Sub Rosa

What is said under the rose, remains hidden among its petals.

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A covert evening spent among kindred strangers.

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Reveal your secret desires, dreams, and private griefs while concealing your identity.

Confessional Levels

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    Rosebud: a regret, a fear, a hope not spoken of often

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    Blossom: a heady desire, a potent secret, dramatic but not traumatic

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    Thorn: a difficult secret, painful

About Our Secret Society

Origin

Inspired by the occult tradition of sharing arcane knowledge “sub rosa,” or “under the rose,” this intimate evening offers the opportunity for attendees to get closer to themselves and one another through the sharing of secrets. Sometimes it is easier to open our hearts to strangers than to those closest to us. In this age of disconnection, cultivate a sense of shared humanity through a form of social risk-taking within a theatrical, ritualistic container steeped in tradition and gritty glamour.

How Secrets Unfold

Attendees are given masks to conceal their identity and sit in one of our Rose Confessionals. Attendees choose the levels of secret they feel comfortable giving and receiving.

Our Gardeners and Acolytes will be on hand throughout the evening to assist guests in navigating the confessional levels and in initiating guests into the mysteries of Sub Rosa.

Atmosphere

“Sub vino, sub rosa” means under the rose & under the influence of wine. We pair delicious wines, cocktails, and mocktails with secret sharing in order to loosen tongues and strengthen bonds. Sit under the roses with us and bask in the heady music that floats, played by our wandering musicians. Take in the mystery of the night without divulging your own secret, or whisper clandestine words to many fellow guests. When you enter this secret society, you decide how deep to go, but we can promise you this - you will leave with a renewed sense of our shared humanity.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • No. Attendees opt into sharing their secrets. However, we invite you to consider what you would feel comfortable offering, in the spirit of the event. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to type their secrets rather than speaking them.

  • Discomfort is part of engaging with depth, though we do not wish for anyone to have an increase in PTSD or OCD symptoms. The goal of our Confessional Levels is to help patrons navigate secret sharing appropriately. We will also have a social worker on hand to help anyone in need of immediate assistance on the night of the event.

  • We all enter into the spirit of the event by agreeing not to share what we have been told. However, if a secret is relevant to the physical well-being of another person (i.e. someone confesses to harming another), please report this to a Gardener so that staff may take appropriate action.

  • Currently, Sub Rosa operates once per year. If you would like to see us in your area or want to help us grow, reach out to our Head Gardener at shari@luminousyescreative.com.

  • Guests may exit briefly into the garden. Re-entry is contingent upon what is occurring at the time of re-entry, as it may disrupt the action or flow of the evening.

  • If you have experience with immersive theater, grief work, social work, therapy, music, or something else you think would make you a good fit for this event, please send some samples of your work and express your interest to our head Gardener at shari@luminousyescreative.com! We are always looking for volunteers, performers, and patrons. Auditions for our November show take place at Central Square Theater on August 12 & 13.