Review: In the Castle of Eternal Sunset – A Critical Hit for Immersive Theatre in Knoxville

For three nights only, First Take Co. and Fable Hollow Bookshoppe hosted an interactive and gamified theatrical experience, In the Castle of Eternal Sunset, a new play by playwright Charles Green. The play incorporates the chance elements of the popular tabletop role playing game (RPG) Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) into the play’s narrative building and storytelling. After all, D&D is a form of theatre in its own way, and In the Castle of Eternal Sunset expands that experience for up to 20 audience members to participate in that storytelling in low-stakes, randomized moments—effectively dictating the futures of the two boys whose D&D campaign we witness onstage. Director EG Roeder crafts an immersive, innovative experience that is sure to be a treat for anyone, but especially for fans of D&D and interactive theatre.

In the spirit of maximum theatrical immersion, I elected to partake in all the fun offerings this event provided. First, I opted to be a participant in the readings for the performance.

Once settled in with my booklet, I stopped by Fable Hollow’s coffee bar and ordered a Health Potion, a cherry vanilla soda created specially for this event. It’s a sweet and refreshing drink and kept my whistle wet in case I was rolled to read, (which I was!) so I was glad to have my Health Potion on hand throughout the night. Audiences can also choose from any of Fable Hollow’s drink menu items; as it was a biting cold night, I saw many ordering hot coffees and hot chocolates, as well…

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