Abstract collage with a golden skull, octopus tentacles, gas masks, a cat, and text "The Octopus."

What do you do?

The Octopus was an innovative digital interactive game that brought together actors from Chicago, London, Los Angeles, Germany, and China. Utilizing TYPEFORM as a platform, we crafted and programmed an engaging choose-your-own-adventure game centered on conspiracy theories. Embracing the challenge of repurposing old technology in fresh, creative ways, The Octopus was accessible on laptops, smartphones, and tablets, inviting participants to delve into a world of intrigue and discovery.

REVIEWS

The Octopus is a pure dark comedy..The digital world created is intense, starkly funny, and wickedly smart."- Ritz Herald Magazine

The Octopus is virtual theatre combining gameformance and storytelling into a hybrid digital platform." Washington Mail

“It’s not an easy game to describe: you just have to play it for yourself!” - Madison Graph

"Besides the compelling visuals combined with an intriguing narrative...one of the most interesting aspects of The Octopus is ...using existing tech to tell stories differently._" - SKIFT

The Octopus interactive game

The Octopus can help.

The Octopus isn't your teacher.

The Octopus is your destiny.

A web-based choose-your-own-adventure experience featuring a global cast of actors…dive deep into your potential.

To help you in your self-realization, The Octopus has enlisted a global cast of artists of all mediums.

Experience The Octopus on desktops, tablets, or smartphones.

Sarah Hecht in The Octopus by Cock and Bull Arts wearing glasses in the foreground, with a man playing with balls and an inflatable pool in the background.

Sarah Hecht, Associate Artistic Director and Co-creator of The Octopus

OLD TECH IN NEW WAYS

Actors captured in live Zoom sessions embraced the art of improvisation, weaving unique narratives inspired by a set of intriguing prompts. Their performance, titled "The Octopus" dove deep into a conspiracy theory, inviting audiences to explore choices that could lead to their ultimate destiny. The result is an engaging blend of creativity and curiosity, where each twist and turn holds the potential to redefine one's path in life.

TILMAN BÖHNKE (Potsdam, Germany) -TILMAN BÖHNKE (Potsdam, Germany) - Bertrand-The Studly Marine Biologist, Fitgerald DeBallZac - Head of The Seats of Sinners Judiciary Branch

THEOCTOPUS

Eddie Jordan (Shanghai, China) - Merrick, The Best Friend

It all begins with an idea.

Working with actors from Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Germany and China. The Octopus became a virtual performance space

Nathan Streifel (Los Angeles, CA) - Azriel Feinstein-The Former Child Prodigy, Adrian Beauchamp-The Complicated Linguist

Make it stand out.

Story by Chris Garcia Peak and Sarah Hecht devised by Cock and Bull. Sound design by Matt Reich. Video design by Chris Garcia Peak and Geri Widodo. Octopus collage art by Indonesian Artist Geri Widodo. Noah Lepawsky-Deep Dive Creator and Collaborator, Dramaturgy

Eddie Jordan (Shanghai, China)

TILMAN BÖHNKE (Potsdam, Germany)

Meg Elliott (Chicago, IL)

Van Ferro (Chicago, IL)

Heinrich Haley (Chicago, IL)

Sarah Hecht (Chicago, IL)

Jenny Steele (London, UK)

Eddy Karch (Chicago, IL)

Kristen King (London, UK)

Sierra Phan (Chicago, IL)

Nathan Streifel (Los Angeles, CA)

Surreal collage with a man wearing a crown, DJ equipment, octopus tentacles, and dollar bills.
Collage with a man's face, octopus tentacles background, two black and white cats next to speakers, a person holding a 'BOSS' sign, and Chucky dolls.
Colorful scene with man smiling in front of lantern dragons, owls, and octopus tentacles.
Collage featuring various people, a cat, and octopus tentacles. There are roses and a family scene with a pet and toys on a table, set against a black background.
Surreal collage with octopus, sunglasses man, papaya, toy dog, balloon sculpture.
Surreal collage featuring multiple people with octopus tentacles, a white cat, a photographer taking a picture, a burning cross with 'Jesus Loves' on it, 'Wall of Fame' text over a woman's eyes, and 'With All Your Heart' text.
A collage featuring a smiling person, octopus tentacles, Lady Justice statues, microphones, and angelic figures., Jenny Steele
Chris Garcia Peak, Collage with octopus, cats, wrestler, and text 'I'm hungry for the power'
Nathan Streifel, Surreal collage featuring three people with octopus hats, musical elements, and colorful patterns.
Kristen King Surreal collage featuring tarot cards, a woman, octopus tentacles, disco balls, green crystals, flowers, and an UNO card.
Surreal collage with octopus headdresses, people, power plant, and grapefruit slices. Heinrich Haley,
Sarah Hecht, Collage with multiple faces, including a woman and a family sitting on a couch, surrounded by octopus tentacles and a large cat. There are roses in the corners and a shirtless dancer.
Surreal collage with bearded men, dolphins, sliced fruit, octopus tentacles, gramophone, and colorful background. Eddy Karch
Meg Elliott, A surreal collage featuring a woman's face with curly red hair, an oversized coffee mug labeled "World's Best Boss," and a businesswoman gesturing with her hands. Surrounding elements include skyscrapers and an octopus tentacle.
Tilman Bonke, Collage of a man with dollar sunglasses, holding cash, wearing a diving mask, surrounded by octopus tentacles and a "You! (do something)" sign, underwater background.

Meg Elliott (Chicago, IL) - Mildred-Head of of Human Resources at The Ministry of Underground Communications

Sierra Phan (Chicago, IL) - Ermentrude-The Evangelical IT Specialist, Arabella - The ex-supermodel

Sarah Hecht (Chicago, IL) - Alison Brie-The Romance Novelist, Angry Sister, Script Development and Story Editor

Person with long hair and a padlock necklace on a blue background. Nathan Streifel
Man with a beard and wings wearing a white bonnet, colorful lighting and abstract background with animal figures. Eddy Karch
Woman at subway station with a train passing by in the background. Sierra Phan
Diver wearing scuba mask in front of coral reef background.
Person in dramatic makeup, wearing a black leather cap with rhinestone bull decoration, large glasses, and black lipstick, posing on a train. heinrich Haley
Person with scarf and headband against green screen.
Man in a restaurant wearing a burgundy shirt, black tie, black vest, and flat cap, sitting at a table with Asian dishes. Eddie Jordan
Woman smiling indoors with cat on chair in background, plants and furniture visible. Sarah hecht