Putting Mysterion: Descent Into Hades into a "theatre" category may be a bit confusing for people who see normal theatre. Billed as "responsive theatre", it's essentially a four-hour long LARP (live action role-playing game). Once you work out that, the whole experience will make a lot more sense (and be vastly more enjoyable).
Uncover the Secrets of Immortality in this Captivating Greek Mythology Experience
Entering the Realm of the Underworld
Arriving at the gates of the Hellenic Museum on William Street in Melbourne, guests are greeted by white mask-wearing members of a secret society. Dressed in "black tie" attire as instructed, participants are checked in and provided with a guide to the ritual, some riddles to solve, the rules of the game, and a mask to wear throughout the night. The "Mistai" (those who paid an additional ) are granted the privilege of entering the experience first, participating in certain rituals ahead of the "Initiates" (everyone else).
Immersive Ritual to Summon the Gods
Guided into a floral-decorated outdoor pavilion at the back of the Hellenic Museum, the audience (or players) become involved in a group ritual to bring forth the gods of Ancient Greek mythology, Hades (god of the Underworld) and Persephone (daughter of Zeus and Demeter, and Hades' wife, the Queen of the Underworld). The goal is to learn the secrets of immortality.
Navigating the Divide Between the Mortal and Underworld Realms
As Hades and Persephone arrive, it becomes clear they are in the midst of a lovers' tiff. Hades wants Persephone to spend more time in the Underworld, while Persephone desires to spend time in the mortal realm. Persephone remains with her Nymphs in the pavilion, which represents the world of mortals, while Hades heads into the Hellenic Museum, which becomes the Underworld. As members of the secret society, participants can freely pass between the two realms, solving puzzles, and interacting with the immortals and gods of the Ancient Greek world.
Engaging with the Rich Mythology and History of Ancient Greece
Throughout the experience, players have the opportunity to converse with a variety of characters from Greek mythology, including Persephone and Hades, Orpheus and Eurydice, Hecate and Hermes, Charon, Dionysus, Achilles, and Iris. They can also explore the ancient artefacts on display at the Hellenic Museum, and learn more about the rich tapestry of daily life, culture, and values of the Ancient Greek world from the museum's curators.
Embracing the Immersive and Interactive Nature of the Experience
Mysterion: Descent into Hades is not a traditional, passive theatre experience. It is a true game, with skilled improvisers portraying characters with their own qualities, characteristics, and knowledge to share, as well as problems to overcome, similar to a Dungeons & Dragons game. Players are encouraged to develop their own characters and play a role throughout the game, adding to the immersive and interactive nature of the experience.
Navigating the Challenges and Rewards of the Immersive Experience
While the experience may not be for everyone, as it requires a significant amount of active participation and problem-solving, it offers a unique and captivating way to engage with the rich mythology and history of Ancient Greece. Players may encounter bottlenecks where they need to wait to interact with certain characters, but talking to peripheral characters can often provide the solution. The experience also allows players to collect tokens and items to use throughout the game, which can be traded with other players.Mysterion: Descent Into Hades is an ambitious and highly successful example of how cultural institutions can open up their spaces to reach and engage with new audiences in a completely different way, blending history, mythology, and interactive gameplay to create an unforgettable experience.
