Michelle Watson brought lots of performers up from London and the Kazimier rocked on Saturday night to her cabaret. Local talents weren't overlooked though, Trevor Fleming performed a comic monologue, there was postmodern folk from Adam from TAO, and Tall Paul and Neil showed us some juggling madness as Useless Skills.
There was poetry, music, comedy, dancing galore. The highlight for me was Michelle's poem culled from lines of The Warp. Gregory ran an absinthe bar and the whole thing was surprisingly civilised until about 1am. Then the Long Finger Bandits started playing and the rest was revelry. An excellent night.
Tuesday 25 November 2008
Charles Dexter Ward
When Ken was at the Science Fiction Theatre of Liverpool, he staged "The Strange Case of Charles Dexter Ward" as an opera, with music by Camilla Saunders. As it was also performed at the Everyman and the ICA, I felt it was important to try to have a production of it, so on Friday we improvised it at Mellomello cafe.
Our orchestra was Joe Quillin on Keyboards and Jeff Merrifield on pocket trumpet, and the show starred Jack Darrell as Charles, Jud Charlton and Laura Spark as his parents, Richard Helm as Doctor Willett and Tall Paul Robinson as Doctor Allen. However, it was entirely improvised, with me reading out bits of the synopsis from the original Everyman programme. It was great fun, and I feel I should apologise profusely to Camilla. Highlights were Laura's aria "What are we going to do about Charles?" and the occult book reading scene between Paul and Jack.
Our orchestra was Joe Quillin on Keyboards and Jeff Merrifield on pocket trumpet, and the show starred Jack Darrell as Charles, Jud Charlton and Laura Spark as his parents, Richard Helm as Doctor Willett and Tall Paul Robinson as Doctor Allen. However, it was entirely improvised, with me reading out bits of the synopsis from the original Everyman programme. It was great fun, and I feel I should apologise profusely to Camilla. Highlights were Laura's aria "What are we going to do about Charles?" and the occult book reading scene between Paul and Jack.
Damanhur Talk
Jeff Merrifield talked eloquently about the building of the amazing Damanhur on Thursday. Aided and abetted by a splendid collection of slides, and the recent knowledge of Gregory Scott-Gurner, it was an entertaining and educating evening. I'd certainly recommend Jeff's book on the subject, Damanhur: The Story of the Extraordinary Italian Artistic And Spiritual Community .
Thursday 20 November 2008
CHANGE OF VENUE FOR THE TRIBUTE SHOW
The Ken Campbell Tribute Show on Sunday at 2pm will now be at THE KAZIMIER, Wolstenholme Square, rather than the Everyman theatre. We will be assembling at the Everyman on Hope Street at 1.23 and a Livergon (a cross between a Liver bird and a dragon) will lead us down to the Kazimier.
Film Night and The Quest for the Stone
On Monday, as a gentle way to recover from the Impro marathon, we hosted a film night in Meme. The BBC film about Ken Campbell's Roadshow in Kirkby was shown, which has not been seen since 1971. Then we watched the first forty minutes of Hyphenator! - Ken's one man show from 2006, filmed at the Drill Hall.
Tuesday night saw us assembling in Mello for an improvised retelling of Sean Halligan's quest to find the Jung stone in Switzerland. In 1976, he drove there with a friend to acquire the stone that now forms the plinth for Jung's statue outside what was the Liverpool School of Language, Music, Dream and Pun. I directed it by not telling the cast anything about the journey and Sean and I dripped information for them to improvise. As well as the usual team of improvisors (Paul Robinson, Laura Spark, Elaine Roberts, Trevor Healey, Jack Darrell, Dannielle Malone, Jud Charlton and Richard Helm), we had the dance skills of Adele Slachmuilder and Sara Popowa to add a different texture. We finished the evening with a pilgrimage to Mathew Street to visit the stone itself.
Tuesday night saw us assembling in Mello for an improvised retelling of Sean Halligan's quest to find the Jung stone in Switzerland. In 1976, he drove there with a friend to acquire the stone that now forms the plinth for Jung's statue outside what was the Liverpool School of Language, Music, Dream and Pun. I directed it by not telling the cast anything about the journey and Sean and I dripped information for them to improvise. As well as the usual team of improvisors (Paul Robinson, Laura Spark, Elaine Roberts, Trevor Healey, Jack Darrell, Dannielle Malone, Jud Charlton and Richard Helm), we had the dance skills of Adele Slachmuilder and Sara Popowa to add a different texture. We finished the evening with a pilgrimage to Mathew Street to visit the stone itself.
