Labyrinth - The Womb Room

You sense that you are nearing the end of this strange journey. Two identical doors are before you. An officious-looking person in a white lab coat inspects you over her glasses, then checks a list on her clipboard. She will instruct you which door to enter. Through the left doorway people pass looking expectantly at one another, where to now? Through the right doorway, which is only offered to a select few, you can see nothing but darkness. Which door will you enter?

After correctly answering some very odd questions and patiently waiting your turn, you are told you may enter the doorway to the right. It is very dark, but before the door closes you can see a small, soft nest in which you are told to sit.

At first, all is silent. You can hear the murmur of music and voices outside. It is very, very warm in this small, padded space - not quite as hot as a sauna, but much more humid. You're not sure if it's oppressive or pleasant. The Invigilator told you that if you needed to escape you were just to call out - and she's right there, just outside the door. You relax a little and notice that there is a dull, regular thudding noise.

An occasional woosh surges through the pulsing noise. Is that a cat purring too? The heartbeat changes its tempo, faster, slower. You forget the noises outside, your stressful day, even your friends waiting for you in the main space beyond. You are safe here, safe in this soft, warm haven. Apart from the world and it's jarring harshness. You can feel your muscles soften and you breathe deeply. A slight sweetness hangs in the air, perhaps it's cinnamon? Spices, fresh flower petals?

The beating slows down until it has stopped altogether. A smooth voice instructs you that your time is over, you must now leave the space. Another doorway is opened by a woman dressed in an identical lab coat, with glasses and a clipboard. She asks you if you would mind answering a few questions, then you are free to join the group in the main space.

Invigilators: Austin Falconer-West
Installation Design (including Sound): Kat Black and Jasper Cook

The Social Space