Interactive Video Game Theater Show 'asses.masses' Premieres at Sydney Festival

The interactive video game theatrical show "asses.masses," created by Canadian theatre makers Patrick Blenkarn and Milton Lim, is being presented at the Sydney Festival in the Sydney Opera House.The performance involves a single audience member stepping onto the stage as the 'player,' using a controller to guide the collective audience through a custom video game.Milton Lim explained that the almost eight-hour game was developed for audience interaction and collaborative storytelling. Its narrative follows a group of unemployed donkeys who have lost their jobs due to rapid industrialization and are searching for a new direction.The show examines the social experience of playing games together, drawing on the nostalgia of communal gameplay from the 1990s and early 2000s. Patrick Blenkarn noted that this format fosters shared power and moments of democracy within the audience, who often offer feedback and commentary to the active player.Blenkarn and Lim independently developed the game, resulting in a dynamic experience where each performance unfolds a unique story. The game's focus on a 'herd' of donkeys with diverse perspectives on labor and life mirrors the varied experiences of the audience.The creators intended to incorporate different game genres and aesthetics to encourage player switching. This design allows audience members with specific gaming strengths, such as 2D platforming, to take control, making the experience accessible rather than punishing.Lim stated that while challenging games influenced their design discussions, the focus was on creating an inclusive environment where extensive gaming skills are not a prerequisite. "asses.masses" integrates elements of theatre, gaming, and social gathering.The show is scheduled to run on January 24 and 25 as part of the Sydney Festival.