This is a sponsored article on behalf of the BFI London Film Festival.
An immersive installation is coming to central London this autumn... and it looks (literally) out of this world.
NOWISWHENWEARE (the stars) by award-winning artist Andrew Schneider transports visitors to the centre of an ever-shifting cosmos. Inspired by the awe of seeing the Milky Way for the first time, this ambitious fusion of theatre and technology features nearly 4,000 reactive LED lights and a 496-channel soundscape. It's brought to the capital as part of the BFI London Film Festival — which takes place 8-19 October (previews from 3 October) — and tickets are on sale now.
Commence your cosmic odyssey in total darkness, before stepping inside a glittering galaxy that bids you to connect with your inner self and reflect on your place within the universe.
If you liked Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Rooms, you'll love this. Schneider is a leading figure in the world of immersive storytelling, and NOWISWHENWEARE (the stars) is just as spectacular and thought-provoking as his previous works, which have toured internationally to sold out audiences and won a ton of critical acclaim. New York Magazine called his Obie-winning show, YOUARENOWHERE, "transcendent mind-f*ckery", which gives you a sense of the artist's vibe.
You might be wondering what this kind of multimedia installation has to do with the BFI London Film Festival. Allow us to explain: it's part of LFF Expanded, a showcase of bold new forms of storytelling that looks beyond the silver screen.
Of the programme, BFI London Film Festival XR & Immersive Programme Lead Ulrich Schrauth says:
"This year’s LFF Expanded transforms iconic London venues into portals of discovery. We invite audiences, artists, and industry alike to immerse themselves in a programme that is as contemplative as it is playful, as poetic as it is innovative - and to imagine, together, the future of storytelling."
You'll find pioneering projects spanning immersive art, VR, gaming and AI at the BFI Southbank, BFI IMAX and Rambert Studio. The European premiere NOWISWHENWEARE (the stars) is at the latter. This rare chance to see Schneider's work IRL is one of LFF Expanded's most ambitious works to date, and tickets start at just £10 (£6 for 16-25 year olds). You'll want to act fast if you fancy getting your hands on one though; the installation is at Rambert Studio with previews from 3 October, and the full experience from 8-19 October only.
Get yours now and prepare to be plunged into this vast theatrical cosmos.
NOWISWHENWEARE (the stars) at Rambert Studio. 8-19 October (previews 3-7 October). Book now from £10.
