Bocs presents the UK premiere of Empereur, an interactive and narrative experience in virtual reality, which invites the user to travel inside the brain of a father suffering from aphasia. It is the story of a man who’s lost his ability to speak, and of the daughter trying to communicate with him.
It is the story of a woman, who wasn’t given the chance to know the man behind her father, now obscured by this illness. As she tries to piece together what remains of his language, she discovers that his relationship to words is connected to his memories. The memories of an entire lifetime... Step by step, clue after clue, we will dive alongside her into the inner world of this man, in an attempt to decipher the story he can no longer tell us.
In a monochrome aesthetic, close to traditional animation, this personal story is told as a journey with surreal overtones, exploring aphasia as a faraway land.
Empereur is a poetic experience of the loss of one’s faculties, of the passing of time, and of the bonds that, despite everything, remain.
Opening times:
Sun – Mon 11am – 4.30pm (last entry 3.50pm)
Tue – Sat 11am – 6.30pm (last entry 5.50pm)
Running time: 40 minutes
Age guidance: 10+
VR is not recommended for under 10s. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
What is a Virtual Reality experience?
Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to create a simulated world. Guests wear a headset with integrated over the ear headphones.
Do I need to book?
This is a free walk-in experience, no need to book.
Do I need to bring anything?
Spectacles may be worn under the VR headset however it may be more comfortable to wear contact lenses or go without your glasses for the experience.
What are the health and safety measures?
Most people do not experience any negative reactions to Virtual Reality. However, VR may be disorientating for individuals who are neurodiverse, have hearing or sight impairments, or experience vertigo, epilepsy, dizziness, seizures, motion sickness or fainting.
If you are pregnant or have a pacemaker, please consult with your GP before taking part.
Trained facilitators will be on hand to provide support and guidance throughout the experience should you require it.
We thoroughly clean and sanitise all equipment, including headsets and headphones, with hospital-grade antibacterial wipes and a UV machine before each use. We request that you use the hand sanitiser provided on arrival.
Under 16s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. VR is not recommended for under 10s.
Babies in slings are not permitted inside the experience.
Any guests arriving for the experience who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to take part.
