immersive experience - The Creative Adventurer https://thecreativeadventurer.com A Travel Guide for Exploring the World Mon, 13 Mar 2023 17:17:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://i0.wp.com/thecreativeadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cropped-NewCreativeAdventurerLogo_250x250_v1.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 immersive experience - The Creative Adventurer https://thecreativeadventurer.com 32 32 171399271 The Ultimate Guide to Punchdrunk’s the Burnt City, a Tale of Two Dystopian Cities https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-punchdrunks-the-burnt-city-a-tale-of-two-dystopian-cities/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-ultimate-guide-to-punchdrunks-the-burnt-city-a-tale-of-two-dystopian-cities https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-punchdrunks-the-burnt-city-a-tale-of-two-dystopian-cities/#comments Mon, 13 Mar 2023 15:29:07 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=34729 “They sent forth men to battle, But no such men return; And home, to claim their...

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“They sent forth men to battle, But no such men return; And home, to claim their welcome, Come ashes in an urn.”

― Aeschylus, Agamemnon

As an avid fan and spectator of New York‘s preeminent immersive theatre experience, Sleep No More, when I heard Punchdrunk had a new show in London, I leapt at the opportunity to see the show. The Burnt City is a story of dazzling and haunting story gods and mortals set in a mythical underworld. The overall story takes inspiration from Greek mythology and is set during the Fall of Troy. But this isn’t the fall of Troy you remember, but another take on the classic tale. It is an experience that sends you through dreams and nightmares and suspends, if just for a few hours, your sense of reality and opens your mind wide. So dive in because this is going to be an intense ride…

I’ve read many articles that tell you not to get bogged down in decoding the plot or trying to understand what is happening in The Burnt City. Most of the story’s plotlines are told through interpretive dance scenes. But let’s face it; humans look for meaning in what we see. And I truly believe that by knowing a little more about the characters and overall themes, we can better develop different interpretations of the show as audience members.

My Sleep No More guide has proven extremely helpful for viewers before and after the show. And I wanted to ensure I gave the Burnt City the same treatment! If you’re curious and want clues about how to make the most of your experience, read on. But be warned, this guide contains spoilers! There is also a spoiler-free version of this guide if you want to be prepared but want the show’s details left a secret to uncover. Choose your fate!

Table Of Contents
  1. What is the Burnt City?
  2. What is Immersive Theatre?
  3. How Much Are Tickets to See the Burnt City
  4. How to Get to the Burnt City?
  5. Arrival
  6. About the Theatre Masks
  7. Accessibility
  8. What to Wear
  9. How to Experience the Show?
  10. 1:1s
  11. The Setting of the Burnt City
  12. Entering the World of the Burnt City
  13. The Story of the Burnt City & its Characters
  14. Peep Bar
  15. Who to Follow?

What is the Burnt City?

The Burnt City is the newest production from the award-winning theatre company Punchdrunk. The show is an immersive theatre performance that blends contemporary dance and dramatic performances with classical texts. The production occurs inside One Cartridge Place; two enormous warehouses in Woolwich, outside central London. Set inside these warehouses, the company has transformed these once-abandoned buildings into a state-of-the-art theatrical venue. One that uses new technologies to create a cinematic walkthrough of their site-specific sets where you can explore to your heart’s content the world of the Burnt City.

The show has little to know spoken dialogue, and instead, the story is told through modern dance and the powerful yet silent performances of the actors in the show. The lack of words makes the show more of a work of art than a play, allowing viewers to come away with their own interpretation of some scenes and events.

What is Immersive Theatre?

Immersive theatre is a form of performance art that places the audience at the center of the performance. Blurring the boundaries between performer and spectator. In an immersive theatre experience, the audience is not just a passive observer but an active participant in the performance. Unlike traditional theatre, where the action occurs on a stage, and the audience watches from their seats, Punchdrunk demands their viewers to follow the story. You can explore the over 100,00 square feet inside the theatre, discovering secrets and various characters as you go. Pursue whatever grabs your attention. Somewhat of a “chose your own adventure” model of performance art. 

The show itself is three hours long, but the story repeats three times throughout the night. Resulting in 3 hour long “loops”. Each actor follows a distinct loop, with multiple storylines happening simultaneously. This means you can see an entire loop following one character. Then choose another to follow for the next hour, seeing how the characters interact or intersect between the various loops. 

How Much Are Tickets to See the Burnt City

You can buy three different types of tickets directly from the Punchdrunk website; Standard, Premium and VIP. A key piece of information to understand when buying these tickets is they each come with a different “entry time slot.” As mentioned above, there are three loops to view the show; the later you arrive, the less of the first loop you will be privy to. The show starts at 7 pm (or 2 pm when they have matinees.)

Ticket Levels & Distinctions

Standard tickets starts at £45. The earliest time slots tend to be priced slightly higher, and the tickets get cheaper later in the evening. The latest timed entry ticket is 40 minutes after the first loop begins. No matter which ticket you buy, you will always still get to see at least two full loops (aka 2+ hours) of the show no matter when you arrive.

Premium tickets start at £95. These tickets have more availability for early time slots. You also get inside faster with priority entry, which enables you to jump the queue on arrival. With these tickets, you can arrive at 6:30 pm (30 minutes before the start of the show) to go inside and enjoy time at the Peep Bar. The Peep Bar is a part of the show itself, but more on that later. With a premium ticket, you’ll also receive a complimentary coat check and a glass of Da Luca Prosecco.

The last ticket level is the VIP Tickets which start at £135. You get all the same advantages as the premium tickets but receive a secret prelude scene which is exclusive to VIPs. You also get a cocktail included at the bar and get a collectible VIP gift. Truly, I think these tickets are only for die-hard fans looking for that exclusive scene. If you’re a first-timer (and are mega-rich) I think you can give it a skip.

Discounted Tickets

If even the standard tickets sound expensive, well, they are. But there are some discount options available. The Ticket Lottery opens weekly every Thursday, with the draws taking place the following Wednesdays. Tickets are bookable for the week ahead and available in pairs. These tickets are £25 per person. But the arrival times are subject to availability.

Today Tix also offers daily discounted tickets through their app. These tickets are between £35-55, but they are set at the 7:20 pm entry time. Honestly, this is the best option available. Twenty minutes is worth the savings. These were the tickets I bought for the shows when I was in London and I never found I missed anything I couldn’t see again during another loop.

How to Get to the Burnt City?

The Burnt City is located in the neighbourhood of Woolwich, in One Cartridge Place, a two-minute walk from Woolwich station. The new Elizabeth Line stops at Woolwich station, making the journey on the tube all the easier from central London. It only takes about 30 minutes using the Elizabeth line. You can also access the theatre by taking the Thameslink train to Woolwich Arsenal Station, a six-minute walk to One Cartridge Place. From central London, this journey option takes around 50 minutes. But all will depend on where you’re departing from. Be sure to plan your journey in advance to avoid delays since timing at the show is key.

If you are driving, you can use the Woolwich Arsenal Train Station parking lot. From there, it is only an eight-minute walk to the theatre.

Arrival

Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes before your scheduled time slot. They are getting pretty strict about this. But I’d arrive exactly 15 minutes before so you can ensure you get in as soon as possible And be advised they cannot guarantee access to latecomers. Once inside, you’ll need to go through security, get your ticket scanned, coat check and phone lock up. That’s where you are going to spend those extra 15 minutes.

Covid Regulations

As of March 2023, all audiences are still required to wear a Covid mask. If you do not have a mask with you, they will provide one to you upon entry. These are separate from the theatre masks you also need to wear. More on that below.

Coat Check

Since you want unencumbered throughout the show, you must check any bags or large purses before entering the theatre. Although you aren’t required to check your coat, it is HIGHLY recommended.

Coat check is complimentary for VIP and Premium ticket holders and but for the rest, it costs £2 per item. I brought a large, reusable bag with me that I stuffed my coat and purse into to save paying £2 on each of the two items. Small savings, but easy enough to do.

You are also not allowed to bring your phone into the theatre. They are very strict about this. If you don’t want to leave your phone in your checked bag, you have the option of placing your phone into a special lockable pouch. This pouch comes with a strap so you can carry it around with you. The pouch was very comfortable, and I loved being able to explore hands-free with ease.

About the Theatre Masks

In addition to the covid medical mask, all guests are required to wear a theatrical mask throughout the entire experience. The main reason for this is to distinguish the audience from the actors. This mask design is a replica of old Venetian Bauta masks. These Venetian Carnival masks hid the wearer’s identity during the tawdry events of carnival. With secret identities, rich aristocrats could partake in some otherwise frowned-upon activities. While wearing a mask might seem odd, the show aims to make you feel like a voyeur peeking in on the actors. Sporting a disguise allows you to feel braver and perhaps let your guard down. You might feel less inhibited and even step out of your comfort zone…

If you wear glasses, the mask may not fit over the top of them. I know the newer masks in London have additional padding that helps glasses wearers, but it may still prove difficult. If you can get or wear contacts, this might be the best way to fully enjoy the experience.