Dana Andersen and Oh Wait!
Dana joined us on Friday 14th, and ran an improvisation masterclass in the afternoon. Students from LIPA joined the regular impro crowd and had a great time, enjoying his unique style and enthusiasm.
That evening in Mello, there was a Ken Campbell's School of Night Show, which demonstrated a wholly different style of improvisation, followed by the Mello Hoedown with cowboys, can can girls, bands -
At 1.23 on Saturday 14th, the Liverpool Oh Wait! improvised comedy soap marathon began. It was a complete triumph, and audiences marvelled at the circuitous route in which Dana led the good ship RMS Pedantic from Liverpool to New York. Highlights included a visit to Monkey Island, the chasing down of the great whale Jody Dick, the Custard Mutiny, and finally the ship being attacked by a giant squid. Congratulations to all involved, particularly Dana and musical director Joe Quillan. The whole thing was documented by students from John Moores University and four LIPA students were involved too. Artist Ben Parry said "This is the best event of Liverpool 2008."
That evening in Mello, there was a Ken Campbell's School of Night Show, which demonstrated a wholly different style of improvisation, followed by the Mello Hoedown with cowboys, can can girls, bands -
At 1.23 on Saturday 14th, the Liverpool Oh Wait! improvised comedy soap marathon began. It was a complete triumph, and audiences marvelled at the circuitous route in which Dana led the good ship RMS Pedantic from Liverpool to New York. Highlights included a visit to Monkey Island, the chasing down of the great whale Jody Dick, the Custard Mutiny, and finally the ship being attacked by a giant squid. Congratulations to all involved, particularly Dana and musical director Joe Quillan. The whole thing was documented by students from John Moores University and four LIPA students were involved too. Artist Ben Parry said "This is the best event of Liverpool 2008."
Transitions
The 491 crew assembled from all over the world to bring us the Transitions art show at the International Gallery, which started on Thursday 13th. An amazing show, and there was a live music and spoken word in Mellomello on the opening evening. Congratulations to all involved. Not just a fantastic and thought provoking show, but also a massive and emotional reunion.
Wednesday 12 November 2008
The Pool of Life
Peter Halligan's talk was this evening at Meme. During the day, Chris Bernard, Larry Sidurczuk and I had hung the exhibition there, with help from Tall Paul Robinson, Rosie Wilkinson and Des O'Leary. It's a wide ranging showing, with sections on The Liverpool School of Language, Music, Dream and Pun, Ken's life at the Everyman, and Illuminatus.
It was a perfect backdrop to Peter's talk, and he was able to refer to photographs from it as he spoke. He talked mostly about his investigations into synchronicity and the works of Jung, starting with a reading of Jung's dream about Liverpool. He talked - with the odd prompt from Sean Halligan - about scarab beetles, the Liverpool school, the Mandala, the Beatles, Mathew Street, his travels, alchemists and the window into eternity, among much else. Afterwards, I convened a talk between Jane Casey, Chris and Larry. They spoke about the differences and similarities between the School in the 70s and TAO now, and talked about culture in Liverpool in the intervening period. They then reminisced about the School years, which was entertaining and moving.
I know that Peter hasn't spoken in public for many years, and I was honoured that he agreed to do the talk tonight. Thanks Peter.
It was a perfect backdrop to Peter's talk, and he was able to refer to photographs from it as he spoke. He talked mostly about his investigations into synchronicity and the works of Jung, starting with a reading of Jung's dream about Liverpool. He talked - with the odd prompt from Sean Halligan - about scarab beetles, the Liverpool school, the Mandala, the Beatles, Mathew Street, his travels, alchemists and the window into eternity, among much else. Afterwards, I convened a talk between Jane Casey, Chris and Larry. They spoke about the differences and similarities between the School in the 70s and TAO now, and talked about culture in Liverpool in the intervening period. They then reminisced about the School years, which was entertaining and moving.
I know that Peter hasn't spoken in public for many years, and I was honoured that he agreed to do the talk tonight. Thanks Peter.
Tuesday 11 November 2008
Sticky Ectoplasm
Tonight, Ian Potter brought Sticky Ectoplasm to Mellomello. Part lecture, part play, Ian told us about the next conversation he would have had with Ken Campbell, had he not died. It was an excellent cogitation on the weirdness surrounding the early days of television tied up in a knot of Campbellology.
