Q&A with Not Like That
Read moreQ&A: Damsel Zine 1.0 launch
This Thursday 11 May, we have the Damsel Zine collective taking over the basement with the launch party of their first ZINE! Exuding high-energy, gal-first vibes aplenty, we caught up with them to find out a bit more about their crew and the new zine in town...
Q: This is your first edition of Damsel, what inspired you to make your own zine?
A: We are very inspired by kids magazines such as Girl Talk and Shout, they are full of exciting and fun pages and I guess I just wanted to create a zine that celebrates fabulous things!
Q: There’s a great, extensive DIY scene in London, can you recommend any other creators / collectives whose work you’d recommend?
A: I am a really big fan of Sister magazine and also Polyester zine, both of these publications are ran by fabulous ladies in London. I am also a big fan of WAH nails, all the WAH girls are very talented nail artists and I'm so happy to have Kayleigh Jean from WAH featured in the first issue.
Q: What can people expect from launch party?
A: The sparkliest, sassiest, most fabulous night. Karaoke followed by a few of London's up and coming DJs. We also have 50 goodie bags for our first lot of guests, full of lots of Damsel surprises!
Q: What’s your music policy - we’ve stumbled across a #160 mix on soundcloud…
A: Anything goes! Whatever makes you feel fabulous when you're dancing. The music at the launch will consist of a mix of girly classics, speedy cheese and hyperactive dance music, like you can hear in the Soundcloud mix!
Q: 3 reasons why we should buy Damsel Zine:
1. There are 18 fabulous artists featured
2. To be a part of our first ever issue
3. So we can start cracking on with issue 2!!!
Q&A: Poundcake
The return of Poundcake to VFD launches Thursday, 30th March. We caught up with the crew for a Q&A in advance of the relaunch of the tastiest night in Dalston to see what's in store.
Q: For the uninitiated, can you please tell us a little bit about your collective and how you came together?
A: Shade, the collective, is all about trying to put cultural work at the centre of intellectual production. For us, thinking around culture still doesn't take a lot of contemporary cultural work, particularly that created by people of colour, at all seriously. It's also especially tough for people of colour to do this kind of work in institutional spaces, where they feel free both to make mistakes and be more playful with their ideas. So, in essence, we're trying to create a platform for such intellectual and cultural work, but in less formal spaces and in more mischievous ways.
As for how we came together as a squad, we're all friends, so it happened pretty organically. Taio and Remi have this radio show, so they'd invite us down to the studio in West London to listen, eat and hang out while they're recording it. To be honest, it was mainly to make fun of Taio's 'radio' voice - and hear that boisterous laugh of his, live and in real time! Some of us have also studied together, so we've spent many a night arguing, writing and just drinking together.
Q: We've enjoyed a couple of your nights previously at VFD and fell in love with you and your crowd. What is it about Poundcake that makes everyone so friendly and positive?
A: First of all, THANK YOU! You guys have been so good to us - so positive and supportive. For our night, we really wanted to make sure that the crowd reflected how we wanted to get down. Also, considering the sounds of the night, we wanted to get to a point where the vibe was much more convivial - more reflective of this city than we felt we were experiencing in other spots.
Q: Thursday is the new Friday. Discuss!
A: Yes! Exactly. We always like going out on Thursdays. It sets you straight for the weekend - and gives you something to look forward to during the week. If you're having a dope Thursday night out somewhere, the rest of your weekend is going to be nice, guaranteed. It also works the other way, too - where you can just let go on a Thursday and have a few extra days to recover and chill. All in all, we're big believers in Thursday nights out.
Q: A traditional poundcake recipe is a pound each of flour, butter, eggs and sugar. If you could make a musical poundcake, which four tracks would you blend into the recipe?
A: Barrington Levy - Black Roses
Missy Elliot - Hot Boyz
Khia - My Neck, My Back
Cakes Da Killa - Living Gud, Eating Gud
Poundcake
Thu 30 Mar :: 7.30pm - late
Q&A: Vibrate
Billed simply as a ‘Lesbian turnup in an East London basement’, Vibrate parties have been causing a commotion in subterranean spaces in East London, and they are now preparing for their first ever VFD takeover! VIBRATE @ VFD launches Fri March 31st. We caught up with Team Vibrate to find out more…
Q: Can you tell us how Vibrate came into being?
