This November, Swim Pony will lead a free guided walk of the spine-tingling Blair Witch-esque audio story “River Devil II: The Return'' written by Carmen Maria Machado along the Manayunk Canal at dusk.

Created as part of Swim Pony’s immersive audio project TrailOff (made in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council), audiences will experience the story synced to their movements as they walk the trail.

Listen to a preview of the story!

• Date: Saturday, November 19th, 2022 from 3 PM - 5 PM
• Meeting spot: Schuylkill River Trail across from Venice Island Performing Arts Center in Manayunk (Click here for specific location) and see the map below.

• Snacks will be provided for all.
• Recommended to bring your own headphones, if you have them.
• The walk is 3.8 miles on paved and gravel paths with no inclines.
• This event is free.
  

The app delivers the experience, one akin to a site-based theater drama but personalized for each audience member, using GPS technology embedded within each user’s smart phone. All of TrailOff’s stories are written by BIPOC authors, connected to communities traditionally underserved by environmental programming, to bring new perspectives and diverse narratives to outdoor recreation spaces. 

The aim of this guided walk is to help folks learn how to use the app while walking one of its stories. Swim Pony will meet the audience before dusk, help people download the app to their phones and share insights about features available in the interface. The team will then lead a guided walk of the trail, encouraging folks to explore the story at their own pace and helping troubleshoot if any issues arise.

At the trail’s end, the group will regather for the walk back where Swim Pony artists will share some behind-the-scenes info about how the app and story were created, offer insights about the trail’s history and get feedback directly from users.