The Shop for Mortals and Fools opens today at Stanley Arts. This is no ordinary shop however, as this shop is a site-responsive and immersive physical theatre experience, by artist and local Vinicius Salles.

As fans of immersive theatre experiences such as Punchdrunk, we are very much looking forward to our ‘visit’ to The Shop next week, but we were curious to first find out more from the artist himself.

Croydonist: Firstly tell us a bit about your artistic background.

Vinicius: My background is quite diverse, spanning theatre, dance, and film. Over the past 35 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with companies like Punchdrunk, Gecko, and Jasmin Vardimon Company. My work often blurs the lines between theatre, movement, and immersive storytelling, creating experiences that challenge the way people perceive performance. I’m also passionate about writing, as I feel there’s a need to see more representation of people like me—queer, mixed-race, and an immigrant—in British culture. I think it’s important to tell stories that reflect a wider range of experiences and identities.

Croydonist: This isn’t your first time performing in Croydon – are you a local?

Vinicius: I’ve lived in Croydon for over 10 years, and it’s become a place I’m deeply passionate about. I love its diversity and the sense of community here—it’s a place where I truly feel at home. Since moving here, I’ve had the opportunity to perform in various events, from Croydonites to dance festivals, and I’m always looking for ways to contribute to the local arts scene. Building a strong, vibrant arts community in Croydon is essential, not only to showcase the talent here but also to help locals feel connected and proud of what’s happening in the CRONX.

Croydonist: We’re very excited to see The Shop for Mortals and Fools. What can our readers expect if they buy a ticket?

Vinicius: I’m thrilled that you’re excited! If you decide to buy a ticket, you’re in for an experience that goes beyond conventional theatre. The Shop for Mortals and Fools is an intimate, immersive performance that invites the audience to step into a strange, thought-provoking world. It’s playful, unsettling, and darkly humorous, encouraging exploration of themes like fate, choice, and the absurdity of life’s transactions. Each person’s journey through the shop will be unique, shaped by their interactions and decisions.

Croydonist: What are you most looking forward to about the production?

Vinicius: What excites me most is the potential for connection. I’m looking forward to seeing how the audience engages with the experience and how they connect with the show. The story involves 10 strangers locked in a room with an intriguing woman who uses objects to tell her story. The interactions with the space will be different every time—no two performances are the same. I’m curious to see how the show evolves and how people’s responses will shape the experience. The unpredictability of live interaction makes it exciting, and I can’t wait to see what the audience brings to the table.

Thank you to Vinicius for chatting with us. The Shop for Mortals and Fools runs until 1 March. Several dates are now sold out, but at the time of writing there are a few tickets left at certain times here. 

Find out more about Vinicius and his work on his website and Instagram.

Photos courtesy of Vinicius Salles. Header image – teaser image. Other images, rehearsal photos by James Lawson, featuring Kate Webster in image 1, 2 and 4, and Vinicius Salles in image 1 and 3.

Posted by Julia