Theatre - 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 Theatre - 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!

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]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-punchdrunks-the-burnt-city-a-tale-of-two-dystopian-cities/feed/ 8 34729 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 The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of Historic Gion Kyoto https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-best-self-guided-walking-tour-of-gion-kyotos-historical-geisha-neighbourhood/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-best-self-guided-walking-tour-of-gion-kyotos-historical-geisha-neighbourhood https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-best-self-guided-walking-tour-of-gion-kyotos-historical-geisha-neighbourhood/#comments Thu, 09 May 2019 12:49:51 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//the-best-self-guided-walking-tour-of-gion-kyotos-historical-geisha-neighbourhood/ The Gion district is one of Kyoto’s oldest neighbourhoods. The streets seem to surge with history but what makes this area so unique is because it is one of the last remaining places where you can see real Geishas in Japan. Up and down these streets you can keep your eyes open and see if you can catch a glimpse of a Geisha on her way to a tea houses where exclusive guests enjoy an evening of traditional Japanese entertainment.

The post The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of Historic Gion Kyoto first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> The Gion district is one of Kyoto’s oldest neighbourhoods. The streets seem to surge with history, but this area is unique because it is one of the last remaining places where you can see real Geishas in Japan. Up and down these streets, you can keep your eyes open and see if you can catch a glimpse of a Geisha on her way to a tea house where exclusive guests enjoy an evening of traditional Japanese entertainment.

Guide to Gion Kyoto
  1. History
  2. Access
  3. When To Go?
  4. Map of Walking Tour
  5. Maruyama Park
  6. Yasaka Shrine
  7. Shijo-Dori
  8. Hanamikoji South
  9. Ichiriki-tei
  10. Geikos and Maikos
  11. Patisserie Gion Sakai
  12. Hanamikoji North
  13. Maiko Lessons
  14. Gion Tatsumi Bridge
  15. Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine
  16. Shirakawa Canal
  17. Kyōto Minami-za Theatre
  18. Temple of Chugen-ji
  19. Kamo River Bridge
  20. Pontocho Alley
  21. Torisei Shijo Kiyamachi
  22. Kiyamachi Dori

History

Kyoto was the Imperial capital of Japan from 794 -1869. As a great metropolis, it required the best entertainment for its dignitaries and foreign guests. Unlike many movie portrayals or common myths, Geishas or ‘Geikos‘ are not escorts or prostitutes. They are professional entertainers. Geikos and Maikos are the words for Geishas and Geishas-in-training in Kyoto. Geiko literally translates into “a woman of art.” Geikos are trained in all the different art forms of traditional Japanese art. They will be proficient in playing music, painting, flower arranging, singing and dancing.

Access

Gion is located along the Kamo River and can be easily reached by public transit. The closest train station is the Gion Shijo Station on the Keihan Line and Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line. You can also reach the area by bus #100 or #206 and get off at the Gion bus stop. Public transit costs only 230 yen ($2 US). If you choose to take a taxi, you can ask for it to drop you at the first location, Maruyama Park. However, taxis are pretty pricey (at least $15 US and up depending on your departure location), so I’d advise public transit.

When To Go?

This tour aims to take you around the historic area of Gion while stopping in at the Gion Theatre to see a show in the middle of the tour. This part is totally optional, and you can easily just continue on from there without attending. But I think seeing a performance at the theatre is a great introduction to the art of being a Geisha and gives you an idea of what’s going on behind those closed tea house doors. The performances are at 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm, and I would aim to get a ticket for the 7:00 pm show to give yourself enough time to explore the north-western parts of Gion.

The best time to start this tour is around 5:30 pm, just before dusk. Most of the earlier parts of the journey are best seen when it’s light out, but Gion takes on a different shape when night falls. The red lamps are lit, reflecting off the water like stars in the sky. Any sign of modernity seems to dissipate, and you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Just before dusk, the Geishas will exit their apartments and head to the tea houses for their nightly routines. If you want to see one, this is your best opportunity! Use this map at the bottom of this post to help navigate your way around Gion, but since it’s a small area, don’t worry about getting lost!

