The Map and the Echo

The Map and the Echo is a new edition in the acclaimed series of interactive Exploration Games (including The Unbuilt Room and A House Repeated). Inspired by early text-adventure computer games, each performance is unique, shaped by your choices. Using simple instructions like ‘Go North’ or ‘Pick up the lamp’, work with your fellow explorers to overcome obstacles, navigating - and creating - an imagined world of secret maps and second chances.

“Engaging… The Map and the Echo is a lovely piece of short-form performance” — No Proscenium

Originally commissioned by the British Library in conjunction with its major exhibition Secret Maps, The Map and the Echo is now being presented online… with more in-person performances planned for 2026.

The Map and the Echo: Online Performances

Sunday 12 April and Tuesday 14 April. All performances 8pm BST (GMT+1)

Tickets available HERE.

Duration: Approximately 40 minutes, with some variance (+/- 10 minutes) due to audience interaction

Age guidance: 12+

How it works:

The show takes place over Zoom. All participants are sent a confirmation email after purchasing their ticket and a Zoom link in the days before the show.

Up to two people can participate on the same Zoom login per ticket. Audience members participating as a duo must be in the same physical space, using the same device (e.g. sitting next to each other on the couch).

Audiences are asked to find a quiet place with minimal background noise where they won’t be interrupted.

The small print:

The Map and the Echo is an interactive experience… all participants will appear on camera and occasionally be asked to speak.

No one else will be able to see or hear the participants and the performance will NOT be recorded.

The Map and the Echo is a spoken-language-based experience presented in English and requiring all audience members to verbally interact with each other and the performer. Therefore, a good level of spoken English is necessary to attend.

Unfortunately, due to the interactive nature of the performance, prepared closed captioning is not available. Attendees may turn on Zoom’s automated caption function but, when asked, they will need to respond promptly to the performer in spoken English.

Content guidance: There is no scripted adult content (nudity, swearing, etc). The show is highly interactive and, in past performances, audience members have occasionally used offensive language.

The Map and the Echo at the British Library

In the British Library edition, The Map and the Echo was an interactive journey through the iconic Library building, exploring how people make maps and how maps make places.

After viewing the Secret Maps exhibition, the audience was guided through the Library, imagining the unseen areas of the landmark building and its ever-growing collections. This tour led to a performance, where a man stood on a bare stage and described another place: a version of the British Library that may or may not exist.

Inspired by choose-your-own-adventure stories and early text-adventure computer games, each performance was unique, shaped by the audience’s choices. Using simple instructions like ‘Go North’ or ‘Pick up the lamp’, the audience worked together to navigate this other place, overcoming obstacles and exploring the Library… without leaving their seat.

• Tues 28 Oct 2025, 8pm

• Tues 11 Nov 2025, 7pm and 8pm

• Tues 2 Dec 2025, 7pm and 8pm

Tickets to The Map and the Echo included entry to the Secret Maps exhibition.

• Tour duration: 15 minutes

• Performance duration: approx. 40 minutes. Some variance ( +/- 10 min) due to audience interaction.

• Age guidance: 12+

• Content warnings: Audience interaction raises the possibility of objectionable language from other audience members.

Creative Team

Tour performed by Zoe Bouras. Written and devised by Seth Kriebel, Zoe Bouras and Elsa Kriebel.

Performance directed by Zoe Bouras. Written and performed by Seth Kriebel.