A “Queer Immersive Fairy Circus Adventure” is Coming to SF

Bora “Max” Koknar

Remember when Netflix came to town with those “immersive” experiences of Bridgerton and Stranger Things, and everyone was worried local independent theater was over? Well, that didn’t stop Mystic Ventures Collective from creating their own immersive experience– San Francisco style– with their new show, Don’t Follow The Lights. That’s right: it’s a queer immersive fairy circus adventure that has all the heart those lavish Netflix “experiences” were missing.

Audience members are welcomed in by folx in costumes and given clear directions as to the limitations of the show – talk to the actors all you want, don’t touch the circus equipment – and are then led into a decorated room with various factions of fairy groups to talk to. There are many different storylines to follow, and the audience has a direct influence over where the story goes and how it ends.

But don’t worry if you’re not into the interactive element. If you just want to observe, you can wear a glow necklace and no one will approach you directly. And there’s plenty to just watch if you take that route. A visit from the fairy queen, a competition amongst fairy factions, and plenty of fun circus performances fill out the night in addition to the interactive and gamified element. For gamers and fantasy nerds who want an IRL experience, it’s the perfect way to spend an evening. But if you just want to sit and absorb the theatrical atmosphere around you, that is also an option – there’s something for everyone.

Don’t Follow The Lights is an interesting experiment in mixed genres, but it’s also just a lot of fun. The performers are talented and committed, and the rules of the fantasy world are clearly delineated. What it lacks in budget, it makes up for in heart.

Don’t Follow The Lights plays September 15 – October 7th at San Francisco Circus Center. Tickets are available right here.