Step into the Unknown: Darkfield Arrives in Aotearoa for the First Time
Published: Tuesday 8 April 2025
Auckland Live and Realscape Productions are thrilled to present DARKFIELD’s, internationally acclaimed ground-breaking immersive audio experiences, in New Zealand for the first time. Known for pushing the boundaries of sensory storytelling, DARKFIELD offers audiences a unique theatrical experience that blurs the line between reality and imagination.
Set to debut on Wednesday, April 30th in Aotea Square, DARKFIELD will present two experiences: SÉANCE and FLIGHT. Set inside custom-built shipping containers, these pitch-black environments utilise 360-degree binaural sound and innovative special effects to create thrilling, immersive worlds that challenge the senses and explore the depths of human psychology and perception. Each individual experience lasts between 20 and 25 minutes and will have staggered start times, meaning audiences can move easily to attend both while enjoying an evening in Aotea Square.
DARKFIELD has captivated over half a million audience members globally, with its acclaimed audio experiences featured at major festivals and cities including the Venice Film Festival, BFI London, Tribeca, SXSW, and across the UK, US, Australia and Asia. New Zealand audiences have been eagerly awaiting their turn — and now, after years of anticipation, SÉANCE and FLIGHT will finally open in the heart of Auckland from April 30 to June 8.
“There’s been real anticipation around DARKFIELD coming to Auckland, and we’ve felt it. Partnering with Auckland Live has given us the opportunity to deliver these works with impact — and we’re curious to see how local audiences respond in the dark.” Amy Johnson, Producer, Realscape Productions
ABOUT SÉANCE
SÉANCE is the first DARKFIELD shipping container experience, transforming the interior into a Victorian séance room. Designed to blur the line between what is real and what is imagined, it explores the psychology of a group of people, asking that they believe not only what is happening inside the container, but also in what might be conjured up into the room with them.
“It's skin-tingling, breath-quickening stuff.” – The Stage
ABOUT FLIGHT
FLIGHT’s container interior exactly replicates an airline economy cabin complete with seats, windows, a TV screen for in-flight announcements, and even in-flight safety cards. The unsettling journey in complete darkness explores the Many-Worlds Interpretation of quantum mechanics, taking audience members through two journeys, two worlds, two realities. There are many worlds in which this plane lands safely.
“Perfectly programmed high-art…a reminder of one’s closeness at all times to death that spits you out into the sunlight feeling palpably, certainly, alive.” – Exeunt Magazine
Daniel Clarke, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s Director Performing Arts, leading Auckland Live adds: “DARKFIELD’s SEANCE and FLIGHT are exciting additions to our arts and culture offering in Tāmaki Makaurau and a highlight of Auckland Live’s Aotea Square program in 2025. These 20-minute immersive experiences have thrilled audiences internationally and we look forward to bringing them to our region. With the NZ International Comedy Festival, Auckland Writers Festival and many more exciting events happening across the city throughout autumn and winter, DARKFIELD’s immersive experiences are perfect before or after another show, or as a daring pre-dinner date.”
Each DARKFIELD production is a deeply intimate journey, centering audience members in narratives that are as captivating as they are unsettling. From exploring the mysteries of the supernatural to confronting the anxieties that linger in the subconscious, DARKFIELD’s experiences promise to be unlike anything Kiwi audiences have encountered before.
“From classic horror to futuristic sci-fi, these thrilling shows in shipping containers [...] will awaken your senses” ★★★★ TimeOut
Ticket prices start from $20* and will be available to purchase on Tuesday 8th April at 10am in Auckland Live’s Presale, followed by Ticketmaster’s Presale at 12pm. General Onsale tickets will be available from 9am on Wednesday 9th April.
*Service fees apply
