In the realm of escape rooms, a new concept has emerged, one that promises an adrenaline-pumping and spine-tingling experience: “Catalepsy”. Located in Barcelona, Spain, this innovative escape room is housed within a coffin, transforming the usual escape room setting into a claustrophobic and unsettling environment that aims to evoke the fear of being buried alive.
The Concept and Experience:
The brainchild of Horror Box, a Barcelona-based company known for its immersive and creative escape room experiences, “Catalepsy” is not for the faint of heart. Participants are sealed inside separate coffins, each equipped with a loudspeaker for communication. The challenge: to work together and solve a series of puzzles within 30 minutes to escape this confined space.
The gamemaster, Aurora Alvarino, describes escape rooms as “a gym for the mind”, emphasizing the teamwork and problem-solving skills required to overcome the challenges presented. She explains that “Catalepsy” aims to replicate a situation that everyone will experience at some point: their own funeral.
A Glimpse into the Experience:
Miriam Castella, a 22-year-old actress selected by Horror Box to demonstrate the game, admits to experiencing a sense of apprehension as the coffin’s lid closed. Her partner in the demonstration, 39-year-old dancer Carlos Granedo, who has participated in several escape rooms previously, described “Catalepsy” as uniquely terrifying.
Players can customize their experience by selecting the type of coffin they wish to be entombed in and even opting for a virtual “cremation” complete with simulated flames and smoke. This attention to detail adds to the immersive experience and amplifies the fear factor.
Inspiration and Historical Context:
The concept of “Catalepsy” draws inspiration from the fear of being buried alive, also known as taphophobia. This ancient fear, which reached its peak during the 19th century, was fueled by stories of premature burials and the belief that people could regain consciousness after interment.
The idea of being trapped underground, unable to escape or communicate, has been a source of fascination and horror for centuries, inspiring literary works such as Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Premature Burial”, which was adapted into a 1962 film.
A Challenge for the Brave:
“Catalepsy” is not for everyone. Claustrophobic individuals and those with a fear of the dark or death may find the experience too intense. However, for those seeking an adrenaline rush and a unique challenge, this coffin-themed escape room offers an unforgettable experience that taps into primal fears and pushes the boundaries of escape room design.
With its immersive setting, challenging puzzles, and unsettling atmosphere, “Catalepsy” is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the escape room industry. It reminds us that even in the confines of a coffin, the human spirit can find a way to work together, solve problems, and ultimately escape.
FAQ
Catalepsy is located in Barcelona, Spain.
Catalepsy is an escape room set inside a coffin. Players must work together to solve puzzles and escape from the coffin within 30 minutes.
Aurora Alvarino is the gamemaster for Catalepsy. She describes escape rooms as “a gym for the mind”.
Catalepsy is inspired by the fear of being buried alive, which is also known as taphophobia. This ancient fear has been the subject of many literary works, including Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Premature Burial”.