Map of Walking Tour

Maruyama Park

Start your walking tour of Gion inside Maruyama Park. If you’re lucky enough to visit Maruyama Park during cherry blossom season, you’re in for a real treat. This park is the best place for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto. The most impressive sight here is the ‘shidarezakura,’ a weeping cherry tree which lights up at night. It’s truly an ethereal sight! The garden feels like a treasure even during the rest of the year. It is even designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.’

Yasaka Shrine

From the park, walk through the winding pathways to Yasaka Shrine, which sits just at the end of Shijō Street. Yasaka is the spiritual centre of Gion and the reason everything around it exists. In the middle ages, hundreds and thousands of people came through this area to make a pilgrimage to the shrine. The neighbourhood was built around it to feed and house all the travellers passing through.

A shrine has stood on this site since 656, but the Yasaka Shrine was founded in 1350. It was built to honour Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a Japanese god who defeated an eight-headed serpent and saved the citizens of Kyoto from many disasters. This temple comes alive in a different way during the evening or at dusk. The hundreds of lanterns hanging outside the temple, each one donated from a local business with their name inscribed upon it, are lit up when the sun goes down. It is a remarkable site to see against the backdrop of the bright, vermilion-painted torii gates.

Shijo-Dori

After touring the temple, head down to Shijo-Dori, Shijo Dori (dori means street) is the best place to shop in Gion. Here you can find traditional sweet shops, pickles and handicrafts all along this green-roofed and lantern-covered street. This is the most modern area of Gion, with offices and some big-name brands, but any roads that branch off from Shijo will take you right back in time.

Hanamikoji South

A few steps down the street along Shijo-Dori, turn right onto Hanamikoji. Hanamikoji is the real heart of Gion. It is where you’ll find the best-preserved aspects of the city’s architecture and culture. Along this street, it feels as though time has stopped. Hanami-koji means “blossom viewing lane” since during the cherry blossom season, this street explodes with blooms and feels like they encompass the entirety of the skyline.

Along this street, you’ll find some of the oldest establishments in Kyoto called ‘ochayas,’ or teahouses and ‘Machiya’ or ‘townhouses.’ The buildings are all designed similarly, reflecting aspects of traditional Kyoto architecture. They are mostly made of wood, with no windows on the streets to protect the identity of their customers. Each has a wooden lattice facade that runs halfway up the house’s exterior and is topped with baked tile roofs. Most of the houses are unpainted, although the ones which cater to Geishas are given a coat of red or scarlet paint to distinguish them from the rest in a subtle way. Elegantly dressed bouncers wait in from of open doorways, secretly ushering in the elite customers and elegant Geishas away from the rabble on the street.

About Geishas

There aren’t many options for those wondering how you can experience an evening with a Geisha for yourself. Most Geishas are extremely expensive, even if you can get the contacts to book a dinner with them. They don’t just have a phone line or website where you can make a reservation. You need to know someone who can give you a reference to get you in. Some tourist services offer evening dinners with “geishas,” but often, these aren’t real. More often than not, it’s just a woman in a costume pretending to be a geisha.

Remember, if it’s the real thing, it will cost a pretty penny, so if you feel like it’s too good to be true – it is. If you manage to get the right introductions to make a reservation, an evening’s entertainment will start at $700 US, and that’s not even including dinner or drinks.

Red Lanterns

The red lanterns that hang outside humble townhouses are used to indicate these are ‘ochayas.’ Guests will enjoy an evening of entertainment and fine dining hosted by the Geishas and their house mother. They will sing and dance for their guests while food is served. Geishas are also incredible musicians and will often treat their guests to songs played on the Shamisen (a smaller and thinner kind of guitar), the Koto (the national instrument of Japan played like a horizontal guitar), the Shakuhachi (a bamboo flute) and the Tsuzumi (a small tribal drum). Geishas delight in playing traditional Japanese drinking games with the most excellent sake with the businessmen.

Ichiriki-tei

A few steps down the Hanamikoji is Ichiriki-tei or Ichiriki Tea House. This is the most famous tea house in a 300-year-old red-painted house. Ichiriki-tei’s reservations are by invitation only, and the people coming in and out of its doors are sure to be of great importance. It has been the scene of many samurai plots over the years and where prominent governmental figures met and discussed the future of their great city. Although you might not be able to get inside, seeing this iconic building, even from the outside, is truly special.

