Punchdrunk, who pioneered the concept of immersive theatre in the UK, has announced new show Viola’s Room for its London home in Woolwich.
Viola’s Room will get its world premiere in May 2024, written by Booker Prize-shortlisted author Daisy Johnson. The story reimagines Barry Pain’s classic gothic mystery The Moon-Slave for a new audience.
The experience promises to distil two decades of Punchdrunk’s immersive practices into an intimate, linear, audio-driven adventure. Barefoot, and wearing headphones, small groups of up to six at a time will feel their way through a maze-like installation as an unseen narrator guides them on a sensory journey to reveal a story of innocence lost and obsession unleashed.
Viola’s Room is conceived, directed and designed by Punchdrunk’s Artistic Director Felix Barrett, with co-direction by Associate Director Hector Harkness (One Night, Long Ago; The Third Day), and Designer Casey Jay Andrews (Punchdrunk’s The Burnt City), Lighting Designer Simon Wilkinson (Disney’s Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Metamorphosis), and Sound Designer Gareth Fry (Macbeth at the Donmar Warehouse, Complicité’s The Encounter).
Punchdrunk director Felix Barrett said in a statement: “When The Burnt City closed, our laboratory opened, and Woolwich became Punchdrunk’s home to experiment, play and develop – allowing us to prototype long held dreams and new ideas. Our ambition over the coming years is to open our doors as never before, offering audiences a chance to experience the evolution of these ideas from limited runs to larger-scale works. It’s with great excitement that we prepare to welcome audiences to the first project in a new era of Punchdrunk shows, Viola’s Room – an uncharted landscape – a moonlit fever dream.”
Punchdrunk was founded in 2000 by Felix Barrett, and has pioneered a form of theatre which places the audience at the very heart of the action. Previous shows include Sleep No More in New York and Shanghai; The Drowned Man: A Hollywood Fable; and their latest production, The Burnt City.
Viola’s Room will play from 14 May 2024 for a strictly limited season to 18 August 2024, at Punchdrunk’s home at One Cartridge Place, Woolwich.
More about tickets to Viola’s Room
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