Tomorrow's lecture by Peter Halligan and talk will be at Meme (formerly Tito's restaurant, on Slater Street opposite Mellomello). It will coincide with the opening of the exhibition in the same space. The exhibition consists of photographs, cuttings and letters relating to Ken's time in Liverpool.
Tomorrow's lecture by Peter Halligan and talk will be at Meme (formerly Tito's restaurant, on Slater Street opposite Mellomello). It will coincide with the opening of the exhibition in the same space. The exhibition consists of photographs, cuttings and letters relating to Ken's time in Liverpool.
Sunday 9 November 2008
Metafex Has Started!
The first day of the festival was today, and the opening show was fantastic. After a fine meal in Mellomello, festival goers were treated to the brilliant Jud Charlton and his conspiracy show. The first half, "The Hole in the Ocean" was a treatise on how Paul McCartney died on November 9th, 1966 and it was all covered up by the other Beatles and Brian Epstein, and the second half concerned UFOs and the conspiracies surrounding flying saucers and all that sort of seekerish strangeness.
It was the perfect opening to the festival - funny and thought provoking while managing to stay tongue firmly in cheek. In the spirit of Ken, Jud presented each member of the audience with a pinch of salt at the beginning. The show was particularly poignant for me, as the first draft of this show was last Hallowe'en, during the School of Night Hallowe'en caper with Ken that year. Bravo Jud.
It was the perfect opening to the festival - funny and thought provoking while managing to stay tongue firmly in cheek. In the spirit of Ken, Jud presented each member of the audience with a pinch of salt at the beginning. The show was particularly poignant for me, as the first draft of this show was last Hallowe'en, during the School of Night Hallowe'en caper with Ken that year. Bravo Jud.
Friday 7 November 2008
Latest Timetable of Events
Sunday 9th
Living Market
Opening meal and reading of Pontifex, Mellomello, 8pm, to include
Jud Charlton’s Conspiracy show.
Monday 10th
Improvisation workshop, led by Josh Darcy,
2pm-5pm, Arena
Tuesday 11th
Ian Potter presents Sticky Ectoplasm 7.30pm, Meme
Wednesday 12th
Peter Halligan lectures on The Pool of Life, The School of Language, Music Dream and Pun, and the Science Fiction Theatre of Liverpool. Followed by a round table discussion with Peter, Chris Bernard, Lawrence Sidurczuk and Gregory Scott-Gurner. Meme, 8pm
Thursday 13th
Dana Andersen (Die Nasty, Edmonton Alberta): Long form improvisation masterclass, 11am-5pm, Mellomello.
Transition Private View. Art show by the original community of the 491 gallery, Leytonstone.
Live music and spoken word at Mellomello, 8pm
Friday 14th
Dana Andersen masterclass.
Ken Campbell’s School of Night, 7pm, Mellomello
Fellow Voyager by PAC, Wolstenholme Project, 8pm
Benefit Party at Mellomello, 9pm
Saturday 15th
2008 minute Improvised Marathon: Liverpool Oh, Wait! Directed by Dana Andersen in association with Ken Campbell’s School of Night. At the Kazimier, Wolstenholme Square, from 1pm.
Sunday 16th
Improvised Marathon ends at 10.28 pm
Living Market
Monday 17th
Workshop in Tuvan Overtone Singing led by Doug Kingsmith. 5-7pm Mellomello (Not yet confirmed)
Film Night, including a showing of the film of Ken Campbell’s Roadshow at Kirkby, 1971
Tuesday 18th
Improvisation workshop, Mellomello, 2-5pm, led by Zoot Lynham
Oddyssey for the Stone – recreating Sean Halligan’s journey to Switzerland to find the Jung stone. Mellomello, 7.30pm
Wednesday 19th
Musical Improvisation workshop, 2-5pm Mellomello
Metafex Dinner with readings from Pontifex and Illuminatus
Thursday 20th
Jeff Merrifield lectures on Damanhur, 8pm, Meme
Friday 21st
Ventriloquism Workshop, 2-5, Mellomello. Please bring a sock.
Improvised version of “The Strange Case of Charles Dexter Ward”, 8pm, Mellomello
Saturday 22nd
“It’s A Thought Crime” Cabaret at the Kazimier Club, 8pm
Sunday 23rd
Living Market
Ken Campbell Tribute Show, Liverpool Everyman Theatre, 2pm
Closing Party, Mellomello.
