Cirque du Soleil last night in London. Two hours of pure magic disguised as circus performance.
Watching those acrobats twist through the air whilst musicians played live underneath them, everything synchronised perfectly. The lighting transformed the entire space every few minutes. One moment you’re underwater, next you’re in space.
Got me thinking about my own work. Why do books have to be just… books?
The whole experience was seamless storytelling without words. They used bodies, music, lights, even the audience’s gasps as part of the narrative. No exposition needed. You just felt the story happening around you.
Been learning about integrated marketing campaigns at uni. How brands use multiple touchpoints to create one cohesive experience. Literature could learn from this approach.
My alien character in the WIP would be fascinated by this. Humans gathering in darkness to watch other humans defy gravity while orchestras make them feel emotions they can’t name. Pure absurdity that somehow makes perfect sense.
Started sketching ideas on the train back to Brighton. What if interactive fiction included soundscapes? Visual elements? Not just “choose your own adventure” but full sensory immersion.
The marketing lectures talk about customer journey mapping. Maybe reader journeys need the same treatment. How do you guide someone through a story using more than just words on a page?
Cirque du Soleil proves you can tell complex stories through pure spectacle. The plot was simple but the experience was unforgettable.
Makes me wonder what I’m leaving on the table by sticking to traditional formats. The alien story might be perfect for experimentation.
Daria Ryzhikova Writer