Disco is alive and well at Washington Ensemble Theatre.

Some of you may be too young to remember the scene of 5,000-plus people storming the field at Chicago’s Comiskey Park as thousands of disco records were set fire and blown up into smithereens. 

Many people will point to that time in history more than 40 years ago as the official death of disco. But we all know that disco never really died. Nor did the history behind it.

With WET‘s latest production, amber, co-creators Markeith Wiley and dani tirrell take us on a journey through five portals, each opening up to the stories and the music that marks the disco fueled decade of the ’70s.

amber is a 30-minute sensory installation that drapes itself under a glittering guise at 12th Ave Arts. Although its finale is an all out celebratory dance party, there are plenty of reflective moments in between that provide greater social and political context of the times.   

“Of course the music is divine but also the rise and fall of disco and all the history that surrounds it is both wonderful and heartbreaking,” notes amber’s Co-Creative Designer Jennifer Oaster.

amber is best experienced with little notion of what awaits in the next room. Most importantly, you would be wise to heed the advice from amber’s co-creators, “Go ahead, don’t be shy. Dance, sing, reflect. Now open the damn door!”

amber runs through September 27. Visit Washington Ensemble Theatre for show times and tickets.

Masks and vaccination cards (or proof of negative COVID-19 test) are required for entry. Learn more about WET’s COVID-19 Audience Safety Plan here.