CMU School of Drama


Thursday, January 27, 2022

2022 Without Walls (WOW) Festival Initial Lineup Announced

by NoPro Newswire | Jan, 2022 | No Proscenium: Without Walls (WOW) Festival in San Diego has long been the leading showcase for site-specific and immersive theatre in the United States, In years past the festival has brought artists like Pittsburgh’s Bricolage to the West Coast, and given a platform to homegrown voices like David Israel Reynoso’s Optika Moderna.

2 comments:

Louise Cutter said...

I am from Los Angeles, which is close to San Diego, and I, unfortunately, have never heard of this Festival. Reading the description, it seems to hit exactly the type of theatre I want to create: immersive. While yes, all theatre should be immersive, Without Walls seems to take it a step further, presenting experimental works that emphasize immersion and interactivity. I haven't had a lot of opportunities to work in this type of theatre, as my education so far has mainly been focused on creating productions in the style of mainstream theatre. The productions I am most drawn to are those that move away from this idea, and push the boundaries of design. Seeing that there are festivals where I can observe, learn, and experience these types of productions is very exciting, and I am eager to do research on others I can hopefully attend. Based on when this festival is, I might even be able to visit it!

Elly Lieu Wolhardt said...

The lineup for the Without Walls (WOW) Festival in San Diego, the historically leading showcase for site-specific and immersive theatre in the United States, has been announced! I had never heard of the festival, but just reading the words ‘immersive theatre’ made me very excited, particularly as someone who has more of a fine arts background. I’ve always adored art installations, so to see the interactive aspect of them merged with theatre is particularly powerful. This festival also includes virtual work, further allowing more audiences to interact and connect with theatre–I strongly believe virtual theatre is important in increasing the accessibility of theatre as an art form. The work that Without Walls Festival presents are visceral works that prioritize the experience, meaning, and emotional connection to the audience. I’ve never been anywhere close to California, but should the Without Walls Festival continue to be an annual event, I definitely will strongly consider making that trip!