By Debbie Djordjevic
From ‘a galaxy far, far away’ the Star Wars Identities exhibition at London’s O2 arena takes a fresh look at what we mean by ‘identity’.
If you aren’t aware of the original George Lucas’ Star Wars films then you must have been living in another galaxy. Hitting cinemas and causing shock-waves from 1977-83, they took us to new worlds peopled by strange and wonderful creatures all from the imagination of the Star Wars creative team. This is the focus of the new Star Wars Identities exhibition at London’s O2 arena and features some of the best loved characters, from prototypes and development drawings to the finished article on the big screen. Yoda, Hans Solo, Chewbacca and Jabba the Hutt (who must have been inspired by the Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland) all make an appearance yet Star Wars Identities is more than just an exhibition of costumes, character designs and models. This is a journey into the science behind our own identities and what influences us.
On entering visitors are given an earpiece which allows them to listen to the various voice-overs and clips of original film as they go around the exhibition. They are also given a wrist-band which is used to choose the answers to various questions that are posed throughout, and which will build up their own character complete with history and personality traits.
Following the journeys of Luke and Anakin Skywalker, visitors get a better understanding of their own character through interactive scientific content around genetics, neuropsychology and psychology.
So you may discover that, like Luke Skywalker, your dad is in fact Darth Vader and if so, are you able to escape inherited character traits? Or you may be a gentle creature complete with blue skin and a gill-like structure on the top of your head, who has spent a lifetime as a shop keeper on a planet now destroyed by the evil Sith lord himself.
It’s a great way of presenting over 200 exhibits while immersing the audience in their own story. Even if you aren’t a die-hard Star Wars fan (and there were quite a lot of those on the day I visited) you can’t help but enjoy the path that is set out for you. Alongside all the scientific play are some great highlights including dresses worn by Princess Leia, Darth Vader’s blacker-than-night cloak and even the furry outfit of everyone’s favourite character, Chewbacca.
At the exhibition’s end your character will be projected onto a huge screen alongside the name you have chosen. If you give your email address a full synopsis of your character alongside this image will be emailed to you.
Stars Wars Identities is on at the O2 until September 2017 when it will be continuing its six year world tour. Prices off-peak start at adult £20 (£25 peak), concession £15 (£18 peak), child £10 (£15 peak), family £48 (£60 peak). Children under five go free.