yeller is an interactive and comedic show performed by drag princess Cvm Unity (Jana Levitina of Pussy Jam Comedy) and her faithful companion, Miss V. For this journey, the weapon of choice is a good ol’ deck of Shit Happens, replacing a more traditional tarot. In order to create an easy view for the audience, there is a camera placed over the cards with the spread displayed on screen. Cvm Unity and Miss V aesthetic is elaborate and flashy: the first wears a colorful dress combined with a beret with funky details, and Miss V appears in an attractive burlesque outfit.
Even before the show starts, the artists have a playful and outside-of-the-box attitude. This is present even in small elements, such as the ticketing system. Options include “Divine Plattervention,” offering a snack plate, “Fool’s Journey,” or “Patron of Prophecies,” tickets including a live reading, or the traditional ticket “Chaotic Neutral.” From the simplest detail, you can notice the artist has created a concept.
The show is divided into two parts, divided by an intermission. At the start of the performance, the comedian explains the dynamic of the show. The audience can scan a QR code on a screen placed on the right side of the room, where they are able to submit their fortune-teller questions anonymously. As well, during the show, different questions are asked by audience members raising hands, ranging from everyday things such as “Will I stop spending so much money?” to deeper ones such as “Will I die?”
In this setup, the audience plays a key role. Every question they ask about their fortune shapes the show. This gives the production a very improv element, as well as making every show or performance different, possibly even highly different from one another. In this same line, the interactive role of the audience generates a sense of group and peer atmosphere, and the performer appears present, reachable, and close to the audience. The show wraps up with a surprise that won’t be spoiled here.
In the end, this type of creation leaves the audience not just feeling like viewers but also as participants, making it more like an experience night. This show is great if you are someone who likes a different and more dynamic show format. Keep an eye on Heldeke’s calendar for future performances.
Author: Isi Salcedo
I’m a stand-up comedian and comic artist from Santiago, Chile, now living in Tallinn, Estonia. I create stories that make people laugh, think, and feel, whether through my graphic novels like Diaries of an Au Pair or comedy shows like Flipping the 30s. I’m passionate about storytelling and exploring how art can connect us to emotions and experiences across cultures
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