In a world where conformity often reigns supreme, Dissent emerges as a beacon of defiance and introspection.
Created and guided by the shapeshifting Māori storyteller Daley Rangi, Dissent transcends the boundaries of traditional gaming, offering participants a chance to navigate the complex web of morality and choice in a hyperlocal setting.
At its core, Dissent is not merely a game – it is a profound exploration of everyday resistance and societal norms. Each session unfolds with four strangers seated around a table, facing a series of discomforting choices presented through the roll of a dice.
Dissent
- Arts House Melbourne
- March 20 to 24
- Tickets are on sale now
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As participants grapple with ethical dilemmas, they are forced to confront both external authority and the depths of their own morality, as the audience is invited to participate or just watch.
Rangi, the mastermind behind Dissent, draws inspiration from acts of passive resistance, weaving a tapestry of narratives that challenge players to question the status quo.
“Dissent is about everyday activism,” Rangi explains, “and the choices we make minute to minute, hour to hour.” Through this interactive experience, players are invited to reimagine their roles within the fabric of society, sparking dialogue and reflection on the power of individual agency.
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What sets Dissent apart is its immersive approach to storytelling, grounded in the familiar landscapes of North Melbourne. By infusing the game with local references and nuances, Rangi invites participants to inhabit a world that is both recognizable and surreal, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
Jonathan Craig, an Arts House Access Advisory Member, expresses his anticipation for Dissent, highlighting its departure from traditional escapism. “Dissent flips the script,” Craig observes, “gamifying the familiar” and challenging players to confront difficult decisions within the context of their everyday lives.
As Dissent makes its debut at Arts House, Acting Artistic Director Olivia Anderson extends a warm welcome to Rangi, praising the game as a “provocative and imaginative new work” that delves into the profound implications of individual choice.
Tickets to Dissent, running from March 20 to 24 at Arts House Melbourne, are on sale now. Grab yours here.
