Black Mirror Immersive Experience Makes US Debut at The Shed

A new immersive experience based on the dystopian series 'Black Mirror' will have its U.S. premiere at The Shed in New York on June 20, running through September. Developed by Paris-based Banijay Live Studio in collaboration with technology firm Univrse, the hour-long experience merges virtual reality with physical sets. Up to six participants create a personal avatar using their face and voice data, then enter the showroom of Phaethon, a tech corporation launching a humanoid robot called LifeAgent. The narrative deteriorates as themes of surveillance, AI, and privacy unfold. No prior knowledge of the series is required. The experience previously won the Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival's immersive competition in May and opened at Montreal's Infinity Experience space last month, with concurrent runs at Espacio Delicias in Madrid. The Shed, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, has hosted previous immersive works including a mixed-reality concert with Ryuichi Sakamoto and Punchdrunk's 'Viola's Room.' Artistic director Alex Poots stated the experience brings audiences closer to the drama in innovative ways.