Here are some highlights from this festival which is a celebration of Global Citizenship.Celebrating the culture of the many diverse groups in Kensington.Please contact Mark Jackson on 0151 233 6153 for more info.
Tuesday 4th November Czech Slovak Roma Event
Kensington Fields Community Centre
24 Hall Lane L7 8TQ
6-9pm.Films showing the Czech Slovak Roma community in the U.K. and life during the 2nd world war for the Roma communty followed by discussions and free buffet.Music by Gypsy Brothers.
Saturday 8th November Kensington Diwali.Hindu Temple, Edge Lane Kensington L7
6-9pm To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Temple.A celebration of the significance of Diwali with a tour of the Temple,an Indian band and dancers,free buffet and a firework light show.
Thursday 20th November Islamic Event. Al Ghazali Centre. Earle Road L7.
6-9pm Multicultural discussions and feast.Palestinian band,dancers and music.Tickets by invitation only.Call Mark Jackson (233 6153)
Tuesday 25th November International Day Against Violence to Women
Frontline church.Corner Lawrence Rd /Wellington Rd,Wavertree L15 0HY
6-8.30pm Discussions on the situation in Dharfur,Democratic Republic of Congo,Uganda and Liverpool around violence to women,children and child soldiers as well as the use of violence to women locally.Issues,solutions and oppurtunities for solidarity.Free refreshments.
Wednesday 26th November Yellow House Event. Venue to be confirmed.
7-9pm Young People from Kensington and Poland will perform an improvised piece about global citizenship through music,dance,art,drama,photography and video,demonstrating new skills learnt in a week long series of workshops.Call George on 260 2996.
Sunday 30th November Finale. Devonshire House Hotel,Edge Lane,Kensington L7
7-11pm A fun,happy celebration of global citizenship,led by the polish community.All who took part in ONE WORLD FESTIVAL will entertain you.Free buffet
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Monday, 27 October 2008
'SAFE FROM HARM' AND 'BREAK THE CYCLE' useful advice for those experiencing racism or domestic violence
KENSINGTON DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICE (KDAS) is an organisation based in Kensington,Liverpool which supports those suffering from abusive people.
'SAFE FROM HARM'
A service specifically for people from Black and racial minority groups and refugees.Call Gill,Jeanette or Natalie on 0151 263 7474.Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm or Friday 9am-3pm.In an emergency dial 999.Women's aid 24 hour line 0808 2000247.
If anyone is bullying you,using your immigration status to control you or behaving in any way that hurts you please contact these people.It takes a great deal of confidence to contact strangers to ask for help but don't suffer in silence.STOP the hurt and the harm.
'BREAK THE CYCLE'
An abusive person will rarely see themselves as such.In fact,if someone you care about is abusive towards you,they will probably tell you that you are to blame for their behaviour BUT IT'S JUST NOT TRUE.This is a common way of avoiding personal responsibility for being awful.
For domestic abuse problems ( and this can be emotional abuse as well as physical harm) call the same people above.REMEMBER domestic violence is a crime from which you deserve protection.
'SAFE FROM HARM'
A service specifically for people from Black and racial minority groups and refugees.Call Gill,Jeanette or Natalie on 0151 263 7474.Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm or Friday 9am-3pm.In an emergency dial 999.Women's aid 24 hour line 0808 2000247.
If anyone is bullying you,using your immigration status to control you or behaving in any way that hurts you please contact these people.It takes a great deal of confidence to contact strangers to ask for help but don't suffer in silence.STOP the hurt and the harm.
'BREAK THE CYCLE'
An abusive person will rarely see themselves as such.In fact,if someone you care about is abusive towards you,they will probably tell you that you are to blame for their behaviour BUT IT'S JUST NOT TRUE.This is a common way of avoiding personal responsibility for being awful.
For domestic abuse problems ( and this can be emotional abuse as well as physical harm) call the same people above.REMEMBER domestic violence is a crime from which you deserve protection.
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
A Trip To Africa in Black History Month by Tracey Dunn
I was invited to Morocco for 10 days from October 1st to help create a yoga dvd and also to make my own film.We arrived at Marrakesh and after checking in at the gorgeous Riad Magellan headed off to the gathering place Jamaa El Fna to see snake charmers with their cobras and various stalls and entertainers.
It's a crazy place filled with families on 1 motorbike with no crash helmets zipping through the crowds.The souks in the Medina were filled to the brim with metalwork,textiles,leatherwork,shoes,bags and lanterns.It was like a step back in time to medieval ages.So much character and so many people and animals.
The next morning we visited Les Jardins Majorelle.These were owned by Yves Saint Laurent and he also had a house there painted in' Yves Klein' blue.The gardens were filled with cactii and exotic plants.A memorial to YSL is also there after his death recently.
We then went to a hamman which is a wash house.I had a massage and scrub.I felt very clean afterwards!
That afternoon we travelled by coach for 4 hours to Agadir on the Atantic coast.There is a mountain lit up with the whole side saying 'Allah is Great' in arabic.The beach was beautiful and the sun was hot.It was nice to relax for a few days by the sea. Many thanks to Fatima Legrou at the Palais des Roses who allowed us to film in the grounds of the beautiful hotel.
Next stop is Skoura on the way to the Sahara desert.We travelled through many miles of mountains and desert for about 7 hours via Taroudant and Ouzazarte which is the centre of the morrocan film industry.Many western films like Kundun and Gladiator were filmed around there.
