Onstage, a group of performers collaboratively crafts a dynamic fantasy world in a live performance filled with unpredictability and split-second decisions that shape the narrative direction. A sold-out show titled Endless Dungeon, led by comedian and game master Brennan Lee Mulligan, will entertain nearly 2,800 spectators at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre on September 10. This theatrical experience falls within the realm of “actual play,” where tabletop role-playing games are enacted for an audience, blending improvisational theater, cooperative storytelling, and game mechanics influenced by dice outcomes.
The growing popularity of live actual play performances, as explained by Emily Friedman, a professor from Auburn University, is evident through online shows such as Critical Role, Dimension 20 by Mulligan, and The Adventure Zone. These live enactments are designed to deliver concise character objectives and story arcs that lead to a definitive conclusion in a few hours, intensifying the action and engagement for viewers akin to a roller coaster ride.
Vancouver comedian Jess Lupini, set to join the Endless Dungeon show, likens the excitement of actual play to the thrill of watching a hockey match due to its inherent unpredictability. Abdul Aziz, another Vancouver comedian participating in the performance, highlights the unique appeal of live actual play being able to experience the raw, genuine interactions among the players while preserving the essence of friends sharing stories.
In the realm of actual play performances, audiences are captivated by not just the fictional characters but also the authentic reactions of the real individuals behind them to unexpected choices made during the game. According to Mulligan, the essence of live theater lies in maintaining a genuine connection between performers while subtly involving the audience, creating a shared experience that resonates with all present.
For Aziz, the allure of fantasy realms lies in challenging societal norms and exploring diverse cultural perspectives, drawing from personal experiences as a child of immigrants. Lupini, a transgender performer on BlackwaterDnD, finds tabletop role-playing games as a safe avenue to explore different facets of identity and self-expression. Through characters with varied pronouns and identities, Lupini discovered a liberating means to embrace aspects of herself that were previously unexplored.
Friedman acknowledges the historical presence of marginalized communities in tabletop gaming and emphasizes the evolving visibility of these groups in gaming spaces, with actual play amplifying their narratives. Em Carlson, CEO of BlackwaterDnD, stresses the significance of trust and safety in enabling creative exploration within tabletop role-playing, underscoring the importance of inclusivity in storytelling to foster a sense of belonging among audiences.
In an era of on-demand and repeatable media, live performances like Endless Dungeon provide a unique one-night-only opportunity for audiences to engage in a shared emotional journey, laughing, crying, and experiencing a range of emotions alongside the performers in an immersive and unforgettable storytelling experience.