Accessibility

I was surprised to find upon researching that Burnt City is indeed wheelchair accessible, with only some areas inaccessible with electric chairs. If you have access requirements, including using a wheelchair, you must book an Access Ticket via Punchdrunk directly. You will also be able to book a complimentary Essential Companion ticket. You will need to use the lifts to access the two levels of the show. But there are lifts available.

Content Warnings

The show is restricted 16+, with anyone under 18 required to be accompanied by a responsible guardian. The Box Office will issue a lanyard which they must wear during their visit to be identified to performers and staff. There is a bar that features as part of the performance, which those under 18s can only visit in the company of their parent or guardian.

The reason for this age restriction? Not only is there plenty of distressing scenes with blood, murder, suicide and sex, but also PLENTY of nudity. Also, be aware there are many dark spaces, loud noises, strobe light, and smoke effects throughout the show.

What to Wear

What you wear to see the show is super important. The most critical of which is your choice of footwear! Since the night can be as long as three hours, you want to wear comfortable shoes. I saw so many people there wearing high heels, and by the end of the evening, they were leaning on walls and looked more exhausted than excited. If you are interested in following one character’s storyline, sometimes this requires you literally sprint after them to ensure they don’t get away and you miss their next scene. Without good shoes, you can’t chase after them.

The warehouse of the Burnt City is VERY HOT. So even in the colder months, I would advise wearing a light, breathable outfit. Since you have to coat check anyways, you can always wear something warmer there and leave those extra layers at the coat check. Also, be warned you might get some fake blood on your clothes. This will only happen if you interact with the characters, but it can happen. Don’t worry, though; it washes right out. But some people might not want to change it and choose not to wear their best shoes.

Another thing that is strange but is a MUST is a wristwatch! Since you won’t have your phone to tell the time, a watch will help you gauge how long you have been inside. Or when the first or second loop of the show might end. While getting lost is part of the experience, if you want to get the most out of it, having a watch to tell the time might help you.

How to Experience the Show?

There is no wrong or right way to experience the Burnt City. In a way, the show commands that you leave your inhibitions behind and lose yourself in the performance. But, if you want to create a more cohesive experience, you might follow one character for a whole loop. To learn their story and see how it fits into the overall narrative.

Other viewers will want to immerse themselves in the atmosphere and simply explore the environment, sets and details to uncover hidden clues about the storyline. In the Burnt City there are clues everywhere revealing your presence in the underworld, so you can absolutely hunt for those!

The choices are unless and that makes the experience completely unique every time you go! The biggest piece of advice I have is to leave anyone you come with behind. Leaver them in the literal dirt. Explore the world on your own. It’s a choose your own adventure, after all, not choose someone elses. Plus, talking with your friends about what they saw and experienced after the show is one of my favourite parts. Nothing like a good debrief!

1:1s

If you’ve done even a little bit of reading on Punchdrunk’s productions, you’ll hear over and over again the mention of something called a 1:1. So what is it? The 1:1s are when an actor pulls a random audience member aside and brings them into a private room for a VERY intimate scene that only those two people share. This often involves removing your theatre mask so the performer can get up close and personal and connect with you.

Often the 1:1s are the only part of the play where you might hear the actor’s voice! They are few and far between, so if you get selected, consider yourself very lucky indeed. If you don’t want to interact that closely with them, the actors are very good at respecting if you pull away. But if you are super shy, stay in the back of the groups that follow the actors around so you won’t get picked.

On the other hand, if you want a more intimate experience, go to the front and get close up. But remember always to give the actors their personal space. You can’t touch them unless invited. And some scenes explode with intense movements, and you’ll want to stand back to observe these performances. It’s important to respect everyone’s boundaries, that includes other audience members. Don’t push someone out of the way just to get ahead, the actors will notice, and that isn’t the kind of attitude that will get you a 1:1. And, of course, don’t be a creep.

The Black Masks

Various employees wear black masks during the show. These black masks as security guards protecting the actors, securing the sets and keeping the audience from entering any off-limit areas. If you are using your phone or talking too loudly, they will step in to warn or remove you from the show. They are also there to give you directions if you are lost or need to find a washroom. But they won’t give away any secrets…

The Setting of the Burnt City

The Burnt City is a true tale of two cities, an apt comparison since the show was written just to be performed here in Charles Dicken’s London. And the city where Punchdrunk first originated and put on its first show. When you enter One Cartridge Place, you are stepping into an underworld representing the imagined ancient city of Mycenae (modern-day Greece) and Troy‘s pulsating neon back streets. The two cities occupy one of the two connecting warehouses converted for the Burnt City. Despite being inspired by Greek tragedies, the show is set in a dystopian future, inspired by films like Blade Runner and Metropolis. 

Entering the World of the Burnt City

Once you are through the coat check, you are given a playing card upon entering the Peep Bar. You wait here until your card number is called. Only then can you enter the world of the Burnt City. After your number is called, you’ll be led through a series of museum galleries containing glass cases preserving various artifacts from a fictional 19th-century excavation of Trojan ruins. Each one contains a small excerpt of the story we are about to see performed and the main characters therein.

Reading all the little details can be overwhelming when you just want to get into the show, but not to worry. This guide covers all that information (and MORE), so you’ll have come prepared. The last glass case of the exhibit is smashed. And the object inside is missing. As if something has been stolen or unleashed… And it is at this moment that you are given the choice of two doors to enter through, one leading to Mycenea, the other to Troy.

Mycenae

Mycenae is the smaller of the two buildings, but many of the biggest scenes occur here, including the grand finale. Entering Mycenae is like walking into a post-war abandoned city. Aged and tattered army tents lead your way into the city. Once through the tents, you walk into an enormous room. In the center is a burnt-out anti-tank hedgehog made of rusty steel beams. A memory of wars long past, whose violent history still scars the land. Not only does this make for a dramatic set piece, but it also provides a piece of gorgeous equipment for the actors to dance on. 

Behind the old warzone is the Hinterland. A small, wooded area covered in sand, with antlers spread across the floor and a giant shrine to the god Artemis looming in the darkness. On the far side of the lower level is a caged checkpoint, often occupied by guards and soldiers in green coats. Through this checkpoint is a large set of double doors, which will take you to Troy…

But also dominating the central portion of Mycenae is a large staircase leading up to a gallery that allows actors and audience alike to look down on the room below. This upper level is the old Greecian palace. It serves as the banquet hall and includes a small bedroom and shower stall. There is no way to get from Mycenae to Troy on the second floor, so keep that in mind.

Troy

While Mycenea feels like an ancient war zone, Troy feels like a throbbing Berlin nightclub. Or a night out on the streets of neon-laden Tokyo. Glowing signs dominate the town square, and retro arcade games are found in hidden alleys ways. Somewhere in the distance, the thumping beats of a techno club echo. The town square is surrounded by a cafe, a pottery studio, a department store, Hades’ office and an old well. If you are in the town square during the start of the second loop, you’re in for a pleasant surprise around this well…

From the town square, dimly lit alleyways spread off in all different directions. Leading you to the Bistro, Sake Bar, a seedy hotel, a series of tenement rooms and a secondary, smaller town square home to a neon-lit catholic shrine. There are several staircases around the lower level of Troy which will take up upstairs, where you’ll find the nightclub, a grandiose office inspired by the Godfather, a series of Love Hotel bedrooms, a greenhouse and more tenement apartments.

If you’re a classics nerd, you’ll love some of the hidden details found in the tenement apartments. Each one was inspired by a different character or story from Greek mythology. There are references to the Danaides, Sisyphus, Cronos, Salmoneus, and even the myth of the Cyclops. Many people come to see the Burtn City to simply explore the hidden clues in the sets, and despite these rooms being reasonably devoid of the main action, they are a great place to investigate quietly.

The Story of the Burnt City & its Characters

Two main Greek tragedies inspired the intertwining storylines inside the Burnt City. The first is Aeschylus’ Agamemnon, and the second is Euripides’ Hecuba. The main plot points from Agamemnon primarily occur in Mycenae, and the characters from Hecuba centre around Troy. But elements from either story intertwine and connect each city’s fate to each other. But more than just a connection between location and character, these stories revolve around the theme of grief and the tragedies that befall both the victor and victim after war.

