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As an audience member and a mercifully no-longer actor, I've been asked to do a lot of things in a theatre space. But something I was not expecting while attending Punchdrunk's newest immersive theater creation, Viola's Room, was being asked to remove my shoes and socks and sanitize my feet before seeing the show. The titular room, equipped with six beds, is merely the starting point for this sensory journey directed by Felix Barrett, of Sleep No More fame.
Led by light and sound, I felt my way through a labyrinthine installation as this gothic tale unfolded before my very eyes—except, of course, for the pitch darkness. Over the course of an hour at The Shed in Hudson Yards, our small group learned the story of Viola through over-ear headphone narration, which is based on the short story "The Moon-Slave" by Barry Pain. Writer Daisy Johnson adapted this short story into a thrilling and surprising adventure with themes of innocence and obsession—and did so without a single actor in the room.
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The experience began with my designated group of six strangers inside a dimly lit room. Before you make it to Viola's Room, make sure to arrive at The Shed at least 20 minutes before the allotted time, as this experience operates on a shift schedule; one group cannot begin until another ends. Not only that, but there is no late entry allowed—Viola has many guests!
Once inside, a member of Punchdrunk's team explained the performance and how to best enjoy the experience. The lingering feeling of fear and anticipation were heavy in the moments before I entered and took a seat in a flimsy wooden chair beneath a dim lightbulb. I even witnessed a number of people having second thoughts about whether they could endure the experience. These same emotions were very present in Viola's own story, and Punchdrunk goes to great lengths to provide that layer to the production as well.
"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," Barrett said in a statement. "In a non-stop world of screens and tech this is an invitation to succumb to a live, tactile and fully sensory journey."
To add another layer, scent is also incorporated into this production. I noticed hints of floral and woodsy aromas, as well as the blanketing scent of a freshly cooked feast. That's about the closest you’ll be getting to taste, I'm afraid, as the only food in Viola's Room is plastic and definitely not edible.
Be prepared for haze, flashing lights, loud recorded sound, and moments of darkness, as well as very narrow spaces—some of which require audiences to crouch, crawl or bend over to pass through. Wearing comfortable and loose clothing is recommended. Cameras and mobile devices are not allowed. There is a complimentary bag check at the Mezzanine level of The Shed to store personal belongings, as well as labeled boxes to house any on-person items and shoes before entering the space. Sanitizer is provided for feet as this must be experienced barefoot (so make sure to trim your toenails before attending, too, especially if you're bringing a date).
General admission tickets start at $49. Shows run Tuesday–Sunday until Oct. 19. As Viola's Room operates in groups of six, there are also private bookings available. Groups smaller than six are not guaranteed to experience the show together, so be prepared for that. While you're at The Shed, also check out some art at the free Open Call: Portals exhibition through August 24.