Living Market
Opening meal and reading of Pontifex, Mellomello, 8pm, to include
Jud Charlton’s Conspiracy show.
Monday 10th
Improvisation workshop, led by Josh Darcy,
2pm-5pm, Arena
Tuesday 11th
Ian Potter presents Sticky Ectoplasm 7.30pm, Meme
Wednesday 12th
Peter Halligan lectures on The Pool of Life, The School of Language, Music Dream and Pun, and the Science Fiction Theatre of Liverpool. Followed by a round table discussion with Peter, Chris Bernard, Lawrence Sidurczuk and Gregory Scott-Gurner. Meme, 8pm
Thursday 13th
Dana Andersen (Die Nasty, Edmonton Alberta): Long form improvisation masterclass, 11am-5pm, Mellomello.
Transition Private View. Art show by the original community of the 491 gallery, Leytonstone.
Live music and spoken word at Mellomello, 8pm
Friday 14th
Dana Andersen masterclass.
Ken Campbell’s School of Night, 7pm, Mellomello
Fellow Voyager by PAC, Wolstenholme Project, 8pm
Benefit Party at Mellomello, 9pm
Saturday 15th
2008 minute Improvised Marathon: Liverpool Oh, Wait! Directed by Dana Andersen in association with Ken Campbell’s School of Night. At the Kazimier, Wolstenholme Square, from 1pm.
Sunday 16th
Improvised Marathon ends at 10.28 pm
Living Market
Monday 17th
Workshop in Tuvan Overtone Singing led by Doug Kingsmith. 5-7pm Mellomello (Not yet confirmed)
Film Night, including a showing of the film of Ken Campbell’s Roadshow at Kirkby, 1971
Tuesday 18th
Improvisation workshop, Mellomello, 2-5pm, led by Zoot Lynham
Oddyssey for the Stone – recreating Sean Halligan’s journey to Switzerland to find the Jung stone. Mellomello, 7.30pm
Wednesday 19th
Musical Improvisation workshop, 2-5pm Mellomello
Metafex Dinner with readings from Pontifex and Illuminatus
Thursday 20th
Jeff Merrifield lectures on Damanhur, 8pm, Meme
Friday 21st
Ventriloquism Workshop, 2-5, Mellomello. Please bring a sock.
Improvised version of “The Strange Case of Charles Dexter Ward”, 8pm, Mellomello
Saturday 22nd
“It’s A Thought Crime” Cabaret at the Kazimier Club, 8pm
Sunday 23rd
Living Market
Ken Campbell Tribute Show, Liverpool Everyman Theatre, 2pm
Closing Party, Mellomello.
Wednesday 12th: Halligan Lecture and Discussion
Ken's involvement in Liverpool stems from the Liverpool School of Language, Music, Dream and Pun, so I'm really looking forward to Peter Halligan's talk about the School, Jung's dream and the pool of life. His unique viewpoint and trailblazing efforts are well worth celebrating. The Liverpool school was, after all, the forerunner of The Art Organisation and although on a smaller scale their achievements were mighty, not least in hosting the Science Fiction Theatre of Liverpool when Ken Campbell started that.
There are a couple of announcements for the discussion after the lecture: Jayne Casey has kindly agreed to sit on the panel after Peter Halligan's talk, and it's now confirmed that it will be chaired by Stuart Wilkes-Hegg of Liverpool University, an expert on Liverpool culture. Also appearing will be Chris Bernard and Gregory Scott-Gurner, so it should be an extremely interesting evening.
There are a couple of announcements for the discussion after the lecture: Jayne Casey has kindly agreed to sit on the panel after Peter Halligan's talk, and it's now confirmed that it will be chaired by Stuart Wilkes-Hegg of Liverpool University, an expert on Liverpool culture. Also appearing will be Chris Bernard and Gregory Scott-Gurner, so it should be an extremely interesting evening.
Wednesday 5 November 2008
Metafex Press Release
Metafex Festival 2008. Liverpool 9th-23rd 2008.
In Memory of, and as a tribute to Ken Campbell.
"They only call me a genius so they don't have to give me a job." - Ken Campbell.
