Are you ready to go back to Titanic?
19 Dec 2017
The unsinkable Titanic. The tragic Titanic. Now you can immerse yourself in its story.
The tragic story of the “unsinkable” Titanic colliding with an iceberg is one that has transfixed people for generations. Not least Tom Zaller, CEO and President of Imagine Exhibitions, who has been working on bringing the story of the Titanic to life for almost twenty years. His latest exhibition, which is currently on display at Sydney Entertainment Quarter, draws on his experiences visiting the ship’s wreckage, and combines historical artifacts with cutting edge technology to bring the opulence and the tragedy of the Titanic to life.
The seemingly endlessly compelling nature of the Titanic is a fascinating phenomenon. What is it about this naval accident that has held our attention for so long? There is, of course, James Cameron’s infamous film, which this year is returning to the big screen to celebrate its 20th anniversary. But there are few films that return to cinemas two decades after their initial release. There is, Zaller thinks, something more to this story than Hollywood-induced hysteria.
“It’s a timeless story, and it’s the story of hope and dreams and tragedy and cowards and heroes,” he says. And beyond these universal themes, it’s an important story about human nature. “It is an important story to remember for a lot of reasons,” he says. “Hubris being one of them,” but also, “the arrogance of man, and what a disaster and a tragedy that is.”
Human history
But the success of Zaller’s exhibition goes beyond the timelessness of the story, and speaks to his unique method of storytelling, which gives attendees an immersive experience, offering a new perspective on the rigorously discussed tragedy.
“I don't think anybody's ever spent the time and energy creating as many environments or focusing so much on the passengers and the human story than we did,” he says. “I feel like that's what makes this exhibition so special.”
The ‘human experience’ is clear from the outset. “You have a boarding card that allows you to become a passenger,” explains Zaller, “and you connect with that person as you go. At the end there's a list of every single person on board the ship and you can see who lived and who died, and find out the fate of your passengers.”
From there, the exhibition relishes in, as Zaller describes it, “taking you out of your normal day.
“You walk out in the recreation of the bow or on the promenade deck and you see the starry nights and it feels a little colder, almost like you're outside. It really transports you,” he says.
Immersive storytelling
In addition to taking visitors back in time, the exhibition also explores the Titanic of the present day.
Zaller is perhaps uniquely equipped to create such an experience. Fewer people have visited the wreck of Titanic than they have ventured to space. He is one of them. In the exhibition he draws on this experience. “I recreated this space. It’s my way of trying to let people feel as if they were there,” he says. “We have a glass floor as if you're walking on the seabed and there's sand underneath it and we have some replica dishes and things kind of strewn about, with a big video showing. So we’re trying to give that sense of what it might be like.”
His team found that they could also replicate the experience of visiting the ship through a virtual reality experience. The experience, which is the brainchild of an Australian company, offers a world premier Titanic VR experience. Zaller admits that, given his experience actually visiting the wreckage, he was initially unsure that technology could recreate the unique experience. “I was a little skeptical,” he says. “I went out and got all the equipment, and brought it to the office and we downloaded it, and it really is great.
“I think we do a good job of blending both technology and the traditional methods of display.”
Win tickets!
Want to win tickets to visit this exciting exhibition? Just answer the question below. Get in quick! Entries close 2 January!
What year did the Titanic sink?
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The exhibition
Journey into the heart of the Titanic and experience the world's largest and most comprehensive touring exhibition about this iconic ship. Immerse yourself in the moving tale of Titanic's first and final voyage and experience the sights, sounds and stories as if you were on the ship.
Probus Club members who visit Titanic The Exhibition in Sydney between now and the 30th of January, 2018 will receive 10% off all concession seniors tickets plus an official souvenir book worth $25.00. To access this offer enter the discount code TEXPROBUS online at the time of booking. You will need to present your Probus card at the Box Office on collection of your tickets.
Titanic the Exhibition is located in the Byron Kennedy Hall at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park.
Website: www.titanictheexhibition.com.au Email: [email protected]
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