Interview: Joe Ball, the Director of Revolution and Artistic Director of Exit Productions @VaultFestival @exitprodu @Kraydius

Last night I was lucky enough to go to The Vaults Festival to see Revolution – an immersive/interactive gaming experience. A review of this will follow but

I was lucky enough to speak Joe Ball, the Director of Revolution and also Artistic Director of Exit Productions.

But first – here is an overview of the show:

In a more and more connected world politics still manages to be something that truly divides us. Revolution gives an audience of complete strangers a fun and engaging way to interact around politics in an action-packed game environment. Audiences will find the game aspect of the performance familiar as there are echoes from classic board games but at the same time Revolution is new enough to keep everyone on a
level playing field. We use this game format to engage the audience in the tactics of the Revolution. By splitting the audience into three distinct factions we pit audience members (often friends) against each other to try and take over our digital map of London. This leads to alliances, coalitions, backstabbing, spying and worse, just like regular politicking. At the same time as placing strategic orders, the factions must come up with policies that they wish to see in the new world before they present them to the room and try and defend them. Adding to the gameplay but also engaging an audience in politics. Testing their ideals and the way that they present them in the forge of public opinion.

And now for the questions.