On the contrary. Ken Campbell was one of the most important and seminal individuals in modern British theatre and the arts. Before his death, he had been planning to come to Liverpool in November to work with The Art Organisation on a new show, to be called Metafex. Since his untimely passing, The Art Organisation has decided to instead run the same festival, but to his memory, and as an expression of his legacy.
The Metafex Festival will run for two weeks, from the 9th to the 23rd of November. It will include theatre, music, art, performance, intervention and workshops. Although not exclusively about the work of Ken Campbell, Metafex will use the same anarchic and sideways-looking approach for which the great man was famous. Metafex will include work by many of Ken's collaborators and disciples. It will look back on his glory days at the Liverpool School of Language, Music, Dream and Pun, The Science Fiction Theatre of Liverpool and his Artistic Directorship at the Everyman Theatre, as well as looking forward to his legacy and effect on artists and theatricals today.
Campbell's is a life worth celebrating. To that end, in Meme (formerly Tito's restaurant in Slater Street) there will be an exhibition of photographs, film and memorabilia illustrating his time in the city. There will be a film night which will include footage of Ken Campbell's Roadshow at Kirkby. Peter Halligan, the founder of the School of Language, Music, Dream and Pun will give a lecture. The Festival will end with a tribute show at the Everyman Theatre on Sunday 23rd November at 2pm, with many of the people who worked with him in Liverpool.
But Ken Campbell's focus was never on the past. He never rested on his laurels or dwelt on his glory days, he was always looking to the future and to the next project. Thus his collaborators, including Jud Charlton, Ian Potter and Jeff Merrifield will be doing shows inspired by him, and the centrepiece of the Festival will be a 2008 minute (33 hours, 28 minutes) improvisational marathon entitled Oh Wait! Ken's work in the last four years has largely been in improvisation, both long and short form, and he was fascinated by the work of Dana Andersen and the Die Nasty Company in Edmonton, Canada, the pioneers and world leaders in long form comedy improvisation. Andersen himself (a friend and colleague of Campbell's) will be coming over to run the improvisation, which takes the form of a comedy soap run in 2 hour segments, each comprising one hour 45 minutes of improvisation and a 15minute break. It will be set on a White Star Liner in 1934, travelling between Liverpool and New York. It aims to be "entirely improvised, entirely foolish". It will take place at the Kazimier Club (formerly the Continental) on Wolstenholme Square. There will also be a Campbell inspired cabaret at the Kazimier on the evening of Saturday 22nd of November.
Not content with theatrical practice during his life, Campbell was also a teacher of his own brand of esoteria and theatre. The Metafex will, therefore, also include workshops in "Real Acting," improvisation, ventriloquism, and other more arcane subjects, including Tuvan overtone singing. This will allow the people of Liverpool to get a taste for themselves of the inner workings of theatre, the Campbell way.
All shows will be pay what you can or by donation, except the Improvised Marathon (£4 for a 2 hour segment or £15 for the whole event) and the cabaret (£5). Tickets available at Mellomello Cafe, Slater Street.
For more details and a full timetable of events for the Metafex Festival please go to metafex.blogspot.com or taoliverpool.co.uk.
The Metafex Festival is organised by The Art Organisation Liverpool. Curators: Josh Darcy and Gregory Scott-Gurner, with the help and assistance of Laurence Sidorczuk, Chris Bernard and Paul Robinson.
In Memory of, and as a tribute to Ken Campbell.
"They only call me a genius so they don't have to give me a job." - Ken Campbell.
On the contrary. Ken Campbell was one of the most important and seminal individuals in modern British theatre and the arts. Before his death, he had been planning to come to Liverpool in November to work with The Art Organisation on a new show, to be called Metafex. Since his untimely passing, The Art Organisation has decided to instead run the same festival, but to his memory, and as an expression of his legacy.
The Metafex Festival will run for two weeks, from the 9th to the 23rd of November. It will include theatre, music, art, performance, intervention and workshops. Although not exclusively about the work of Ken Campbell, Metafex will use the same anarchic and sideways-looking approach for which the great man was famous. Metafex will include work by many of Ken's collaborators and disciples. It will look back on his glory days at the Liverpool School of Language, Music, Dream and Pun, The Science Fiction Theatre of Liverpool and his Artistic Directorship at the Everyman Theatre, as well as looking forward to his legacy and effect on artists and theatricals today.
