ArtsDistrict Brooklyn opens and Phantom Peak welcomes its first visitors. (TWO REVIEWS)
When are two reviews really three reviews? When one of the reviews is for a new venue in Brooklyn that aims to showcase tech driven art pieces. Let’s get into it!
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ArtsDistrict Brooklyn — ArtsDistrict Brooklyn
Prices Vary By Experience from $30 to $49.50; Brooklyn, NY;
Through Nov. 20th
ArtsDistrict Brooklyn is a new arts space in Greenpoint focusing on immersive storytelling. The space is a large warehouse type structure with a lobby, large open art space, and an industrial outdoor patio. The opening included the opportunity to see their first three immersive installations: Limitless AI created by Ferdi & Eylul Alici, Flight and Sèance from Darkfield.
Limitless AI is an “Immersive Van Gogh ‘’ style projection and audio show that takes over the indoor warehouse space. Without any real storyline or structure, this seemed to fulfill the more Instagram moment, buzzword meaning of immersive for the venue. Although technically beautiful, this experience was isolating and lacked a real reason for the audience to be there. I didn’t feel engaged or immersed in the experience but rather simply surrounded by a high tech, aesthetic light show.
However, with only having the opportunity to see Sèance, I found this Darkfield installation far more interesting. Both experiences were created in individual shipping containers that sit in the outside area of ArtsDistrict. The shipping container for Sèance is built to look like a Victorian parlor in which audience members take a seat at a long table and don headphones. The experience then happens entirely in the dark, heightening the audio sensation that Darkfield is known for.
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The tech elements of Sèance are very impressive — different technical tactics are used to create the feeling of other people (aside from your fellow audience members) in the room which makes the show feel real and fully immersive. The story itself is fascinating, exciting, and frightening all at the same time, which feels very within the voice of Darkfield’s repertoire.
While ArtsDistrict had both a hit and a miss, I found my experience at the opening to be more exciting than anything else. After losing hallmark immersive spaces in New York City over the pandemic like Wildrence and Then She Fell’s ward, it’s heartening to see artists bring homes for immersive work back to the city.
— Allie Marotta, New York City Correspondent
Phantom Peak — The League of Adventure
£34 to £39; London, UK; Ongoing
Phantom Peak delivers on the promises made last month: the team swings open the saloon doors on a slickly designed hands-on steampunk Americana playground for all ages.
With reportedly up to 52 interactive storyline quests to follow (handily tracked via a private website), visitors can deep-dive into the lore of the town while enjoying quality local food and drink over the course of an entire evening or as a stop-off on the way to other adventures. The producers have promised seasonal content as well, providing continual revisit value.
Some final technical flourishes may have lagged behind the grand opening, but were barely noticeable within the extensive set design and the excitement of midway games, dozens of characters to meet, and even a log ride. Quest progress can be as frantic or relaxed as preferred: two adults were kept fully busy for two straight hours but could have easily slowed down to accommodate slower players or meals and drinks.
Phantom Peak is a solid choice for immersive beginners as well as the completionists, the collectors, the families, and the foodies looking for fun.
— Shelley Snyder, London Curator
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