We spent one night at Les Jardins de Skoura miles away from civilization. and I sat on an unlit terrace to watch the stars after dinner. The houses around were made of earth and surrounded by palm trees and sand.It was like being in a scene from the bible.Scorching sunshine too,last year Skoura only had 7 days of rain.
We travelled back to Ouzazarte to meet up with Chris Pyper who we met on the bus the day before.Chris is a member of the Peace Corp who were set up by John F.Kennedy to help Moroccan people with things like business support.It is Chris's job to help the artisans who make silver daggers in nearby El Kelaa M'gouna about 25 minutes away.It's the town that grows roses and every May or June hosts the Rose festival.The town is filled with Berbers and the silversmithing tradition is 800 years old there.We visited the Dagger co-operative where I filmed the shops and showroom and met some artisans.
We stayed at Chris's house in a nearby village where they also make the daggers.They are ceremonial and used at weddings and dances.The Moroccans I met are very gentle,peace loving people.They were shocked when I told them about our problems with knife and gun crime.I was told it is even safe to leave your bags around and they would be completely safe.
In the evening we visited some homes in the village and were made very welcome with mint tea,almonds,dates and madeira cake.One lady had 15 children.I was given a berber name 'Rqia" she was the daughter of Allah and had 99 names.
In another house we had a meal with salad,tagine and fruits.Lots of the villagers came out to say hallo. It was a wonderful enriching experience.We gave some design advice for the showroom and talked ideas about improving business.
The next morning I heard the most beautiful sound I have ever heard in my life.It was the 1st call to prayer and lasted for about 40 minutes.It was truly hypnotic and otherworldly.I wish I had a copy of that sound/prayer.
We left the next morning with M'hamed and Chris to get a taxi to Ouzazarte.We met some people we shared a car with on the way to Skoura so again we travelled with them.From Ouzazarte we took a taxi to Marrakesh across the high Atlas and were they high!.Unbelievable.It took about 4 hours and we went through hairpin bends and really scary mountainside roads so high
up.
We travelled straight to Imlil,again across the high Atlas mountains for an hour.This time we stayed up at 2,000 feet-the same height as Mount Snowdon.We had to get a mule to carry our luggage up the mountain for 25 minutes to Tamaret's Kasbah Samra.We were near mount Toubakel,at around 4,000 feet it's the highest mountain in North Africa.
I met people staying there who had been to my school and the local boy's school and there was a retired school teacher there so it was like a school reunion.We lived for 2 days with the local Berbers more or less .This was real eco-tourism.I can not believe how these people lived in such harmony with their environment.Nothing was wasted and everything was natural.A truly great place.
Our final destination was Marrakesh and after a lovely tour with Hussain seeing eagles,camels and horses we stopped off at our last Riad.Thanks to Aidan Webster at Les Trois Mages for his great hospitality.I hope to stay in his apartment 'Dar Mellah' in Essouira on the coast next time I visit this country.I definitely plan to go back and film there and in Fes and Meknes,hopefully in the near future.It was with sadness I left the sunshine and people of this African country.A life changing experience for sure!!
It's a crazy place filled with families on 1 motorbike with no crash helmets zipping through the crowds.The souks in the Medina were filled to the brim with metalwork,textiles,leatherwork,shoes,bags and lanterns.It was like a step back in time to medieval ages.So much character and so many people and animals.
The next morning we visited Les Jardins Majorelle.These were owned by Yves Saint Laurent and he also had a house there painted in' Yves Klein' blue.The gardens were filled with cactii and exotic plants.A memorial to YSL is also there after his death recently.
We then went to a hamman which is a wash house.I had a massage and scrub.I felt very clean afterwards!
That afternoon we travelled by coach for 4 hours to Agadir on the Atantic coast.There is a mountain lit up with the whole side saying 'Allah is Great' in arabic.The beach was beautiful and the sun was hot.It was nice to relax for a few days by the sea. Many thanks to Fatima Legrou at the Palais des Roses who allowed us to film in the grounds of the beautiful hotel.
Next stop is Skoura on the way to the Sahara desert.We travelled through many miles of mountains and desert for about 7 hours via Taroudant and Ouzazarte which is the centre of the morrocan film industry.Many western films like Kundun and Gladiator were filmed around there.
We spent one night at Les Jardins de Skoura miles away from civilization. and I sat on an unlit terrace to watch the stars after dinner. The houses around were made of earth and surrounded by palm trees and sand.It was like being in a scene from the bible.Scorching sunshine too,last year Skoura only had 7 days of rain.
We travelled back to Ouzazarte to meet up with Chris Pyper who we met on the bus the day before.Chris is a member of the Peace Corp who were set up by John F.Kennedy to help Moroccan people with things like business support.It is Chris's job to help the artisans who make silver daggers in nearby El Kelaa M'gouna about 25 minutes away.It's the town that grows roses and every May or June hosts the Rose festival.The town is filled with Berbers and the silversmithing tradition is 800 years old there.We visited the Dagger co-operative where I filmed the shops and showroom and met some artisans.
We stayed at Chris's house in a nearby village where they also make the daggers.They are ceremonial and used at weddings and dances.The Moroccans I met are very gentle,peace loving people.They were shocked when I told them about our problems with knife and gun crime.I was told it is even safe to leave your bags around and they would be completely safe.
In the evening we visited some homes in the village and were made very welcome with mint tea,almonds,dates and madeira cake.One lady had 15 children.I was given a berber name 'Rqia" she was the daughter of Allah and had 99 names.
