Ultra Dark Society Interview Tristan Wells

Extremity and Revelry – An Ultra Dark Society Interview with Tristan Wells

Tristan Wells emerged onto the immersive scene in 2018, as co-creator of I Pledge Allegiance, an immersive horror experience that blended escape room elements with an ancient tale of necromancy. From there, he joined the team at HVRTING, helping bring their satirical horror nightmares come to life. But in 2019, Wells stepped out on his own to produce Death Project, one of our top experiences of the year. He will continue this brand of dark and brutal horror simulations into 2020 with the three announcement of three new shows under his company: Ultra Dark Society.

 

Haunting had the pleasure to sit down with Wells and discuss Ultra Dark Society, his upcoming shows, and the immersive speakeasies he plans to produce. Read on to learn more about this dark horror.

 

Ultra Dark Society Interview

 

In your own words, what is Ultra Dark Society?

Ultra Dark Society is a series of experiences provided to anyone seeking something more in their lives. It also serves as a bridge between haunt veterans and newcomers to find common ground over fear or celebration. It is a magnifier of raw emotions and a mirror for an authentic self.

 

What is the mission and vision of the company?

Ultra Dark Society seeks to better all its members, and by consequence the immersive community as a whole. Everyone wants to improve something in their lives and it is our hope to provide that thing that’s missing. Be it through struggle or celebration, we want each individual to discover the best version of themselves.

 

What themes or tonality should guests experience within the walls of your experiences?

Attendees of Ultra Dark shows can only expect the unexpected. Eliciting genuine emotional reactions is a key to any good narrative. Shows will explore some of the darkest parts of the human mind as well as existential crises that all of humanity faces. Nothing is ever off limits.

 

Ultra Dark Society Interview

 

With themes of the afterlife, existentialism, and governmental control, what inspires you? Are there any specific films, novels, comics, or other immersives that influenced you?

From a young age, I was always drawn to stories of good and evil. In that vein, I think classical works like Dante’s Inferno and The Odyssey have been major influences in my work. However, there is something equally appealing about the brutality in modern horror movies like Martyrs or Raw. I think the blending of these distinctly different eras can create super compelling narratives. As far as inspirational immersive shows, both BLACKOUT and Heretic have paved the way for all future extreme haunts and deserve the utmost respect. Additionally, my time with the Director working on HVRTING has taught me a lot about what it truly takes to put a show together, and for that I’ll always be thankful.

 

Your website announces three new projects for 2020. The first is Cyberdeath, which is part two of your Death Project Trilogy. Can you tell us how this experience continues the Death Project narrative, and what guests should expect from this event? Can guests who did not attend the first chapter attend this?

Death Project thrives in the realm of anonymity, and Cyberdeath is no different. However, I can say it will again continue the same narrative while exploring a different afterlife mythos through a fresh lens. Due to the extreme and boundary-pushing elements of Death Project: Ritual, participants had to prove their desire to be a part of the experience well in advance of their invitation. Cyberdeath will continue to be an invite-only show, but one lucky new participant may be given an opportunity to join in the adventure.

 

The second is Black Tears, touted as an exorcism of our primal filth. What should guests expect from this experience? With a lowered intensity, is this a strong starting place for those interested in the company?

Black Tears is a more abstract piece which explores existential nihilism and how complete indulgence can stave it off. The lower rating of this show is largely due to the reliance on thematic and psychological intensity over physical aggression. This show will have extreme sexual content and disturbing imagery throughout. For those who may feel burned out on messy or painful shows, those that find psychology scarier than physicality, or those that desire thought-provoking aesthetic and narrative – this show might be for you.

 

Ultra Dark Society Interview

Photo: Kevin Hsu

 

The final is Mindbreaker, which ranks as your most extreme experience. Can you speak to what makes this experience the most intense? Will there be a strong narrative to reinforce the intensity level? Is this a group or solo experience?

Mindbreaker is in many ways the antithesis of Black Tears. This extreme, long-form experience will slow burn until it tears back every mental and physical layer the participant has. Through this struggle, a truly mind-bending narrative will emerge. It will no doubt appeal to those who want to test their own fortitude and endurance. Participants may see other guests but this trial must be undergone alone.

 

Beyond extreme horror experiences, you also offer immersive speakeasies, can you tell us more about these? Will there be entertainment or narratives interwoven into the party? Will there be alcohol served? Will there be extreme content for those who wish it?

Ultra Dark Society aims not only to induce fear but also to bring the immersive community closer together. These events will be open to the public (no membership required) so everyone may get a taste of interactivity without the pressure of enduring a full show. Each event will be different, some relying on narrative elements more than others. Extreme content will be thoughtfully and sparsely included in some of the events depending on the theme. Celebration and cultivating friendships are the main goals of these events. Alcohol will be served.

 

You mentioned a membership program, who are you looking for in terms of membership? What benefits do members get? What are the costs and expectations of guests?

Due to the extreme nature of Ultra Dark shows, a vetting process is needed to screen potential attendees. Ideal applicants should be open-minded, willing to follow actor instruction, and understand their own physical/mental limitations. Not all members need to be willing to go through the highest-intensity shows, but should actively attend at least one show or event per year to retain their membership. Only pre-approved members are able to buy show tickets. Other member benefits include free or reduced speakeasy admission, a metal membership card, right to vote for future show themes, meta-narrative interactivity, and other exclusive content. The only cost directly associated with the membership is a relatively inexpensive one-time fee, the amount is currently determined by how early the membership is purchased. There are three early bird tiers at a reduced price.

 

Ultra Dark Society Interview

 

What do you mean by meta-narrative content?

Like any good secret(ish) society, there is lore to be uncovered by those with a curious itch. Ultra Dark’s deepest secrets may not only provide their own narrative but interweave with show storylines, providing extra exclusive content if discovered.

 

Your previous project, Death Project, showed up on our 2019 favorites list for extreme horror. What have you learned from this experience to make your future work even stronger?

Adaptability is the key to any successful show and things are always 10 times harder than you think. I faced tons of obstacles in Ritual and was constantly figuring out how I was going to make it work. Like, what do you do if a week before the show the one and only road to your location has become unusable? You really have to keep a “show must go on” mentality. Also if you have an idea, understand it will almost always take 10 times the effort to execute. Simplify, simplify, simplify.

 

What do you want people to walk away from your experiences with? What do you want them to feel or learn?

I want people to walk away feeling an intense emotion, a sense that they were awakened. Be it fear, elation, even anger. Exploring raw emotions is why extreme horror is so appealing. It’s a chance to get to strip someone down so they can uncover their most authentic self.

 

Ultra Dark Society Interview

 

For more information on Ultra Dark Society, see their website and Instagram. Check out our Event Guide for more extreme horror events throughout the year.

MORE ABOUT HAUNTING


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About The Author

Taylor Winters
Taylor has loved immersive theater since his first experience at ALONE in 2013. Since then, he has written, produced, & directed immersive theater, consulted for numerous immersive companies, acted in others, and attended even more. He has his PhD in Bioengineering, an MBA in Organization Leadership, and currently works fixing broken hearts.

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