Sleep No More

In 2018, the buzz around town was all about a groundbreaking theatrical production taking place at the McKittrick Hotel in New York. Sleep No More allowed audiences to roam through over 15 sets and witness the performance up close.

Intrigued, my girlfriend Maja and I secured tickets and arrived to enjoy a pre-show cocktail. Upon arrival, we were presented with cards by a masked man and woman resembling characters from Eyes Wide Shut. The card you received determined your unique starting point. Donning masks, the dark and enigmatic atmosphere took hold as Maja and I, like other couples, split up to explore.

What followed was a truly mesmerizing and spectacular experience. A modern take on Macbeth unfolded before our eyes, as we freely roamed around the various stages, choosing which part of the show to witness. The anticipation of the possibility of an on-on-one interaction with one of the actors added an extra layer of excitement.

After about thirty minutes, I stumbled upon a bar, where two groups of people and a bartender cleaning glasses were congregating. Suddenly, the groups departed for another stage, and the bartender motioned for me to follow him to a back room full of liquor. As someone who didn't drink at the time, it was challenging to explain that to the bartender, so I gave in and took a few shots. As I did so, the bartender disappeared without any explanation.

Later, experiences got wilder and wilder, and complete story started to unfold before my eyes. I kept thiking that I need to participate more ... Anywhere.

My experience taught me a valuable lesson about human behavior and our innate desire to be a part of something rather than just being a passive observer. We live in a world where consumption has become a default mode of existence, and people are craving more active and immersive experiences.

Sleep No More provides the perfect antidote to this trend, inviting audiences to actively engage in the performance and become a part of the story themselves. The freedom to explore and choose which parts of the show to witness allows individuals to feel a sense of agency and control over their experience.

This concept is not limited to the theatre world, as we are seeing a shift towards more participatory experiences in many industries. From immersive museums to interactive advertising campaigns, people are seeking out more active and engaging experiences. Retail companies are starting to understand the concept of immersive retail. We will write about these concepts more in the following posts.  

Ultimately, Sleep No More shows us that the desire to be a part of something and have a say in our own experiences is a fundamental aspect of human nature. As consumption continues to dominate our lives, it is crucial that we continue to seek out and create opportunities for active participation and engagement.

Overall, Sleep No More is an absolutely mesmerizing and immersive experience. The attention to detail in the sets, costumes, and performances is truly remarkable. The modern take on Macbeth is brilliantly executed, and the non-linear storytelling allows each individual audience member to craft their own unique experience.

My only caveat would be that the sheer size and complexity of the production can be overwhelming at times, and it can be difficult to fully grasp the entire story and all of its nuances in one visit. However, this is also part of the appeal, as it encourages repeat visits and further exploration of the intricacies of the performance.

Sleep No More is an absolute must-see for any theatre lover or anyone looking for a truly unique and unforgettable experience.