The Legend of the Mernix is a unique multimedia experience that invites audiences to join a quest to find hope in hard times.
The experience was created collaboratively by the citizens and artists of Birkenhead, Bootle and Collective Encounters through a digital participatory theatre process, as part of Collective Encounters’ Above and Beyond programme.
The story of the Mernix is as old as the wind. She was a glorious, winged fish, with golden beak and sapphire eyes, and while she lived in the river all were well and happy. But now the memory of the Mernix is faded into legend, and we live in dark times. Did she lay an egg? Could hope be reborn? Will you join the quest: help us restore hope in our communities?
There are four quests to choose from–two digital and two physical. Each quest takes approximately 1 hour and all you need is a map…
If you join the digital quest you will follow Fred or Suzanne, both ordinary people living ordinary lives. But something extraordinary is about to happen that will change everything forever. Will you help them as they journey into the unknown? The digital experience interweaves beautiful animation, performance, activism, storytelling, kindness, adventure and even a sea shanty!
If you take the physical quest, you will be bestowed a map to help you follow the promise of hope and perhaps find the Mernix egg. Journeying through the heart of Birkenhead or Bootle you will uncover hidden hope, encounter inspiring characters, think and dream. Each quest is an accessible walking loop just under 3 km integrating digital performance, sites of unexpected beauty, activism, song and curiosity.
To get the most out of the physical quest, please take a fully-charged smartphone and a set of earphones with you.
Credits
The Legend of the Mernix was collaboratively created by
Andrew Arthur; Janet Baker; Keith Barber; Tim Bowman; Kim Broughton; Tessa Buddle; Annette Burghes; Val Burton; Abi Horsfield; Aidan Jolly; Sheree Kenton; Bea Kirby; Dude Leyland; Marie Lynch; Patricia Moffett; Jane Pratt; Becks Rourke; Claire Sharples; Tom Shennan; Brian Shortall; Karen Siddle; Caitlin Strongarm; Sarah Thornton; Carolyn Wall; Harriet Warnock; Arthur Waterloo; Paul Whiteside; Nicola Williams; Zoe Wilton; Kimberley Woodward
As well as many other citizens and artists from Bootle and Birkenhead
Thanks to all our amazing community partners who have been with us on this incredible journey and for the fantastic work you do for and with the community. We hope we have reflected it in this piece.