Also connecting both stories together is the presence of the Gods. The Greeks and Trojans believed that their fate lay in the hands of the Gods, who also controlled their destiny. The gods wear these dramatically sculpted breastplates. As if they are marble statues come to life. The gods also work with various citizens of Troy as intermediaries between the gods and the main characters. These characters blur the lines between the realm of the gods and the mortal plane. Delivering messages, conveying prophecies, and dreaming of metamorphosis. 

The outline, as detailed below, combines the original Greek tragedies and the interpretations you see of them in the Burnt City. Major spoiler warnings ahead! 

Aeschylus’ Agamemnon

Aeschylus’s Agamemnon is a tragedy that tells the story of the Greek king Agamemnon. Agamemnon’s army was facing a devastating end. On their way to Troy, his entire fleet of ships was met with fierce winds on the seas and were stuck in a purgatorial loop. The ships attempt to push ahead but always move nowhere. As the show’s loop begins, we find these soldiers slowly being driven mad by that eternal waiting.

The Slaughter of Iphigenia

Agamemnon prayed to the God Artemis, needing a miracle to save his men and his fleet. Artemis told Agamemnon that if he sacrificed his young daughter Iphigenia, the gods would let the fleet cross the seas. Iphigenia was set to wed Agamemnon’s second-in-command, Neoptolemus, but the wedding was only a ruse. Right after the ceremony, still in her wedding dress, Iphigenia is killed by her father in the centre of Mycenea for all to see. Right before the eyes of her beloved mother, Clytemnestra, who watches helplessly from above.

Artemis’ Transformation

In disbelief that Agamemnon could commit such a heinous act, Artemis is devastated by this bloodbath. But Artemis must keep the pack she made with Agamemnon and sends the good winds to help his army take the city of Troy. But Artemis is shamed by her actions, and trying to do right, takes Iphigenia into the Hinterlands. There, Artemis surrounds Iphigenia in antlers (a symbol of the goddess of the hunt and wild animals) and transforms her into an immortal priestess in the form of a great bear. In ancient Greece, a ritual service known as the arkteia (“arktos” = bear) is usually interpreted as a rite of passage preparing the girls for puberty and marriage. 

Clytemnestra’s Revenge

After the death of her daughter, Clytemnestra is overwhelmed with grief. With her husband at war in Troy, Clytemnestra takes a lover, Aegisthus. Aegisthus comforts Clytemnestra, and they horrifically devour a platter of bloody entrails together. In the ancient world, eating entrails meant seeing into the future. They see the king’s death through this prophetic meal and plot revenge. Aegisthus disguises himself as a masseuse wearing a haunting androgynous mask to fool Agamemnon when he returns.

When Agamemnon returns from Troy, he is initially met by his loving wife, who pretends to welcome her adoring husband. Only to lure him back into an intimate love scene with the disguised Aegisthus in their palace throne room. They begin by poisoning him with a lotus flower tincture, and he begins his descent into madness. But poison isn’t violent enough for Clytemnestra, who seeks vengeance for their daughter Iphigenia’s sacrifice. She stabs and kills Agamemnon at his most vulnerable. As he lies dying, his daughter Iphigenia greets Agamemnon as he enters immortality, and they start the loop over once more.

This story explores themes of justice and revenge. But moreover, the power of grief and the ceaseless love of a mother.

Euripides’ Hecuba

The second storyline, which is happening simultaneously, is Euripides’ Hecuba. Euripides’ Hecuba is a tragedy that follows the titular character, Hecuba, after the fall of Troy. Hecuba, once the queen of Troy, has been taken captive by the Greeks and is now a slave. 

When we enter the world of the Burnt City, Troy has yet to fall. Agamemnon is still on his way. Hecuba has a prophetic vision about the death of her youngest son Polydorus. She entrusts her youngest son to her neighbour and supposed ally, Polymestor, to keep him safe. She also intrusts Polydorus with the family jewels. As they do so, the army of Myceneans arrives.

The Fall of Troy & the death of Polyxen

As Agamemnon, alongside his men, enter the city, Troy has fallen to the Greeks. Since it took the sacrifice of his daughter Iphigenia to take Troy, Agamemnon requires a similar sacrifice of Hecuba and the death of her youngest daughter Polyxen. But Polyxen will not become a victim of this war and opts to kill herself rather than be taken prisoner and murdered by the enemy. She slits her throat and is hung up in the town square for all to see. Including her lover, Macaria. After Polyxena’s death is propelled into a grief-stricken ritual before gathering the strength for revenge.

Polydorus & Polymestor

Grief-stricken at witnessing her daughter’s death, Hecuba staggers through the streets of Troy in search of Polydorus. Polydorus was supposed to be in the care of Polymestor, the club owner and somewhat kingpin of Troy. But Polymestor has no intention of saving Polydorus. Once Troy falls, Polymestor lures Polydorus into his menacing office, where they play fight, and Polymestor feeds the young boy some drugs to weaken and kill him.

A golden icon of a half man half bull is always looking over the office. This is the god Moloch, who is associated with child sacrifice. And that is precisely what Polymestor does; he kills young Polydorus as a sacrifice to the gods. He is rewarded by taking the precious jewels once belonging to Polydorus. Then he stuffs the body of Poludorus into a trunk and has it carted away. But Polydorus awakes in this underworld of living death and is transformed into a fury who stalks the city in search of revenge.

Apollo and Cassandra

Cassandra is Hecuba’s only living daughter, and she is possessed by the power of prophecy. The “gift” was given to her by the God Apollo, who was entranced by her beauty. He gave her this gift to win her love but was subsequently rejected. Apollo was furious and turned the gift into a curse, as no one would ever believe her prophesies. After her sister’s death, Cassandra is given to Agamemnon as a gift from Troy. Cassandra can see the fate of Agamemnon; if he returns home, he will be murdered. She tells him this prophecy, knowing she will not be believed. She lures Agamemnon back to Greece, where he meets his death at the hands of Clytemnestra.

Hecuba’s Revenge

Hecuba finds her son’s dead body and slowly begins to lose her mind. All her children were dying and lost all around her. Being betrayed by almost everyone, Hecuba turns to the gods for revenge. She stalks Polymestor, and with the help of the spirits, Polymestor is lured into a ritualistic dance. Hecuba has tricked him into this trap and blinds him when the dance reaches its feverish peak. Hecuba has finally succeeded in getting the revenge she so desired. But she stands hopeless, and even revenge cannot soothe the pain of grief. She wanders off to pray, and the loop starts once more.

Hecuba explores themes of revenge and justice. But primarily studies the horrors that befall women after the war. And the sacrifices a mother must make to seek vengeance for her family.

Hades and Persephone

Watching all of this take place are the gods Hades and Persephone, King and Queen of the Underworld. The myth of Hades and Persephone is one of the most well-known stories from Greek mythology. It tells the tale of how Hades abducted Persephone, the daughter of the goddess Demeter. He stole her away and took her down to the underworld to be his wife. Hades offered Persophone a blood-red pomegranate; unknowingly, she ate six seeds from the forbidden fruit.

Demeter, Persephone’s mother, was devastated by her daughter’s disappearance. She asked Zeus to intervene and had him broker a deal. Because Persephone had eaten six seeds, Zeus decreed that Persephone would six months of the year with Hades in the underworld and the rest of the year with Demeter on earth. This is where we get the changing of the seasons. The barren winter months represent when Persephone is in the underworld, and the fertile spring and summer months represent her joyous reunion on earth with her mother.

The cycle of life and death

The myth of Hades and Persephone has been interpreted in many different ways, but it is often seen as a metaphor for the cycle of life and death. The entire show is a continuous loop of life and death, neverending.

The Grand Finale

The final scene takes place in Mycenea and is a living embodiment of the Flemish painting, the Fall of the Damned, by Dirk Bouts, painted in 1470. A copy of this painting can be found on the wall of Hades’ office, cementing the idea that Hades himself has trapped us and the characters here. The loops we are watching are a form of purgatory. And the characters perform for us as we weigh in on the guilty and the innocent watching this last judgment.

Dieric Bouts, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Additional Characters

While these two central storylines cover the main characters, a dozen or so side characters make up the rich tapestry of the story of the Burnt City. This includes lovers, other gods, tricksters and more, all with unique and rich narratives. All worth exploring and learning more about for yourself. Since these characters’ stories aren’t based on a pre-existing narrative, they can be a little looser and require more interpretation from the viewer.

Peep Bar

The Peep Bar is where you wait upon entering the theatre, but it also can be reentered through a doorway in the backstreets of Troy. The Peep Bar remains open after the performance (except during matinees.) Often, bands play here, so it’s a lively spot to continue the night with your friends and talk about the show!

