A distant rumble
If the experience of playing a game is intended, for the most part, to be joyful, then consider that the experience of attempting to create a game – from scratch – involves much wailing and gnashing of teeth. Planning and brain-bashing for the Larkin' About and Library Theatre Company commission continues. How to estimate a duration and end point, to avoid fatigue or boredom? If I don’t want one winner and many losers, how do I gently console those who don’t complete the requirements, whilst still celebrating those who do? Are themes of memory, loss, mourning and the silent cry of purgatorial souls suitable material for a playful treatment involving balloons? What of unknown latex allergies? Ai-ai-ai. Still, the initial shape is done. The play test awaits. My craft box has a few more items I am unlikely ever to use again, but on the plus side I have some lovely Ladybird books purchased as ‘research’. Here is an image from a bison hunt, which may have something to do with the work in progress. Oh, and I have a name for it at last.
Prairieland.
Glassy eyed
Wandering around Manchester Town Hall today on my lunch break, hoping that inspiration might strike to help me build upon my commission by Larkin' About and Library Theatre Company for the Manchester Histories Festival. This is very much how my brain feels right now. A swirling pool whirlpool of research and ideas that needs to settle before I can row a boat out and sink a hook. Gorgeous windows. Glad I don't have to clean 'em. So many restricted spaces means that there isn't going to be much opportunity to run amok, exploring oubliettes, which is no bad thing. I must be disciplined. I must be static. Static doesn't have to be bad. I did take a fancy to a particular window alcove. I may go back with a large beach towel to claim my spot...
Curious Pursuits: open call
Art Historian Collective Porter & Jenkinson are looking for artists and writers for their first exhibition, Curious Pursuits, at the Portico LIbrary and Gallery Manchester from February 2nd - 29th 2012. Artists are invited to respond to the idea and aesthetics of Victorian Dark Societies, the Curious and the Peculiar. Submissions are welcome from the following that wish to exhibit work fitting this theme: illustrators, printmakers, painters, zine makers, writers, book binders, photographers, sculptors and I imagine anyone working in any mediums not listed also! More information here. I've had a pop myself with some micro fiction but hurry as there are only 24 hours left before the end-of-year deadline!
Richard of Battenberg
Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain, but had the unlucky fella had a slice of Teacup's festive rainbow Battenburg, he might have not minded quite so much. Strictly for grown-ups only.