by Zahid Fayyaz
Immersive theatre specialists Punchdrunk have opened their second present in what’s their very own, custom-built house in Woolwich Arsenal, following on from The Burnt City. Based on a 1901 gothic brief story, The Moon Slave, written by Daisy Johnson and with narration by Helen Bonham Carter, this can be a comparatively starry shift from the corporate. They have additionally moved away from their earlier productions by placing collectively a linear narrative, quite than permitting the viewers free reign over the house and story.
Put into teams of six, the viewers are instructed to take away sneakers and socks earlier than going into the house. We are given headphones that inform us the story, and are led across the house with lights as a information. The story itself is each a dream and a nightmare, with recurring ideas and with a few of the bodily restraints extraordinarily effectively accomplished – they make the journey evocative for the viewers. The regular forged of characters has been changed by dioramas and lighting tips, however the technical mastery of the present helps illuminate the manufacturing. It’s unimaginable to provide plot particulars with out giving spoilers, however nothing is disappointing. Further, the present has a beautiful soundtrack, with a few of the songs being extraordinarily well-suited to the events if you end up transferring between scenes and areas.
There are situations of pitch black darkness and a few others of claustrophobia, all signposted earlier than going into the house, nevertheless it nonetheless is probably not for everybody. However, this can be a fantastic expertise, and one other Punchdrunk triumph.
Viola’s Room runs by way of 30 August.
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