In another house we had a meal with salad,tagine and fruits.Lots of the villagers came out to say hallo. It was a wonderful enriching experience.We gave some design advice for the showroom and talked ideas about improving business.
The next morning I heard the most beautiful sound I have ever heard in my life.It was the 1st call to prayer and lasted for about 40 minutes.It was truly hypnotic and otherworldly.I wish I had a copy of that sound/prayer.
We left the next morning with M'hamed and Chris to get a taxi to Ouzazarte.We met some people we shared a car with on the way to Skoura so again we travelled with them.From Ouzazarte we took a taxi to Marrakesh across the high Atlas and were they high!.Unbelievable.It took about 4 hours and we went through hairpin bends and really scary mountainside roads so high
up.
We travelled straight to Imlil,again across the high Atlas mountains for an hour.This time we stayed up at 2,000 feet-the same height as Mount Snowdon.We had to get a mule to carry our luggage up the mountain for 25 minutes to Tamaret's Kasbah Samra.We were near mount Toubakel,at around 4,000 feet it's the highest mountain in North Africa.
I met people staying there who had been to my school and the local boy's school and there was a retired school teacher there so it was like a school reunion.We lived for 2 days with the local Berbers more or less .This was real eco-tourism.I can not believe how these people lived in such harmony with their environment.Nothing was wasted and everything was natural.A truly great place.
Our final destination was Marrakesh and after a lovely tour with Hussain seeing eagles,camels and horses we stopped off at our last Riad.Thanks to Aidan Webster at Les Trois Mages for his great hospitality.I hope to stay in his apartment 'Dar Mellah' in Essouira on the coast next time I visit this country.I definitely plan to go back and film there and in Fes and Meknes,hopefully in the near future.It was with sadness I left the sunshine and people of this African country.A life changing experience for sure!!
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
SOME POEMS BY TOXTETH BORN N. SALEH HAMED
Family
I have dark secrets that I cannot tell.
As a young child I learned life was hell.
My mother taught me nought,of things familial,
So I hid my pain deeply,and my feelings well.
Then slowly the pain and the hell were banished.
Now that hidden pain,has faded,has vanished.
For you,mother of my children,with time,have
Taught me the beauty of all things familial.
No man was ever given such wonders in life,
As I myself,have been given from you.
For from you,our children,and grandchildren.
I have learned that familial love is real,is true.
Family days of sunshine,family days of rain,
Are golden memories,that I recall happily,
Smiles,and giggles,and laughter,and pain.
The joy of life comes to me,from you my family.
It humbles me,and amazes me to know you care,
And that I am given so much for so little in return.
In these my twilight years,I no longer count my tears.
I look back joyfully,and count my many blessings.
So mother of my children,friend all of my life,
Witness to the loneliness of my childhood days,
And to those dark secrets,that I cannot bear to tell.
Thank you for your boundless love,is what I really want to say!
Before Time Existed
Once upon a time
There were no clocks.
No "morning,noon or night".
Only "darkness following light".
Buds,then blooms,then fruition.
Birth and life,then death---
Then men! Suddenly,became aware!
And "thus" began to control,
By the creation of "power games"
Played by avaricious man.
Natures "cruellist--animal".
That antagaonistic belligerent beast.
That species,of evil deeds.
Which now,races helter-skelter
Towards "times" very destruction.
With time "controlled"
No time for love!
Time "destroyed"
No time for peace!
Time on hold
As time for war!
I question this,
Is time,for "sure?"
Old Man's Time
There was a time when all people
Around and about me,were older.
Now here,in this time,most people
Around and about me,are younger.
But back then,in younger times.
I myself,felt I was much wiser,
And far more knowledgable
Than all the age'd around and about me.
And in this time,when most people
Around and about me are younger.
I feel that in this place,in time.
I look upon the young,as sage less!
They have no knowledge,or wisdom,
Their time is spent in aimlessness.
In the pursuit of imagery without substance,
Chasing,consuming,wasting,losing.
Or am I wrong,am I filled with envy?
Because I cannot dance with wild abandon.
Is the music I hear,like that of my youth?
Am I better than they,or has my day ended?
Is this a natural process,this raging?
This anger at youth,this fear of ageing?
Can I not fade into time,with grace?
Leaving for youth,it's youthful time,and space!
I have dark secrets that I cannot tell.
As a young child I learned life was hell.
My mother taught me nought,of things familial,
So I hid my pain deeply,and my feelings well.
Then slowly the pain and the hell were banished.
Now that hidden pain,has faded,has vanished.
For you,mother of my children,with time,have
Taught me the beauty of all things familial.
No man was ever given such wonders in life,
As I myself,have been given from you.
For from you,our children,and grandchildren.
I have learned that familial love is real,is true.
Family days of sunshine,family days of rain,
Are golden memories,that I recall happily,
Smiles,and giggles,and laughter,and pain.
The joy of life comes to me,from you my family.
It humbles me,and amazes me to know you care,
And that I am given so much for so little in return.
In these my twilight years,I no longer count my tears.
I look back joyfully,and count my many blessings.
So mother of my children,friend all of my life,
Witness to the loneliness of my childhood days,
And to those dark secrets,that I cannot bear to tell.
Thank you for your boundless love,is what I really want to say!
Before Time Existed
Once upon a time
There were no clocks.
No "morning,noon or night".
Only "darkness following light".
Buds,then blooms,then fruition.
Birth and life,then death---
Then men! Suddenly,became aware!
