"We're always mistaking stories for reality, aren't we?"

May 15, 2020 1:08 PM

For one week only, a free stream of The Encounter ("please wear headphones to watch"), a uniquely immersive theatrical work created for binaural audio. "The Encounter tells the story of National Geographic photographer Loren McIntyre who, in 1969, became lost in a remote part of the Brazilian rainforest while searching for the Mayoruna people. His encounter was to test his perception of the world, bringing the limits of human consciousness into startling focus." Directed and performed by Simon McBurney and awarded a Special Tony Award for Sound Design for Gareth Fry and Pete Malkin.

As noted, the performance relies on 3D audio intended to be heard through headphones (in the theater, every seat is provided with a pair), so the effects do not work through speakers. The performance is available for free streaming through May 22nd.

posted by zachlipton (5 comments total)

This came through my work and holy crap it's great! Any headphones will do but for real watch this with head phones.
posted by Uncle at 2:13 PM on May 15, 2020

And hey if you've got a theatre that you frequent and wanted to throw them a couple of bones while watching the stream that would be cool. I dont know if my industry will recover for decades. The art will go on but making a career of it is going to be even harder now.
posted by Uncle at 2:15 PM on May 15, 2020 [5 favorites]

I saw this live a while back and it was pretty great. Looking forward to watching and hearing it again!
posted by moonmilk at 2:41 PM on May 15, 2020

incredible
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 11:01 PM on May 16, 2020

That was amazingly immersive. I wish Spalding Gray were alive to see this .
posted by OHenryPacey at 9:08 PM on May 17, 2020 [1 favorite]