BroadwayRadio Presents a Special Episode: Chipman and Youngblood on ‘The Death of Rasputin’

Release Date: May 6, 2025

In this captivating special episode of BroadwayRadio, host Matt Tamnini engages in an in-depth conversation with Ashley Brett Chipman, creator and co-director, and Hope Youngblood, creative producer and co-director of the immersive interactive show "The Death of Rasputin." This groundbreaking performance has quickly become a spring sensation, originally slated to run until May 11 but extended through the end of the month due to overwhelming demand. Set on Governor's Island in New York, the show offers a unique ferry-inclusive ticketing experience, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with the city's logistics.

Introduction to "The Death of Rasputin"

Matt Tamnini opens the discussion by highlighting the show's immersive nature and strategic location:

“It is happening over on Governor's Island. And the cost of the ticket actually includes the ferry that gets you over to the site, which is very convenient because for people like me who don't live in New York that would probably be confusing and perhaps even a barrier that would prevent me from actually coming to the show.” [01:08]

He shares the official description, painting a vivid picture of the show's setting in Petrograd, Russia, 1916, where historical tensions intertwine with elements of war, scandal, and the occult. The narrative promises high stakes as opulent Romanovs cling to power, enraged workers fight for survival, and the enigmatic Rasputin becomes the focal point of longing and intrigue.

Creative Journeys of Chipman and Youngblood

Ashley Brett Chipman brings a rich background in film and television design, having worked on projects such as M. Night Shyamalan's "Servant" and Ryan Murphy's "American Horror Stories." Her expertise in set decoration and scenic design infuses the show with a cinematic quality that enhances its immersive experience.

Hope Youngblood, on the other hand, boasts nearly two decades of experience in immersive theater, notably serving as the resident director of "Sleep No More" in Shanghai from 2018 to 2022. Her deep understanding of immersive environments and audience interaction is pivotal in shaping the dynamic narrative of "The Death of Rasputin."

Unveiling the Show's Concept and Immersive Experience

Matt delves into what audiences familiar only with pop culture representations of Rasputin need to understand before attending the show. Youngblood emphasizes the show's fun and wild nature, highlighting the intricate movement and complexity of each character:

“It's a very fun show. It's funny, it's wild, There's a lot of movement, but you'll learn a lot more. And each character in the show is fascinating and just as complicated as Rasputin himself.” [04:32]

Chipman builds on this by explaining the interactive element, where audience choices significantly impact the unfolding narrative:

“You're not just coming to see a play. What you do in this world affects what you do and what you choose not to do in this play makes a difference.” [03:46]

This "choose your own adventure" format ensures that each audience member experiences a unique, personalized journey through the story.

The Role of Mystique and Audience Participation

Exploring the importance of mystery, Matt notes how the unpredictability of immersive shows keeps audiences engaged and eager to discover the narrative in real-time. Chipman concurs, emphasizing the thrill of not knowing what will happen next:

“The not knowing what's going to happen is part of discovering it along with the performance. You really discover it as the performance unfolds.” [05:45]

She also draws parallels between the historical setting of the show and contemporary global atmospheres, suggesting that the themes of power struggles and societal upheaval remain relevant today.

Navigating Production Challenges and Design Complexity

When discussing the logistical hurdles of creating an immersive show, Youngblood candidly describes the complexity involved:

“It's so complicated. It's mind boggling. We have 10 scripts and 10 shows and 15 sets.” [07:28]

The team’s solution lies in solid storytelling as the foundation, allowing them to build a flexible and robust framework for the multiple, overlapping scenes. Chipman adds that selecting the right physical spaces was crucial, including utilizing sound bleed to enhance narrative elements:

“This space here is kind of this beautiful, happy accident of sound bleed. And so then we had to look at all the scenes and say, oh, where would it be interesting to overhear something? And that became integral to the piece.” [09:36]

Empowering Actors in an Immersive Environment

The discussion shifts to how actors engage with both the audience and their characters. Youngblood highlights the balance between structured timing and spontaneous interactions:

“They really inhabit and become the character. It's amazing to see even being there every day. We're encouraging them to embody the character, the spirit, and make room for happy accidents and engage the audience in new ways.” [09:59]