Unlike the bar in Sleep no More, which is primarily a place to come, take off your mask, and unwind if you find the show a bit overwhelming, the Peep Bar is also a part of the show itself! Various characters come into the bar to perform a series of dances, and some even might treat you to a song or two! While I wouldn’t recommend spending an entire loop in the bar, if you follow a character and end up here, it’s worth seeing what happens.

Who to Follow?

The question of who to follow is difficult, and I think people will often simply tell you to follow what sparks your curiosity. And while that is good advice, if you’re reading this blog and came in search of guidance, you might be looking for something more informative than that.

My personal and admittedly biased advice? Follow a key/main character from Mycenea for the first loop. Someone like Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, and Iphegina. They will help you piece together the more concrete aspects of that story. For the second loop, follow someone who will take you through the neon streets of Troy, like Polymestor (who has an especially heartbreaking storyline) or Hecuba. And finally, follow a God or other interesting side character for the last loop. Characters like Hades, Kronos and Ascalaphus are all immensely fascinating.

But honestly, if someone interests you or if you want to know more about anything you see, follow that path without question or hesitation. Exploring is all the fun, and with the knowledge from this post, you’ll already be set to discover the meaning behind so many discoveries inside.

If you had the pleasure of seeing the Burnt City and came here looking for answers, I hope you found this guide helpful! If you are seeing it for the first time, I hope you use this as a companion to the show itself. There is so much more to discover by uncovering the layers of this incredibly immersive experience.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Punchdrunk’s the Burnt City, a Tale of Two Dystopian Cities first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-punchdrunks-the-burnt-city-a-tale-of-two-dystopian-cities/feed/ 8 34729 Everything You Need About Beyond Van Gogh’s Unforgettable Immersive Exhibition https://thecreativeadventurer.com/everything-you-need-about-beyond-van-goghs-unforgettable-immersive-exhibition/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=everything-you-need-about-beyond-van-goghs-unforgettable-immersive-exhibition https://thecreativeadventurer.com/everything-you-need-about-beyond-van-goghs-unforgettable-immersive-exhibition/#comments Wed, 25 Aug 2021 16:00:02 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=27411 An Honest Review of Beyond Van Gogh's Immersive Experience: Step into the paintings and see them from a new perspective

The post Everything You Need About Beyond Van Gogh’s Unforgettable Immersive Exhibition first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> While on my recent trip to Calgary, I was thrilled to see that Beyond Van Gogh was currently on show. I had heard so much about these immersive exhibitions, which were popping up all over the country. Especially during the pandemic, these shows have been a hot ticket! Beyond Van Gogh: An Immersive Experience is a new exhibition that aims to show the artist’s work in a new light, using digital technology to transform the artwork.

Many people know of Van Gogh‘s work, but they often think of him as nothing more than a madman who cut off his ear. But Beyond Van Gogh aims to change that perspective. They take lengthy efforts to make the viewer focus on his creative process and the true meaning behind his paintings. The show also highlights Van Gogh’s personal letters to his beloved brother Theo. These help to reframe his life. Through intimate conversations with his dear brother, you learn more about the man behind the madness and magnificence.

Table Of Contents
  1. Immersive Exhibitions
  2. Turning Art into Animation
  3. The Score
  4. What is the Difference Between All These Van Gogh Shows?
  5. So, is it worth the Price?
  6. About Van Gogh
  7. Where to See Beyond Van Gogh

Immersive Exhibitions

These immersive exhibits are unique as they use cutting-edge projection technology and access digital versions of Van Gogh’s artworks. Van Gogh’s paintings were digitally scanned in high-res and then projected onto the walls and floor to create this new way of presenting art. Beyond Van Gogh aims to create an engaging journey into the world of Van Gogh, not simply show you the paintings on screen.

The first time I saw an exhibition like this was in Les-Baux-de-Provence at the Carrières de Lumières. This was my first time viewing such an all-encompassing immersive digital experience, and I was immediately hooked. Bringing together 300 paintings from Van Gogh together in one room would be something virtually impossible for a brick-and-mortar art gallery. And if not impossible, incredibly expensive!

Turning Art into Animation

I know many high-art critics view this kind of exhibit with a bit of disdain. They think of them as nothing more than empty instagrammable backdrops. One of the things that made Van Gogh’s artwork so unique is the textural nature of the paint. And by using projections, all of the three-dimensional aspects of his works disappear. And while this is true, I think there is something to say about this modern technology. It brings a level of excitement and interest to these artworks that a younger generation might be more drawn to. This kind of exhibit might feel as exciting to the modern audience as impressionist paintings once did to a 20th-century audience.

But the paintings are not just projected onto the walls; they are also brought to life by subtle animations in the vein of Van Gogh’s art style. The paintbrushes swirl, dance and move around the room. The flowers, cafes and landscapes suddenly draw us in like never before. We are inside the ‘Yellow House‘ or sitting down the ‘Cafe Terrace at Night.’ The exhibition uses Van Gogh’s dreams, thoughts, and words to drive the experience as a narrative. While the show might be missing that high-brow contextualization that many art galleries spend years curating, I think it is a beautiful way to get people more engaged with art. And perhaps even take the time to learn a little more about it after the fact.

The Score

The whole show is made even more immersive with the incredible score. Sitting there listening to the music as we watched the walls transform felt like a waterfall over my senses. As Vivaldi‘s Four Seasons played in the background we watched the almond blossoms fall from the trees and swirl around us. I am not ashamed to say I felt a tear fall from my eye during this scene. The soundtrack is available on Spotify so you can relive the experience when you get home.

What is the Difference Between All These Van Gogh Shows?

It’s almost shocking to see how many different companies are running various immersive multimedia shows featuring Van Gogh. In some cities, they were even running at the same time. This lead to confusion when people would show up at the incorrect location with the wrong ticket. Each one of these shows has its own take on the works of art. I can only speak to the one show I saw but if you’re interested in others it’s always a good idea to read a bit about it from reviewers you trust.

So, is it worth the Price?

This is the BIG question! An adult ticket to see Beyond Van Gogh will run you about $40! This means a date night out for two (if you factor in paid parking) is creeping up to $100. That certainly isn’t cheap. The entire run of the show lasts 1-hour and $40 per person for one hour of entertainment is definitely on the high end of the price scale! Although they say you can only stay for an hour, we were easily there for longer.

We used the first hour to just watch the show in its entirety. Taking in the story the art and animation were trying to tell. Then during the second loop, we walked around the room. Exploring the magical environment from all angles. This is definitely recommended as different parts of the room display different artworks.

Especially during the pandemic, shows like these feel extra special. So maybe $40 might seem steep but with not much else to do we really felt like it was worth it. It wouldn’t be something we’d do all the time but for a once-in-a-blue moon exhibit, it was really fun to get out there and see something fun! I think if you’re a fan of the artist and commit yourself to explore the space you’ll appreciate the experience even more.

If you can’t afford the hefty price tag, consider watching ‘Loving Vincent‘ on Netflix. This fantastical film is a fictionalized look at the life of Vincent Van Gogh. But what makes it so incredible to watch was that it was made to look like his painting. Over 65,000 frames were painted by 125 professional artists to create the first painted animated film. The film also makes for a great primer to watch before coming to the exhibition as well.

About Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh is an artist whose paintings have been exhibited all over the world. But during his lifetime, he never could have imagined that kind of production would have even been a possibility. During his life, Van Gogh created over 2,100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings. And yet he only ever sold one. He died feeling like a failure but he would go onto be one of the most beloved artists of all time. If you’ve never seen the clip from Doctor Who featuring Vincent Van Gogh viewing his artwork in the future you have to check it out! It’s a real tearjerker.

What I read time and time again in reviews of this exhibition was that it lacked any real information about Van Gogh himself. So I created this little primer for viewers to read if you’re interested in having some contextual references to the paintings and his life as a tormented artist.

Early Life

Van Gogh lived a short but intense life. He was born in Holland in 1853 to an upper-middle-class family. Even in his early life, his parents noticed that he was a serious, withdrawn child. But despite his indifference to other children, Vincent clung to his brother Theo. In 1869 Vincent became an art dealer for his uncle. Although he wasn’t successful in his sales, he became enamoured with the art world. After unsuccessfully going from job to job, Vincent fell into even deeper depression and ill health. Modern analysis of his sickness leads professionals to believe that he suffered from bipolar disorder. In so many stories about Van Gogh he seems to vacillate from being highly productive and driven to being in a manic state. During these manic states, his depression was all he could see around him.

