I'm reviewing based on my experience at Kaidan Project: Walls Grow Thin.
LESS SPOILERS:
What an elaborate, beautiful, detailed experience!
It was refreshing to experience an immersive horror theater production that knows how to tell a good story.
What Kaidan does better than most others (with the exception of Zombie Joe's in my opinion) is to take very simple ideas or fears, and bring them to life without too much filigree. Kaidan builds from something small to something grand, and they never drop the ball to remind you why you are there, or what might be following you...
What Kaidan nails is the theatricality: the detail in the sets, the colors, the sounds (or lack there of), light cues, shadows, and soundtracks - it's all done extremely well. Not to mention the gorgeous incorporation of puppetry, or their killer location (fabulous creepy warehouse).
Kaidan also takes you on journeys from being a spectator, to the witness, or to being the victim. You suddenly find yourself involved in the story, separated from your peers, wondering what path your role is in the vignettes.
The robbed innocence and naïveté in the major character narratives, who kill, or get killed, to get revenge, make for terrifying tales. Kaidan gets to the heart of an vengeful spirit, and the horrific consequences of meddling with something that can come back to get you.
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PRACTICAL NOTES:
- Get to that area about 10 min early. I had to park 2 blocks over because street parking can fill up (I went on a Sunday eve).
- Follow the instructions on your email. It's easy to find once you see the sign. Trust it, the alley is ok.
- They mean it when they say wear comfy clothes. Crawling, climbing stairs, etc. will occur.
- Bring some cash if you want refreshments. Nothing alcoholic, but good for a quick sip if you want something before / after.
- Bathrooms are port-a-poties, plan accordingly.
- You can take photos in the 1st lobby space, otherwise, keep that thing off and in your pockets. There is supposedly a place to store small bags if you want to bring a purse but not carry it with you through the space. I just always keep it light, so try to if you can.
- I'm always freezing and bring a jacket, but no jacket was needed this time!
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BIG SPOILERS:
- the well room and the vengeance maid - scared the hell outta me, especially when a real person came crawling over the set piece.
- the freight elevator - what a fabulous entrance to the space
- the puppets: I love foxes, but whoever's idea it was to make a fox demon: bravo. That horrible yowl they make is haunting and so sad. All puppetry pertaining to this was top notch. read more