THE HANGOVER REPORT – HOUSEWORLD creates a gloriously messy immersive world

IMG_5420When it comes to immersive theater, can you have the best of all worlds? Andrew Hoepfner’s ambitious site-specific Houseworld, which closed last weekend at Brooklyn’s atmospheric San Damiano Mission, thinks you can. Houseworld attempts to create a fantastical world which combines the best elements of New York’s other immersive theatrical experiences – notably the freedom of movement of Punchdrunk’s smash hit Sleep No More, the intimacy and linearity of Third Rail Project’s exquisite Then She Fell, and the depth of interaction of the Speakeasy Dollhouse shows. Oh, and let’s not forget, lots of booze.

I’m happy to report that Houseworld, which activates our subconscious in the form of a surreal quest, succeeds in its lofty goals – almost. There are roughly 30 audience members admitted per performance, which keeps the whole experience rather intimate and every small discovery a soulful personal revelation. These audience members, whom you are free to interact and partner up with, in a way also become characters on your journey, which is a fascinating and somewhat frustrating feature unique to Houseworld. You see, as you can appreciate, there is no quality control on your fellow audience members. Your ultimate enjoyment of the piece is dependent on how well you play with others and and how well others play with you. The result is a potentially uneven and unavoidably messy experience; but when things fall into place, which may be few and far between, Houseworld is glorious.

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HOUSEWORLD
Off-Broadway, Immersive Theater
San Damiano Mission
Approximately two hours (without an intermission)
Closed

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

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