Ray Bradbury (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) is perhaps best known as a science-fiction and futurist/speculative fiction author responsible for titles such as Fahrenheit 451 (a book perhaps of special relevance currently), and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles, and The Illustrated Man. However, he cast his writing net far wider, dipping into coming-of-age stories, screenplays, television scripts, poetry and both fantasy and dark fantasy. In the latter categories we have (the semi-autobiographical) Something Wicked This Way Comes, and The Halloween Tree.
It is this last story in particular, together with Bradbury’s creation of Green Town which form the latest chapter in immersive, event-driven projects developed and staged by Seanchai Library entitled, appropriately enough, The Bradbury Project.
Running through until November 16th, with activities commencing on Monday, October 10th and running through until October 30th, The Bradbury Project will feature readings of The Halloween Tree by Seanchai staff and their friends together with entertainment provided by eClipse Club & Resort, and additional self-guided activities available for anyone who visits through until the project closes on November 16th, 2023.
Th Halloween Tree is the story of eight boys as they attempt to rescue their friend on Halloween night. Under the guidance of the mysterious Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud, they travel through time and space, learning about different cultures, and the role that the fear of death, ghosts, and hauntings has played in shaping civilisations down the ages, and which has contributed to much that is encompassed in modern-day Halloween activities.
The Project take place across two levels within the Seanchai Library home parcel, and for the best enjoyment, visitors to the Project should make sure their viewer is set to Use Shared Environment (World menu → Environment). Also, anyone visiting who isn’t already a member of either the Caledonian Studios or the Quantum Products SL experiences should join them when a dialogue to do so is displayed, as they will allow for a more seamless experience whilst exploring the Project’s locations.
The two levels for the event present interpretations of Bradbury’s Green Town and elements from The Halloween Tree, with both levels the focus of the Project’s events and activities.
The first of these – reached via the teleport portal close to the Library’s main landing point – is a corner of the outskirts of Green Town. Based on his birthplace of Waukegan, Illinois, Green Town was a fictional construct Bradbury used to juxtapose the comforting familiarity of Small Town America with the mysterious (and sometimes dark) events within several of his novels – including The Halloween Tree.
Two further portals with the Green Town setting provide access to the Project’s second level. This contains settings such as the home of Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud, esq., a good portion of the ravine just outside of Green Town, and the Halloween Tree itself. Of the two teleport portals connecting to this level, I recommend making your way to the the one within the first part of the Ravine on the edge of Green Town and using that when exploring.
Bradbury Project Activities and Events
Activities
- “Where’s Mr. Lurky?” – Explore The Bradbury Project – everywhere from the main landing in Town, to the Kite Barn and The Halloween Tree. Look for the funny little black guy with the grinning purple face as you explore, and keep count! Full details for this hunt are available within The Bradbury Project locations.
- Nosferatu on TV in the Halloween Open House – Town Level.
- The Play Park in Green Town.
- The Interactive Bradbury Library at Moundshroud’s House.
Readings and Entertainment
- Readings of The Halloween Tree as follows:
- 19:00 SLT every Tuesday of the event (October 10th, 17th and 24th), featuring Shandon Loring, Faerie Maven-Pralou, and Kayden O’Connell.
- 13:30 SLT every Sunday of the event (October 15th, 22nd and 29th), featuring David Abbot, Gloriana Maertens, and Caledonia Skytower.
- Music entertainment (via folk from eClipse Club & Resort) will be offered on the following dates (all times SLT):
- 19:00-21:00 Friday, October 20th: DJ Momma Hoi.
- 19:00-21:00 Saturday, October 21st: DJ Iniry Vaher.
- 19:00-21:00 Sunday, October 22nd: DJ Caledonia Skytower.
- 21:00-23:00 Thursday, October 26th: DJ Tiger Pawz.
- 21:00-23:00 Monday, October 30th: DJ JAdmiral Maelstrom.
In addition, other Seanchai Library events may take place at the Project, including additional readings of Bradbury’s work, so keep an eye on the Seanchai Library website.
The Bradbury Project has been built by Dagmar Kohime, Gloriana Maertens, Stevie Basevi-Morane and Caledonia Skytower. All tips received by the Project will be donated to Reading is Fundamental.
SLurl and URL Details
- Seanchai Library main landing point (Nowhereville, rated Moderate)
- Seanchai Library website
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 