Theatre Bizarre's "The Devils in the Details: An Art Retrospectacle"
El Club
Detroit
Oct. 28, 2026
When seeing the fire dancers, listening to the live bands, or watching people hang by their skin, it can be easy to forget that Theatre Bizarre was an immersive art experience at its core. But the art was front and center during its “The Devils in the Details” “retrospectacle,” which was the first glimpse of Detroit’s cultish counterculture Halloween party since it was forced to abruptly close its doors in 2023.
The El Club event – the first of a four-night stint – was a significantly pared-down Theatre Bizarre experience from its glory days at the Masonic Temple and the Michigan State Fairgrounds. But it captured the essence of Theatre Bizarre while showcasing it in a new light – literally, with the well-lit art on the walls of the club allowing us to fully take in its origin story.
I’d attended Theatre Bizarre several times when it was at the Masonic Temple and was immediately awed when entering “Devils.” The outside of the club was transformed into a mini version of Theatre Bizarre’s demented carnival – the basis of its lore – with grand bulbed signage, candle-lit pumpkin displays, and historic-looking freak show posters, plus its signature creepy performers, including the fire dancers.
But the club itself is where the work of Theatre Bizarre’s mastermind John Dunivant was mostly on display, covering the walls around the dance floor with devilish performers on the stage. The art featured some of Dunivant’s original sketches, plus former event invitations and posters, photographs of past events, and mock-ups of set designs. The sketches included variations of Theatre Bizarre’s signature characters, like its chief mascot, the demonic clown “Zombo,” as well as hellish symbols and creatures. They’re unnerving to say the least, but that’s kind of the point.
What was missing, however, was any text to give context to the imagery. From a former interview with Dunivant, I learned a bit of the detailed backstory behind the carnival and its characters, but none of that lore was explained. Who exactly is Zombo? What’s with the creepy goat? An exhibit on the iconic Halloween party would have been the perfect environment to give viewers a full background of Theatre Bizarre, which I doubt even its most devout fans fully understand. It’s a missed opportunity, because the bit that I learned from Dunivant was fascinating, and it’s clear from the work that he created an entire world that goes far beyond the posters and costumes. Perhaps a book or graphic novel could be in his future – and help fund an eventual return of Theatre Bizarre in its full glory.
There was a panel with Dunivant and others who had been involved with Theatre Bizarre since its underground beginning in 2000, nostalgically sharing memories of motorcycle injuries, sliding down rental tents in the snow, and the math behind securing exactly 666,666 pieces of candy corn.
Theatre Bizarre mastermind John Dunivant and panel share memories
Guests didn’t disappoint – many whom had been loyal since Theatre Bizarre’s earliest days – fully understanding the assignment when it came to theatrical costumes requiring a black, white, and red color palette. Horns, masks, gowns, corsets, top hats, tailed suits, and feather boas filled the space – with a healthy amount of demented clowns.
Theatre Bizarre was one of Detroit’s signature events, and given the enthusiasm from “Devils” – which sold out its four nights in 15 minutes – the loss is sorely felt. Dunivant would like to bring it back but has said the overwhelming cost, time, and space needed make it unlikely in the near future. But until then, “Devils” was a nice consolation. Perhaps it can continue to fill the gap until Zombo’s return.
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