Christchurch to host zombie theatre and gaming experience

To be held at an as yet undisclosed secret location, the 'Zombie: Red Zone' will present an immersive entertainment experience based around the familiar theme of a 'Zombie apocalypse'.

Created by David Van Horn and Simon London of Royale Productions, the show was a smash hit when it launched in Auckland in 2013 (under its original title Apocalypse Z). A theatrical rule-breaker, it fostered a new audience not usually associated with the theatre; young men and women aged between 13 and 30.

Commenting on the success of the experience, psychologist and TV personality Nigel Latta, the author of 'The Politically Incorrect Guide to Teenagers' wrote "Apocalypse Z was genius, so good I saw it twice. It was a triumph in a time when so many young people live their creative lives online, or have the creativity mass-produced for them via video games."

The success of the Apocalypse Z led to an expanded experience 'Zombie: Red Zone Gaming', a live-action version of the show, which made its debut during the 2014 Big Day Out in Auckland. Players were asked to pit their wits against hordes of zombies in installations across the festival, for the chance to win the ultimate Pearl Jam experience.

A statement from Royale Productions added "the magnitude of its popularity stretched (our) resources to the limits; and with crowds having to be turned away, ... banished any doubts about the popularity of this new form of theatre."

Taking its cue from first person video games, in Christchurch, Zombie: Red Zone Gaming will be an audience led experience that combines immersive theatre, live gaming and interactive role play. Participants follow clues and embark on a quest combining video game aesthetics, orienteering and site-specific performance.

The initiative is unrelated to a series of 'Zombie' gaming events planned by Apocalypse Events in 2013. That venture did not proceed after failing to secure funding.

Zombie: Red Zone Gaming taking place in Christchurch from 17th April to 1st May.

For more information go to www.dashtickets.co.nz/event/pq4h129yj

21st May 2013 - GAMING ATTRACTIONS SET TO EXPLOIT ‘ZOMBIE’ TREND