From the offices of The Janus Media Corporation at the Northern Stage, newly born political parties, us the audience, scamper off into the streets, armed with smart phones and a placard, to fulfil a scavenger hunt of tasks to win coveted popularity points. Over a fast paced forty five minutes me and my team, ‘The Superiorities’ because we’re ‘frankly superior’, buzzed in and out of shops, capturing moments of dressing up dummies in vintage dresses; feeding dogs; kissing baby dolls. Businesses from the local area must be commended for taking part in this interactive game. I hope regulars at the Bailie Bar don’t grow tired of being asked to take part in arm wrestles.
The set up gets players engaged with the local area, chatting to the public in the street in order to gain that sought after support. On the other hand we often didn’t have time to chat and the contest certainly brought out the spirit of rivalry in my teammates. I felt the real politics of agenda and persuasion was lost in the lighthearted frivolities.
The organisers are our slightly sensationalist judges, dressed in smart suits and cool converse, comical and light they enhance the satirical attitude. It would be unnecessary to take this too seriously. Never the less, as this is described as theatre I had expected more characters to appear, questioning us on our policies perhaps, challenging us just a little more.
Yet, despite our victory- well we are superior- we were told that it was not yet over for ‘The Superiorities’. The game continued with the next contestants and if we wanted to stay on top we would need to continue being helpful, kind and generous around Edinburgh. Take a look online to see the groups of people brought together to support The Kiwi Party in bars and clubs across the festival. It’s a fun, lighthearted way to explore the city, make some friends and maybe some rivals too.
