
Directed by Simon McBurney, The Encounter tells the true story of National Geographic photographer Loren McIntyre who in 1969 found himself lost amongst the remote people of the Javari Valley in the Amazon. It was an encounter that radically changed his life.
For over thirty years, renowned UK theatre company Complicite has dazzled audiences with their spectacular use of technology in theatre. Fresh from New York’s Broadway, London’s West End and Edinburgh, their most immersive work to date uses state-of-the-art audio design to lead audiences into a remote world, raising some of the most urgent questions of today: how do we live and what do we believe to be true.
As each member of the audience dons a headset, they are plunged into the Amazon through a 3D soundscape, where the heat of the rainforest and the whisper of unfamiliar languages whip through the ears, in an intoxicating and immersive experience. Expect to be on the edge of your seat.
HEARING IMPAIRED PATRONS
The Encounter is experienced through headphones and heavily incorporates a stunning sound design. Whilst many people with minor hearing impairments will find the headphone system adequate to hear the show, we also have oversized headphones for those wearing external heading aids, can provide personal induction loops, and have sockets for patrons with direct inputs. We can also provide a mono version of the show, and independent volume controls for people with reduced hearing in one ear.
PRODUCTION PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS
A Complicite co-production with Edinburgh International Festival, the Barbican, London, Onassis Cultural Centre–Athens, Schaubühne Berlin, Théâtre Vidy-Lausanne and Warwick Arts Centre.
Key image: Zan Wimberley
Images: Richard Katz

INSPIRED BY /
The book Amazon Beaming by Petru Popescu
DIRECTION /
Simon McBurney
PERFORMED BY /
Richard Katz
CO-DIRECTION /
Kirsty Housley
DESIGN /
Michael Levine
SOUND /
Gareth Fry with Pete Malkin
LIGHTING /
Paul Anderson
PROJECTION /
Will Duke
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR /
Jemima James
Event & ticketing details
Accessibility
Performance Times
Event notes
DURATION /
1 hour, 55 minutes (no interval)
NOTE /
Headphones are supplied and will need to be worn by the audience throughout this performance.