Geikos and Maikos

Hanamikoji is the best place to spot a Geisha, so keep your eye peeled. Geisha are more appropriately called Geikos and Maikos. You’ll also see dozens of tourists dressed in fancy kimonos and some fake Geishas posing for pictures. If you’re trying to spot a real Geisha, there are ways to identify them. Maikos (Geishas in training) will have decorations like flowers in their hair, while a Geiko (a fully trained Geisha) will not. Also, the Maikos obis (the belt they wear around their kimono) will stretch almost to the ground.

In contrast, the Geikos obi is neatly folded around her back. The ultimate way to tell the difference is through the shoes. Geikos have flat shoes called ‘zoris’ while the Maikos wear the iconic mile-high platforms called ‘okobos.’

The Geikos have a much more subdued appearance than their trainee counterparts because these women have already made it and don’t need to show off. To become a real Geiko or Geisha, you must go through years of rigorous training. Most girls start training at the age of 15. Then they attend Geisha schools where they learn all the skills required to entertain their guests. Since they are not making any money, their home mother pays for their schooling, training and clothing. The house mother is also called the ‘okasan.’

Geikos

After they become full-fledged Geikos, they must pay off their debts to the house mother, who will get them jobs and find them clients. Many girls dream of becoming Geikos despite it being a rather ancient occupation. Geikos are now becoming famous on the internet, and young girls dream of becoming instant-famous. Just like girls in North America look up to celebrities, girls in Japan look up to these elegant professional party girls. If you see a Maiko or Geiko in the streets, be respectful. They don’t mind if you take a picture, but they won’t stop to chat. If they’re on the street, they are on their way to work and don’t have time to dillydally. Let them go their way, and just allow yourself to observe their majestic presence.

Patisserie Gion Sakai

Past Ichiriki-tei, stop in at Patisserie Gion Sakai. Gion is famous for its sweets. Nothing was better for a Geisha to bring a samurai than a sweet treat. Patisserie Gion Sakai is found inside a traditional wooden-style townhouse. While there are various other things to try, I’d go right for the fluffy cake rolls filled with sweet cream. Some of their more traditional flavours include plum, blood orange and matcha.

Hanamikoji North

After the show, head north along Hanamikoji; many of the houses along the Hanamikoji north of Shijo-dori are old merchant houses. These charmingly preserved townhouses represent the architectural style of ancient Imperial Kyoto. They have been here for centuries and once would have served the ancient samurais. These days not all the shops on the street cater to knights of the empire. You can find some well-priced restaurants along one of Kyoto’s famous laneways.

Maiko Lessons

Along Hanamikoji north, see if you can spot one of the Maiko Lesson Boards. These boards aren’t identified with large signage, so they’re a little hard to spot, but they can be found if you know what you’re looking for. Look for a large green board with a chart covered in vertical, white Kanji letters. This is their agenda for the day, saying which classes they need to attend with what teachers are around town. Maikos will stop here throughout the day to see where to head to class since their classes can be found all across Gion in unassuming townhouses instead of one schoolroom. The entire life of Geisha is one of secrecy and illusion, and even their classes reflect this.

Gion Tatsumi Bridge

At the end of Hanamikoji, you’ll come to the Gion Tatsumi Bridge. This bridge is one of the most iconic places for a picture across the Shirakawa Canal. On either side of the canal, you’ll find willow trees whose leaves hang over the water and onto the street, creating a soft, green canopy. Truly one of the most spectacular places in Kyoto. During the day, this bridge can be overrun, but at night you are likely to find it all to yourself.

Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine

On the other side of the bridge, you’ll find the Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine. This tiny neighbourhood shrine, almost completely obscured in darkness at night, is frequented by many local Geishas. Besides the shine is a stone inscribed with a poem by the famous poet Isamu Yoshii. It was made to honour the artist since he greatly loved Gion. The poem reads:

No matter what is said
it is Gion I love.
Even when I sleep
beneath my pillow
the water flows…

Shirakawa Canal

Walking along the Shirakawa Canal is a great place to wander, away from the hustle and bustle of the main street. Some of the city’s most exclusive eating establishments are located along this canal. If any celebrities are visiting the city, you’ll surely spot them here. While the canal is gorgeous to view during the day, there is something extraordinary about seeing it at night, when the trees are alight, and the sparkling stars reflect across the water. Only your footsteps on the stone sidewalk echo across the street.

Kyōto Minami-za Theatre

Head back down towards Shijo-Dori now that night has fallen. Turning back onto the part of this street that we haven’t yet explored, check out the Minamiza Kabuki Theater. At night this theatre is a beacon of light in the darkness. The Minamiza is the best kabuki theatre in Kyoto. It was founded in 1610, but the one you see standing here today is a reconstruction from 1929. Kyoto is the birthplace of kabuki, and there is no better place in the world to see kabuki as a first-timer or experienced veteran. Kabuki is much like European opera but with a Japanese twist that includes more drama, colours and spectacle!

Temple of Chugen-ji

Near the Kabuki theatre, down the cobblestone streets next to the Kamo River, we find the tiny Temple of Chugen-ji. You’ll discover ‘Jizo,’ a Buddhist guardian saint, inside this temple. But this Jizo enshrined here is extra special. During the great floods of 1228, the people of Gion prayed to Jizo to save their town from the rising waters. People claimed they saw Jizo physically saving people from the flood and saw him stop the rain. This temple is dedicated to the god who saved the town; perhaps without his intervention, it wouldn’t be here today.

Kamo River Bridge

Head across the Kamo River Bridge and take a moment to look across the water. The Kamo River has served over the years as a place of great importance for the people of Kyoto. The river was diverted in the 8th century to ensure the new course past the town’s new capital Heian Capital (now called Kyoto). The river was not only a place for the locals to get their drinking water. Still, it was where many of the local fabric makers would come to dye their beautiful fabrics. Pottery makers would begin to get supplies for their work, two iconic symbols of Kyoto craftsmanship.

Pontocho Alley

Across the bridge, you’ll come to Pontocho Alley. This narrow alleyway, marked with a simple wooden sign, runs parallel to the Kamo river. The fancy restaurants overlook the river bank on the right, and the less pricey, more authentic restaurants are off to the left. Although this street feels a bit dingy during the day, at night, it comes alive with paper lanterns, neon signage, and music pouring out of the nearby clubs. There are a few elite theatres around here where Maikos and Geikos perform, so if you didn’t spot one on the other side of the river, this might be your chance to see one here.

Torisei Shijo Kiyamachi

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, head to Torisei Shijo Kiyamachi, where they serve traditional yakitori. They have a great selection of different kinds of yakitori (food on skewers cooked over a charcoal grill) for reasonable prices. Plus, you have a great view of the cooks at work which is like having dinner and a show!

Kiyamachi Dori

Making your way down the southern part of Gion, take a walk down Kiyamachi Dori. Kiyamachi Dori is another historic street in Gion. The road is located along the embankment of the Takase River, which was actually a man-made canal made in 1586 when a wealthy merchant decided to dig it out. He wanted to create a new waterway to bring in stone and other materials from Fushimi into Kyoto. Although the canal was taken out of service in 1920, it still makes for a scenic walkway; at night, a vast stretch of the street is dazzlingly illuminated. This is the perfect and most peaceful place to end your tour in this historical area of Kyoto.

With this guide, you can head out and explore Gion on your own, at your own pace and venture off from the large tour groups, which can make what should be a quiet, relaxing stroll into a fierce and crowded experience. Plus, you can follow your instincts when you go on your own; if something looks interesting, go off the path and check it out! You might be surprised by what you find around the next corner.