And "thus" began to control,
By the creation of "power games"
Played by avaricious man.
Natures "cruellist--animal".
That antagaonistic belligerent beast.
That species,of evil deeds.
Which now,races helter-skelter
Towards "times" very destruction.
With time "controlled"
No time for love!
Time "destroyed"
No time for peace!
Time on hold
As time for war!
I question this,
Is time,for "sure?"
Old Man's Time
There was a time when all people
Around and about me,were older.
Now here,in this time,most people
Around and about me,are younger.
But back then,in younger times.
I myself,felt I was much wiser,
And far more knowledgable
Than all the age'd around and about me.
And in this time,when most people
Around and about me are younger.
I feel that in this place,in time.
I look upon the young,as sage less!
They have no knowledge,or wisdom,
Their time is spent in aimlessness.
In the pursuit of imagery without substance,
Chasing,consuming,wasting,losing.
Or am I wrong,am I filled with envy?
Because I cannot dance with wild abandon.
Is the music I hear,like that of my youth?
Am I better than they,or has my day ended?
Is this a natural process,this raging?
This anger at youth,this fear of ageing?
Can I not fade into time,with grace?
Leaving for youth,it's youthful time,and space!
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Liverpool Biennial Opening weekend Report by Tracey Dunn
I met Berlin artist Isabelle Graeff at her solo show 'Romance is dead' in Trolley Gallery,Shoreditch,East London a couple of weeks ago. We got talking and she gave me her details so when I returned to Liverpool I decided to invite her to stay for the Biennial opening weekend.
Isabelle arrived on thursday afternoon with 10 lycra skintight allover body suits in white or black.These were in all sizes and beautifully embroidered with crystals and metallic beads by an elderly Romanian seamstress.
This was no traditional embroidery but patterns relating to plastic surgery markings that would be drawn onto the skin by surgeons prior to performing surgery.
The artist wanted to raise issues concerning the way women are keen to put their bodies under the scalpel and either having parts sucked out with liposuction or having parts inserted i.e. breast enlargements.
I spent 24 hours with Isabelle and curator/film script editor Colin Welsh finding performance artists.We visited Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts,the Biennial information centre and Mello Mello.I even texted all my female friends to see who we could find.We had started off the day at the press preview at The Walker Art Gallery's John Moore's exhibition.I was amazed at how much of the art related to rooms/domestic interiors after the last Biennials overtly pastoral,foliagey,outdoor garden themes.
Finally it all came together as the 'Plastic Surgery' performance took place at the TATE Gallery and Afoundation,Greenland St.I was busy at my own private view in St. Bride's church, Toxteth where I was showing 3 short films I'd made along with First Take so couldn't make it.
I went to Atelier Bow Bow's show at the decking and gravel amphitheatre opposite St. Luke's church which was a fast paced party performance with individual monologues and a very funny bit with one of the actor's speed eating spaghetti.
Then it was time for Greenland Street where there were pleny of free bars and food.It was a pleasant evening weatherwise and the place was packed.I looked at Bloomberg New Contemporaries which was filled with quirky art from graduates.The giant black hair sculpture like a rococo giant chandelier yeti was especially interesting.The Afoundation commissions were bizarre as per usual.Apparently one artist had filled the 'prefabs' with junk furniture and fittings but removed everything the day before and replaced the rooms with photos of what he put in the rooms instead.I wonder if that annoyed the AFoundation people,or whether they supported the artists idea?
There was a lot of dancing going on and then I was given a wristband for the official afterparty in a huge warehouse opposite NOVAS.It was very busy and full of paper strip alcoves and giant rusted chains,original warehouse fittings.There were beautiful chaise longues and comfortable sofas and coffee tables.Plenty of space in the chill out zones.
I flitted between NOVAS where there were 3 amazing drag queens dancing away in the theatre space and back to Afoundation's coach shed and finished the evening at the biennial afterparty.
Next day ,saturday, Isabelle and I went up to the Florrie in the Dingle to work with a japanese artist who was comissioned by Jump Ship Rat to build a dome from willow with Tom Calderbank and local artists and residents.The sun was shining and the finished dome,an original feature missing from the Florrie was beautiful.I helped Minoko from 'Art In Liverpool' create origami paper wishes.Everbody present was asked to write a wish and tie it to the dome.We then headed to a local pub for light refreshments.
I went straight to 'Wave if you're already there' by Mercy and WaveMachines.It was called the 'Wedding'.Fitting really as it was at St.Bride's church.Sadly the beautiful bride was jilted and proceeded to spend the whole evening walking slowly like a wraith round the church cutting up her wedding dress and then trying to sew it back together.It brought a lump to my throat.The rest of the evewning consisted of comedy,poems and bands.
Sunday morning I was invited for breakfast at Sumer Erik's newspaper house in the Blackie.It was great to see lots of local artists and we all tucked into croissants,jams,cheeses,olives grapes,pears,apples,oranges,nuts and nice tasty breads.Of course this was washed down with tea,coffee and fresh juices.Exactly what was needed as all this art was taking it's toll on my immune system.Again it was a beautiful sunny day so a few of us strolled up to the Hope St Festival for an afternoon of surreal entertainment at the 'Market of Optimism' where I spent my free neuros currency on making a wish at the magic wish stall.
We then headed to the Everyman where loads of people I knew descended on the lively performance by local musician (and legend!) Barry Sutton ex Walking Seeds and La's.
