DISCOVER

Pig Iron Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Franklin’s Key, a thrilling sci-fi adventure reimagining Benjamin Franklin’s legacy in an alternate universe where science and magic collide.

During the War of Independence, the British feared that Ben Franklin could control the weather. Franklin’s Key asks: what if that were true? In an alternate universe where Benjamin Franklin’s undiscovered technology has been hidden for centuries underneath Philadelphia’s landmarks, a mystery is unfolding. Two high school prodigies—Temple, a self-taught scientist, and her brother Arturo, a brilliant musician—find themselves caught in a struggle between secret societies dedicated to safeguarding Franklin’s discoveries.

Synopsis

A highly physical and theatrical play in the vein of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This delightful and sharply choreographed spectacle incorporates object transformation, stage illusions, and larger-than-life characters into a fast-paced, brainy adventure. Pig Iron's work has been called "inventive" for two decades: now they celebrate Philadelphia’s history of invention by turning their hometown of Philadelphia into a series of puzzles to be unlocked by adventurous theater-goers.

What to Expect

Franklin's Key could only happen in Philadelphia: the cradle of the Republic, a city defined by innovation past and present. The character of Temple is based in part on the remarkable true story of a West Philly high school engineering team that competed against MIT and Harvard at the X Prize in 2009. This adventure for adults and children will leave you seeing the city with new eyes Philadelphia landmarks like the Museum of Art, City Hall, Christ Church Burial Ground, and the Wanamaker Organ become portals to adventure in this unique theatrical experience. Franklin’s Key sparks delight and reflection about history, technology, democracy, and the legacy of Benjamin Franklin.

It’s a Philly Thing

Major support for Franklin’s Key has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, with additional support from our Producer’s Circle.