A: Creating a party like Vibrate is an idea we have had in our minds for some time now. All of us in Team Vibrate feel no shame in saying we love to party, and our house parties over the past few years have been a highlight of our time in London. Our house parties were all about women, crazy fun, diversity, being yourself and hearing the kind of music we love but rarely get to hear at most lesbian parties. My landlord wasn’t having it anymore so we decided to bring that vibe to the club.
Q: The lesbian scene’s thriving with loads of amazing nights happening, especially in London. Can you tell us which nights / DJs / producers inspire(d) you?
A: Our team members come from Washington, DC, Birmingham, and Auckland where the scenes are very different from London. We found the London lesbian scene to be a sort of paradise with a variety of consistent parties to choose from and several dedicated lesbian venues. We are fans of a lot of the lesbian nights happening right now, and I would say Holla and Clam Jam stand out as two of our favorite nights because they always have a great, inclusive vibe and the parties are hype. Vibrate is inspired by them with more of an underground twist.
Q: For the uninitiated, what is Vibrate’s music policy? Can you give us a few tracks you might hear at one of your parties?
A: Our music policy is an aspect of Vibrate that we think really sets us apart from the average lesbian party. We love hip hop, RnB and grime club hits and classics, but we also have a distinct taste for emerging club sounds like jersey club, future beats, trap and vogue. We found that we had to go to straight parties in order to hear a mix of these kinds of music and felt that there needed to be a party that caters to women where they could feel comfortable and hear great and unique music at the same time. You can expect to hear some Vibrate exclusives in addition to tracks like these at the next party:
https://soundcloud.com/destiny-frasqueri/3-kitana-prod-atrak-lex-luger
https://soundcloud.com/remixed-by-jael/destinys-child-lose-my-breath-jael-edition-promo
https://soundcloud.com/kehlanimusic/crzy
https://soundcloud.com/more-releases/mz-bratt-selecta-morenight-flip
You can also check out our Soundcloud page (https://soundcloud.com/vibrateworldwide) to hear Vibrate playlists and edits.
Q: There’s been a fair amount of controversy in clubland of late around the idea of strictly women only parties, what’s your door policy and stance on this debate?
A: First and foremost, Vibrate is a party for women. Still, we maintain an all-inclusive door policy for those who will be respectful and contribute positively to the overall party experience, welcoming all races, sexualities and genders. We’ve got love for men and they are welcome, but the ratio of women to men will strongly reflect our aim to create a fun and comfortable space for women first. The men we welcome into our parties are friends and family of ours and our fans.
Our door policy reflects our stance on the debate about strictly women only parties. While we respect and understand why some events choose to enforce women only parties, we believe inclusion is central to creating the fun and carefree vibe at Vibrate. We know how it feels to be turned away from gay male parties and we want to capitalize on all that every individual has to offer while keeping the ladies happy and comfortable. Vibrate 1 had an incredible vibe unlike any other lesbian party we have experienced, and we think to continue to achieve and enhance that is well worth the challenge.
Q: What can we expect from your takeover at VFD?
A: You can expect a madddd turnup with tons of girls and sick music. It will be a night to remember... even if vaguely, depending on alcohol intake. We’re bringing the house party to the club once again and it is not to be missed.
Q&A: London Tribe's Kevin Mark Trail
VFD’s got an exciting new monthly residency, London Tribe. It’s a place where musicians, speakers, poets, rappers, singers, dancers - really anyone with a love of performance - to come together in creativity, and celebrate the unique blend of peeps to be found in the best city in the world <3 London Tribe kicks off on Wednesday March 8th, we caught up with Kevin Mark Trail to quiz him about what we can expect…
Q: Kevin, you've been - and are currently involved - in many exciting musical ventures, can you please start by introducing yourself?
A: Me? Lol. I'm a singer songwriter, producer, picture taker, video, teaching, event type person. Most people would know me, or would have heard my voice through Mike Skinners "The Streets" and my first album was released on EMI Records called Just Living. I've worked with a bunch of different people in an array of different styles. Although I have a soulful voice, the best way I'd describe my music is 'a London sound' a mixture of all the different influences we have in our city. Urban I guess. My music reflects my environment and life. I'm a bit of a hippy at heart, peace and love and all that lol. We are all in the same boat, Mother Earth.