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]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-best-self-guided-walking-tour-of-gion-kyotos-historical-geisha-neighbourhood/feed/ 2 896 Guide to the Robot Restaurant Experience, the Most Exciting and Exhilarating Show in Tokyo https://thecreativeadventurer.com/guide-to-the-robot-restaurant-experience-the-most-exciting-and-exhilarating-show-in-tokyo/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=guide-to-the-robot-restaurant-experience-the-most-exciting-and-exhilarating-show-in-tokyo https://thecreativeadventurer.com/guide-to-the-robot-restaurant-experience-the-most-exciting-and-exhilarating-show-in-tokyo/#respond Sat, 19 Jan 2019 14:39:00 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//guide-to-the-robot-restaurant-experience-the-most-exciting-and-exhilarating-show-in-tokyo/ Have you ever wondered what it would be like to do a bunch of psychedelic drugs in the year 2200? Well, wonder no more because the Robot Restaurant here in Tokyo is here to show you! The "restaurant" isn't really a restaurant at all. What it is, is a futuristic, energetic, vibrant, exciting, surprising and overall insane display modern, Japanese cabaret.

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The Robot Restaurant Closed its Doors in 2020

This blog post serves as a record of it’s amazing history

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to do a bunch of psychedelic drugs in the year 2200? Well, wonder no more because the Robot Restaurant here in Tokyo is here to show you! The “restaurant” isn’t really a restaurant at all. What it is, is a futuristic, energetic, vibrant, exciting, surprising and overall insane display modern, Japanese cabaret.

Tickets and Prices

The show has become immensely popular over the years, and although you can sometimes get discounted tickets last minute outside the theatre, we opted to buy our tickets online in advance. This is the best way to ensure you don’t miss out! There are usually four shows a day. The first performance is at 4:00pm (doors open 3:00pm), the second performance is at 5:55pm (doors open 5:00pm), the third performance is at 7:50pm (doors open 7:00pm) and the fourth performance is at 9:45pm (doors open 9:00pm). The early performance is the cheapest option, the rest are all the same price. Although the early show might not be a raucous as the later ones, I would argue that it’s still the same show and if you’re looking to save a bit of money and free up your evening this is the one to pick!

There are several ways to buy your tickets from the show. One is through the official website, the other is through a myriad of discounted ticket sights. The most reliable I’ve found is govoyagin.com! They off 20%-30% off the listed ticket price on the official website depending when you book. And Voyagin customers receive a free souvenir bottle-opener! Prices are 5,248 yen ($48 USD) for the early show and 6,300 yen ($58 USD) for the other showtimes. Children under the age of 3 can enter free of charge. Children over the age of 3 must purchase a general admission ticket (same price as adults). Along with your general admission, you have the option of purchasing a seat upgrade for 1000 yen. This guarantees you a seat in the 2nd and 3rd row right in the centre. There are only three rows in the theatre and honestly, everything moves around throughout the show so I wouldn’t be concerned at all about where you’re seated. There is also a discount off popcorn and the bento box dinner. The food in the Robot Restaurant is far from anything I’d want to spend my money on so I would pass on this and save your yen for a drink at the bar before the show begins (more on that later!)

Access

The Robot Restaurant is a five minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station East Exit. To get to the JR Station East take the Chuo Line direct to Shinjuku Station. Shinjuku station is one of the busiest stations in the city, if not the world, so take your time to study the exit signs and find te East Exit. Taking the wrong exit might mean 30-minute detour to find your way to where you wanted to go. From the exit, head north along Kabukichō and you can’t miss the restaurant as it’s glowing neon lights and outdoor display robots attract a crowd 24 hours a day.

Arrival

If you didn’t purchase your ticket at the ticket counter in Shinjuku you need to bring your ticket confirmation, either from the official website or voyagin to the ticket counter across from the Roboto Restaurant entrance. Here you’ll exchange your voucher for an actual printed ticket with your seat number assignment. Once you have your ticket, you can head across the street and enter the theatre. The lounge opens an hour before showtime where you can sit, have a drink and relax while you wait for your show to begin. GET HERE EARLY! The bar area is one of the best parts of the experience! You are lead into the lounge through a giant set of golden doors and walk thru a light-encrusted hallway. It’s like entering a psychedelic dreamland and truly begins the adventure of being transported into another world.

