ARCADE is the latest immersive theatre experience from DARKFIELD, a choose-your-own-path experience full of binaural sounds and sensory effects in a completely pitch-black shipping container. We went down to Lakeside Arts and gave it our best go.
Ready to be immersed in the mind of an augmented reality character and take your senses on a wild ride like no other? We braced ourselves for ARCADE, the new choose-your-own-adventure theatre experience, which you can try for yourself at Lakeside Arts on the Nottingham University Campus until Sunday 24 March.
After stepping into the container and the doors closing, the overwhelming darkness removed our sight, leaving the remaining senses, particularly hearing, enhanced. It's an overstimulating feeling as we seamlessly slipped into our character experience, making us feel fully part of the character's life as we ventured from decision to decision, each as punishingly consequential as the last. With the story being entirely based on choice, it was a unique experience for everyone inside.
Using the nostalgic 8-bit aesthetic of 1980’s video games, we the audience, or ‘players’, were guided through a ravaged war-torn world, which asked us to pick a peaceful or troubled route. Each path displays different parameters of the journey, which relies on addressing deep existential questions about free will and consciousness in a world where some may win and some may lose.
Before entering, a content forewarning had prepared us - and any visitors should be aware - this show takes place inside a pitch-black shipping container, so may be inappropriate for those who are claustrophobic or of nervous disposition. In addition, the themes of barbarity and savagery may be unsuitable for younger or sensitive audiences, but perfectly satisfy the intrigue of others.
Renowned for being at the forefront of technology and theatre, DARKFIELD create detailed, strange worlds, each time inside a shipping container's confines. Having toured worldwide to over 500,000 audiences, their experiences have featured in major film festivals such as the BFI London Film Festival, Venice, Tribeca and many more.
With regular annual visits to Lakeside Arts, last year they brought ‘Séance’, which explored the psychology and sensations of a haunting featuring intense sonics in a Victorian setting. But, this year ARCADE awaits, promising to transport you to the future and spark captivating conversations. More than just a show – this immersive adventure that invites you to embrace the unexpected and walk away questioning your own reality. Do you dare enter?
ARCADE is on at Lakeside Arts Centre on University of Nottingham campus until 24 March. You can buy tickets via the Lakeside website.
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