Campbell's is a life worth celebrating. To that end, in Meme (formerly Tito's restaurant in Slater Street) there will be an exhibition of photographs, film and memorabilia illustrating his time in the city. There will be a film night which will include footage of Ken Campbell's Roadshow at Kirkby. Peter Halligan, the founder of the School of Language, Music, Dream and Pun will give a lecture. The Festival will end with a tribute show at the Everyman Theatre on Sunday 23rd November at 2pm, with many of the people who worked with him in Liverpool.
But Ken Campbell's focus was never on the past. He never rested on his laurels or dwelt on his glory days, he was always looking to the future and to the next project. Thus his collaborators, including Jud Charlton, Ian Potter and Jeff Merrifield will be doing shows inspired by him, and the centrepiece of the Festival will be a 2008 minute (33 hours, 28 minutes) improvisational marathon entitled Oh Wait! Ken's work in the last four years has largely been in improvisation, both long and short form, and he was fascinated by the work of Dana Andersen and the Die Nasty Company in Edmonton, Canada, the pioneers and world leaders in long form comedy improvisation. Andersen himself (a friend and colleague of Campbell's) will be coming over to run the improvisation, which takes the form of a comedy soap run in 2 hour segments, each comprising one hour 45 minutes of improvisation and a 15minute break. It will be set on a White Star Liner in 1934, travelling between Liverpool and New York. It aims to be "entirely improvised, entirely foolish". It will take place at the Kazimier Club (formerly the Continental) on Wolstenholme Square. There will also be a Campbell inspired cabaret at the Kazimier on the evening of Saturday 22nd of November.
Not content with theatrical practice during his life, Campbell was also a teacher of his own brand of esoteria and theatre. The Metafex will, therefore, also include workshops in "Real Acting," improvisation, ventriloquism, and other more arcane subjects, including Tuvan overtone singing. This will allow the people of Liverpool to get a taste for themselves of the inner workings of theatre, the Campbell way.
All shows will be pay what you can or by donation, except the Improvised Marathon (£4 for a 2 hour segment or £15 for the whole event) and the cabaret (£5). Tickets available at Mellomello Cafe, Slater Street.
For more details and a full timetable of events for the Metafex Festival please go to metafex.blogspot.com or taoliverpool.co.uk.
The Metafex Festival is organised by The Art Organisation Liverpool. Curators: Josh Darcy and Gregory Scott-Gurner, with the help and assistance of Laurence Sidorczuk, Chris Bernard and Paul Robinson.
JMU and LIPA students on board
I visited John Moores University and LIPA yesterday, and spoke to students about their involvement in Metafex.
At LIPA I spoke to second year design and stage management students, and asked if they'd like to help out with that side of things - they seem keen, and I'm looking forward to working with them.
I then went to JMU with Chris Bernard and Paul Robinson and we talked to the first year (and a couple of second year) Broadcast and Media Production and Broadcast Technology students there. The idea is that they will document the festival, and this process - shooting, editing and production - will be part of their course over the coming weeks. I was very impressed by the students and faculty and it'll be great to have them on board. There's a record of our visit at the JMU website at http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/eeedelli/photos/liverpool_08/Metafex/start/Metafex_start.htm . It looks like they'll be documenting the whole thing online as well.
When we originally spoke about Metafex, Chris Bernard and I were keen to include the opportunity to teach in the festival, so this initiative is all about that. Ken was as much teacher as actor or director, after all.
At LIPA I spoke to second year design and stage management students, and asked if they'd like to help out with that side of things - they seem keen, and I'm looking forward to working with them.
I then went to JMU with Chris Bernard and Paul Robinson and we talked to the first year (and a couple of second year) Broadcast and Media Production and Broadcast Technology students there. The idea is that they will document the festival, and this process - shooting, editing and production - will be part of their course over the coming weeks. I was very impressed by the students and faculty and it'll be great to have them on board. There's a record of our visit at the JMU website at http://www.staff.ljmu.ac.uk/eeedelli/photos/liverpool_08/Metafex/start/Metafex_start.htm . It looks like they'll be documenting the whole thing online as well.
When we originally spoke about Metafex, Chris Bernard and I were keen to include the opportunity to teach in the festival, so this initiative is all about that. Ken was as much teacher as actor or director, after all.
Thursday 30 October 2008
Two More Shows
There's another couple of improvised shows to announce:
The Strange Case of Charles Dexter Ward. Originally a modern opera directed by Ken Campbell at the Everyman, this will be an improvised version of the show on the 21st November. It will star Richard Helm, Dannielle Malone, Sean McCann, Paul Robinson, Keddy Sutton and a host of other crack improvisers.
