This week, we were lucky enough to be invited to Lucasfilm and X3 Production’s fabulous new Star Wars exhibition – Star Wars Identities – at The O2 Arena in North Greenwich, London. Open until 3rd September, this fantastic interactive experience takes fans inside the heart of A Galaxy Far, Far Away, by offering a new perspective on our beloved intergalactic heroes.
Star Wars Identities’ foundation is built upon the two figures who showcase the differences within the Force, and indeed the similarities – Luke and Anakin Skywalker. Through the usage of connective wristbands, and audio headsets, visitors are able to forge their own path of destiny, walking alongside these titans of the Light and the Dark; the Jedi and the Sith; the Rebellion and the Empire.
Through detailed narration, and eloquently devised video footage – which combines film footage, and neat infographics – the exhibition guides us through the lives of these two men, and how they forged their paths from the emotional, physical, and psychological influences and experiences along the way. It might sound surprising to hear, but Star Wars Identities offers guests a distinctly educational day out, as well as an action-packed exploration of all things lightsabers and jetpacks. The manner in which X3 have smartly implemented social commentaries and studies, tying them into Star Wars lore, means youngsters will likely leave knowing a little more about who they are, and what it means to be as a member of a community.
Source: © & TM 2017 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization.
The interactive wristbands are placed at ten distinct portals during your trip around, which culminates in your intricately designed Star Wars Identity, based upon the information you have provided, and the choices you have made. You can select your race and gender, your occupation, your home planet, and even give details on the upbringing and environment you were raised in, all before making the biggest decision of them all: will you see the Light and join the Rebellion, or is the fiendish pull of the Dark just to tempting to resist? Well, if you are Filmoria’s editors, you obviously pick the Dark Side…
In addition to all of the technological trickery, Star Wars Identities serves fans up a dream exhibition; laden with amazing props from all seven Episode films (we didn’t spot anything from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, but alas) including your favourite droids R2-D2, C-3PO, and BB-8, plentiful Imperial baddies such as Stormtroopers, Separatist Battle Droids, and even your beloved Mandalorian bounty hunter: Boba Fett. Plus, there are costumes and replicas of all the greatest characters in the Galaxy, from Yoda, to Darth Maul; from Jabba the Hutt, to Plo Koon. Perhaps the pieces which will really whet the appetite however are the exceptional ships and vehicle displays, in which Star Destroyers and Imperial Shuttles, and TIE Fighters face off against X-Wings, B-Wings, and of course, the Millennium Falcon. The centre piece (almost the size of the room) is brimming with a staggering battle display of all your beloved transportation devices; we were particularly lthrilled about the inclusion of Slave 1!
Source: © & TM 2017 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization.
Other major highlights include Ralph McQuarrie’s ravishing concept art, which can be located throughout the entirety of the exhibition – which takes about 90-120 minutes to tour (depending on how many pictures you take, mind…) – and the pièce de résistance; the full-size Darth Vader, which ominously wallows between both blue and red lighting; symbolic of Anakin’s developmental identity which we’ve learnt about during the process.
In total, Star Wars Identities serves up more than 200 original and exclusive artefacts from your beloved franchise, and is quite simply a must for any fan. As the exhibition tours worldwide, be certain to take a trip before it departs from the United Kingdom. With its convenient placement at The O2, transport links to-and-from are most accessible, plus the arena has a wealth of delicious restaurants and bars to enjoy following your tour. Those who visit will also benefit from discounted prices at a number of eateries at the The O2 (be sure to grab a leaflet at the Star Wars Identities Official Store for more details), plus the Store is jam-packed full of exclusive merchandise, such as t-shirts, posters, mugs, and much more.
Star Wars Identities is a joyous day out for any Star Wars fan, but we’d recommend it to all considering its compelling and educational approach, too. We had a total blast. Hit the jump to hyperspace and book a place on one of the many daily tours today! Check out our gallery of stills from the day, below.
Book your tickets for Star Wars Identities here.
Chris Haydon
Sub-Editor of Filmoria. Dwayne Johnson's No.1 fan. Arthouse celebrator. Romancer of all things Michael Haneke & Woody Allen. Irrevocably in love with Felicity Jones. She'll be my wife one day; you'll see...
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