The Garden of Alla

Actor, filmmaker, and icon of 1910s sapphic hollywood Alla Nazimova returns earthside to host one last blowout party at her famed estate, affectionately known as the Garden of Alla. Alla's home was a long-beloved gathering ground for queers and sapphics in the 1910's and 20's, where our ancestors indulged in art, philosophy, and each other. Come visit with the Russian-American Broadway star, producer, and cinephile as she takes us on a retrospective of the Garden's legacy – a lavender marriage that ended in heartbreak, a rise and fall from fame, and lovers that became enshrined in her eponymous "sewing circles." Based on archival research and told in the words and writings of Alla herself, all are invited to reminisce and reanimate these memories of queer intimacy to refuse their historical silencing.

Details

• Presented by: Lorn Ruhnke
• Genres: Interdisciplinary, Performance Art, Theater
• Venue: Dinosaur House – 5122 Springfield Ave
• Run time: 45 mins
• Tickets: General Admission $20; PWYC Options
• Advisory: ages 18+ Adult Language systems of oppression, homophobia
• Festival tags: LGBT+ Artist

Part of the 2026 Philadelphia Fringe Festival (September 8-27, 2026). Full listing and tickets: phillyfringe.org