I've spent most of the last three years living in Australia and now my other home New Zealand, which musically and life-wise has been an amazing adventure. The land, the people, tribes people. I've heard so many stories, lived them. My new music is defo a reflection of a new mind set that I would not have gained with out this chapter. Currently I'm about to perform two nights at Jazz Cafe with the female accapella group Black Voices, whose range goes from Classical to Reggae and they tour the world independently. I'm also going to be touring with Doc Brown, writer, comedian, rapper, and releasing my new EP and video, and this is all happen in March (arghhhh) in a good way.
Q: London Tribe - discuss! What does it mean? What does it do? Where did the idea come from?
London tribe? Meeting people from different tribes in Australia and New Zealand, made me question, who am I!!! I'm from Caribbean background, though London is home, there are times it has felt like its not. I'm a talker, I love people, and some times in London it feels like I can't reach out. So many boxes, black, white, gay, straight etc, etc, etc (fu&k em). Every where I've been I've meet good and bad people, and while traveling I found what a massive influence London has on the world. Cultural, musically, fashion and art. The people I move around with from London, see beyond race, class, colour, religion, sex and we have found a common ground, respect and acceptance, in essence "A Tribe"
Where do you go in London if you're not cool? Or trying to be cool? Where can you go and just have a chat? Feel safe and welcome? Please let me know if you know any places that carry that energy, because I don't know any. That's what I'm trying to create. A space where we can share, and be ourselves.
How I came across VFD was a beautiful accident, my friend was doing a poetry night , I was on my way home and she she told me to come down so I did. I walked in heard the poetry, which felt like people just sharing their stories, which is exactly what I do. I fell in love lol
I met the team, and it all unfolded so naturally, refreshing, real people, yes! And so the night is born!
Q: Your launch night has 6 featured artists, including yourself, can you give us an idea of the style and range of performances? A: All the artists on the night I know personally, and have worked with some capacity, and we even have Kiwi (New Zealander) Amber Maya. The music will range from acoustic to Hip Hop, Electronica, poetry, Soul etc. A real mixed bag. People really telling their stories. The main thing I really want to create is a feel of sharing, where we can try out new stuff, and connect with the people who are listen, no egos! As I said before I'm a hippy at heart!
Q: If people want to perform at one of your nights, how would they go about it? A: People can get in touch via Facebook "Kevin Mark Trail"
Q: Finally, if you could create a mini tribe of 5 individuals - dead or alive - who would you pick and why? A: That's too hard. How about this! lol: Prince, Bowie, John Lennon, Grace Jones , Nelson Mandela, Bob Marley, Rick James, Marilyn Monroe, Dilla, Dracula, (who drinks, veg juice instead of blood). And I would meld them all into one person, and take over the world!
Q&A: Contessa 'CUNTMAFIA' Stuto
2017 launched with VFD welcoming an array of the the hottest queer talent from across the pond. Mister Wallace and Elliot Reed came, slayed, and eloquently reminded us that all is not completely f*cked in the USA. Now, get ready to get LIT… it’s time for the return of Contessa CUNTMAFIA Stuto. Contessa last played the basement here in 2015, and tore it a new back entrance. We’ve yet to see what’s she’s packing this time but you can rest assured she’ll leave us all in shreds. Musician / performer / record label / fashion innovator / gang leader - she is an unapologetic powerhouse of queer creativity and she’s coming for us… We grabbed 5 mins with the Mother of NYC’s underground to discuss her work, and her forthcoming takeover of VFD on Sat 11 Feb.
Q: Contessa, your music has been evolving sonically over the years from 2013’s raging banger ‘Reign in Ratchet’ - tell us a bit more about your latest cut, ‘Anarchy 4 U & Me’, and how you and Nani Castle ended up working together.
A: Yes, since my first track in 2013 Reign in Ratchet produced by Proper Villains my music has evolved in a more personal and emotional journey. As I gained confidence and experience in life my music has turned into a vivid story and since I write it, direct it and curate it, it is the definition of High Art. I hope the fans understand the difference with what I do, and take the journey with me. Reign in Ratchet - still one of the best turn up songs - paved the way for what is current around the world right now. Honestly I'm just the one who does things first, and well... it's a lonely road but somebody's gotta do it!
Anarchy 4 U & ME was something that happened at an important time for woman, due to being in an election year, and in a time of a hostile political climate, plus the media's war via controlling the minds of many. We do not like people speaking for us, or telling us how to think and both come from an old school background. Nani & I's mentalities are very similar due to our upbringing in NY, we both found solace in art and music. As independent thinkers we just freestyle'd through the song with our emotions (with a loose idea for chorus) and came out with a banger produced by a great guy and artist Udachi titled 'Anarchy 4 U & ME'. It was made in a basement studio in Staten Island that has had people from Wu Tang etc. bless the mic. It was great vibes. Felt as if I was right in the battle lines.