In 1881 Vincent took up painting more seriously for the first time with financial help from his brother Theo. Vincent moved in with his parents to save money. From their home in Etten Vincent would write hundreds of letters back and forth to his brother about his artistic journey. When he began painting, he started with depictions of village life in Etten. These early paintings were drabber, without the vivid colours that are so iconic of his later artworks.

Van Gogh in Paris

As his love for painting continued, Vincent took the opportunity to move in with Theo in Paris. It was in Paris where his paintings really came alive! Despite the brother’s love for each other, Theo found living with Vincent “almost unbearable.” And yet other times, things were peaceful between the two. One can only imagine this was due to Vincent’s bipolar.

Impressionism

It was also in Paris where he met other painters like Émile Bernard and Paul Gauguin. They inspired his work to go further and become more experimental. This would eventually develop into the art form we know of as Impressionism. The subject of his paintings began to focus on portraits, flowers and wheat fields.

In 1887, Vincent was inspired by working with artist Signac and adopted elements of pointillism into his artworks. Pointillism is a technique where the artist uses a multitude of small coloured dots on the canvas. This creates an optical blend of hues when looked at from a distance. These dramatic gestural dots and lines really feel like they convey the emotion and frantic nature of Van Gogh’s inner monologue. When combined with the vibrant contrasts of the complementary colours, you are left with a picture that seems to almost reverberate. But life in Paris was rough for Van Gogh. He was suffering more and more from his mental illness, made worse by the busy city life. So Van Gogh sought refuge in the provencial town of Arles.

Vincent in Arles

Vincent moved to Arles in 1888. It was there that he seemed, at least for a time, to get a breath of fresh air. In Arles, he aimed to set up a de-facto artist colony, inviting different artists to visit him in his now famous ‘Yellow House.‘ The country life and relaxing atmosphere of Arles set Van Gogh’s work on fire. In just one year, he produced more than 200 paintings and 100 watercolours!

Van Gogh and Gaugin

But even in Arles, Van Gogh couldn’t escape his poor mental health. One of the most dramatic events in Van Gogh’s life occurred in Arles in 1888. Vincent had begged Paul Gaugin to come to Arles so the two men could paint together. Vincent had met Gaugin in Paris and had immediately fallen in love with his work. He wanted to be as successful as Gaugin and thought by sharing a studio with the artist he could improve on his own work. Although the two started off on the right foot, Gauguin was arrogant and domineering. This frustrated the sensitive Van Gogh. Vincent was also very clingy, and despite not being treated very well by Gauguin, he feared he would leave him. A classic emotionally abusive relationship.

The Ear Incident

One evening, after Gauguin had made it clear to Vincent that he had made plans to leave, Van Gogh returned home alone. Suffering from hearing voices, especially when left alone, Van Gogh was tormented. In a fit of madness, he cut off his ear. Perhaps as a means to cut out the noise of the voices. Van Gogh bandaged the wound, wrapped the ear in the paper. He delivered it to a cleaning woman who worked at a local brothel that Gaugin and Van Gogh frequented together.

Van Gogh was found unconscious the following day by a policeman and taken directly to the hospital. Inside his hospital, Félix Rey, a young doctor still in training, treated him. During his time in hospital, Van Gogh was diagnosed with “acute mania with generalized delirium.” During his stay, Vincent would go from being semi-lucid to suffering from hallucinations and delusions. Theo came to visit him in hospital despite getting engaged the day previous. Nothing would keep Theo from being by Vincent’s side.

The Asylum

Two months later, in May 1889, Van Gogh left Arles and voluntarily entered an asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It was from this room in the asylums that the view of “Starry Night” was inspired. In a letter to Theo, Van Gogh famously wrote,

Sometimes moods of indescribable anguish, sometimes moments when the veil of time and fatality of circumstances seemed to be torn apart for an instant.

Vincent Van Gogh

Van Gogh had two rooms inside the Asylum, one of which he used as his studio. Even when he was too ill to write or eat, Van Gogh would paint. As a means of expressing his pain. After the birth of his nephew, Van Gogh wrote to Theo, saying,

I started right away to take a picture for him, to hang in their bedroom, branches of white almond blossom against a blue sky.

Vincent Van Gogh

This image is heartbreaking to look at now. As Theo’s young son would never come to know his uncle, nor much of his father.

Van Gogh’s Death

Van Gogh discharged himself in May 1890. He headed for Auvers-Sur-Oise, a town close to his brother and his homeopathic doctor, Paul Gachet. But despite treatment and being back in the countryside, which Vincent loved so dearly, Vincent met his end on July 27th, 1890. One morning, Van Gogh walked out into one of the many wheat fields he was painting. There, he claims he shot himself in the chest with a Lefaucheux revolver. Since no one was there to witness the event, we can only go off Vincent’s claims.

The injury itself is pretty suspicious. The wound was in the stomach, an unlikely place for someone to shoot themselves. Also, the bullet didn’t pass through his body, which is more commonly found if the shooter was further away and not at close range. This mystery surrounding his death is one of the many reasons that the mythology of Van Gogh’s life lives on.

Despite the injury, Vincent walked back home, where he was found by two doctors. The doctors were not surgeons and were unsuccessful in attempting to remove the bullet. Van Gogh clung to life for 30 hours, enough time to wait for Theo to arrive so he could die by his side. His last words to Theo were, “The sadness will last forever.“

Van Gogh’s Legacy

And for Theo, the sadness did last forever. Theo died only a year later, due mainly to what can only be described as a broken heart. Unlike other popular love stories that persist over the ages, this one of brotherly love is unique. I loved how the show presented this eternal love between the two brothers as a throughline that can be traced through Van Gogh’s work. Although Van Gogh only saw the sadness as what would last forever, I truly know that it was not sadness but love that endures eternally in his art.

Where to See Beyond Van Gogh

Ottawa | August 24 – Sep 16, 2021
Calgary | August 24 – September 2021
Miami | April 15–September 12, 2021
Austin |June 18–September 5, 2021
Honolulu | July 2–September 26, 2021
Orange County, California | July 20–September 6, 2021
Buffalo | August 20–October 3, 2021
San Jose | September 26–November 14, 2021
Salt Lake City | October 1–November 28, 2021
St. Louis | October 8–November 7, 2021
San Diego | January 14–March 6, 2022

All in all, I’m excited for more of these new immersive exhibitions that will be released. Beyond Monet is the latest offering from the “Beyond” group and looks even more enjoyable with the addition of some interior decorations for visitors to explore. We hope they reassess the steep price tag, making the productions more accessible to a broader range of people. But only time will tell.

What artist would you be interested in seeing next? For me, it’s gotta be Frida Kahlo! I would be amazed to see what they could do with her surreal paintings. Let me know in the comments what you’d be interested in seeing.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Everything You Need About Beyond Van Gogh’s Unforgettable Immersive Exhibition first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/everything-you-need-about-beyond-van-goghs-unforgettable-immersive-exhibition/feed/ 2 27411 An In-Depth Guide to the Layout of the McKittrick Hotel, Inside ‘Sleep No More’ New York City [2022 UPDATED] https://thecreativeadventurer.com/sleep-no-more-an-in-depth-guide-to-the-layout-of-the-mckittrick-hotel/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sleep-no-more-an-in-depth-guide-to-the-layout-of-the-mckittrick-hotel https://thecreativeadventurer.com/sleep-no-more-an-in-depth-guide-to-the-layout-of-the-mckittrick-hotel/#respond Wed, 13 Jan 2021 15:26:33 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=20248 If you are here because you are looking for additional information on the goings-on behind the...

The post An In-Depth Guide to the Layout of the McKittrick Hotel, Inside ‘Sleep No More’ New York City [2022 UPDATED] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> If you are here because you are looking for additional information on the goings-on behind the doors of the McKittrick Hotel during ‘Sleep No More,’ you’ve come to the right place. I wanted to write this post to give those curious minds a little more insight into the hotel’s layout. While you can absolutely see the show with no primer in mind and just discover things for yourself, I wanted to put this here for those who might want a better idea of what to expect. Or if you’ve already been to ‘Sleep No More‘ and are interested to know more about the things you missed, this will hopefully provide some understanding as well.

But be warned, there are some SPOILERS BELOW! While this post isn’t super detailed involving the show’s plot, there are some spoilers, so if you want to come in 100% free of any info, don’t read on! I have a spoiler-free guide as well so head on over there if you want a little introduction without the spoilers. But if you want to know a little bit more about the layout of the hotel and maybe where you want to spend your time, this is the post for you!

