The stage design that is the star of "The Dark Fortress"

Theater review in conversation form: Helge Langerud Heikkilä (mentor for Young Voices) and Iulian (18 years old)

On stage we have actors and gamers. Screens and scaffolding. A Hedda Award-nominated performance for the whole family.

What did you think of the performance?
I think it looked really good. I especially liked the lighting and the screens. It was cool that they actually played Minecraft and it fit well into the story. The whole show was therefore fun to watch. The visuals meant that it never got boring. The show is probably best suited to slightly younger children. Perhaps children who are just starting to game? At the same time, the music was very loud, so it can be a bit scary. 

What did you feel the show was about?
There was a boy who had to live with his brother. He was 13 years old and had no friends, but he was good at Minecraft. Eventually he gets to know a girl and he plays Minecraft with her and her friends, but in the game there is a dark fortress that destroys everything. That turns friends into enemies. I think the show was about friends. About not having a good time and that you can then destroy yourself. 

Was there anything you particularly liked?
The screens and the light. The light was very clear. Very dark and then very bright. It made you see that there were different locations even though the set design was very simple. It was just the screens and a scaffolding, but because of the light it was easy to see anyway. 

What are you left with after seeing the performance?
In a way, it was a very simple performance. At the same time, it was never boring. It's a slightly different way of doing theater where you don't have a lot of actors or a lot of scenography, but use sound, light and gaming actively. I didn't think much about the actors' performances because it didn't feel that important. There were other things in focus. And that was exciting.

Who do you think should go see "The Dark Fortress"?
People who want to see a different kind of theater. Families and children. Maybe those who are 10-12 years old. It's fun to see scenography that stands out. In a way, it's the set design that is the star of "The Dark Fortress".