Q: A few of your recent tweets have espoused your preference for fans over friends, why is that?
A: Friends don't take you seriously. As a musician, and performance artist at times they cannot separate human flaws from the artist and always take from the mother figure. When you're nobody, you're "too much," and when you're somebody "it's lit!." This is me objectively observing that reality is always to be distorted and a lot of people will distort it to benefit themselves. Real friends always hold each other down, which is a big reason why men in music make it bigger in groups. These are things I am learning now; they all for the most part have self interest in NYC. I put so many people on and gave them the confidence and platform to showcase their talents. With the fans, nothing beats making the children happy and making art and music that kids will take seriously. The future of Cuntmafia and my legacy and inspiration will grow into something very special to look back upon. I am working so hard to keep the love alive! It's hard being a nurturer, it can turn pessimistic at times!
Q: How does it feel living and working in the USA right now?
A: Having one of the most viral political videos in the world right now, there is no escape from this hyper cyberreality we live in. It is pretty horrific. it's a rabbit hole you can't escape. I live in NY and was born and raised so of course I already have this liberated mentality that is all-inclusive, plus it's a city controlled by media, technology and Hollywood, so you have vested interests on all sides. I think because I've been always struggling out here and doing what is right and speaking my mind that nothing has changed for me personally. Just being imperfect is what needs to be embraced more in America. These days being a philosopher on social media so that I can use my platform to open people's minds and be a mother figure to the underdogs I consider my children. My integrity has always been there. It's just now embracing the good, the bad and the ugly and navigating through all the social media imperialism and deciphering what is your own truth. When I venture sometimes through middle America, I have no clue with what I am seeing but I do feel America needs jobs and something to believe in, which Obama mentioned similarly to the word "hope" in his exit speech. America is stupid, can't expect much out of someone who is dumb enough to believe a billionaire is going to fight Wall Street, LOL. As someone who lives and works in NYC that can freely be herself and make sustainable income and live "the (American) dream", every day I live taking the risks and know how to come back from failure. Failure is a privilege in itself. In Middle America failure means death. So they will attach to what may feel will save them - this stems from westernized religion of course. America should save themselves.
Q: You’ve conquered music, fashion, nightlife… is there anything you’ve not done yet that you have in your sights? Mayor of New York maybe? A: Yes that sounds perfect. Along with finishing my album, and creating a real underground movement involving a lot of ideas I have and gathering the children for the Church of CUNTMAFIA. Q: You’ve got quite a coterie of talent lined-up for next weekend. What can we expect from your night here on Sat 11 Feb? A: A FUCKING SHIT SHOW!!!!!!
Sat 11 Feb, CUNTMAFIA in London Doors 10pm, arrive early - it's going to be chaos Full event details here
Q&A: Liam - Big Girls
Big Girls are back! After their amazing rock 'n' roll 'n' drag 'n' disco extravaganza on a sweaty July night here at VFD, we cornered Liam from the band, to get the low down on the next instalment of Big Girls Disco: Q: Give us a potted history of Big Girls, how the band was formed, and how you arrived at the name A: Big Girls are Clement, Yuko, Jon, Juniper, Adelina, Sasa and myself, Liam. We started about 3 years ago with Clem and myself writing songs in his kitchen and picked up the others in various Hackney dives since. We've got a few fixed members, a few floating members and almost exclusively blasé members. As for the name, Clem and myself were previously in a much louder, much faster band with some rougher boys who used to laugh at the big girly songs we brought in, so Big Girls seemed like a more logical, safer option. And we're all about safety and logic.
Q: How would you describe your sound for the uninitiated? Who are you biggest influences - both musical and otherwise? A: Our original inspiration for Big Girls were people like the Everly Brothers, Simon and Garfunkel, Buddy Holly, Ray and Dave Davies. We just wanted to write short simple pop songs with nice melodies and simple subjects and stuff. Of course once you add a whole bunch of people to a band and synthesisers and congas start popping up things can change. What we usually hear people compare us to are bands like Talking Heads, Roxy Music and the Modern Lovers, which is very nice to hear but not true at all of course.