Guide to the McKittrick Hotel
  1. Arriving at Reception
  2. Manderley Bar
  3. The Elevator
  4. Becoming the Spirits
  5. The Layout of the Hotel

Arriving at Reception

After entering the hotel and dropping off all your worldly possessions at the coat check, you head to the reception desk. There you will get checked in with your ID to match the name on the reservation. The show really starts here as the actor at the reception desk is really pulling out all the strings to imitate a 1930s front desk clerk. They will give you and your group members a playing card. This is the only ticket you will receive for the show so keep it close. Once inside, different card numbers will be called to indicate it’s your time to enter the hotel and the show.

Then a quiet valet, dressed in all black, will guide you inside. You walk up a set of stairs and through a series of narrow hallways that are almost pitch black. I honestly thought for a moment I was going to get lost as I could barely see what was in front of me. Finally, you see a red glowing light ahead of you, as you enter the Manderley Bar.

Manderley Bar

The Manderley Bar is a loud and happening place to be, not at all like the quiet and creepy hallways we just passed through. The room looks like a speakeasy from the 1930s, and the art deco jazz-themed stage is quite dazzling. The stage is set for a three-piece band, and a singer will walk on stage every now and then to entertain the guests waiting to enter the show.

There is a bar where you can get yourself a drink, but unless you entered late, you probably won’t have time to drink the whole thing. There are other guests milling around the bar, and every so often, you will spot someone dressed in 1930s attire, with a fringed dress or slick-backed hair. These actors interact with each other and are there to set the mood and adjust your internal clocks back in time, to the 1930s. Hearing their voices is so strange considering that once you enter the elevator and head further into the hotel, there is little to no speaking at all. Perhaps the juxtaposition of these two environments is meant to shock your system even more.

The Elevator

When your card number is called, you head over to the doors to the elevator. Before going inside, you will be given your Bauta masks and read the rules of the game. No talking, no cellphone use, keep your mask on the entire time and follow the crew’s guidance (they will be wearing black masks). The bellhop guides the group into the extra-large elevator, and it begins to squeak up the shaft. As you travel, the bellhop gives you an excellent piece of advice, “fortune favours the bold.“

When the elevator first stops, the very first person at the back will be let out. Everyone else is held back by the bellhop, and the doors of the elevator close behind them. The rest of us left on the elevator are told that this experience is indeed a solo one, as so brashly demonstrated to us. It is best experienced alone, follow your desires and you will get the most from the experience. The rest of the group is let out on the next floor, and everyone is left to explore the hotel on their own.

Becoming the Spirits

In the film ‘Rebecca‘, from which the name “Manderley” and some of the Hitchcockian influences come from, one of the characters says, “Like all dreamers, I was possessed all of a sudden with supernatural powers and passed like a spirit through the barrier before me.” For our journey, the elevator is our entry into the dream realm, where we become the spirits and the barriers between time, life and death all seem to fade away.

The Layout of the Hotel

There are over 100 different rooms spread across the old warehouse, which has been converted into the McKittrick Hotel. Two sets of stairs are located on the east and west sides of the buildings. These are your access points to explore the other floors. There are bathrooms available on the 5th-floor and in the Manderley Bar (on the 2nd level), and trust me, you more than likely will need to use one, even just to splash a bit of cold water on your face to wake you up from what seems like a dream.

Basement: The Ballroom & Cemetery

The ballroom in the basement is where the largest gathering of the characters will take place. They gather there as a large group twice during their loops. Any character you follow throughout the performance will lead you here at the end of the show as well. At the beginning of the show, we come here to see a ball in celebration of King Duncan‘s battle, and at the end of the show, a banquet takes place where the dark truth is revealed. Off the ballroom, you’ll find a small changing room, a chapel and a little crypt. 

1st Floor: Duncan’s Residence

The 1st floor is where you will find King Duncan‘s study, chapel and bedroom. King Duncan isn’t with us for very long, so this floor is pretty small. The mezzanine is also located up here, where you can look out onto the Ballroom below. 

2nd Floor: The McKittrick Hotel Lobby

The 2nd Floor is where you’ll find the McKittrick Hotel lobby. Dominating the room is a large 1930s-style check-in desk. In front of the desk is a lush sitting room with a piano set against the far wall. Go into the telephone booths and pick up the phones as there is sometimes a surprise on the other end. You can find the lobby’s porter in here sitting occasionally with the three witches.

Throughout the entire floor, you’ll start to take notice of the spiritual talismans which seem to pop up all over the place. There are also markers of time, which are a constant in the set dressing, but they never move, as if to insinuate we are trapped in a loop (which we are).

The Altar

On the other side of the lobby is a small dining room. Against the back wall is a huge pile of salt with a giant taxidermied goat sitting atop it. On the wall is a cabinet filled with a series of smaller salt piles with crossed forks and knives resembling a crucifix. Salt is a symbol of protection against evil and many characters come here in the hopes of escaping the evil which infects the hotel.

3rd Floor: The Residences and Graveyard

The 3rd Floor is where we find a series of residences of various characters from the Macbeth storyline. The Macduff family residence is located on the 3rd Floor. Their rooms are small and cozy, filled to the brim with spiritual trinkets and talismans. In their quarters, you will also find a baby nursery. Walking inside, you’ll see right away it is one of the creepiest rooms in the building, filled with floating headless baby dolls. Take a closer look in the mirror. In the reflection, in the mirror, you’ll see not the room you are standing in, but a completely different set of horrors. This is a bit of theatrical trickery and just one of the ways in which the McKittrick hotel is always trying to fool you.

Lady and Lord Macbeth’s Apartment

On the other side of the floor, we find a supersized room occupied by Lady and Lord Macbeth. Stacked from floor to ceiling on one side are rows and rows of dressers and drawers. The dancers use these stacks of furniture to prance on top of like they are cats, dancing on a hot tin roof. At one end is a grandiose bed and in the center of the room is a claw-foot porcelain bathtub. The bathtub is where one of the most powerful scenes takes place so if you notice one of the actors encircling it chances are you’ll want to stay.

Opposite the dresser wall, are a series of windows looking out onto the small orangerie and walled garden on the other side. Walking out there you will stumble upon a large graveyard. The room is lit with pale, blue moonlight and filled with ruins and statues. The floor is covered in dirt which crunches are you walk through it, echoing as you go through the silence. Only the fearless are brave enough to explore this as it is one of the darkest parts of the hotel. I loved the scene Macbeth performed in here so the brave are truly rewarded for exploring around this place.

4th Floor: Village of Gallow Green

This was my favourite floor, and I probably spent the most time here. This floor is laid out like an entire village, called Gallow Green. The name “Gallow Green” comes from the Paisley Witch Trails, which were another thematic inspiration woven into the threads of ‘Sleep No More’. The Gallow Green was the place where the accused witches were executed. A very haunting name to give to an entire village.

The main street is dark and cobblestoned with shop fronts and houses all along either side. Most of the doors and shopfront can be entered at some point throughout the show. If you find something locked, look a little closer or come back later, and you might find it open.

In Gallow Green, you can find the taxidermist’s shop, Malcolm’s detective agency, a hidden funeral parlour, a speakeasy, a candy shop, an apothecary, and a tailor’s shop. Also, in Gallow Green are several apartments that belong to the residences. Some of them hiding secret passageways to other parts of the street. 

Paisley Sweets

The Paisley candy shop is a favourite for any of those who stop in on it. Inside the backlit shelves filled with glass jars are many traditional British candies. Everything from pear drops, aniseed balls, toffee and humbugs can be found here. The room is even scented with caramel perfume to lure in the audience. Feel free to open the jars and munch on the treats but again, be respectful and don’t just take them all. I remember throughout the show hearing people munching on sweets, and wondering where these were coming from. When I finally found the sweets shop, it was closed, so if you find it open, definitely head inside for a quick pick-me-up. The name “Paisley Sweets” comes once more from the Paisley witch trials.

Hecate’s Bar

The 4th floor is also the place where you will find Hecate’s replica of the Manderley Bar. Hecate is the supreme witch controlling the residences of Gallow Green. This red lit room is a haunting and ruined replica of the Manderley Bar on the 2nd floor. This room is so large, almost suspiciously large. Here is where one of the most shocking scenes takes place with many cast members, drawing a massive group in with them. If you hear techno music blaring from any other part of the 4th floor, head on over here as quick as you can!

Nearby to Hecate‘s bar is her apothecary. This is where the great witch stores all her herbs and medicinal goods. You can really smell the aroma of the dried herbs calling your name from even a few doors down. The woodsy scent of moss and freshly turned earth, drawing you into her lair. 

