Max Juren performs with Spliff Kazoo and his Fronds at the Museum of Human Achievement
Christmas Carol 2060: Tanline Steamroller, a holiday special extraordinaire, played at the Museum of Human Achievement in Austin from December 16-19th, 2021. It was an uproarious experience, with a special stage magic that could only come from a group of multimedia artists.
In this Christmas Carol that takes place in 2060, we are told that “Elon Musk now owns 95% of Austin.” Elon and Grimes’s child, named X Æ A-12 (who I’ll refer to as “Ash”), is an adult now and has just bought the East Austin space. Ash wants to tear down MoHA and turn it into a dildo factory. Challenging the necessity of Ash’s investment, Thor Harris asks, “But they can build those in Round Rock can’t they?
Thor Harris (left) and Thomas Graves (right) perform at the Museum of Human Achievement
The performance is a carol, and the Musk billionaire family plays the nihilistic, grinchy faction, while Harris and Thomas Graves represent MoHA, a group of springy hopefuls who know a thing or two about the Christmas spirit. The protagonists sing the praises of the holidays, like how gifts can be a lovely tool to bond with family. Suddenly, every seat in the house has a gift bag placed next to it, with a present inside. I myself received a packet of novelty mustaches.
A gift of Moustaches at Tanline Steamroller at the Museum of Human Achievement
Finally, Ash admits that he has seen the error of his ways, and he will be rescinding his purchase of the Museum of Human Achievement. In celebration of their renewed occupancy on their art warehouse, Graves and Harris ask attendees to write down a resolution of sorts on a piece of paper, to be revisited next year. Everyone in the audience passes along the things they hope to achieve. Perhaps we’ll all be in the same seat again when we pass around the sun once more, ready to share our successes.
Ash Musk (Kairos Looney, left) and Grimes (Brigitte Bandit, right) perform at the Museum of Human Achievement’s Tanline Steamroller holiday special