Chipman echoes this sentiment, ensuring that actors have the freedom to explore their roles while maintaining the show's integrity:

“I'm really happy with all, you know, with following each and every character.” [21:58]

Synergy Between Chipman and Youngblood’s Creative Worlds

The collaborative dynamic between Chipman’s cinematic approach and Youngblood’s immersive theater expertise creates a rich, multifaceted production. Youngblood praises Chipman’s ability to blend filmic elements into the immersive setting:

“The filmic nature of the way that Ashley thinks was fascinating to me... it's always on the weird side, and it feels... always good and always interesting.” [13:56-15:42]

Meanwhile, Chipman appreciates Youngblood’s deep knowledge of immersive techniques and her experimental nature, which keeps the show fresh and engaging.

Audience Reception and Extended Run

The show's popularity has exceeded expectations, leading to an extension of its run through May 31. Chipman expresses immense gratitude for the audience's support and active participation:

“When I see the audience participating so fully, it feels like an incredible success... the audience and our community has really supported us and bolstered us up.” [16:29]

This enthusiastic reception underscores the show's ability to resonate deeply with audiences, encouraging further expansions and future performances.

Maximizing the Immersive Experience for Attendees

Addressing how audiences can navigate the immersive environment, Youngblood advises attendees to follow their personal interests, whether drawn to the military plot, occult elements, or royal intrigues:

“Are you interested in the military plot? Go follow that, or do you want the occult experience? Go find Lock Tina... If you follow your instincts, then I think you'll have the best show.” [18:28-20:21]

Chipman reinforces the idea that all characters and storylines hold equal importance, encouraging audiences to engage organically without a predetermined path:

“We have three very distinct worlds... if you prefer to be more physical in the mix, you can find Lock Tina and find the occult or the tsar and tsarina.” [19:10-20:21]

Essentials of a Successful Immersive Show

Drawing from her extensive experience, Youngblood identifies depth and authenticity as critical components of a compelling immersive performance:

“People want to see something that has artistic integrity and depth and isn't relying on tricks.” [22:59]

Chipman adds that maintaining artistic integrity and being attuned to audience needs ensures that the show remains meaningful and engaging:

“Having real depth of storylines and also being sensitive to where the audience is at.” [23:52]

Future Visions and Continuous Improvement

Both creators emphasize their commitment to ongoing development and enhancement of the show. Youngblood mentions the continual tweaks and larger visions for future incarnations:

“We're always making it better... it’s continually changing... bigger visions for what this could be in the future.” [25:39-26:25]

Enhancing Audience Engagement

To maximize the audience's experience, Chipman encourages a playful and collective spirit, ensuring that viewers feel part of the unfolding narrative:

“You can really dive in and be a part of the revolution, or you can watch a film unfold in front of you.” [27:38]

She assures that the show accommodates varying levels of interaction, allowing both active participants and observers to enjoy the performance fully.

Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects

As the episode wraps up, Matt commends Chipman and Youngblood on their remarkable success and vibrant collaboration. Both creators express excitement about the ongoing run and their aspirations for future developments:

“Thank you so much. It's great to speak with you and yeah, we're excited to continue this wild roller coaster.” – Hope Youngblood [29:27]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ashley Brett Chipman: “You're not just coming to see a play...what you do in this world affects what you do and what you choose not to do in this play makes a difference.” [03:46]

• Ashley Brett Chipman: “The not knowing what's going to happen is part of discovering it along with the performance.” [05:45]

• Hope Youngblood: “It's so complicated. It's mind boggling. We have 10 scripts and 10 shows and 15 sets.” [07:28]

• Ashley Brett Chipman: “When I see the audience participating so fully, it feels like an incredible success.” [16:29]

• Ashley Brett Chipman: “You can really dive in and be a part of the revolution, or you can watch a film unfold in front of you.” [27:38]

Conclusion

This episode of BroadwayRadio offers a comprehensive look into the innovative world of "The Death of Rasputin," showcasing the seamless blend of filmic design and immersive theater. Chipman and Youngblood demonstrate how thoughtful collaboration and a commitment to depth can create an unforgettable, interactive experience that captivates and resonates with audiences. Whether you're a seasoned immersive theater enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this show promises a unique journey through history, intrigue, and the supernatural on Governor's Island.