roomsplay

Roomsplay is a form of live performance in which the narrative unfolds across a sequence of separate rooms or spaces within a single venue. The rooms function as distinct environments—such as an apartment, a corridor, a stairwell, or an outdoor enclosure—each hosting scenes, installations, or interactions that advance the story when accessed in a chosen order. Audiences move through the spaces themselves, either guided by performers or by their own navigational choices, producing a non-linear progression and a heightened sense of immersion. The approach emphasizes spatial storytelling, close actor-audience proximity, and the use of lighting, sound, props, and set design to mark transitions between rooms.

Origins and context: Roomsplay emerged in discussions of contemporary immersive and site-specific theater in the 2010s and 2020s, as artists expanded beyond traditional proscenium staging. It is often described as a variant of immersive theatre that foregrounds architecture and layout as an active element of the narrative.

Design and execution: Effective roomsplays rely on careful architectural planning, clear but flexible pathways, and safety considerations for moving audiences. Designers compose each room to convey mood and information while ensuring smooth transitions, and technical cues guide participants through the experience without requiring one universal route.

Variants and reception: Some roomsplays are tightly scripted, with performers binding scenes to specific rooms; others allow more exploratory or game-like interaction. Critics note strengths in intimacy and agency, alongside practical challenges such as logistics, scalability, and accessibility.

See also: immersive theatre, site-specific performance, interactive theatre.