Taxidermy Office

One of the creepiest rooms on the floor has got to be the Taxidermy Office. This room is filled with stuffed animals peering out almost menacingly at you. In the dim light, their eyes seem to follow you. The drawers in this room are an endless treasure trove you can really get lost in. The stuffed birds found all over the hotel are perhaps a reference to this line in Macbeth, “all my pretty chickens and their dam / At one fell swoop,“. The quote is spoken by Macduff regarding the tragic murder of his family. Taxidermied birds are also a vital piece of set decoration and metaphor seen in the Hitchcock film Vertigo.

The Speakeasy

Taking up the majority of the right side of the street is a ramshackle speakeasy and pool room. The bar is covered floor to ceiling in cardboard boxes and old bloody playing cards are pinned to the walls. A few of the most fantastic dance sequences between the boys take place in this space and well worth exploring when you come across it.

5th Floor: King James Sanitorium & Birch Forest

This floor, which some people call the “hospital,” is in actuality the King James Sanitorium. A lunatic asylum filled with some of the creepiest elements of the show. There is a waiting room, a padded cell, a large ward, a bathroom (for the audience members) and a small office. The largest room is called the “ghost infirmary,” where you find eight wrought iron beds placed against the walls. Although no one stays in these beds for very long the nurses tend to them like they are filled with residences.

Above each of the beds is a crucifix mounted on the peeling white bricks. Every bed is paired with patient charts which you can flip through to discover hidden clues and secrets. The office across the hall is filled with hair samples and hundreds of additional charts. Although this floor is typically not very active, that almost makes it all the more spooky since walking around the silent hospital feels like entering an abandoned building.

The Birch Forest

The other side of the floor contains a maze-like a birch forest. Wandering through it, you will find a large wrought-iron gate that is padlocked throughout different parts of the show. Towards the back of the maze, there is a wooden hut where one of the characters hides.

6th Floor: The Secret Floor

Only those very lucky will be allowed up to the 6th floor. I was lucky enough to be taken up there on my very first visit! By closely following and interacting with one of the nurses towards the later part of the show I was guided up there to an unbelievable experience! I won’t give away what goes on up here since it’s one of the most elusive parts of the show but if you want to read my account of what happened, you can head over to this post.

I hope this post gave you a little introduction and guide to what you will see at the McKittrick Hotel. Maybe it gave you some insights into what you missed when you saw the show or if you are planning a trip, perhaps it will give you some hints on where you might be drawn to exploring.

Happy Travels, Adventurers.

The post An In-Depth Guide to the Layout of the McKittrick Hotel, Inside ‘Sleep No More’ New York City [2022 UPDATED] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/sleep-no-more-an-in-depth-guide-to-the-layout-of-the-mckittrick-hotel/feed/ 0 20248 Review of Lisbon Under Stars, a Historical Spectacle https://thecreativeadventurer.com/a-review-of-the-incredible-and-immersive-multimedia-experience-lisbon-under-stars-a-historical-spectacl/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-review-of-the-incredible-and-immersive-multimedia-experience-lisbon-under-stars-a-historical-spectacl https://thecreativeadventurer.com/a-review-of-the-incredible-and-immersive-multimedia-experience-lisbon-under-stars-a-historical-spectacl/#respond Tue, 30 Jul 2019 18:14:51 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//a-review-of-the-incredible-and-immersive-multimedia-experience-lisbon-under-stars-a-historical-spectacl/ If you're visiting Lisbon in late spring, early summer, you'll have the chance to see something truly spectacular at the Carmo Convent. The Carmo Convent is already a pretty astonishing place, but from May to July, when the sun sets, there is a phenomenal transformation which it undergoes. This phenomenon is called 'Lisbon Under Stars'. In 2018 over 30,000 people came to see this award-winning show and in 2019 those numbers should almost double since they added another month onto the performances dates due to its overwhelming popularity. I was lucky enough to see the show when we were travelling to Lisbon this summer. I was really blown away by the performance and the technical ingenuity it took to bring the whole piece together.

The post Review of Lisbon Under Stars, a Historical Spectacle first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> If you’re visiting Lisbon in late spring, early summer, you’ll have the chance to see something truly spectacular at the Carmo Convent. The Carmo Convent is already a pretty astonishing place, but from May to July, when the sun sets, there is a phenomenal transformation which it undergoes. This phenomenon is called ‘Lisbon Under Stars‘. In 2018 over 30,000 people came to see this award-winning show and in 2019 those numbers should almost double since they added another month onto the performances dates due to its overwhelming popularity. I was lucky enough to see the show when we were travelling to Lisbon this summer. I was really blown away by the performance and the technical ingenuity it took to bring the whole piece together.

What is ‘Lisbon Under Stars’?

Lisbon Under Stars is called an “immersive and multidisciplinary spectacle” which aims to tell the story of Lisbon’s history through a mesmerizing visual performance. The entire show takes place inside the ruins of the Carmo Convent. But it doesn’t just happen inside the ruins, but the show is actually projected onto them! The multimedia projections are cast onto the remains of the convent walls and arches. Covering them like a painting, but one which moves bends and turns the space from a two-dimensional surface into a three dimensional trip back in time.

The 600 years of history steeped within the city of Lisbon is brought to life through these projections and told through the eyes of the convent itself. The convent is given a personality and embodied by a single female dancer. All the dancers were also filmed, and their performances have been woven into the multimedia projections. The dancer’s expressions and movements set against the powerful historical events help convey to the audience, wordlessly, the feelings and emotions the city was thrown into during those times. The visuals help us see through their eyes what it must have looked like during that time to be here in Lisbon. Parts of the show are narrated, and the spoken words are in both Portuguese and English, but the images are so compelling that words are almost unnecessary.

All the dancers featured in the show are from Clara Andermatt‘s Company and National Ballet. Despite the dancers not being there in real life, still interact with the space around you, even as the walls are transformed throughout the show. They react to this shifting world and truly bring another level of dynamism to the show.

Another critical aspect of making the viewer feel like they’re really embedded into the performance is the music. The entire show is set to a beautiful soundtrack performed by famous Portuguese names such as Rão Kyao, Teresa Salgueiro and accompanied by the Symphonic Chorus Lisboa Cantat, Symphonic Orchestra of GNR and Tocá Rufer. There are also a few iconic Fado songs performed by the Queen of Fado, Mariza.

Where to Find ‘Lisbon Under the Stars’

The Carmo Convent plays host to ‘Lisbon Under Stars‘. You can find the Carmo Convent in one of my favourite little town squares, aptly named ‘Carmo Square’. The Carmo Convent is located in the Chiado neighbourhood, just up the hill from Rossio station. Right outside the convent are one of those iconic drink kiosks, the perfect place to grab a ginja under the Jacaranda trees before or after the show.

About the Carmo Convent

Instead of a stage or a traditional venue, this show takes place inside the ruins of the Carmo Convent. The ruins were once the site of the Catholic Convent of ‘Our Lady of Mount Carmel’. The convent was built in 1389 in the traditional, yet restrained, Gothic style which was synonymous with religious orders of the time. The great rose window over the portal was one of the most awe-inspiring parts of the church before it’s destruction. The great earthquake, fire and flood of 1755 caused immense damage to the building, collapsing the entire roof, leaving the interior open to the sky above.

Due to a multitude of reasons (most of which you’ll discover throughout the show), the convent was left in disrepair. The rest of Lisbon was restored to its former glory or rebuilt in a newer style, so the stark ruins of Carmo were one of the only reminders, to this day, of that great earthquake. Eventually, the convent found a new life and was transformed into the Carmo Archaeological Museum. Despite its new modern role, the structure was left untouched, a living example of Gothic architecture. Some parts of the building were given some structural reinforcements, but for the most part, the building looks as it would have hundreds of years ago, albeit without a room. Inside you can see all different archaeological discoveries which tell the story of Portugal’s history.

Times & Tickets

There are two shows per evening, at 9:30 pm and 10:45 pm. Tickets cost €15 for adults, children from 6 to 11 years, 65+ and students cost €12.50 and children under 5 are free! Tickets are available at the booth next to the Carmo Convent. We quickly were able to grab tickets right before the show and didn’t need to purchase them online or in advance. The space inside is so vast that there really isn’t a bad seat in the house, so no need to arrive super early either. There are stools available for senior or people with disabilities. Don’t be shy asking for one if needed but don’t take one if you don’t require it.

The best place to sit is right in the middle since you have the best view of the walls around you as well as the front portion of the church where some of the main scenes take place. During the show, you are free to move around the convent instead of having to stay in one place. In my experience at other immersive multimedia performances, I found that walking around actually translated into seeing the show in a new perspective. But here I found that sitting in once spot and turning your head was sufficient enough. I think that creating more spaces to explore would really enhance the experience, something they can focus on for next year!

