Dora's Gently Used Dreams Store
by The Vortex

Nov. 13 - Nov. 23
Thursdays-Sundays

Dora’s Gently Used Dreams Store is an immersive, one-woman performance that transforms the simple act of dreaming into a shared, tangible experience. Originally created and performed by actor Morgan McKenzie Kauffman for a sold-out run in the 2023 Philadelphia Fringe Festival, The VORTEX presents this interactive one-woman performance as an immersive experience in our intimate Pony Shed in the corner of The Butterfly Garden.  

 

At a time when our collective imagination often feels stifled by division and uncertainty, Dora’s Gently Used Dreams Store invites audiences to step into an alternate reality where dreams can be preserved, exchanged, and even sold. Blurring the lines between art installation and performance, Dora’s world reminds us of the power and fragility of our inner lives and the importance of nurturing imagination as a form of resilience and connection.

 

Faith Sanders directs Dora’s Gently Used Dreams Store. Allanah Maarteen stars as Dora. Production design by Remy Joslin. Stage management by Jamie Carroll. Bonnie Cullum, Producing Artistic Director. Melissa McKnight, Managing Director.

**Special Note: Dora’s world will be free and open to the public as an after-hours art installation experience for the Austin Studio Tour, November 8-9, 2025 and November 15-16 from 5pm - midnight, excluding performance times. During the tour, you’ll have the chance to interact with Dora, connect with the design team, and experience a glimpse of the performance to come.

 

Dora’s Gently Used Dreams Store is funded and supported in part by VORTEX Repertory Company, The Texas Commission on the Arts, The Shubert Foundation, and the City of Austin Economic Development Department. We are proud Core Members of the National New Play Network, Six Square-Austin’s Black Cultural District, ATX Theatre, and the Network of Ensemble Theatres.

 

The VORTEX Mission: We conjure urgent, unashamed art to create action in a shifting age. We embrace diverse communities, break down barriers, and elevate inclusive discourse from our cultural harbor in Austin, Texas. We enliven humanity with magical green new theatre at our Butterfly Bar and Sanctuary.

The VORTEX Core Values: Our core values are encompassed by the Pentacle of Integrity: Transformation, Magic, Community, Diversity, and Earth. Integrity lives at our core. We engage in radical transformation through edge-walking artistic creations and innovations. Magic emanates from our cultural harbor, engaging Spirit. Our space and our culture support expanding circles of inclusive community. Our art reflects diversity of people and voices from the global majority. Sustainability and environmentalism center Earth at our foundation.

 

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Dora's Gently Used Dreams Store
by Morgan McKenzie Kauffman
The Vortex

November 13-23, 2025 – 2 weeks only

Thursday, 11/13 - 7 pm

Friday, 11/14 - 7 pm and 9 pm

Saturday, 11/15 - 7 pm and 9 pm (ASL-interpreted)

Sunday, 11/16 - 6 pm

Thursday, 11/20 - 7 pm

Friday, 11/21 - 7 pm and 9 pm

Saturday, 11/22 - 7 pm and 9 pm

Sunday, 11/23 - 6 pm

 

In the Pony Shed in the Butterfly Garden @The VORTEX, 

2307 Manor Rd. Austin, TX 78722

Six Square-Austin’s Black Cultural District.

Bus route. Bike Racks. Limited Free Parking. 

The Butterfly Bar@The VORTEX opens at 5pm: hand-crafted cocktails, wine, and beer.

Patrizi’s@The VORTEX opens at 5pm: delicious homemade Italian food.

 

Tickets: $39/$29/$15 General Admission

LIMITED SEATING

$39 Benefactor

$29 Supporter

$15 Discount/Child/Artist/Student/Senior

www.vortexrep.org  or 512-478-5282

Advance Reservations Recommended.  Limited seating.

Blue Star Theatre: Discounts for Military, Veterans, and their families.

Radical Rush Free Tickets: Limited free tickets for each performance in the spirit of sustainability, accessibility, and the gift economy. Radical Rush tickets released one hour in advance-in-person only.