DARKFIELD – Produced by Denver Center for the Performing Arts Off Center and Realscape Productions (presented at the Bird Lot, 2532 Larimer Street, Denver) through September 1. Tickets available at 303-893-4100 or denvercenter.org.
A quick overview: Three large storage containers have been placed on a vacant lot in downtown Rino that have been outfitted with technical equipment that allows participants to experience an “auditory adventure.” Participants can experience the uncertainty of a SEANCE, the anticipation of a bumpy landing in FLIGHT, or taking part in a coma-induced dream world in COMA. All in total darkness and experienced through headphones. Each adventure is approximately 30 minutes long. While the sensation going into the “theatre” is trepidation and anticipation, the sensation coming out is relief and a sense of “I made it through that.”
What I thought was going to happen going in: There would be some kind of simulation of a fortune-teller’s room with tables that moved and things that went bump in the night. Maybe a projected ghostly figure appears or an actor invites confidences. Deliberately not reading much about it in advance, these anticipations were quickly dispelled by the outward appearance of the containers. Too long and narrow to contain my imagined gypsy hovel. The doorkeeper explained that the experience was in total darkness and that claustrophobic people should probably rethink going in. Then the doors opened and a long narrow table presented itself with padded chairs on both sides. What have I gotten myself into?
What happened inside: You move into place and are instructed to place the headphones on. Once everyone is settled and geared up, the lights go out with a bang. They aren’t kidding about total darkness. You might as well keep your eyes shut because you can’t see anything anyway. A soothing voice comes through the headphones that instructs you to place your hands on the table and don’t take them off as it will break the connection with the spirit. This mysterious voice moves around you and seems to walk on the table. I can feel his footsteps behind me and on the table – although how is he doing that without stepping on fingers? The table is too narrow. He questions participants and begins to call forth the spirit. You ponder the possibility of a loved one reaching out to you in spite of yourself. There are additional unexplained noises as “the spirit” joins us. Then apparently someone moves their hands from the table and all hell breaks loose. After what seems like a long time, the doors open and the whispering voices cease. The blessed outside appears.
What – upon reflection – happened: This is technical theatre at its best. A carefully curated experience is created using only darkness and state-of-the-art equipment to create movement, sound, and intensity in a vacuum. Your own mind creates what is happening in the darkness. Which probably means the experience will be different for each participant. It is a relatively harmless maneuvering of your psyche for a short, unusual experience. I anticipate that the other two events – COMA and FLIGHT – are similar in nature.
My admiration for the skill it took to create the mechanics of the collected events led to my enjoyment of the experience. But I can’t in all conscience call this theatre. Theatre is, to me, the human connection with the audience. While intimate auditorily, it was like a movie with no screen. All in your mind – which could be a scary place for some.
A WOW factor of 8.25!!