How solving a Murder Mystery is highly satisfying!
- Category: Murder Mysteries
- 27 December 2011
- Published Date
- Annelise Murphy
Who doesn't want to be entertained? Entertainment runs a huge gamut of activities but at risk of over simplifying, I venture to propose that there are 2 general schools of thought concerning entertainment. The first is that good entertainment should be relaxing, mindless and repetitive. I site playing games like Uno or watching a movie or even a sporting event. These types of activities let you go along for the ride and the activity without requiring much cognitive thinking on your part. You can "zone out". I don't find any fault with this first type of activity, in fact, I often find myself engaging in these types of activities when I need a break. The second type of entertainment is the type that forces you to use your brain. Examples include games like Risk, Settlers of Catan and puzzles like Cryptograms and Logic Puzzles. It is hard to ignore the self-satisfaction that you get when you correctly solve the puzzle or win the game.
I would like to add solving Murder Mysteries to both lists.
If you are the type of person that wants to sit back and just be entertained, then come, sit back, eat dinner and watch a show. During questioning, eat your dessert and laugh at your friends and then wait for the finale to explain the mystery. Although, you won't qualify to win a prize, you will be guaranteed to be included and amused.
If you are the type of person that wants to figure out who did it, how and why then turn your brain on and get out of your seat! Grill the suspects and search for clues. Go back to your group and discuss what you have all discovered and then take a moment to think. By actively participating in solving the crime, you are guaranteed to have a more satisfying experience and will feel excited by what you have accomplished.
On a personal note, as the author of the mysteries, I have been amazed to discover how each mystery that I write makes me a lot more adept at thinking "outside the box" as they say. I have noticed that my actors have become more confident in not only their acting skills but their social and cognitive skills as they have had to employ their brains to answer some pretty tough questions, while in character, that you, the audience, have come up with.
This is what I love about Murder Mystery theatre the most... its unique ability to bring out the best in people as we use our brilliant minds to better ourselves.
