Talk is Free has been mounting increasingly elaborate, site-specific and immersive theatre experiences over the past several years. Immersive theatre, site-specific theatre and audience participation have been around for centuries — the “call and response” format is at least as old as any religious tradition. The audience dons masks and explores rooms in an old hotel, happening upon scenes, or sometimes having a one-on-one experience with a performer. They’re a staple on the London theatre scene at this point, their productions (like 2013’s The Drowned Man) are highly anticipated events. At any show, immersive or not, audience members make themselves willing hostages to the artists for a little while.

Source: National Post November 22, 2018 14:01 UTC