A new family theatre production exploring how different cultures remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died is set to tour the Black Country this November.

Mortuus, created by West Bromwich-based theatre company Infamous Arts, uses storytelling and puppetry to take audiences on a journey through myths, folklore and traditions from around the world.

The show explores a variety of remembrance rituals, including Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Japan’s Obon festival, Samhain in Celtic tradition, Nepal’s Gai Jatra festival and All Souls’ Day in parts of Europe.

Bringing together two performers, the production combines stories, puppets and soundscapes to explore the different ways people honour those who have gone before them. It aims to show how grief can become a celebration of life, while opening up conversations about death and remembrance with younger audiences.

Matt Lloyd, Co-Artistic Director of Infamous Arts, said: “I have wanted to create a show of this nature for some time, one that talks to children and young people about death and remembrance that is very honest, very direct, and coming from a place of celebration.

“Too often grief is treated as a taboo, but it is something that millions of young people are living with every day. Mortuus aims to bring us together and open up a conversation, so people can feel less alone with their feelings.”

Infamous Arts has also partnered with local bereavement charity Brum Yodo to offer age-appropriate workshops exploring grief and dying. Alongside its public performances, the production will visit several local schools as part of their PSHE curriculum.

Supported using public funding from Arts Council England, Mortuus is aimed at children aged five and over and offers a gentle introduction to the subject through stories and cultural traditions.

The production will visit Wednesbury Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday 7 November at 1.30pm, Thimblemill Library in Smethwick on Sunday 8 November at 3pm, and Wolverhampton’s Arena Theatre on Friday 13 November at 11am.

Tickets are available via the Black Country Touring website.