The Lounge

As soon as you walk in the door, your brain may feel like it can’t even consume all the information being fed to it. There are patterns, colours, sparkles, jewels, gold and more covering the space from floor to ceilings. The building itself is reported to have cost over $10-million, and you can see why in this spectacle of a room. Gold shell swivel chairs surrounding the bar and stage area, crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling and the wall-to-wall mirrors, make it feel like the chamber is infinite.

Even the bathroom is adorned with the most intricate paintings set behind glass, backlight with rainbow LED lights. The carpet is a floral oriental rug design but is made from plexiglass and light from below to give it a brighter effect. There is a small bar towards the back of the room where you can order fancy alcoholic drinks and even non-alcoholic beers. Their sparkling sake is one of my favourite choices.

The Lounge Act

About a half and hour before you have to head into the theatre, you are treated to a musical lounge act by a man dressed in a silver robot costume. He alone comes out on stage to play one of a few instruments waiting for him. You’d expect him to play some loud, thumping dance music based on his look, but instead, he serenades you with 80’s pop ballads and Japan’s favourite – Michael Jackson. I loved this part and could have listened to this emotionless robot play us memorable songs all evenings.

Tips Before the Show

When it’s finally time to descend into the basement to watch the show you are allowed to gather up any drinks you’d purchased and bring them down with you. This is also the best time to use the bathroom since the one in the lounge is much better than the one in the basement. Which yes, is where you’re going.

You descend floor and after floor, feeling like you’re never going to get to the bottom. Luckily, each staircase is decorated with the same fanciful (and sometimes scary) decor as the rest of the place and makes even this walk a gallery tour in itself.




Being Seating

Once you get to the bottom, you find search to find your assigned spots and take a seat in the tiny, desk-like seats. You also have a few minutes to purchase some more refreshments or light snacks from the giant robotic snack cart. They had a variety of exotic popcorn flavours to try and were the best treats on offer.

The Show Experience

Once everyone is seated the show begins….with a literal bang! Taiko drummers are wheeled out on stage, atop a moving robotic platform to perform a traditional Japanese drum song in unison with some modern music which played the background. The power these drummers made with their movements was so intense, and the room felt like it was shaking with their energy.

As they moved around the stage, their drum bases would periodically light up with neon lights. The robotic platform was covered in bright Japanese shapes and figures, which all also lit up from within and moved to the time of the music.

In addition to the drummers, a few lone guitarists on separate robotic platforms running around the stage. Each of them is playing along on their guitars, all the while wearing Japanese Oni masks, which are meant to be representations of demons or ogres. It’s quite the site to see, a terrifying monster, playing (very well at that) some killer guitar riffs.

After their performance, a set of ribbon dancers came onstage. Swirling their brightly coloured sheets of satin in mesmerizing motions, all the while light up by the bright stage lights.  After the dancers finish (they are just there to entertain you while the next set of robots gets ready to come onstage) large bars with chains were set up in front of the audience…this is when the battle was about to being.

This second act was something out of a sci-fi movie. The concept was a Jungle-like world was invaded by robotic monsters, and the animals had to fight back to survive. Honestly, the plot doesn’t matter very much, but it’s entertaining to see them trying to make sense of what really is a nonsensical show.

Two sets of monsters vs. animals would face off, being controlled by their bikini clad female commanders. They shot fire, where hit with explosions and it was all finished when the giant shark came onstage and each one of the robots leaders.

It sounds insane, and that’s most likely because it is. There really is no use explaining these scenes, but take a look at the video to see for yourself.

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Because it was Halloween the last act was appropriately called Happy Halloween. This act started out with scary, monster-costumed dancers coming on stage to scare the audience. But, soon enough, the monsters transformed into Kawaii clad attractive women dressed as cupcakes, mermaids and other “happy” Halloween costumes. It was a very cute take on the subject matter which felt entirely appropriate in this atmosphere.

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Dancers ran about the stage in the most fanciful and psychedelic costumes.




This part of the show didn’t really contain too many “robots”, but it was so much fun no one seemed to mind very much.

Although, the Halloween dance looked like the finale we were in for one last surprise. Glowsticks! We were each handed a glowing stick which changed colour by staff members which we would way and move to the music and as for as cheer on your favourite robot during their last hurrah!

