In this brief installation piece, Darkfield conjure a range of realities for the audience aboard their Airbus 320. Yes, it’s an almost exact aeroplane interior. Replete with overhead baggage lockers, pot-luck seatbelt comfort, and flight cards. As interactive experiences go, this one is right up there.
A highly original opportunity to engage with something new, fresh, and entirely different
Using binaural 360 degree sound to create a wholly recognisable yet darkly dystopic world, this is not one for nervous flyers or those who are easily spooked. What it is though, is a highly original opportunity to engage with something new, fresh, and likely entirely different to anything you might have seen at the Fringe before. Although, to say ‘seen’ rather mis-sells a show which spends about 80% of its 25-minute running time in the dark.
The conceit is simple: we all board the plane as the Chief Steward - more than somewhat sinister in her roboticism - goes through the repetitive motions of aeronautic safety. These opening filmed snippets are reminiscent of those Dr Who parallel world episodes from the Tennant Golden Age; whirling about the consciousness like scotch mist, tempting us in with their familiarity, whilst simultaneously locking us out with their detachment.
We are then plunged into the darkness, each passenger donning a pair of headphones which use their surround sound technology to weave a series of potential outcomes to the flight. We tangle briefly with Schrödinger’s Cat: but not to a brain tickling extent for those unfamiliar. We have whispered conversations with a dubiously-familiar Captain, enjoy the sensation of other peoples babies screaming whilst we’re trying to sleep. All that’s missing is some unidentifiable gelatinous mess served up as supper and resolute foot drummer on the back of the seat and we’d be all set.
The plot - what there is of it - needs to remain an enigma to ensure future audience engagement. But it is also fairly and deliberately intangible, forcing the participant to question one’s own imagination in reactivity. There are deeper questions of quantum mechanics to explore if your multiverse allows for that; or just sit back and doze. Either way: make sure to fasten your seatbelt, as you may be in for a bumpy ride.
your cup of tea
