Two powerful and emotive VR experiences from Aardman, the BBC and The Guardian that offer a first-hand perspective on the bleak plight of today’s refugees.

Sea Prayer

Made by The Guardian, Khaled Hosseini and UNHCR | UK

Inspired by the story of Alan Kurdi, the three-year-old Syrian refugee who drowned in the Mediterranean Sea, Khaled Hosseini, the novelist and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, has written a story that has been brought to life in virtual reality. The night before a potentially fatal journey, a father reflects with his son on their life in Syria before the war – and on their unknown future. Hosseini's fictionalised piece takes you through the raw emotion of a journey that thousands of people have been forced to make.

We Wait

Made by Aardman and the BBC | UK, Bristol

Based on BBC News stories, We Wait transports audiences to a beach in Turkey, where they join a family waiting to cross the sea to Greece, sharing their hopes, fears and past experiences. A project that began in the midst of the European Migrant Crisis, this experience is an authentic glimpse into the lives of Syrian migrants.

• The Dark Sea session is approximately one hour long and includes a selection of VR experiences followed by a post-show discussion with Catherine Allen, curator of The Limina VR Weekender.
• Tickets: £12:00 full / £10:00 concessions / 24 and under. You can buy tickets to a single session, each of which will feature two or three VR experiences exploring a particular theme. Get a 10% discount on the total if you book for two or more sessions.
• Please read our Guidelines and FAQs about taking part in a Virtual Reality session at Watershed.

---