Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – At the cell, THE TIGER’S BRIDE takes a feminist, immersive spin on “Bluebeard’s Castle”

• By drediman
• March 4, 2024
• No Comments

It’s been a while since I’ve last indulged myself in an immersive theatrical experience. That drought ended last night when I attended Theatre Uzume’s production of The Tiger’s Bride at Nancy Manocherian’s the cell. Essentially a large four-story townhouse, the Chelsea venue is the ideal venue to host such an experience – an immersive, feminist spin on macabre “Bluebeard’s Castle” fairy tale based on a novella by Angela Carter.

To set the scene, you arrive at the chateau as a guest to the wedding of Gilles de Rais (i.e., Bluebeard), whereupon you’re subsequently invited to explore the chambers of his home. On your exploration of the various rooms, you’ll assist the curious new bride in unravelling the mysteries of the manor and the enigmatic staff that keep it running. In the process, you’ll encounter darker sides of fairy tale characters you thought you knew. Thanks to the game efforts of a multi-talented/tasking cast, the experience does a good job of integrating the interactive book scenes by Suzanne Karpinski and the moody live music by Lily Desmond with interactive elements involving circus arts, games, and imbibing.

Although still very much a work in progress, the staging by director Suzanne Karpinsk is largely in place. Particularly successful is the sensuous, intrigue-filled atmosphere The Tiger’s Bride casts. Taking best practices from immersive experiences that have come before it, the piece is soundly structured yet allows for substantial freedom for audiences to feel like they have real agency in the proceedings. And for those wary of getting lost in large crowds need not fear – the production is manageable to navigate and the opportunities for interaction are plentiful.

RECOMMENDED

THE TIGER’S BRIDE
Immersive Theater
Nancy Manocherian’s the cell / Theatre Uzume
1 hour, 40 minutes (without an intermission)
Through March 10