In this quest for new things I came across Bricolage Theater which is synonymous with adventures theater (see Days 256- Midnight Radio and 279- WordPlay). The Clearing is a personal immersive theater experience where you are part of
the story. My Blog inspiration book, Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book" recommends that we
“Stay Curious” so I was ready to explore my first immersive encounter (IE) and venture into The Clearing!
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| Golden Book, Baby Listens (1960) |
Refection
I had no idea what an IE actually was and after going, I am
still not sure. One thing about being part
of the story is that it forces you to revisit your “child- like place”. A place
where everything new is fun, where you explore,
stay curious, and play.
As you enter, the only instruction was, “The only wrong
way to do this is to not do this”. Basically, you have to play along,
follow the actors leads and engage sometimes without a serious or practical
purpose. You are part of this story but it is really your own story.
The Clearing is a place, a forest, a sound,
a memory and a thought evoked by the set, actors, and your senses. The actors guide you but
it’s up to you to permit yourself to relax, have fun or be “tickled” by the encounter.
IE is based on
some broad theme or concept. Managing Director, Jackie Baker explained,“The experience
is tested over and over before it opens to the public to
see how people will react. It is
constantly tweaked to evoke participation during the experience".
This IE seemed to focus on the clearing of your mind (at least to me because it might seem different to you). It was designed to provoke impactful life memories and encourage letting go of the harmful ones.
I know that it all sounds a bit "zen like" but I enjoyed
it after I overcame the thoughts: “Am I
doing this right? What comes next? Do I look silly?” I assume kids would have less hesitation with
an IE because they are more prone to imagine, pretend and play. As an adult we have to release some control and allow ourself to enter The Clearing and enjoy it.
I would definitely try another immersive experience again. It brought out that child- like curious thread that makes life such an adventure!
(The Clearing runs until July 15, 20018 at Bricolage Theater. For tickets go to bricolagepgh.org.)
Spiritual Reflection
It is God's privilege to conceal things and the king's privilege to discover them. (Proverbs 25:2)