Immersion is all around us, and perhaps it always has been. But we keep discovering it anew every time an experience is unique enough that we notice we are having it. From Greek tragedies and Medieval passion plays to 1960s happenings and environmental theatre to installation art, live action game play, and pricey Instagram-ready themed “experiences,” immersion as aesthetic approach and marketing ploy always offers irresistible novelty amidst the ordinary. Immersive theatre and art over the last few decades in particular has walked a line between deliberate obscurity and globally marketed phenomenon, sometimes, as in the cases of companies like Punchdrunk and Meow Wolf, with little space between. Aaron and Ira discuss the relative value of the hard-to-find experience that rewards pursuit, but of necessity must exclude, and discuss the need for some critical distance, and the impossibility of maintaining that distance while on mushrooms. But is putting it all on Gossip Girl the only democratizing alternative? Some things to consider over a few bites of the World’s Largest Sandwich. ¿Conoces la mayonesa?


Music:
“Open Up Your Heart” by Roger Miller (a song which features the show’s namesake lyric). arranged and recorded especially for JIALIO by 80 Foots, Chicago’s only End Times Vocal Trio.

“Open Up Your Heart” by Buddy Killen + Roger Miller
Arranged and recorded by: 80 Foots (https://www.facebook.com/80FPM)