The next day,monday, I visited Gostin's arcade for John O' Neill and Richard Young's artworks and then onto the TATE.I liked Rachael Goodyear's sketches with lots of wild aimals morphing with humans and I thought Charles Avery's world was pretty impressive.It seems there is a definite trend this Biennial and it was construction and domestic interiors and animals.Lots of rooms and building construction going on everywhere.Just like the city really these last few years.
Tuesday I visited FACT to see the video artist's work on the 1st floor gallery.I had been on the panel at the live web debate by 'Tenantspin'from FACT's Box the previous week and listened to the artists as they discussed their work.I also talked about my short films and the 'Independent' strand of the Liverpool Biennial.I enjoyed all the work but I especially liked the ground floor's space with what was like a trip into outer space.I put on my 3D glasses and sat in the darkened room lit with red and green strobes and watched the film which truly felt like being in a spaceship and visiting another planet.Very zen like and surreal.Also loved the scary drone like white noise.
Onwards to Greenland Street to see more stuff with my friend the artist Richard Ashworth on his birthday. So many videos based on constuction..all ladders and hard hats.Enjoyed the film where the hand was moving everything around so it looked like it was tiny.Very simple yet so effective.We loved Jason Underhill's 'Jessie' video with the full on ravings about the homeless in America, we absolutely loved her!
The Korean embroidered paintings were good as were their films.The golden room at the Blade Factory was a little disturbing..lots of piercings,cling film and blood letting with Franco and other body artists.Beautifully presented though I must say.Time now for a rest until tonight's visit to Arena's private view in Jordan st.
Isabelle arrived on thursday afternoon with 10 lycra skintight allover body suits in white or black.These were in all sizes and beautifully embroidered with crystals and metallic beads by an elderly Romanian seamstress.
This was no traditional embroidery but patterns relating to plastic surgery markings that would be drawn onto the skin by surgeons prior to performing surgery.
The artist wanted to raise issues concerning the way women are keen to put their bodies under the scalpel and either having parts sucked out with liposuction or having parts inserted i.e. breast enlargements.
I spent 24 hours with Isabelle and curator/film script editor Colin Welsh finding performance artists.We visited Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts,the Biennial information centre and Mello Mello.I even texted all my female friends to see who we could find.We had started off the day at the press preview at The Walker Art Gallery's John Moore's exhibition.I was amazed at how much of the art related to rooms/domestic interiors after the last Biennials overtly pastoral,foliagey,outdoor garden themes.
Finally it all came together as the 'Plastic Surgery' performance took place at the TATE Gallery and Afoundation,Greenland St.I was busy at my own private view in St. Bride's church, Toxteth where I was showing 3 short films I'd made along with First Take so couldn't make it.
I went to Atelier Bow Bow's show at the decking and gravel amphitheatre opposite St. Luke's church which was a fast paced party performance with individual monologues and a very funny bit with one of the actor's speed eating spaghetti.
Then it was time for Greenland Street where there were pleny of free bars and food.It was a pleasant evening weatherwise and the place was packed.I looked at Bloomberg New Contemporaries which was filled with quirky art from graduates.The giant black hair sculpture like a rococo giant chandelier yeti was especially interesting.The Afoundation commissions were bizarre as per usual.Apparently one artist had filled the 'prefabs' with junk furniture and fittings but removed everything the day before and replaced the rooms with photos of what he put in the rooms instead.I wonder if that annoyed the AFoundation people,or whether they supported the artists idea?
There was a lot of dancing going on and then I was given a wristband for the official afterparty in a huge warehouse opposite NOVAS.It was very busy and full of paper strip alcoves and giant rusted chains,original warehouse fittings.There were beautiful chaise longues and comfortable sofas and coffee tables.Plenty of space in the chill out zones.
I flitted between NOVAS where there were 3 amazing drag queens dancing away in the theatre space and back to Afoundation's coach shed and finished the evening at the biennial afterparty.
Next day ,saturday, Isabelle and I went up to the Florrie in the Dingle to work with a japanese artist who was comissioned by Jump Ship Rat to build a dome from willow with Tom Calderbank and local artists and residents.The sun was shining and the finished dome,an original feature missing from the Florrie was beautiful.I helped Minoko from 'Art In Liverpool' create origami paper wishes.Everbody present was asked to write a wish and tie it to the dome.We then headed to a local pub for light refreshments.
I went straight to 'Wave if you're already there' by Mercy and WaveMachines.It was called the 'Wedding'.Fitting really as it was at St.Bride's church.Sadly the beautiful bride was jilted and proceeded to spend the whole evening walking slowly like a wraith round the church cutting up her wedding dress and then trying to sew it back together.It brought a lump to my throat.The rest of the evewning consisted of comedy,poems and bands.
Sunday morning I was invited for breakfast at Sumer Erik's newspaper house in the Blackie.It was great to see lots of local artists and we all tucked into croissants,jams,cheeses,olives grapes,pears,apples,oranges,nuts and nice tasty breads.Of course this was washed down with tea,coffee and fresh juices.Exactly what was needed as all this art was taking it's toll on my immune system.Again it was a beautiful sunny day so a few of us strolled up to the Hope St Festival for an afternoon of surreal entertainment at the 'Market of Optimism' where I spent my free neuros currency on making a wish at the magic wish stall.
We then headed to the Everyman where loads of people I knew descended on the lively performance by local musician (and legend!) Barry Sutton ex Walking Seeds and La's.
