A Wren Says

My whole trip to New York was “artsy.” I had a slate of museum visits already, but Viola’s Room at The Shed provided an additional kiss of culture to fill my creative soul. To say that I saw the exhibit would be inaccurate. This auditory presentation is one that you have to experience. Crouching, slithering, feeling your way through, you are fully immersed in this storytelling produced by Punchdrunk. If you are looking to fully engage in fantasy escape, Viola’s Room is the perfect stop for you, especially as we enter into the spooky season. You have until November 16 to experience it for yourself. Here are some important things for you to know as you plan your trip.

Here’s a trailer for the show, if you’d like a little more insight. (Though I’d suggest going in blind.)

Get comfortable with strangers

After you buy your ticket for your preferred time, you’ll show up to the venue 20 minutes ahead of time to wait in line. Depending on timing of the day, you might be ushered in with a group of complete strangers. The experience is for up to 6 people. I was there on my own, but there were two sets of people making up the group. But don’t worry, you won’t have to make small talk with anyone; you’ll go through the experience silently. The one thing that I would suggest, and this will make sense once you’re there, is to feel comfortable taking the lead to guide the group through the experience. That way it will be easier for you to see and experience what all is happening, and not get annoyed by people who aren’t paying attention and slow you down.

But if you want to make sure you only go with a group you pick, sign up for a private experience.  

You will be barefoot

If you needed any motivation to go ahead and get your pedicure, this is it. You will go through the whole exhibit in your bare feet. No socks. Your toes will most definitely be out. Without giving too much away, it is designed in such a way that your ability to experience the full exhibit depends on it. They do have disinfectants for you to clean your feet before and after. But if you want something stronger, you can pack that in your bag. That brings me to another important point.

You will be asked to leave everything in a box.

You can’t take anything with you throughout the experience. No phones or cameras. (I don’t think you could really use a camera very well in there anyway.) No bags. This for your safety and for the experience. If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your things, consider whether or not you should bring it at all.

It will be dark and narrow.

If you have intense fears of the dark or suffer from claustrophobia, this is not the experience for you.

Go with an open mind

Allow yourself the space to fully immerse in the story. Be in the moment fully listening to the audio track, being mindful of how what you’re hearing is connected to what you see and feel.

After you done, be sure to see the what else The Shed has to offer.

There are always other things to see. There is more art around the space. Also be sure to check out Cedric’s for light bites and cocktails.

If you do go to Viola’s Room, leave a comment telling me what you thought of the experience.