Tethered: An Immersive Theatrical Experience

PACA

Tethered is a one-of-a-kind immersive theatrical experience that has been a year in the making. Multiple spaces within the PACA building will be transformed into a walkable stage-set where stories of addiction, trauma, and, ultimately, hope will be portrayed through multiple performances.

PREMIERING FRIDAY, FEB. 16

A unique and interactive theatrical experience inspired by a true story is opening in Erie for one weekend only. Tethered is Erie's first immersive theater experience, created by the storyteller Nikki Behr. Tethered is a year-long collaboration featuring over 50 Erie-based actors, dancers, and musicians. The experience of Tethered conveys the demise of relationships and touches on themes of addiction, codependency, domestic violence, rehabilitation, therapy, and hope. Creator and writer Nikki Behr spoke on the show, saying it was "inspired by a real story that explores the disintegration of a codependent relationship and the role addiction, alcoholism, and trauma play in its demise." Even though the themes of the show are heavy, the producers hope to create a vision of light and hope, and intend for the audience to feel and heal through their experience.

Behr explains, "As our guests arrive, they will initially be dropped off in different parts of the building where they can see pieces of the story performed by actors and dancers, synchronized to a musical score composed by local jazz musician Tony Grey." Behr went on to say that attendees "can choose to be drawn into the story by the performers or they can simply be a witness."

The length of the show is around one hour, however the performance will be repeated three times, back to back, to allow the audience to spend as much (or as little) time as they want in each space. Attendees will be able to go from scene to scene or follow a specific character. Behr says, "The choice is theirs; they create their own version of the story." Producers know that the topics are heavy, but hope that each character will show redemption throughout their journey. Folks from SafeNet will be on hand to provide safe rooms for the guests if they should feel triggered or need to step away from the experience. Behr understands the nature of these topics, "We realize these themes can be difficult for some and it is vital we take care of all those in attendance who feel strong emotions as they journey through the show."

Behr comments on potential future iterations of Tethered: "Our hope is to keep the momentum rolling into our next endeavor and to continue telling stories that bring people together, reminding them they are not alone in life. We are all Tethered." Advance tickets required; no tickets will be available at the door.

Friday, Feb. 16 and Saturday, Feb. 17 // Doors at 5:30 p.m., performance begins at 6 p.m. // PACA, 1505 State St. // $35 // For tickets and info: tickets.eriereader.com