During the last scenes, more and more robots come on stage mixed with dancers, drummers and musicians. There was no rhyme or reason to these machines, they each seemed stranger than the last. Like a line up of discarded creations made by a mad scientist. There was drum playing robo-cats, live women sitting inside giant robotic fembots which tramped around the stage, a robot with a massive armature which flung around a girl playing the guitar and robots who looked like old prototypes for an episode of Doctor Who! They shot smoke from their eyes, hands and feet as lasers danced all over the floor. My favourite robot had to be the toy horses covered in light ropes. They would rise up on their back legs and almost hurl their riders off in their quick, jerky moments. 

We had been in Japan for a few days, but it wasn’t until the end of this show, when we looked at each other, that we said: “now, I feel like I’m in Japan!” There is no question in my mind if you should come and see this show. You NEED to see this show. And if you do, please tell me about it. The whole thing was so crazy sometimes I think I dreamed it all up….

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]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/guide-to-the-robot-restaurant-experience-the-most-exciting-and-exhilarating-show-in-tokyo/feed/ 0 711 A Night out at the Prague State Opera https://thecreativeadventurer.com/a-night-out-at-the-prague-state-opera/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-night-out-at-the-prague-state-opera https://thecreativeadventurer.com/a-night-out-at-the-prague-state-opera/#respond Tue, 12 Sep 2017 14:13:36 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//a-night-out-at-the-prague-state-opera/ The State Opera in Prague opened in 1888 was the New German Theatre. Although the outside of the building is rather drab, it is nothing compared to the incredible neo-renaissance decoration in the interior. The exterior of the building does feature decorations of busts of famous musicians such as Goethe, Mozart, Schiller as well as characters from mythology, always significant in Operas, such as Pegasus, Icarus, Cupid, Athena, Leda and others.

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]]> The first evening we were in Prague, we made a night of it and set off to the Opera! We had both brought some fancy clothes for this type of occasion, so we dressed in our best and set off for a night on the town. I love the theatre but don’t go to the opera often. But when the Opera is such an integral part of the city, it feels like a MUST!

History of the State Opera

The State Opera in Prague opened in 1888 was the New German Theatre. Although the outside of the building is rather drab, it is nothing compared to the incredible neo-renaissance decoration in the interior. The exterior of the building does feature decorations of busts of famous musicians such as Goethe, Mozart, and Schiller, as well as characters fro

Interior of the Prague Opera

m mythology, always significant in Operas, such as Pegasus, Icarus, Cupid, Athena, Leda and others.

The interior makes this building known worldwide as one of the most beautiful buildings in Europe. In 1886 architect Alfons Wertmüller was inspired by the opera houses in Vienna to create a fury of gold and stucco for his new Opera house in Prague. The style of the interior features neo-Rococo decorations.
It features traditional baroque designs with lots of stockworks and gold leafing. Asymmetrical designs grow like flowers across the ceiling and along the balconies. They are graceful and almost weave your mind into a lullaby while looking at them. Inside the larger designs on the roof were dark frescos of famous scenes from the many operas once put on inside these doors.

When the Opera opened, Wagner’s opera “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg” was their first performance. The night we were visiting, we were off to see “Carmen,” an opera by French composer Georges Bizet. Although written by a Frenchman, it is set in southern Spain and follows the life of Don José, a naive soldier seduced by a sultry gypsy named Carmen.

The Production

The production was beautifully designed, well sung and touched on the comedic aspects with dexterous aplomb. We had bought box seats since they weren’t much more expensive than the regular ones, and we knew we wouldn’t have many chances to experience this luxury! And luxurious it was. The seats weren’t the most comfortable, the box itself was like something out of Phantom of the Opera, and the ornate decoration in the booth made you feel like someone special.

Exploring the Opera House

During intermission, we got to admire the detailing around the Opera house. Outside the main theatre, there was only white and gold colouring, and one can only imagine what things would have looked like when the elite of Prague came to the Opera in their colourful finery. We got a few snacks during intermission to enjoy throughout the rest of the show. I was amazed by how compelling the production was; even Dan seemed to enjoy the entire show. After it all was over, we were exhausted from a long day of travel, sightseeing and smiling.

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