The Snapshot

Globally-renowned immersive theater phenomenon Sleep No More, which originated in New York City and later opened in Shanghai in December 2016, has just launched an entirely new show, an immersive theater rendition of one of the gaming community’s most celebrated games of all time, Arcane: League of Legends. Arcane has since grown into a cult classic two-season Netflix TV series, donning the same name, that was released in 2021 after taking the gaming world by storm.

The immersive theater premiere in Shanghai on March 10 transformed the host venue into the polished innovative streets of Piltover and the industrial decay of Zaun’s shadowy lanes, inviting audiences to traverse this duality in an immersive musical experience that has been meticulously crafted over two years.

Tickets for the first round of performances are now on sale, covering dates from March 10 to April 26.

Why You Should Care

In its first week, the Arcane TV series garnered 34 million views, topping Netflix charts in 52 counties and drawing in millions globally to the Riot Games’ League of Legends world. This was widely hailed as a game-changer for video game adaptations and increased social media conversation around the game by 542%, the largest and most successful video game-to-Netflix series crossover in history.

And if you’re still not convinced, upon release, it achieved a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes (critics) and a 98% audience score, with many calling it the best video game adaptation ever made. Arcane also became the first streaming series to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program (in 2022).

What to Expect

Stepping into the steampunk-noir realm of Arcane: League of Legends in Shanghai is akin to being drawn into an dreamscape where the boundaries of fantasy and reality dissolve.

Upon entering, you are greeted by a labyrinthine set that spans two floors, each designed to reflect the stark contrasts of Piltover’s gleaming heights and Zaun’s gritty depths. The intricate set design draws your eyes to the smallest details: the wear of the rusted metal grating, the flickering glow of gas lamps, and the subtle textures of the characters’ costumes that perfectly mirror that of the Netflix series. As you navigate through the space, the scenery shifts and morphs, making you feel as if the world itself is alive, pulsating with stories waiting to be unearthed. As if you’ve stepped into the world of Arcane itself, lines between magic and science blur.

As the clock strikes 7:30PM each night, the renovated annex of the historic Shanghai Hotel along Wulumuqi Bei Lu becomes Arcane’s high stakes fantasy world torn between the glimmering City of Progress (Piltover) and its counterpart, the industrial slum underbelly of Zaun. While separated by wealth, the two are physically intertwined. Zaunites live in the shadow of Piltover’s prosperity, dealing with the environmental fallout (waste and pollution) of the city above

Character Development

The main storyline weaves together a tragic tale of two sisters – Vi and Powder (who later becomes known as Jinx) – separated by a class war, fought with magical science and chemical rage. Supporting actors’ storylines – like Viktor, the noble scientist from Zaun whose terminal illness leads him to use the dangerous Hexcore, transforming him into a cyborg-like messianic figure who seeks to "save" humanity by removing their free will; Caitlyn Kiramman, the principled enforcer whose commitment to justice is tested by her romance with Vi and her vendetta against Jinx for killing her mother; Silco, a villain portrayed as a loving, albeit toxic father figure to Jinx whose ultimate motivation is for a free Zaun; Ekko, a childhood friend of the sisters who leads "The Firelights," a rebel group opposing both Silco's drug trade and Piltover's enforcers; and more – provide endless opportunities from which to experience the performance.

Storylines revolve around the tension of the "haves" (Piltover) versus the "have-nots" (Zaun). It highlights how the poor are forced to live in terrible conditions while the wealthy profit. Be prepared for deep, raw emotions that explore concepts of trauma, broken bonds, and the tragedy of childhood, to the backdrop of exhilarating musical performances.

World Building

The world building combines Victorian-esque aesthetics with advanced technology, set against dark, moody, and dangerous storylines involving crime lords, illegal experiments, and political intrigue.

The performances themselves are nothing short of mesmerizing. Each actor embodies their character with such authenticity that it feels as if the animated personas have stepped into the flesh. The musical numbers are powerful, resonating with the spirit of the original series while being delivered in Chinese. Even if you are not fluent in the language, the energy and emotion conveyed will resonate deeply, allowing you to connect with the characters’ journeys in a visceral way.

The production team has masterfully integrated lighting and sound to amplify pivotal moments. Imagine witnessing a character’s descent into madness, the lighting casting dramatic shadows that dance across their face, while the haunting melodies echo the turmoil within. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that every scene is not just viewed but felt, leaving visitors spellbound.

The props, from intricate hammers to gloves, are crafted with such precision that they seem to pulse with life, drawing you further into the narrative.

For those who wish to enhance their journey, consider indulging in “shimmer,” a signature drink that promises to elevate your senses and deepen your connection to this immersive world.

Moving Around the Space & Engaging with Actors

As you engage with the performance, you’ll notice that the atmosphere buzzes with an electric energy, yet it remains comfortably navigable without being too congested. The crowd moves fluidly, allowing you to immerse yourself without feeling overwhelmed. This careful orchestration of audience flow makes it easy to lose yourself in the unfolding drama, as actors glide past you, their stories intertwining with your own experience.

The narrative unfolds in a dynamic fashion, allowing you to choose your path through the sprawling storylines. Will you shadow Caitlyn as she navigates the growing complexities of her role as a commander, or dive into Jace's tumultuous journey with HexTech?

The freedom to follow different characters means that each visit promises a new experience, a fresh perspective on the intricate plot that intertwines destiny and choice. As you drift from one scene to another, you find yourself captivated by the emotional weight of each interaction, feeling the tension, joy, and sorrow as though you are part of the very fabric of this universe.

This immersive journey beckons you to return, time and again, to follow different paths and uncover the myriad facets of a tale that continues to resonate. Whether you are a longtime fan of the series or simply curious about the magic of immersive theater, this performance promises a captivating adventure that lingers in your mind long after the final curtain falls.

Key Facts

Language: To answer the number one question, the entire performance is in Chinese as we are in China. That being said, even if you don’t speak Chinese, but you’ve seen the TV show (or played the video game), you can easily still follow along as this rendition is an exact replica of the show – from costume design to dialogue, from music to mannerisms.

If you haven’t seen the TV show AND Chinese isn’t your first language, you may struggle with character development and storyline, but still would appreciate the show for the immense talent and artistic performances.  

Cost: A ticket costs RMB588

Duration: The show runs for about 1 hour and 50 minutes, beginning daily at 7:30pm.

Location: 505 Wulumuqi Lu just south of Yan’an Elevated Road

How to Book: Tickets can be purchased through the Arcane official WeChat Mini Program: 双城之哉Arcane. Given the buzz surrounding this premiere – social media conversations sparked over 300 million impressions before the show even launched – booking in advance is necessary.

Collaborators: This Arcane adaptation is produced by Tencent Video and Tencent Games, in collaboration with Shanghai Media Group, Riot Games, Waji Waji Wa, and Oriental Pearl. The Shanghai Media Group worked with British immersive theater pioneer Punchdrunk to co-produce this project.

Helpful Tips:

• The entire two-hour duration is all standing, so wear comfy shoes.
• No phones are allowed in the performance space and are zip-tied closed in a provided pouch upon entering the theater.
• Visitors receive a Sleep No More style “scream” mask so their own identity is equally obscured during the performance.
• The show heavily follows the TV show – in storyline, dialogue, scene progression, and music – so to get the most out of the live performance, it’s not a bad idea to revisit the show so it’s fresh in your mind before attending.
• There show is split across two floors that mimic Piltover and Zaun. Attendees are encouraged to explore storylines across both that intersect in the main showroom.
• Most importantly, come with an open mind.