At immersive shows like Sleep No More, The Drowned Man, and Life and Trust, hand-holding couples are a scourge of my existence.
What I’m about to say may make you feel angry and defensive, but listen: I’m right.
If you’re a couple going to an immersive play like Emursive Productions’ Sleep No More or their new show Life and Trust, I need you to stop holding hands during the show. Just stop it.
If you’re not familiar with these plays, they take place in massive sets that span multiple floors. The action flows through the space, with actors constantly in character as they move from scene to scene — with several scenes happening simultaneously. You, as a spectator, can choose where you want to go at any given time. You can explore the set, or follow a specific character through the entire play. At Sleep No More, you can just sit in the bar and listen to lounge music! It’s your choice.
Importantly, if you go with a bunch of friends or, yes, even a partner, you can end up having totally different experiences of the show. In fact, one could argue that this is the intention.
But every time I go to one of these shows, without fail, there are multiple couples holding hands the entire time. They are running up and down the winding stairs while holding hands. They are moving down dark, maze-like tight hallways while holding hands. They are attempting to chase down actors while tethered to each other like they’re stuck in a finger trap.
It’s. Very. Annoying.
First, this is purely a logistical problem. If you are holding hands with someone, you are slower. You just are. And that means you’re getting in the way, and holding up everyone who is trying to follow the actor you’re following.