Q: Your last gig at VFD you had special guests Kevin and the Matriarch warm up for you. Is anyone sharing the bill with you this time round? A: We couldn't find anyone to possibly top Kevin and the Matriarch, it was like the Pistols at Manchester student union or something, and we demand the attention so, no! But we will have some top London DJs playing all sorts of disco bangers all nite long.
Q: Will you be dragging up again? Are attendees encouraged to do the same? A: We will indeed, and it not being the middle of summer we'll be able to dig deep into our man-made fibre box for this one. We do like a man-made fibre. Attendees can wear and do whatever they like, as long as they remain free and loose!
Q: One of your tracks is called ‘Why Am I So Easily Pleased?’. What does it take to please you, on a very base level? A: We honestly don't need much, apart from Clement because he's from Paris. We would like if London stopped being so not fun though, and that's why we throw our parties at one of the only remaining fun houses in town! And free drinks are good.
BIG GIRLS DISCO!!! DJs PASTY KENSIT // FRIGID NIELSEN // FUMIX 9PM TIL 3AM Free > 10pm < £5 LOADSA DRAG!
Q&A: Marcia Vidal on forthcoming Monday happening, Wig Out
Blasting a cleansing breath of fresh-yet-funk-laden air through the debaucheries of the weekend will be VFD's new Monday night happening, Wig Out. Marcia Vidal, mistress of ceremonies for the evening, let's us in on the secrets of her new weekly residency:
Q: Hi Marcia, you’re launching a new Monday night happening at VFD called Wig Out. Can you tell us: what is it? and: do we need to bring wigs…?
A: Wig Out is a place to dance all of your cares away. A cross between a booze-free club night and a choreography-free dance class. Wigs are not required but however you choose to express yourself is welcome at Wig Out.
Q: There seems to be a recent rise in people seeking alternative release and avoiding traditional hedonism. Does this factor into the ethos of your event?
A: Totally. Dancing is a transcendental experience and, while I love a bit of traditional hedonism, there's something special about letting yourself go mental on a dancefloor without the help of alcohol and other animals. It's a very powerful way to get in touch with a primal part of yourself. And, as a woman, it's great to know that you can go out for an uninhibited boogie on your own without having to fight off all the sex pests!
Q: What do people need to know about attending?
A: This isn't a club night so there will be no bar. Just wear comfortable clothes, bring a bottle of water and leave your ego and inhibitions at home.
Q: Why is Monday the new Friday?
A: If you start your Monday with a bang, you'll spend the rest of the week as happy as you are on the weekends.
Wig Out: launches Monday 17 Oct, click here for FB info.
Q&A: Sister Magazine's Beccy Hill
We caught up with Sister Magazine's editor, Beccy Hill, for the lowdown on their forthcoming party to celebrate the release of their Size issue.
Q: You gave birth to Sister whilst at university, can you tell us about its genesis?
A: I studied Fashion Journalism at university, and for our final major project we had to create a magazine of our own. Sister was born and I ended up pouring blood sweat and tears into it, for it to get the lowest grade I'd ever received in my time there.
Q: Skin and Blister, your little sister publication, was launched at the Feminist Library which recently had to fight to remain open. Were you active in their recent campaign against closure?
A: We have a whole article about the fight to keep the Feminist Library in the new issue. It's something that's very close to my heart as I've been going to the library for years, and they've always supported everything that we have done. It absolutely has to be saved.
Q: You're working at the intersection of fashion, women's issues and the DIY scene. Who were your influences?
A: I became obsessed with Butt magazine whilst I was at university. It was my biggest influence; the layout, the typography, and of the course the content. I wanted to create something which was slightly more accessible for a younger and female audience. It still inspires me now, I constantly reference it.
Q: You'll be launching your next edition, The Size issue, here at VFD on Sept 17th. What can readers expect from your latest instalment?
A: This is our biggest issue yet, which is apt considering the theme. Expect behind the scenes madness from the girls at Sink The Pink, an exclusive shoot and interview with tattooist and internet sensation Grace Neutral, plenty of heartfelt opinion pieces and some Theresa May bashing.
Q: Without blowing any surprises, what can we expect at the event?
A: Angel Rose is bringing her Cool Universe to the basement - what more do you need to know?
