At Punchdrunk’s latest immersive theater creation, Viola’s Room, guests are greeted with an unexpected request: to remove their shoes and socks and sanitize their feet before entering the performance space.
This distinctive experience, directed by Felix Barrett—known for his work on Sleep No More—invites audience members into a sensory journey that begins in a room furnished with six beds.
From there, participants embark on a labyrinthine installation, guided by the interplay of light and sound, as they explore the gothic tale of Viola, which unfolds despite the surrounding pitch darkness.
For an hour at The Shed in Hudson Yards, a small group of six strangers is immersed in Viola’s world through narrated headphone audio adapting Barry Pain’s short story “The Moon-Slave.” Writer Daisy Johnson skillfully weaves themes of innocence and obsession into a thrilling narrative without the presence of a single actor, creating an intense atmosphere throughout.
Prior to entering Viola’s Room, audience members are advised to arrive at The Shed at least 20 minutes early. The experience follows a strict shift schedule, ensuring a seamless transition as one group completes their journey before another begins.
Late arrivals are not permitted, reflecting the commitment to Viola’s uninterrupted story and her many anticipated guests.
Before diving into the experience, a Punchdrunk team member provides essential guidelines for participants to fully enjoy the immersive setting.
A palpable sense of fear and anticipation lingers in the air as audience members settle into flimsy wooden chairs beneath dim lightbulbs, some visibly contemplating their ability to endure what lies ahead.
These emotions mirror Viola’s own narrative, as Punchdrunk meticulously adds layers to the production to enhance this experience.
Barrett emphasizes that this performance approaches a new level of intimacy: “It’s the most intimate and distilled form of a Punchdrunk experience we’ve created: an invitation to step inside a teenage daydream and surrender to the unknown.
In a non-stop world of screens and tech, this is an invitation to succumb to a live, tactile, and fully sensory journey.”
Adding to the atmosphere, scents play a pivotal role in the production. Audience members are met with floral and woodsy aromas, alongside the inviting scent of a freshly cooked meal, though all food visible in Viola’s Room is purely decorative and inedible.
Guests should also be prepared for elements like haze, flashing lights, loud recorded sounds, and moments of complete darkness, as well as navigating very narrow spaces that may require crouching or crawling.
Comfortable, loose clothing is highly recommended for this unique experience.
Participants are required to leave cameras and mobile devices behind, with a complimentary bag check available at the Mezzanine level of The Shed, where personal belongings can be stored safely.
As a highlight of the experience, attendees must take part barefoot, making it advisable to come prepared—perhaps with trimmed toenails, should a date be involved.
Viola’s Room is an enchanting plunge into a thematic exploration of gothic tale-telling that challenges traditional theater experiences and offers its participants a sensory adventure unlike any other.
image source from：timeout
