Dear Esther Live

As an experience, Dear Esther Live was unique. A full play-through of the computer game (one without any violence or puzzles; just a lonely wander across an island) with live voiceover and music created a poignant, sometimes foreboding atmosphere. Atmosphere was indeed the main draw here because while the music and visuals could be striking, even breathtaking, the acting was at times declarative rather than emotional; the writing served to obfuscate rather than illuminate any plot the piece had. I would still recommend this as a curate’s egg: a digital tone poem of not inconsiderable beauty.

2 February, Brighton Dome, 2 February 2018
Rating:
Simon Plotkin