THE DIRECTOR   

Fresh from a two-year covid stint directing immersive Shakespeare in New Zealand, Mel.Cook is an award-winning theatre maker who creates autonomous adventures for audiences around the globe. A graduate of University of London Birkbeck’s MFA in Theatre Directing and RADA’s Acting BA, Mel. has directed productions for a multitude of theatres around the world, including Southern Rep, Theatre Royal Margate, New Zealand Globe Centre, The Lowry, The Finborough, The Arcola, and The Bush. Mel. has created pervasive narrative games for the spaces like the Barbican, Glastonbury, V&A, and National Gallery; made interactive theatre with companies such as Punchdrunk, Coney, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the RSC; built immersive events for corporations including Beefeater, Smirnoff, Central St Martin's, and Nokia; and devised narrative adventures in several cities, parks, graveyards, and derelict buildings.   

“In a league beyond anything the National has had to offer in several years.” – Gyles Brandreth   

"Mel Cook is well-versed in creating immersive theatre in a distinct setting."  – Lyn Gardner, The Guardian   

THE PLAYWRIGHT   

Michael Merino was the artistic director of the Lower Garden Theater Project, which presented experimental works at their storefront on Magazine Street, the Contemporary Arts Center, x art, The Pickery, and Café Brasil. His works have been been staged in Washington, DC and Paris. He has presented sold-out productions at fringe festivals locally and in our nation's capital, and placed first at Theatre Oxford’s 10-Minute Play Festival. Michael was named as an Emerging Voices Playwrighting Competition winner (Washington, DC), a MainStage Series winner at the Great Plains Theatre Conference (Omaha, NE), a finalist at the Charles M. Getchell New Playwrighting Project (Southeastern Theatre Conference), and a semi-finalist at Playwright’s Center’s PlayLabs Festival (Minneapolis, MN). He has been nominated for a Big Easy Award and the Storer Boone Award for best original play. Michael has been a member of Woolly Mammoth Playwright’s Playground, and participated in Flea Theater's Pataphysics Workshop and Cimémorphe performances.

"Obvious comparisons can be made to Artaud's Theatre of Cruelty, Ionesco's Theatre of the Absurd, and Ron Tavel's Theatre of the Ridiculous. Michael Merino has created a new genre. Theatre of the Silly." – Richard Dodds, The Times Picayune

"Michael Merino is an idiot." – Edward Albee

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION     

Are there Covid protocols?     

Audiences are required to wear masks during all indoor scenes. The cast and crew have been fully vaccinated and are tested weekly. Audiences may remove their masks during scenes that are set outdoors. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided.  

What is immersive theatre?    

It's a real world choose-your-own-adventure story. You decide where you go and what you see. Action happens in multiple spaces throughout the house and grounds simultaneously. No two audience members will ever have the same experience. Follow a psychiatrist into his study, or a daughter to her puppet playhouse. Or sit in the parlor drinking tea, observing the action. Whatever you do, wear comfortable shoes.

Where do I park?    

Please park one block from the event near Markey Park on Royal Street. You can also park at Crescent Park near the Rusty Rainbow Bridge. You can access this park at the corner of Gallier and Chartres Streets. Or better yet, take a cab, an Uber or Lyft to the performance.    

Will adult beverages be served?   

We will not be selling alcohol; however, you may bring your own.  Non-alcoholic mixers  will be available for a modest charge. For everyone's safety, guests who arrive inebriated will not be admitted.