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Plant Of The People: A Viper Vaudeville Production

Following its critically acclaimed 2022 premiere at La MaMa, PLANT OF THE PEOPLE (formerly CANNABIS! A VIPER VAUDEVILLE) returns to Joe’s Pub for an interactive theatrical concert featuring stories of prohibition and resistance celebrating the heroes, artists and activists at the forefront of cannabis education and legalization.
PLANT OF THE PEOPLE explores the cultural history of the plant, weaving original songs and the music of icons such as Bob Marley and The Beatles, alongside the stories of legendary activists Dennis Peron, Brownie Mary and others. At this Joe’s Pub run, the show’s creators will premiere new material and invite audience participation. 
Special guest Martin A. Lee, whose acclaimed book Smoke Signals inspired PLANT OF THE PEOPLE, will speak on the current state of cannabis law and ongoing criminalization, under the night’s insightful theme “Smoke & Mirrors.” Lee reflects: "The campaign to legalize the weed, beginning in NYC in the mid-1960s was part of a broad social justice tapestry that's embedded in the DNA of cannabis culture, which thrives despite decades of official hostility and misinformation." Tosin Ajayi, a passionate cannabis equity advocate will also share her perspective. 
Each evening will end on a high, with a participatory cypher led by Baba Israel, featuring special guest rappers: Aneesa Nael Folds (9/16) and Nory (9/17). 
  
PLANT OF THE PEOPLE challenges and calls out the injustice, racism and harm done to people and communities over the many decades of this sacred healing herb’s demonization. Come experience community building and elevation with a show that encourages long-term solutions towards ongoing progress. It’s a full-throated evening of joyful rebellion!

Website

Photo Credit: Maria Baranova

Venue Joe's Pub

Runtime 75 minutes

Pricing

Tickets are $36 (inclusive of advance phone/web service fee; door price).

There is a 2 drink or 1 food item minimum, per person, during every show at Joe's Pub.

Doors Open
9PM

For Last-Minute Tickets

For last-minute tickets, please visit our Box Office at 425 Lafayette Street. Web Sales and phone sales end when doors open, and tickets may be available for in-person, walk-up sale right before the show begins.

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“A seductive time-traveling theatrical concert”

— Forbes

“There’s no missing its call to activism”

— New York Times

"THE SHOW'S MULTI-SENSORY APPROACH, COMBINING MUSIC, DANCE, AND THEATRICAL SPECTACLE, MIRRORS THE MULTIFACETED NATURE OF CANNABIS CULTURE ITSELF. IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT GETTING HIGH; IT'S ABOUT THE COMMUNITIES THAT FORMED AROUND THE PLANT, THE MUSIC THAT WAS CREATED UNDER ITS INFLUENCE, THE INJUSTICES COMMITTED IN ITS NAME, AND THE ONGOING FIGHT FOR EQUITY AND LIBERATION." 

— The Other Magazine