Relics and Their Humans

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“Gordon and Quillen balance humor and sorrow to tell us a wonderfully paced, colorful story that doesn’t feel devastating or superficial.” – Arizona Daily Star

Theater artist Ain Gordon and percussionist Josh Quillen’s moving new work blurs the lines between concert, theater, and memoir.

Inspired by Quillen’s family story, Relics and Their Humans journeys to his hometown of Dover, Ohio, and explores the years following his father’s ALS diagnosis. Through a recorded interview, a personal journal, and an unexpected playlist, the performance pieces together a deeply personal portrait of family, resilience, and love.

At the heart of the work is an unforgettable tribute to Quillen’s mother, whose humor, strength, and unwavering devotion illuminate every moment. Combining live music, storytelling, and inventive theatrical design, Gordon and Quillen transform intimate family history into a powerful shared experience.

With inventive dramaturgy by Talvin Wilks and evocative lighting by Jennifer Tipton, Relics and Their Humans delivers a richly theatrical encounter. The result is both precise and expansive, offering audiences space to reflect on memory, loss, and the objects that carry us through both.