In the immersive theater piece, Halloween Underworld (2018), Nadia Roden and Tammy Burnstock drew audiences into a school that served as the door to a haunting rendition of the Greek underworld. Situated amidst the fog is a boat’s trip through the depths of Hades’ underworld, replete with light projections and the chilling ambiance of ancient myths. More than just visual and auditory experiences, the unique element that elevated this production was the collaboration with students to weave scent into the narrative. Delving deep into ancient Greek death rituals, we crafted perfumed oils to saturate funeral shrouds, while baskets brimming with era-evocative flowers served as potent visual and olfactory touchpoints. Halloween Underworld engaged, educated, and enthralled its young participants, proving that the realms of myth, theater, and education could beautifully coalesce in a shared space.

Team: Nadia Roden, Tammy Burnstock