Tales from the Towpath

Explore hidden, lost and imagined lives of Manchester with a story that runs across rivers Irwell and Medlock, the Rochdale and Bridgewater canals, linking them to iconic Manchester venues such as The Royal Exchange, People’s History Museum and Midland Hotel.

New mythologies are created and, whether you believe them or not, thrive. Lives intersect like flotsam, like the past that washes up again and again. Two futures are possible: where water is at risk and the world turns upside down, or one where nature proves her power.

Tales from the Towpath: a textural treasure hunt was created by Maya Chowdhry, Sarah Hymas, Michelle Green and Helen Varley Jamieson. It came out of a desire to create an immersive piece of literature focusing on Manchester’s waterways, and we were very excited when Manchester Literature Festival said they were interested in programming it as part of this year’s festival.

Story Trail - 6-18 October

The self-guided StoryTrail runs for the duration of the festival. Different episodes are revealed on GPS geocaches, Zapcodes, a micro-projection and micro-print publication. Through each strand are three characters whose lives have been, and will be, altered forever by their attachment to the city and its waterways. Past collides with present, digital with print, to create an immersive and thrilling adventure.

Performance – Friday 17 October

The Tales from the Towpath story trail culminates in a rich multi-voiced performance on a traditional narrowboat moored at Castlefield. History and passion sprinkled with wit provide a waterside evening of intimate atmosphere and quiet revelations. There are three shows: 17:30, 19:30, 21:30

Trail walkers and workshoppers can influence the performance by submitting ideas or story fragments via this web site, between Monday 6th and Wednesday 15th October.

Workshops – Saturday 12 & 18 October

Two connected immersive literature-making workshops for writers will explore ways into writing site-responsive texts and how they can be disseminated so form complements subject.

The first workshop will use the waterways as an entry to writing, exploring historical, social and personal resonances. Participants will use practical exercises to produce a draft text.

The second workshop focuses on creative aspects of digitalising and presenting your work, for example using projection, unusual print formats and location-specific tools. Participants will be guided through a choice of tools to produce a draft immersive text. 

For more information including how to book, visit http://talesfromthetowpath.net/