You know how it is. The kids get to wear cheap costumes and receive massive amounts of candy from total strangers. What can the adults get from this annual holiday? Thrill, fear, and economic profit? Okay, fair trade.
New York City, an already artistically developed area, has become the birthplace of extreme haunted houses. This form of entertainment has been gaining substantial popularity during the past two decades. Because it relies on thrill, it needs to be continually innovative in order to generate dependable revenue. However, this usually entails the fear-factor to become more and more shocking as time passes.
The establishments in NYC are meeting that expectation, by intending to mentally disturb and shock its visitors. In fact, it is so “spooky” that no one under 18 is permitted inside. Examples of these mysterious lairs are “The NYC Halloween Haunted House,” “Blood Manor,” and the previously mentioned “Hotel Savoy.” Like I’ve noted before, I believe that the most effective and impressive productions are those which involve its audiences. Elaborate sets and costumes create mental disturbances among the visitors. Actors play moribund characters that have their own story to tell, and intend to involve you in their misery. These create striking sensations and excitements that will have “victims” talking about the production for days afterward.
Taking these factors into account (set design, artistic costume, interaction with audience, entertainment with profit), is it possible to consider haunted houses as “theater?” Could it possibly evolve into its own distinct art form?
Although it’s early, I’ll take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Halloween!
Article from The New York Times.
People will pay for anything. Happy Halloween.