My Experience at ‘Lisbon Under the Stars’

I have seen a few different examples of these types of projections throughout my travels, and I find that they’re always so inventive and astounding. They transform spaces and turn a dull wall into a work of art. Other multimedia shows I’ve seen were only projected onto a flat surface. At ‘Lisbon Under Stars’ the visuals interacted with the three-dimensional church making it an entirely more complex installation. It really brought the entire place to life. And being outdoors, literally under the stars, just made the show feel more raw and authentic.

While some parts of this show are a little cheesy (the cheap wigs were my biggest complaint), all-in-all the show is fun and wildly creative. If you don’t know anything about Lisbon’s history, it’s such a great introduction to the city’s past. And the cost, I think, is perfectly lined up with the experience you’ll get. It’s a fun little thing to do in the evening, and it would be awesome if you’re travelling with kids.

The show begins with the introduction of the women we will come to know represents the spirit of the Carmo Convent. She will be our guide throughout the show and is truly the best of the dancers. She manages to give a cold and unmoving building emotion and a fierce personality which we can relate to. We can see and feel the effects of history on her face, and by the end of the entire show, it feels like she is an old friend.

The first scene from history we see depicts the great Battle of Aljubarrota. The Battle of Aljubarrota is represented by two men dance-fighting to illustrate the great war between the Kingdom of Portugal and the Crown of Castile. This battle was so significant since it was the moment in which Portugal showed it’s dominance over the country and asserted itself as a force to be reckoned with across Europe. I will say, I wish they had skipped this part or at least re-did the choreography. I think authentic fighting from 1385 is a little strange to watch from a 21st-century perspective and it does seem to drag on a bit. It’s one of the cheesiest parts of the show which doesn’t make excellent use of the fantastic projections. So it kind of felt like instead of starting with a bang, they began with a dud.

After that initial introduction, I was a bit concerned about what the rest of the show would be like. The following scene depicts the construction of the Carmo Convent in 1389. Musicians playing medieval instrument pop up all around you, playing a rhythmic tune as the walls of the convent begin to manifest in front of your eyes. The darkened walls appear to be magically being restored, bricks stack one upon the other and suddenly the true glory of the entire convent, as it once would have appeared when it was first built, reveals itself to you. So many parts of this show really feel like getting into a time machine, and this is perhaps the most impressive one. From this point forward, I had no more doubt and was entirely enraptured.

The convent and the church played a hugely important role in the collection of books and spreading knowledge to the people. The first Portuguese writers and their manuscripts are shown across the walls and books fly around the space, opening their secrets up like doves wings as the scatter.

The walls begin to appear to bob and weave, and before you know it, you are stepping onto a huge ship, setting sail for the new world. This is the great maritime voyage of Vasco da Gama in 1497 which departed Lisbon in search of the sea route to India.

Vasco da Gama succeeded in his attempt to find it, and once there he brought back spices, textiles, animals and more home to Portugal. Trade is where a vast majority of Lisbon’s wealth came from, and the richness of that voyage comes to life here before you. We are transported through the projections, to the ports of India. We can hear and see all the brightly coloured fabrics and foods which would have stunned Portuguese importers at the time as they stepped off the boats into this strange and beautiful new land.




The years past and Portugal was thriving. It seemed like this city was unstoppable. And yet, on November 1st, 1755, an earthquake shook the town and brought destruction, unlike anything anyone has ever seen before. This scene throws us right into the action, the earthquake shakes the interior of the convent and beams, archways and bricks begin to fall. So lifelike you feel like you need to duck to avoid getting hit! The music booms and it feels like you’re right there! A fire breaks out and destroys what the earthquake left behind, the convent is in ruins with fires burning all around, but it’s not over yet…

The fires begin to burn away and just when you think the worst is behind you, a great rush of water swells over the convent walls. This was the tsunami which followed the earthquake and literally swallowed most of the city. The dancers are now submerged underwater and swim like fishes across the empty blue expanse. This part was so lifelike, you could almost feel the weight of the waves crashing down on you. It was like magic.

After the earthquake, there were many attempts to reconstructed the convent, but they all were in vain, for lack of funding, commitment or even just manpower. In 1835 Joaquim António de Aguiar, the prime minister of Portugal and minister of justice, was hell-bent on the extinction of religious orders. On May 39th, 1834 he created a law which extinguished “all convents, monasteries, colleges, hospices and any other houses of the regular religious orders”. This resulted in his famous nickname “O Mata-Frades” (the Friar-Killer). With the dissolution of the monks, the convent’s reconstruction was halted for good, and the church once more fell into ruins, left for the sands of time. The words of Joaquim António de Aguiar are spread across the walls of the convent like he was writing its death warrant.

Time goes one, and all-around Lisbon things were changing…all except for the convent itself. Carmo remained a ruined memory of the earthquake’s destruction. Everywhere you looked, there were new modern inventions and exquisite architecture being constructed, and yet the convent sat untouched. The iconic tiled walls which Lisbon is famous for begin to be plastered all across the convent walls, almost like they represented the modern era overshadowing the past.

In the 1820’s we saw the emergence of Fado music into the mainstream. Fado music played in the background as the walls were covered in the traditional floral, tasselled shawls which the singers usually wear during performances. Fado music can best be described as mournful music. The Portuguese word ‘saudade’ which means ‘longing’ perfectly encapsulates the feelings which Fado attempts to explain. The lyrics in Fado songs often revolve around the life of the poor. The songs are filled with resignation and melancholia, and yet they are so beautiful it’s hard to imagine they’re about something so dark.

In this portion of the show, we are entertained by the music of famed Fado singer, Mariza. She performs a stunning ballad, surrounded by stars projected against the walls of the convent. If you take this chance to look up, on a perfect night, you’ll also see the stars shining above you as well.

The sad Fado music seemed to be the ideal soundtrack for the soul of the convent at this time. She was alone, abandoned and lonely. She performs a last melancholic dance, her swan song, as a last attempt to have the world see her once more. Although things seem lost for her in 1864, something happens to pull her out of the darkness of the past. In 1864 convent was converted into the Archaeological Museum of Lisbon. In here, thousands of treasures from antiquity were collected and displayed for the viewing pleasure of the public. Now the convent is filled with people all the time, and the woman is no longer lonely anymore.

The modern era comes in with a bang! Contemporary art explodes all over the walls. The colours so bright and vibrant they come to life even without the animations. The most impressive works of art were from Amadeo de Souza Cardoso, one of the most famous Portuguese modern artists. Amadeo de Souza Cardoso was influenced both by cubism and by futurism. His colours are so vivid they seem almost aggressive, and yet there is always a nuanced balance to his paintings, which ensure they don’t feel chaotic or confused.

Images frame in the tiled archways around the church, and we see black and white pictures from the fall of the dictatorship of 25 April 1974. This event was called the ‘carnation revolution’. The coup was organized by the Armed Forces and military offers who opposed the regime. As they gathered, the civilians of the city joined them since they knew finally there was no army to resist them, and this was their moment to overthrow the autocratic regime.

What is surprising about this revolution is that not a single shot was fired. An unsuspecting hero in the revolution was a simple restaurant worker, Celeste Caeiro who came out to give red carnations to the soldiers to celebrate their freeing of the Portuguese people from the dictator. Other women followed her lead, placing carnation into the muzzles of guns and onto the soldier’s uniforms. Projected onto all the walls of the convent are falling carnations, stacking up as high as the walls themselves until everyone is buried under a bed of red flowers. The convent spirit is dressed in red in these scenes and performs a dance of freedom as the carnations fall around her. This was one of my favourite visuals of the entire performance.

To end the show, the projections featured urban artists, graffiti and street art were sprayed across the convent walls. The visuals featured images from artists such as Add Fuel, Daniel Eime, the Super Van by Vanessa Teodoro and Alexandre Farto aka Vhils. These aren’t like paintings you’ll always see hanging in fancy art galleries. Instead, these are examples of art which everyone in Lisbon can view every day on their walk to work or passing by on the streetcar. There is no cost of admission, only a sense of discovery which will help you find these beautiful works of art. There is something extraordinary about elevating this kind of artwork, giving it credence in the show featuring mostly “high” art, which I found refreshing and inspiring.




The show ends with one last beautiful Fado song. As the lights go down, all you’re left with is the most incredible view up to the stars, framed by those iconic Gothic columns and archways. The music continues to play as you exit, and we literally danced our way out the door!

If you happen to be in Lisbon while this show takes place next year, it is really worth checking out. I thought it was incredibly fun, funky and the perfect way to spend a warm, summer evening. If you don’t know anything about Lisbon’s past, it’s a fantastic history lesson! What you’ll learn will help contextualize so much of what you’ll see around Lisbon during the rest of your stay. Don’t miss it if you get the chance!

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