Sister Magazine: The Size Issue: Launch Party
Sat 17 September @ VFD
7pm - late
Q&A: Freak - a work in progress by Nathan Penlington
This week at VFD from Sunday, Fringe First award winner Nathan Penlington's new piece 'FREAK - A Work in Progress' will start a 3 night run. We caught up with the author and performer to discuss his latest work. Q: Hi Nathan, you describe yourself on your website as writer, performer and obsessive. what are your current obsessions?
A: Obsessiveness is a state which you become powerless to avoid. It is a way of being, not always in a positive sense, but I’ve learnt to generally syphon those traits into creating. Being obsessive also means I have an exhaustive approach to the gestation period. I’m a gatherer of things, ideas, and material – this new work is still in that stage of full immersion – so at the moment it is sideshow, circus, and carnival.
Q: Your previous show, Choose Your Own Documentary, was the recipient of a Fringe First in 2013. How did that feel, to be recognised by the world’s biggest arts festival? Does that kind of accolade make it easier to pursue subsequent work, in terms of funding etc?
A: It was a surprise, that’s for sure! Choose Your Own Documentary was hugely emotionally involving and, due to the interactive nature, technically complex. It was also largely a labour of love at the production stage for myself and the filmmakers. I think if you make anything with the intention of trying to win prizes, or gain funding, you are going about things the wrong way. But it always felt like a story that had to be told.
The stories behind Freak also feel to me like they have to be told, particularly in the current political climate. They’ve been gnawing at me for years while I’ve been trying to connect the dots, find a forgotten link here, or an obscure reference there. I wouldn’t say this new project so far has been easy, but I’ve been very lucky to receive awards from both Arts Council England and the Society of Authors to assist with research - which have been invaluable.
Q: 'Freak’ explores a true story of sideshow performers, reaching from depression era America, through the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the second world war, the phenomenon of Ripley’s Believe it or Not, and the burgeoning Civil rights movements of the '50s and ’60s. It is an exploration of difference, tolerance, and the lives of tattooed ladies, rubber-skinned men, fat women*, conjoined twins, and the 'world's strangest married couple’. Lives that turn the assumptions of exploitation and disability upside down. Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
A: The odd and unusual are things that have always driven and delighted me, but the inspiration for this piece really came from my personal life. I’ve suffered from serious bouts of prolonged ill-health throughout my life, but it wasn’t until I turned 30 that I was finally diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos – a condition that effects the elasticity of the body: its organs, ligaments, and skin. Researching the condition uncovered that for over 150 years certain performers with the same disorder had been exploiting it by performing as rubber skinned men and elastic women, and had successful careers as professional ‘Freaks’.
Talking about freak shows is always going to attract a certain level of controversy - it is an area still largely steeped in taboo - but further obsessive digging in old newspapers and obscure journals has unearthed personal lives of freak show performers that aren’t what we would assume. It is wanting to question those preconceived ideas, and explore how the concept of tolerance applies to wider society, that makes it feel like a worthwhile subject to pursue – particularly in a world that is becoming more and more divided.
Q: The 3-night run at VFD is billed as a 'work in progress’. What can the audience expect?
A: The piece for VFD will be a combination of film, live documentary storytelling, and - as it is only right I prove myself - some odd abilities of my own. The piece will have some loose ends, and might be a bit woolly, or scruffy in places, but what it lacks in finesse I hope it makes up for in oddness and surprising tenderness.
Q: Has the process of researching this piece changed any of your own attitudes?
A: Completely. It is difficult to shelve preconceived assumptions, expectations, and prejudices. I know this research isn’t finished, and even when it is, I expect putting the material in front of audiences will raise further questions that will need confronting. That tug between viewpoints is what I want this piece to ultimately engage with.
Q; In 5 words, why should people come and see FREAK?
A: Real people alive on stage
FREAK - A work in progress Sun 7, Mon 8 & Tues 9 August 7.30pm
Q&A: Meet the creatives behind Spoken Word London
In advance of Spoken Word London's 3rd Anniversary special this week, we caught up with the creatives behind it all, Patrick Cash and Hannah Gordon, to pick their brains about this beautiful weekly happening!
Q: SWL is celebrating its 3rd birthday! How has the event evolved from infancy to its toddlerhood?
