Hosted in a historic wharf cellar on the Oudegracht, the game is designed as an immersive, educational adventure rather than a typical escape room. Teams of three to seven people are given 60 minutes to navigate a scenario based on factual events, working together to solve puzzles and complete tasks with the central goal of survival.
The experience, which includes live actors, aims to shed light on the fear and uncertainty faced by those accused during the 18th-century moral panic. The setting is the Huis Hasenberch, adjacent to the old city hall, where suspects were historically imprisoned and interrogated.
Revisiting a Painful Past
The year 1730 marked the beginning of a violent persecution of homosexuals that started in Utrecht and spread across the Dutch Republic. Accusations of 'sodomy' led to widespread investigations, torture, and public executions. '1730' does not shy away from this history, using the game format to educate participants on the realities of this period. The narrative is based on historical records, offering a tangible connection to the past.
The game was created by Gert van Veen, who drew inspiration from his historical novel 'Storm', which also explores this period. By transforming the historical account into an interactive format, the creators hope to make this often-overlooked piece of history more accessible and resonant for a modern audience.
Practical Information
For those interested in participating, here are the key details:
- Location: Salon van Weleer, Oudegracht 290 (werfkelder), 3511 NX Utrecht.
- Group Size: 3 to 7 players.
- Duration: The game itself is 60 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes for briefing and debriefing.
- Age Requirement: Minimum age is 16 years.
- Cost: €69.95 per game, which includes coffee or tea.
- Suitability: The game is open to the public and is also promoted as an educational outing for teams and organizations.
Reservations and further information are available on the official Real Live-Games website.
