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At Buro Curious we implement immersive elements as a directive to enable all the senses and create an impactful experience. It evokes a sense of curiosity in our audience, regarding each other and the world around them. We were interested to reflect on the importance of this curiosity and the tools you need to achieve this with another immersive maker.
This newsletter we asked Francine Boon from Sherlocked to share her experience:
What makes an experience ‘immersive’ in your eyes?
When I have the feeling that I’ve stepped into a complete other world. At a regular theatre performance you enter a theatre that is part of our real world. But an immersive theatre dives its audience into a world that is a complete and new reality that has been designed to enhance the story. And I want ‘it’ to feel real.
It can definitely help to have actors around that make you feel part of the story by addressing you in a certain way, handing you objects or guiding you into a part of the world. But also an experience without actors can feel real. At Sherlocked we put tremendous effort in the design principle we call ‘touch real’. We make sure that the story we want to tell in our escape rooms is sensible in all objects, storylines and locations you encounter. When you find a drawer, you need to be able to open it and find something real inside it. This item should be created from the exact materials that were used in the time period your story takes place in. An immersive world makes you forget that it is created for you. Within it you should never encounter something that is ‘not real’ and gives you a ‘huh?’ moment that breaks the spell.
Why are immersive experiences important?
I feel they create a safe environment where you can practice ‘being human’. It gives you a way to experiment with all facets of your being. All of a sudden you can become the hero, enjoy the art of lying or be a rebel. You may discover parts of yourself you might not encounter in your daily life. Sometimes these qualities can enrich your life or help you develop as a person. With my work I hope to pitch in on this process of surprising yourself and the people around you.
What tools do you use at Sherlocked to create a feeling of immersion?
Our main strategy is making sure that something feels real, we call it‘touch real’ design. We take this principle very far and apply it on both materials, as well as story elements. The story we craft also needs to have a basis in reality and connect to the location we’re going to use.This translates in the authenticity of the participants' experience.
For example: Sherlocked is located in the ‘Beurs van Berlage’, a monumental former stock exchange that harbors several authentic areas such as the original vault complex.. We start with the space we have and slowly build the right atmosphere related to the story we’re trying to tell. The historic character of the building helped us to create a convincing ‘Alchemist’s library’. The story told in The Alchemist is based on a lot of research on real Alchemy, and what you’d expect in a story around alchemy, like potion making, planetary systems and science. Blurring the fine line between reality and fiction results in a feeling that you’re a part of something real.
Do you think the Netherlands are ready for immersive theatre?
First off: I’m thrilled that immersive theatre is gaining ground in the Netherlands. I think it's best if we introduce the existing, traditional theatre audience slowly into this new world, for example by creating an experience around an already known story. This way people can more easily relate and feel safer to explore upon entering the experience. The setting and rules of the experience should be very clear upon entrance, so people are enabled to participate more curiously and freely.
The newest Sherlocked experience The Alchemist will launch in January 2023, make sure you don't miss it.
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