The next day,monday, I visited Gostin's arcade for John O' Neill and Richard Young's artworks and then onto the TATE.I liked Rachael Goodyear's sketches with lots of wild aimals morphing with humans and I thought Charles Avery's world was pretty impressive.It seems there is a definite trend this Biennial and it was construction and domestic interiors and animals.Lots of rooms and building construction going on everywhere.Just like the city really these last few years.
Tuesday I visited FACT to see the video artist's work on the 1st floor gallery.I had been on the panel at the live web debate by 'Tenantspin'from FACT's Box the previous week and listened to the artists as they discussed their work.I also talked about my short films and the 'Independent' strand of the Liverpool Biennial.I enjoyed all the work but I especially liked the ground floor's space with what was like a trip into outer space.I put on my 3D glasses and sat in the darkened room lit with red and green strobes and watched the film which truly felt like being in a spaceship and visiting another planet.Very zen like and surreal.Also loved the scary drone like white noise.
Onwards to Greenland Street to see more stuff with my friend the artist Richard Ashworth on his birthday. So many videos based on constuction..all ladders and hard hats.Enjoyed the film where the hand was moving everything around so it looked like it was tiny.Very simple yet so effective.We loved Jason Underhill's 'Jessie' video with the full on ravings about the homeless in America, we absolutely loved her!
The Korean embroidered paintings were good as were their films.The golden room at the Blade Factory was a little disturbing..lots of piercings,cling film and blood letting with Franco and other body artists.Beautifully presented though I must say.Time now for a rest until tonight's visit to Arena's private view in Jordan st.
Monday, 18 August 2008
Lodestone Theatre's Midsummer night's dream
Report by Tracey Dunn
In the cemetery and gardens of the huge Anglican cathedral on Hope Street,Liverpool I watched the performance of Shakespeare's play. It was a very original and stunning setting for the young company who delighted the 200 strong audience with a fast paced and fun performance.
Puck as a bouncy spring heeled Jack in top hat and tails with cane flew round the grounds on his bouncy leg extensions while the rest of the cast looking good in their opening attire of cream and caramel edwardian style day clothes passed amongst us.Loved the oriental style white parasols too.
The male actors including Bottom the Weaver and Smug the joiner headed off to the Duke's oak in the woods to rehearse and then the action was enhanced by the beautiful punky fairies in Fairyland...loved the giant butterfly tatoos across their backs and the net tutus and lacy appliqued white tights and sparkly slippers.Titania was also a dream in a fake fur and crystals ensemble draped around her.
We then enjoyed song and dance with the striking red scarved and black sharpsuited males and Demetrius cockney style with his leather jacket.Fun too watching the neon red love potion forcing the action.
All this meeting by moonshine and the beautiful huge red silken unfurled banner which dropped from a great height to the forest floor and the surrounding trees lit up pink,blue and green and twin waterfalls of crystal lights completed a stylish and exciting evening. The Play is on at St.James' Gardens until September 7th.
In the cemetery and gardens of the huge Anglican cathedral on Hope Street,Liverpool I watched the performance of Shakespeare's play. It was a very original and stunning setting for the young company who delighted the 200 strong audience with a fast paced and fun performance.
Puck as a bouncy spring heeled Jack in top hat and tails with cane flew round the grounds on his bouncy leg extensions while the rest of the cast looking good in their opening attire of cream and caramel edwardian style day clothes passed amongst us.Loved the oriental style white parasols too.
The male actors including Bottom the Weaver and Smug the joiner headed off to the Duke's oak in the woods to rehearse and then the action was enhanced by the beautiful punky fairies in Fairyland...loved the giant butterfly tatoos across their backs and the net tutus and lacy appliqued white tights and sparkly slippers.Titania was also a dream in a fake fur and crystals ensemble draped around her.
We then enjoyed song and dance with the striking red scarved and black sharpsuited males and Demetrius cockney style with his leather jacket.Fun too watching the neon red love potion forcing the action.
All this meeting by moonshine and the beautiful huge red silken unfurled banner which dropped from a great height to the forest floor and the surrounding trees lit up pink,blue and green and twin waterfalls of crystal lights completed a stylish and exciting evening. The Play is on at St.James' Gardens until September 7th.
Monday, 30 June 2008
Alternatively Better: holistic healing in Liverpool
Tracey Dunn Reports.
Sadly,I have just found out in the last hour that one of my extended family in North London,where I was born, has been stabbed to death.
Ben Kinsella was the 16 year old brother of ex Eastender actress Brooke Kinsella.
In the week where I pitched my 10 minute screenplay about youth gun crime in front of actress Cathy Tyson and Channel 4 are running a week of programmes called 'Disarming Britain' about youth violence; it seems fitting to be writing about healing.
On Saturday 28th June 'Alternatively Better' of 556-558 Aigburth Road, Liverpool presented a 'feel good day for mind, body and soul' at St. Mary's Church Hall, also in Aigburth.
'Alternatively Better'
e-mail: enquiries@alternativelybetter.co.uk
www.alternativelybetter.co.uk
Holistic Health Centre & Shop
556-558 Aigburth Road,
Grassendale
Liverpool L19 3QG
Tel. 0151 494 2277
It covers a wide range of complementary and massage therapies including acupuncture, chiropody, food sensitivity testing, homeopathy, hopi ear candles, hot stone therapy, hypnotherapy, indian head massage, remedial/sports massage, reflexology and reiki.
The centre also produces it's own range of products which may treat the menopause, hormonal balance and sensuous exotic massage and bath oils. They also have their own angel protection spray. I was very kindly given a back and head treatment by Helen Turner who also practices reiki and reflexology.