Also, Halligan's Oddyssey - a reconstruction of the journey to get the stone that stands outside the School of Language, Music, Dream and Pun, and upon which the statue of Karl Jung sits. Tuesday 18th at 7.30
The Strange Case of Charles Dexter Ward. Originally a modern opera directed by Ken Campbell at the Everyman, this will be an improvised version of the show on the 21st November. It will star Richard Helm, Dannielle Malone, Sean McCann, Paul Robinson, Keddy Sutton and a host of other crack improvisers.
Also, Halligan's Oddyssey - a reconstruction of the journey to get the stone that stands outside the School of Language, Music, Dream and Pun, and upon which the statue of Karl Jung sits. Tuesday 18th at 7.30
Wednesday 29 October 2008
Art During Metafex
As well as theatre, music and cabaret, there will be a lot of art during Metafex. including an exhibition by the original community from the 491 gallery in Leytonstone, who are back together after seven years for this one off exhibition as part of the Metafex experience. 491 is the experiment that sowed the seeds for The Art Organisation's genesis. It was also supported by Ken Campbell.
At the Wolstenholme Project at 8pm on Friday the 14th of November, there will be a performance of Fellow Voyager by the PAC with an artist talk to be given afterwards. They ask "How do we build character? What is the 'Uber Marionette'? What is presence? What is absence?" On that Friday, The School of Night will be performing at 7, then there will be a benefit party for Mellomello's heating system after Fellow Voyager, so it's a packed night of entertainment.
There will also be meals strategically placed throughout the festival at Mellomello - these will involve readings from plays and also from Pontifex, the inspiration for the whole thing.
Also, as Metafex is entirely unfunded, we are asking for donations. We'll be taking them at every show and workshop, apart from the shows that are ticketed - the Oh Wait impro marathon, mainly. Or you can donate online by Paypal, here's a button thing:
At the Wolstenholme Project at 8pm on Friday the 14th of November, there will be a performance of Fellow Voyager by the PAC with an artist talk to be given afterwards. They ask "How do we build character? What is the 'Uber Marionette'? What is presence? What is absence?" On that Friday, The School of Night will be performing at 7, then there will be a benefit party for Mellomello's heating system after Fellow Voyager, so it's a packed night of entertainment.
There will also be meals strategically placed throughout the festival at Mellomello - these will involve readings from plays and also from Pontifex, the inspiration for the whole thing.
Also, as Metafex is entirely unfunded, we are asking for donations. We'll be taking them at every show and workshop, apart from the shows that are ticketed - the Oh Wait impro marathon, mainly. Or you can donate online by Paypal, here's a button thing:
Tuesday 28 October 2008
Cabaret Night, 22
Here are some details about the cabaret on the 22nd of November in the Kazimier:
"It's a Thought Crime" Cabaret
Circus from Taul Paul and Neil
Music from Del Sloane, Tom Baker and more
Theatre from Jacqueline Genie, Gemskii and more
Poetry from Niall McDevitt and John Constable
Hosted by Malisha and Dr. Holifuikoch
With walkabout from the Liverpool London Ladies
Absinthe and dancing.
"It's a Thought Crime" Cabaret
Circus from Taul Paul and Neil
Music from Del Sloane, Tom Baker and more
Theatre from Jacqueline Genie, Gemskii and more
Poetry from Niall McDevitt and John Constable
Hosted by Malisha and Dr. Holifuikoch
With walkabout from the Liverpool London Ladies
Absinthe and dancing.
Thursday 23 October 2008
Details of a Couple of Shows
Things are moving on towards Metafex. Ian Potter has sent me this about his show:
"It's tales I never told Ken, and a reflection on some of the more
disappointing ways of surviving death, touching on Edwardian spiritualism,
old videotapes, the missing Rocky film and rotten impressionists."
Sounds great! He also sent me a fantastic intro tape of Ken clips that he'll be using. Very exciting.
As for the 2008 minute improvisation, called Liverpool Oh, Wait! now by Tall Paul, all is dandy. We're having regular impro workshops on Wednesday nights in Mellomello to prepare for it. The cast will be stellar. The Kazimier is currently being dressed for their Samhain do on Hallowe'en, so if you can't make the Ken caper in London that night, that's probably the best place for you. It'll look great as a ship for the impro.
