TESTIMONIALS

THE NYC BALL

"One of the top things to do in New York before you die." 
-Time Out NY

"Wildly erotic" 
- Maxim

"The Worlds Sexiest New Year's Eve Party"
- The Sun (UK)

"Illuminaughty"
- The New York Post

THE IMMERSIVE EXCURSION

"Creative genius."
- Forbes
 
“The kind of night that taps into the artistic foundation of what New York used to be: lavish, worth loving and completely ludicrous.”
– Inside Hook
 
“Seducing you away from your sense of reality into a more subconscious, dreamlike state of mind, where anything is possible.” - Gothamist
 
“Lavish, eccentric, mysterious, and exclusive.” “A play like no other.” “Playing with the five senses.”
– Untapped Cities
 
"Very entertaining new immersive theatrical experience from multi-talented writer and director Cynthia Von Buhler."  
- Time Out
 
"Von Buhler strikes a good balance between entertaining her guests and telling a story."
- Paper Magazine
 
"Illuminates the Obscure in the Lavish, Erotic, Yet Playful Illuminati Ball." 
- Broadway World

Where Cynthia von Buhler’s Fantasies Have Full Rein
The New York Times interview 

A Mystery Ball Where the Illuminati Have Cloven Hooves
The New York Times feature

"Illuminati Ball" returns for New York Comic Con book release
AM New York feature

"Without the black dark how would you know what light is? Without pain and death how would you know how good life is? This is not for the weak hearted or the weak minded.” – Prodigy of Mobb Deep

THE BOOK

“Brings together mystery, conspiracy and the human condition in one magical story ... no doubt, The Illuminati Ball is one of the best books of the year” - The Daily Fandom

"This elegantly drawn book will attract fans of burlesque and dystopian visions alike" - Publishers Weekly

“Sinister and provocative ... the sexy stuff of nightmares” - Inverse

"an inherently fascinating and thought-provoking graphic novel-- one that will linger in the mind and memory of the reader long after it has been finished." - Midwest Book Review  

“Brims over with horror largess and images of nightmares” - Geekorama

“The Illuminati Ball has a magnificent concept . . .”--New York Journal of Books

"Plunges readers into a hypnotic and disturbing world that, when the ostentatious layers are peeled away, reflects our own" - Women Write About Comics

The Baroness and Baron de Rothschild cordially invite you to The Illuminati Ball. Though you’ll be blindfolded en route to our secret location, do not fear – we promise you revelational vision. You’ll be joined by an exclusive group with a rich variety of backgrounds (and personal secrets) to explore humanity’s deepest desires. Gaze unflinchingly into the light of scientific truth… Join us!

At 6pm a luxury limousine bus will pick up thirty-five accepted guests in Manhattan and they'll be whisked away to a secluded waterfront estate in the woods for an Illuminati initiation ceremony. Champagne will be sipped while guests are briefed. Our Surrealist soirée includes intricate bespoke cocktails, mouthwatering delicacies, inspiring music, devilish dances, and esoteric rituals.  The first course will be eaten blindfolded to better appreciate the nuance of the food. 

All cellphones will be collected fifteen minutes before arrival in order to protect the privacy and safety of all attending.  We will provide each of you with a unique mask to wear for the evening. Guests will be returned to Manhattan before 2am.

Illuminati Ball candidates may be involved in power struggles, morality tests, and anthropomorphic escapades. 

Based on your application you will be assigned an animal kinship leader.
​
Pig: Intelligent, Hedonistic, Honest - for those seeking fame
Monkey: Mischievous, Outspoken,  Clever - for those seeking power
Bird: Musical, Intense, Sensual - for those seeking love
Cow: Erotic, Excitable, Unpredictable - for those seeking wealth
Mouse: Spirited, Witty, Listener - for those seeking respect

Dress code must be adhered. Come dressed in creative formal attire -- the sky is the limit! We will be providing you with unique masks or hats, but please wear tuxes, suits, suit-coats, gowns, cocktail dresses or dressy slacks. Long capes are always welcome, too. If you enjoy dressing to kill, this is the time to do so. Cravats, bow ties and ties are preferred, but not necessary as long as you wear a suit coat and a dress shirt. We recommend comfortable shoes. Flats, low heels or low-heeled boots will better serve your wandering. You will be outside for part of the evening, so please wear appropriate outerwear.  If you wish to  bath or use the sauna towels and accoutrements will be provided.