Laura Kemp has been a licensed manufacturer of herbal products including essential oils, tinctures, carrier oils and creams for 6 years. I was especially impressed by her rose geranium cocoa butter heart. Laura buys most of her ingredients from an organic farm in Somerset. Laura aims to be a herbal consultant in the future.
You too could gain help, healing yourself by contacting Jennat or Laura just two of the several North West therapists I met on the day:
Holistix herbal products.
Tel. Tel. 0151 734 1919
W: www.holistixherbs.co.uk
Hypnotherapists:
W. www.moonscapehypnotherapy.co.uk
Sarah Halliday Tel. 07719716382
(Sarah's mother makes beautiful murano glass and bead jewelery (www.everydayjewellry.co.uk)
www.liverpoolhypnotherapy.co.uk
Kerry Needs Tel. 0151 494 2277
Alternatively Better
www.empoweringsounds.com andwww.wholescience.net
Joseph Clough Tel. 0151 283 1801
www.primedirectives.co.uk
Joseph also teaches Neuro linguistic programming,personal development, being your potential and manifesting your dreams.
He's holding a special training day on 16th August 2008
Homeopathy:
www.homeopathliverpool.co.uk
Hilary Hampel. Tel. 0151 931 4116
Hilary has been practising for 19 years and also sells non toxic eco friendly products.
Hilary's machine scans the body against 9,000 homeopathic remedies and brings up what the body needs i.e.nutrition,spiritual or emotional issues and then treats you! Bach flower therapist and 'SCIO' (super consciousness interfacing operating system) machine operator: Tel. Michelle McVey 0151 722 9605
Crystals and holistic courses:
Tel. 01695 725501 or 07711909207
E-mail enquiries@innerwisdom.net.
1 Ben Lane cottages, Ben Lane, Bickerstaffe, West Lancashire L39 OHL
W: www.inner-wisdom.net
Dawn Kirkham is a reiki master from outside Ormskirk who also sells singing bowls, crystals, angel cards, pendulums, incense, smudging sets, crystal spheres and wands.
Dawn runs courses on connecting with angels, psychic development, introduction to crystal healing and is also running a holistic retreat from 3-5 October 2008.
Food sensitivity testing:
Zillah Stevens. Tel. 0151 356 1578 or 07721450693
A 'vega' machine carries out food intolerance testing. It is done by placing glass vials with different foods into the machine to carry out a reading.
Aloe vera products:
Rachael. www.rachaelearl.com Tel. 01952 820642 or 07977047291
Rachael promotes 'forever living' products who grow 80% of the world's organic crop.
The drinking gel is the best selling product followed by aloe and propolis which is from bees and good for skin conditions like eczema.
Chinese medicine including 'cupping' and acupuncture:
Andreas Feyler. Tel. 07733231726 or e-mail andreasfeyler@hotmail.com. www.cheshirenaturalhealth.co.uk
I was given a treatment by Andreas who lectures at the North East Wales institite of higher education. I had various glass cups placed on the top of my back and shoulders and air was suctioned out. This treatment invigorates and strengthens the immune system. The glasses were left for just a minute or so in case they left red marks although in London people like the actress Gwynneth Paltrow wear their red circles as fashion statements. I found the cupping (pronounced MHGM in arabic!) a very unusual treatment to rid tension.
zinc testing:
Wendy Rogers. E-mail info@rainbownutrition.co.uk. W. www.rainbow nutrition.co.uk
Wendy Rogers gave me a zinc taste test. All I did was swoosh a clear liquid around my mouth for 10 seconds. I had a good reaction due to the amounts of houmous and chickpeas I eat everyday. Zinc is also found in beans and nuts.
Body Fat Analysis
Laura Carter. Tel. 0151 494 4004.
David LLoyd leisure centre, Speke.
I stood on a machine like weighing scales to be analysed for my fat content. A gentle current was sent through my body to see how much I had. I had too much even though I am thin and it was recommended I drink more water and cut down on crisps. A healthier snack would be chopped cauliflower, carrots or broccoli with a dip of soy sauce, olive oil and basamic vinegar.
Feng Shui and Reiki Master:
Amanda. Tel. on 07788775706
W. mandajgordon@btinternet.com
Amanda gives advice and clears energy in buildings using reiki atunements. It is recommended that entrances are clear and bright.The shape of a buliding is important and mirrors are one way of improving an area by energetically extending the space.
Rosetta palmistry and tarot:
Tel. 07908732491
e-mail rosettapalmistry@hotmail.co.uk
Aura and chakra photography:
Tel. 0161 476 6176
W. Aspirit@btconnect.com
Many thanks to all at 'Alternatively Better' who organised a great day.Also a mention to the people from the church who gave me a stone to remind me always of my spiritual connection to the planet.
Sadly,I have just found out in the last hour that one of my extended family in North London,where I was born, has been stabbed to death.
Ben Kinsella was the 16 year old brother of ex Eastender actress Brooke Kinsella.
In the week where I pitched my 10 minute screenplay about youth gun crime in front of actress Cathy Tyson and Channel 4 are running a week of programmes called 'Disarming Britain' about youth violence; it seems fitting to be writing about healing.
On Saturday 28th June 'Alternatively Better' of 556-558 Aigburth Road, Liverpool presented a 'feel good day for mind, body and soul' at St. Mary's Church Hall, also in Aigburth.
