1984: Survival Drama in a Soviet Bunker

The era of Soviet occupation is something that many prefer to not think about, instead leaving it to the history books.  But in Lithuania, there are some that choose not to forget.  In order to keep alive the memory of what it felt like to live under the Soviet regime, one group has turned an old Soviet bunker into a dramatic recreation of the Cold War era.  Located just outside of the capital of Vilnius, the bunker hosts 1984: Survival Drama in a Soviet Bunker, a tourist attraction that pushes people to their limits.

This is a tourist attraction that will definitely not appeal to the majority of people, as much of it is not a happy or relaxing experience.  In fact, you’re required to sign a waiver before taking part stating that you understand that you may receive physical and psychological punishments if you disobey your guides.  It is, essentially, an immersive theatrical experience that is also a look into the past.

They start out by dressing you up in damp and moldy overcoats and feeding you a cup of crappy Soviet coffee.  You will be informed that the only acceptable responses to questions are "yes" or "no" and if you do not comply, you will be punished.  The “guides” will yell at you if you don’t act on their orders quickly enough.  You will be terrorized by angry guard dogs, subject to humiliation and interrogation, flooded with Soviet propaganda and run through nuclear attack drills.  The entire process takes about three hours.

To emphasize how trying the experience can be, the owner has proudly stated that at least one person faints every show and that their record is five people in a single show.  Some of the actors have gotten into their roles so deeply that they’ve had to be fired because they pushed the customers too far with their punishments.

No, it may not seem like a vacation-worthy event, but to those who have never lived through anything like this, it can be a great educational experience.  To young Lithuanians (the majority of people that go there), it is a look at what their parents and grandparents had to endure not so long ago.  If I haven’t scared you off yet, you can check out the official website for more information on the drama event and other things that take place at the bunker.

Soviet bunker courtesy of sovietbunker.com