By Emilie Minshew
At Allen Park, Utah Arts Alliance‘s Home of Truth: A Ghost Town Play from writer/producer R.J. Walker is a premiere immersive theater experience in the heart of Salt Lake City. Based on true events, Walker’s play centers around eccentric spiritualist medium Marie Ogden and the mysterious happenings within her religious commune, called the Home of Truth. This intimate production sheds a stark light on a grim and forgotten piece of Utah’s past.
The venue for this show is undoubtably stunning. Audiences are immediately transported to an actual ghost town in Salt Lake City upon entering the gates of Allen Park. Once closed to the public, the production team was granted special access to the park by Salt Lake Public Lands. Crumbling towers, lofty trees, and squawking peacocks make one forget they are in a city.
The show itself is truly unique in that it is a walk-through experience in the style of a self-directed quest. Upon entering Allen park, audiences will be given an explanation of the format of the show and a set of park rules. In the style of Choose Your Own Adventure, audience members will then select how they want to spend their time exploring the park. They can follow a specific character, research the Home of Truth by speaking to members of the commune, get a reading from Marie herself, or enjoy the surroundings of the park. Events of the play occur simultaneously throughout the park and audience members are encouraged to immerse themselves (to the extent they feel comfortable) in the history surrounding them.
This experience is not suitable for children under 12, or those who may be sensitive to discussions about death and dead bodies. The show is not graphic or explicit in nature, but audiences should know there is some sensitive subject matter.
Home of Truth: A Ghost Town Play will leave audiences shocked that they had never heard of Marie Ogden before. The show is scheduled to run for three days starting on April 29th and ending May 1st, though Walker suggested they may try to produce the show again in the fall. Those who enjoy Utah history and spooky stories will thoroughly enjoy this show. The atmosphere and story make for a night of thoroughly enjoyable local theater.
Utah Arts Alliance Presents Home of Truth: A Ghost Town Play; By R.J. Walker
Allen Park, 1328 Allen Park Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Apr 29 – May 1, 2022, 4:00 PM
Utah Arts Alliance Facebook Page
Home of Truth Facebook Event
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