Forget everything theatre has taught you about Macbeth, forget stage direction, set design, ambience and even the storyline. Sleep No More will really have you “sleeping no more” once having experienced this inventive concept in theatre production. Pioneered back in 2000, production company Punchdrunk invites masked audiences to roam throughout various rooms, viewing scenes of physical, sensory and visual means, immersing them into the world itself. Instead of a stationary 2D experience, a kinetically 3D trip into a world of deceit, treachery and betrayal is first up on the menu.
The story itself takes place in the previously abandoned/unoccupied McKittrick Hotel located in New York City on West 27th. Owned by the McKittrick family, the hotel opened in 1939 and unable to withstand the economic downfall surrounding World War II, it was forced to shut its doors. Up until today, its premises were largely left unoccupied, leaving a time capsule of sorts. Much of the original décor stands in its place as it did back in the 40’s. Scouting New York website has a great collection of photos and insight into the history of this building which has created the perfect background for Sleep No More. For more information on the production you can troll through http://sleepnomorenyc.com/ and for a more thorough overview of the evening itself, the New York Times review is a great reference (and read in itself). Can’t wait to tick this off the top of my list!
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