I can't think of a title!

Just thought that I would write a quick blog before I pass out after only just getting in from work.

Just flicking around the net and came across this great sounding project called Brother's in Yarn
it is basically two men that are about to walk to London (from somewhere far away sounding), with no money, and telling stories along the way. They are raising money for charity and are professional story tellers. I think that this sounds like a great project!!

It feels to me as if narrative in a more traditional sense is making a bit of a come back at the moment. Practitioners and artists have been really wary about using linear narratives for a long time. It has just got me thinking about what is changing, and the value of story telling, as it is becoming a big part of my practice.

Also wanted to write how much I enjoyed Kira O'Reilly's talk and tutorial today. I found it really exciting to hear her talk about her own work. I have studied her practice for years - she even featured in my BA dissertation (not that I would tell her that hehe how sad would I sound!?). I couldn't get to see her work when I was at the NRLA, but it was so great for me to hear what she thought about her own work. I have only ever read what other people think about it!!

The tutorial was helpful. I am beginning to pin down why the project is interesting to me and where my focus is.

I am having tea in Soho Square tomorrow if all goes well. Am going to try a bench this time. Kira made a really good suggestion that I think I am going to try out. She suggested that I ask people to tell me a story about something that happened in their lives, then re-tell the story to the next person that sits with me as if it were my own. I am really excited about trying this out as I think that it will be a great way to generate script material and be more performative in itself.

I have been struggling with writing the initial script. However, after thinking on my tutorial, I have decided to write a small anecdote from my Grandma's life and tell it in first person. I am curious to see whether a theme will develop from the day, whether people will tell a similar story back to me and this will inform the next one and so on. You all know I love my identity politics so am really excited to see how it feels to tell a story in a different gender, age, class and try and own it - even if the words don't fit.


Fingers crossed for me I'm a bit nervous

A reflection

Throwing some caution to the wind I sat in a park requesting perfect strangers to sit and have tea and a chat with me. 

Thank god I brought the biscuits.

I worried the whole way there that it was too hot. That I was serving tea out of plastic beakers, not because I was being conscientious and green, but because I am poor and would quite like to be able to reuse them and save some money. Who ever drank tea out of plastic beakers? That people would think that I was trying to poison them. That it was too hot. That the tea was the wrong strength. That the milk would go off – why the hell didn’t I buy a cool bag?

That no body would talk to me. That complete weirdos would talk to me that I wouldn't know how to get rid of because I would be having a hot cup of tea with them.

What the hell am I doing? What would my mother say about the danger? Tea? In a park with perfect strangers?

How would I explain that one to them? How do you start the conversation? What was the point in this again?

Before I knew it I was on the tube with… oh dear – a beautifully hand crafted sign that said “Would you like to have tea with me?” It is a question mark not an exclamation mark because it is more inviting. I had my hair styled so that I felt a bit more like a projected persona and less like myself.

Block colour for the dress Laura – that way nothing will detract from your sign and face. Smile don’t forget to smile. 

Try not to think too deeply you look intimidating when you are thinking. 

Oh no not a blue dress it is a cold colour you need to wear something warm and friendly. Yes, red is for danger, but it’s your best colour.

“What is that for?” The sign drew attention. Then people were listening to me – smiling, well out right laughing at me actually, but without an ounce of malice. “You should have brought cake”

Thank god I brought the biscuits. People on tubes don't have time for tea, but they do have time for biscuits.

In the park I was pleasantly surprised. People wanted to talk to me! Well… more men actually, but perhaps the women are harder to get:

“What a splendid idea to offer people tea. Try a flash thing; or a sponsored tea. I work for a charity, just did a sponsored walk. Do you need old people? Have you met many interesting people? I had a heart bypass in 2004 you know, they’ve just found out that it is leaking again. I really like the theatre – I saw Billy Elliot. That’s from near you innit? The North? Yeah I’d like to go see another show really but I might have to have another operation – its harder to get to London then… No – my Mum. She lives near me so I’d stop with her. I have my own flat – have done for years but spend every Christmas with my Mum… Black tea reminds me of work – any jasmine?... No, where we’re from you wouldn’t worry about poison we have strong stomachs but without the jasmine perhaps I’ll pass.”

The oddest thing was that people wanted to know more. Would I be here weekly? Was I doing any other events? Everyone sounded rather enthusiastic at the thought of having a massive tea party in the park with whole groups of stranger… people like interacting more than I thought. And in case you are thinking what I would be thinking if I read this; no body mentioned dating services once!

I have my first little bundle of email addresses to keep people updated on my progress and perhaps attend more events.

Anyone in Green Park For Tea?...

... I think so!