Inspired by the 1933 film The Invisible Man starring Claude Rains and Gloria Stuart, and its 2020 reimagining, INVISIBLE is a sensory experience, not for the claustrophobic. That is made clear during a brief introduction, after which we are ushered into a refrigerated shipping container (that, fortunately, is not refrigerated), containing two rows of theatre seats.
Once seated, we don tethered headphones and wait for the lights to be switched off, after which it is pitch dark. After a few loud drum rolls, we hear a curtain part and we are introduced to The Invisible Man. He moves all around us, as we hear footsteps getting ever closer. The Invisible Man appears to know a number of those in the audience by name.
His first exercise challenges us to each put a hand in front of our faces, before removing it and reflecting on its outline. In essence, he wants us not to be constrained by our physical presence. At one point, we are in the woods. There are significant cracking noises. The Invisible Man doesn’t resile from intimidation. He can invade our personal space. He can whisper in our ear. He holds us captive.
This is all about heightened awareness of surround sound – sound that sends us on a journey, one not for the faint hearted. INVISIBLE is the latest UK-based DARKFIELD immersive experience to reach Aussie shores, joining four others that have previously been here. Twenty minutes is all it takes to be part of it.
The other shipping container outside Arts Centre Melbourne is titled FLIGHT and, as the title suggests, takes us on board a plane. You should allow 25 minutes for that show piece. DARKFIELD experiences are suitable for those aged 13 and above. 13 to 15-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult. INVISIBLE and FLIGHT will remain in the Arts Centre forecourt until 4th January, 2026.
For tickets, go to https://www.darkfield.com.au/melbourne
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Darkfield – theatre review
- Kaleidoscope (Arts Centre Melbourne forecourt) – theatre review
- Overflow (Arts Centre Melbourne) – theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