I went to the Everyman archive at John Moores University yesterday, and the amount of Campbell related material is astounding. It should make up a wall of its own in the exhibition in Meme.
"It's tales I never told Ken, and a reflection on some of the more
disappointing ways of surviving death, touching on Edwardian spiritualism,
old videotapes, the missing Rocky film and rotten impressionists."
Sounds great! He also sent me a fantastic intro tape of Ken clips that he'll be using. Very exciting.
As for the 2008 minute improvisation, called Liverpool Oh, Wait! now by Tall Paul, all is dandy. We're having regular impro workshops on Wednesday nights in Mellomello to prepare for it. The cast will be stellar. The Kazimier is currently being dressed for their Samhain do on Hallowe'en, so if you can't make the Ken caper in London that night, that's probably the best place for you. It'll look great as a ship for the impro.
I went to the Everyman archive at John Moores University yesterday, and the amount of Campbell related material is astounding. It should make up a wall of its own in the exhibition in Meme.
Wednesday 8 October 2008
Metafex Update
Things are coming together with programming for Metafex. Workshop wise, there will be sessions every day either at 2pm or 5pm, often which will lead into the show that evening. Evening events and shows currently pencilled in are:
9th November: Jud Charlton presents The Conspiracy Show.
11th November: Ian Potter brings us a show about the beginnings of television.
12th November: Peter Halligan lectures on the Liverpool School of Language, Music, Dream and Pun, The Science Fiction Theatre of Liverpool and Jung's Dream, followed by a discussion on Liverpool subculture, past and present with Peter, Larry Sidurczuk and Gregory Scott-Gurner.
Friday 14th: Ken Campbell's School of Night.
Saturday 15th/Sunday 16th: 2008 minute Improvathon, directed by Dana Andersen of Die Nasty from Edmonton, Alberta.
Monday 17th: A showing of William Woollard's film of Ken Campbell's Confessions of a Furtive Nudist.
Thursday 20th: Jeff Merrifield Lectures about Damanhur.
Saturday 22nd: Campbell Cabaret.
Sunday 23rd: Gala show at the Everyman Theatre.
I'll post details of workshops and other shows as they're confirmed.
The Meme space on Slater Street will become a gallery of Campbell - there will be images and installations from his years with the Science Fiction Theatre and at the Everyman.
There will also be art events, interventions and other stunts and thrills, details coming up.
9th November: Jud Charlton presents The Conspiracy Show.
11th November: Ian Potter brings us a show about the beginnings of television.
12th November: Peter Halligan lectures on the Liverpool School of Language, Music, Dream and Pun, The Science Fiction Theatre of Liverpool and Jung's Dream, followed by a discussion on Liverpool subculture, past and present with Peter, Larry Sidurczuk and Gregory Scott-Gurner.
Friday 14th: Ken Campbell's School of Night.
Saturday 15th/Sunday 16th: 2008 minute Improvathon, directed by Dana Andersen of Die Nasty from Edmonton, Alberta.
Monday 17th: A showing of William Woollard's film of Ken Campbell's Confessions of a Furtive Nudist.
Thursday 20th: Jeff Merrifield Lectures about Damanhur.
Saturday 22nd: Campbell Cabaret.
Sunday 23rd: Gala show at the Everyman Theatre.
I'll post details of workshops and other shows as they're confirmed.
The Meme space on Slater Street will become a gallery of Campbell - there will be images and installations from his years with the Science Fiction Theatre and at the Everyman.
There will also be art events, interventions and other stunts and thrills, details coming up.
Thursday 25 September 2008
Metafex 2008
Metafex 2008 will be a festival in Liverpool, between the 9th and 23rd of November.
Two weeks of work, a large part of it inspired by the late great Ken Campbell, and run by The Art Organisation.
Sensations will include a 2008 minute improvisation in association with Die Nasty from Edmonton, Alberta, play readings, workshops, interventions, discussions and general accessible artiness across the six spaces run by The Art Organisation in Liverpool. Curators: Gregory Scott-Gurner and Josh Darcy.
Two weeks of work, a large part of it inspired by the late great Ken Campbell, and run by The Art Organisation.
Sensations will include a 2008 minute improvisation in association with Die Nasty from Edmonton, Alberta, play readings, workshops, interventions, discussions and general accessible artiness across the six spaces run by The Art Organisation in Liverpool. Curators: Gregory Scott-Gurner and Josh Darcy.
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