'Alternatively Better'
e-mail: enquiries@alternativelybetter.co.uk
www.alternativelybetter.co.uk
Holistic Health Centre & Shop
556-558 Aigburth Road,
Grassendale
Liverpool L19 3QG
Tel. 0151 494 2277
It covers a wide range of complementary and massage therapies including acupuncture, chiropody, food sensitivity testing, homeopathy, hopi ear candles, hot stone therapy, hypnotherapy, indian head massage, remedial/sports massage, reflexology and reiki.
The centre also produces it's own range of products which may treat the menopause, hormonal balance and sensuous exotic massage and bath oils. They also have their own angel protection spray. I was very kindly given a back and head treatment by Helen Turner who also practices reiki and reflexology.
Laura Kemp has been a licensed manufacturer of herbal products including essential oils, tinctures, carrier oils and creams for 6 years. I was especially impressed by her rose geranium cocoa butter heart. Laura buys most of her ingredients from an organic farm in Somerset. Laura aims to be a herbal consultant in the future.
You too could gain help, healing yourself by contacting Jennat or Laura just two of the several North West therapists I met on the day:
Holistix herbal products.
Tel. Tel. 0151 734 1919
W: www.holistixherbs.co.uk
Hypnotherapists:
W. www.moonscapehypnotherapy.co.uk
Sarah Halliday Tel. 07719716382
(Sarah's mother makes beautiful murano glass and bead jewelery (www.everydayjewellry.co.uk)
www.liverpoolhypnotherapy.co.uk
Kerry Needs Tel. 0151 494 2277
Alternatively Better
www.empoweringsounds.com andwww.wholescience.net
Joseph Clough Tel. 0151 283 1801
www.primedirectives.co.uk
Joseph also teaches Neuro linguistic programming,personal development, being your potential and manifesting your dreams.
He's holding a special training day on 16th August 2008
Homeopathy:
www.homeopathliverpool.co.uk
Hilary Hampel. Tel. 0151 931 4116
Hilary has been practising for 19 years and also sells non toxic eco friendly products.
Hilary's machine scans the body against 9,000 homeopathic remedies and brings up what the body needs i.e.nutrition,spiritual or emotional issues and then treats you! Bach flower therapist and 'SCIO' (super consciousness interfacing operating system) machine operator: Tel. Michelle McVey 0151 722 9605
Crystals and holistic courses:
Tel. 01695 725501 or 07711909207
E-mail enquiries@innerwisdom.net.
1 Ben Lane cottages, Ben Lane, Bickerstaffe, West Lancashire L39 OHL
W: www.inner-wisdom.net
Dawn Kirkham is a reiki master from outside Ormskirk who also sells singing bowls, crystals, angel cards, pendulums, incense, smudging sets, crystal spheres and wands.
Dawn runs courses on connecting with angels, psychic development, introduction to crystal healing and is also running a holistic retreat from 3-5 October 2008.
Food sensitivity testing:
Zillah Stevens. Tel. 0151 356 1578 or 07721450693
A 'vega' machine carries out food intolerance testing. It is done by placing glass vials with different foods into the machine to carry out a reading.
Aloe vera products:
Rachael. www.rachaelearl.com Tel. 01952 820642 or 07977047291
Rachael promotes 'forever living' products who grow 80% of the world's organic crop.
The drinking gel is the best selling product followed by aloe and propolis which is from bees and good for skin conditions like eczema.
Chinese medicine including 'cupping' and acupuncture:
Andreas Feyler. Tel. 07733231726 or e-mail andreasfeyler@hotmail.com. www.cheshirenaturalhealth.co.uk
I was given a treatment by Andreas who lectures at the North East Wales institite of higher education. I had various glass cups placed on the top of my back and shoulders and air was suctioned out. This treatment invigorates and strengthens the immune system. The glasses were left for just a minute or so in case they left red marks although in London people like the actress Gwynneth Paltrow wear their red circles as fashion statements. I found the cupping (pronounced MHGM in arabic!) a very unusual treatment to rid tension.
zinc testing:
Wendy Rogers. E-mail info@rainbownutrition.co.uk. W. www.rainbow nutrition.co.uk
Wendy Rogers gave me a zinc taste test. All I did was swoosh a clear liquid around my mouth for 10 seconds. I had a good reaction due to the amounts of houmous and chickpeas I eat everyday. Zinc is also found in beans and nuts.
Body Fat Analysis
Laura Carter. Tel. 0151 494 4004.
David LLoyd leisure centre, Speke.
I stood on a machine like weighing scales to be analysed for my fat content. A gentle current was sent through my body to see how much I had. I had too much even though I am thin and it was recommended I drink more water and cut down on crisps. A healthier snack would be chopped cauliflower, carrots or broccoli with a dip of soy sauce, olive oil and basamic vinegar.
Feng Shui and Reiki Master:
Amanda. Tel. on 07788775706
W. mandajgordon@btinternet.com
Amanda gives advice and clears energy in buildings using reiki atunements. It is recommended that entrances are clear and bright.The shape of a buliding is important and mirrors are one way of improving an area by energetically extending the space.
Rosetta palmistry and tarot:
Tel. 07908732491
e-mail rosettapalmistry@hotmail.co.uk
Aura and chakra photography:
Tel. 0161 476 6176
W. Aspirit@btconnect.com
Many thanks to all at 'Alternatively Better' who organised a great day.Also a mention to the people from the church who gave me a stone to remind me always of my spiritual connection to the planet.
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