The NPJ sat down with Director Brett Alan Garfinkel to get the inside scoop on Modern In Motion IV happening Oct. 18, 20, 21 and 23 at 7 p.m. at the Sweet Cane Inn.

“I always go home to New York in the summer,” said Garfinkel. “While I was there I was inspired by a big movement going on right now called Immersive Theatre. The audience is really up close and personal with the performers. The two immersive theater experiences that inspired me the most were Punchdrunk’s ‘Sleep No More’ and Third Rail Projects’ ‘The Grand Paradise.’  I merged my recent inspiration with an idea I’ve had for a long time now, which is doing a show in a house. After talking with John and Kathy Richmond and seeing the décor and the furniture of Sweet Cane Inn, I knew that it would be the perfect place to create my own interactive immersive theatre experience right here in Natchitoches.”

Many things about this year’s Modern In Motion are different. There will be costumes, live music by Kisatchie Sound and rules.

Rule Number One- Everyone Wears a Mask and the Mask Must Stay On

Rule Number Two- No Opening a Closed Door

Rule Number Three- Respect All Performers

“It will be set in the 70s,” said Garfinkel. “When they step into the Sweet Cane Inn they will know they are in a different time period. Everyone will be wearing masks to give the audience a sense of being one. There will be something happening on every floor. Different scenes will be going on simultaneously and audience members will choose where they go. The story may be interpreted differently by each of the 50 guests allowed at each showing.”

Thursday, Oct. 20 will be the night of the Gala. Gala tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door.  Performances on Oct. 18, 21 and 23 are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. All performances except the Gala are $7 for students. The Gala is sponsored by the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission.

There will only be 50 people allowed for each performance so it is recommended to reserve tickets in advance. For tickets contact Brett Alan Garfinkel at 318- 357-5788 or email garfinkleb@nsula.edu.