DARKFIELD - pioneering producers of innovative, immersive experiences at the forefront of technology - have announced DARKFIELD AT THE DITCH.
Following a critically-acclaimed premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024 and a sell-out run at BFI London Film Festival, DARKFIELD presents their newest experience, ARCADE, which will headline the residency at Shoreditch Town Hall from Tuesday 1 - Saturday 12 April.
For the first time, DARKFIELD will present one of their experiences outside their trademark shipping container, with ARCADE transposed into the untouched basement of iconic Grade II listed Shoreditch Town Hall. Audiences can also experience three DARKFIELD RADIO projects: DOUBLE, VISITORS, and ETERNAL; and enjoy a drink at a purpose-built bar in The Ditch.
Using the nostalgic 8-bit aesthetic of 1980’s video games, ARCADE’s interactive narrative explores the evolving relationship between players and avatars. Over 30 minutes, audiences will choose their own path through the story whilst experiencing DARKFIELD’s signature 360-degree binaural sound and sensory effects for a fully immersive experience.
Each at their own individual arcade machine, players will guide their avatar through a world ravaged by endless war: you can choose a side, win or lose the war, search for a peaceful route, or join a cult promising a better version of reality. Players will ask themselves difficult questions, as they navigate a world where some will win and others will lose. No two journeys through the experience will be the same.
In surrounding rooms, all three DARKFIELD RADIO: Season One projects: DOUBLE, VISITORS and ETERNAL - born during the pandemic - will become physical installations for the first time.
DOUBLE (★★★★ - The Guardian) is a troubling exercise in familiarity for people sitting opposite each other on either side of a kitchen table, exploring the Capgras delusion, an uncommon condition in which the sufferer is convinced that a loved one has been replaced by an exact replica with malign intentions.
VISITORS (★★★★ - The Stage) is a reflection on our irrepressible desire to touch and explores why the dead find so little comfort in the world of the living. This is an experience for only two audience members at a time: to be booked into as a pair.
Experienced lying down in a bed, ETERNAL (★★★★ - The Reviews Hub) explores the quandary of eternal life and wonders what price you would pay to achieve it...
DARKFIELD said: “We are so excited to be coming to Shoreditch Town Hall for a residency this April, especially bringing ARCADE - our most ambitious show to date - into such a unique space as The Ditch. This will be the first time that we have transposed one of our shipping container shows into a new environment and it just feels like the perfect fit. We can’t wait to see DARKFIELD AT THE DITCH fully realised and really hope our audiences enjoy exploring the world they are immersed in.”
Ellie Browning, Head of Cultural Programme, Shoreditch Town Hall, commented: “Our atmospheric basement space The Ditch is perfect for populating with pioneering immersive experiences, and so we are thrilled to host a DARKFIELD takeover this Spring. Their seriously clever use of tech, coupled with interactive narratives transports players to other worlds and promises experiences that our audiences won't forget.”
Previous praise for ARCADE
"A rare and exciting departure from conventional theatre that pushes the boundaries of art" ★★★★★ - Theatre Scotland
★★★★★ - The Quinntessential Review ★★★★ - The Skinny ★★★★ - Broadway World ★★★★ - Edinburgh Festivals Magazine ★★★★ - Theatre Weekly ★★★★ - ThreeWeeks ★★★★ - Time Out ★★★★ - Starburst Magazine ★★★★ - The Wee Review ★★★★ - Corr Blimey ★★★★ - Voice Mag
For more information and tickets: https://shoreditchtownhall.com/whats-on/darkfield-at-the-ditch