What is it?
An IMMI is an experience, a cross between theatre and entertainment. It is part puzzle, part game, part Agatha Christie novel, and part WhoDunnit party. Despite being greatly inspired by puzzling children's picture books (such as Graeme Base's The Eleventh Hour), IMMIs are very much created and intended for an adult audience. IMMIs as a genre were conceived by company founder and current creative director, Vanessa B Baylen, in 2003.
How do I participate? How does it work?
You enter a room. You may find all sorts of things in there: live suspects, strange objects, videos, computer games, cassette tapes... Some things will be visible, but others will be hidden. You may need to open cupboards, lift carpets, uncover plates, or pull back curtains. Some things are red herrings designed to confuse you and lead you away from the truth (The Answer), but there are also a great many clues to assist you on your quest.
What happens prior to arrival to this room, in order to prepare you for the puzzle you are about to enter, is you are given a brief. The brief will include (to some extent) what you need to do (for example, interview the suspects). It is left up to you how you, as an individual or as a group, will tackle the puzzle. The brief will also include details of the crime: the method of murder, the victim, the suspects. While an outline will be given on what is known so far, it will be up to you to discover all that is hidden and ultimately to solve WhoDunnit -- if you can. All detectives at the end of the performance-experience will fill out a WhoDunnit form summarising their notes on Who, What, Where, When, Why and How.
An IMMI is not unlike a cocktail party where you mingle and chat. When it comes to the art-like objects, a "touch me!" policy applies (it is a necessity that the pieces be played with). Most commonly IMMIs are a combination of tactile (art) and spoken (theatre) components.
So I don't just sit there and watch?
Correct. An IMMI is not a traditional theatre event. There is no pre-planned 'performance' (no staged moments, no script); everything occurs organically on the night. That is not to say that the characters (suspects) have not been carefully crafted, that they don't have real motives, detailed pasts, and abundant secrets; they most certainly do and it is for you to discover. But simply put, everything that occurs any given night is determined by your actions and questions.
Does the murderer/s change every night?
No, that would make it impossible for you to solve. The Answer, the Who-What-Where-When-Why-and-How, is most certainly set.
Is there seating?
We realise the even the keenest detectives will wish to take a load off at some point, and there will always be some seating available -- just don't expect the puzzles to come to you.
Do I get told the answer?
Yes. At the end of the performance you will be given a card with a web address which will hold The Answer. The card will also specify what time and date the answer will be available. This may not be immediately, as The Answer cannot be revealed while the season is still running. It would do no good for someone who knows The Answer to turn up to a show and reveal all in the first 10 minutes. We don't want to spoil your experience, so we keep this confidential until a suitable time.
What if I think I've got it?
If you think you have solved the mystery and you still have time remaining, try to verify your facts. It is unlikely that the murderer will confess (in fact, be careful not to upset them, or else they may strike again in your direction!), but follow your leads and document as much evidence as possible. Also, ensure you have all the information pertaining to the suspect's motive.
What if I just want to watch?
The purpose of IMMI is not passive entertainment, but active participation -- that is, for our lazy grey matter to be exercised and challenged in new and exciting ways. However, if you desire to "watch", you are welcome to follow another detective around the room while they interact with the puzzles and people. We would hope that you would become inspired to join in after your cold feet have melted.
Is it suitable for children?
It is up to parents to determine the suitability of our content for young people. Obviously, a murder has been committed and there will be suspects will adult issues. If you would let your child watch a prime time crime TV show, then this wont be too far out of their league. We would generally rate ourselves suitable for Mature Audiences.
Is it suitable for Hearing or Vision Impaired individuals?
Yes, to an extent. Most IMMIs offer a combination of tactile clues, and conversation-based suspects, so there should be something for everyone. Where there are access requirements, we are keen to assist where possible. Auslan interpreters and the like are very welcome.
I don't have enough time!
We often receive this comment. You are always welcome to come again and pick up where you left off. Solving a murder always takes more time than you'd expect, and we recommend you attend a show early in the season so that there is the option of further attendance and thus more time. Depending on the IMMI, a discount may be possible for repeat attendance.
My question wasn't answered.
So sorry about that. Please follow the links to contact us and we'll help you out as soon as we can.