Patrick: Spoken Word London began in the summer of 2013. At our first event, there were about 10 people huddled into the corner of VFD, and since then it has grown to a thriving event boasting a beautiful community of words and rhythms: both at the night and online on our Facebook page. Hannah Gordon was one of our most committed regulars and I was honoured to have her join as co-host in January of this year, and her help and commitment has been invaluable! We’ve never been a night for “Hollywood poets” and have always stayed true to our equality ethos where everybody gets five minutes and nobody gets more than five minutes. The only time we have featured speakers is at our special events, and the open-mic is always at our heart.
Hannah: I came to SWL for the first time in January 2014, when the event had already been going for six months and it was really busy, diverse and often spectacular. It still is. I was completely blown away by the variety of readers and the talented writers sharing their work and the sense of community surrounding the night. In the last two and a half years that I've been part of the community at SWL and poetry scene in London, it has grown so much. I remember Pat saying at a night in March 2014 that the Facebook page had reached 1000 likes, it's now at close to 5000! Despite the changing faces of the readers, the night has retained its welcoming and engaging atmosphere, creating an inclusive, safe space for people to share and experiment with different styles of writing and performance.
Q: At VFD we are huge fans of artists like Kate Tempest and Saul Williams. Can you recommend other notable artists whose work you’d encourage people to seek out?
Patrick: Oh definitely Dean Atta, who’ll be doing a big event with us in October (more info on that coming soon!) and of course those awesome featured speakers taking part in our third anniversary event next week: Dean McKee, who sets the mic alight each time he speaks; Rachel Nwokoro, such an electric and beautifully worded poet; Alexander ‘Woody’ Woodward, a true gentleman and deep speaker of the scene; Iris Colomb, liquidly fluid and eloquent weaver of words; Felix, whose honesty will take your breath away; and Rebecca Cooney, sharing with you the spoken gold of her experience.
Hannah: I would encourage people to check out Liv Wynter who is a hugely talented writer, performer and activist and whose style is very much influenced by grime. I really enjoy her poem 'F#@kin Artists' which, along with her Lunar Podcast interview, makes for interesting listening.
Q: You’re strong on ‘anti-hate’ as a theme at your events, what impact do you think this has on the prevailing hate-fuelled narrative of society today? Can you cite an example where the power of spoken word has effected change in your experience?
Patrick: The entire ethos of the night is built around empathy: sharing words and experiences, and building a connection with others through the tools of speaking and listening. These tools seem so simple but their memory stretches back throughout human history: before language was written it was spoken; in the modern microphone within a basement there lies atavistic memories of tribal fires, the oral tradition of travelling bards, there’s Homer’s The Odyssey being passed from mouth to ear for years before it was ever written down. Whatever time period it happens in, truly listening to somebody else and understanding their lived experience can only enhance our feelings of shared humanity and emotional truth. It’s what the greatest art achieves. Therefore in a time so riveted by division, by ignorance, by fear, by prejudice, we want to celebrate that unifying power of the spoken word. And as for an example: the last three years of hosting Spoken Word London, undoubtedly! My view of the world has been invaluably enrichened, and changed.
Hannah: I think the anti-hate theme opens up discussions that serve as an antidote to the hate fuelled narratives we are seeing in society and the media. The nature of SWL allows for such a broad range of people to share their first hand experiences often of discrimination or expressing identities marginalised by society at large and this, I think, creates a deep sense of empathy . Like Kate Tempest says of poetry in general, that it's there for us at our most vulnerable, when we need to know that others have been there and felt this. SWL enables readers to express themselves and their experiences in a sometimes personal way and this can be transformative for both the reader and the listener.
Q: How will you be celebrating the 3rd anniversary of SWL? Have you got any surprises up your sleeve for the occasion?
Patrick: As described above, we’ve got six amazing featured poets speaking to the theme - although our open-mic is still open for all to sign up and speak, as always! And yes, Hannah and I have a little surprise up our sleeves for our performance… Athough I can’t give it away, haha.
Hannah: We will be celebrating by having some incredible feature poets alongside our usual open mic. I'm really looking forward to seeing all our features, especially Rachel Nwokoro, who is the current UK Slam Champion and Dean McKee who never fails to impress with his lyrical content and powerful delivery. Myself and Pat will be performing too, with a twist... But you'll have to be there on the night to find out what it is...
Q: What advice would you give aspiring writers / performers who have not yet taken the plunge and signed up for their 5 minutes on the mic?
Patrick: I guess the basest advice is: dive in, and sign up. You don’t have to be perfect, you don’t have to be polished. If you’re scared you’ll forget your words, read from a piece of paper - and have that piece of paper to hand if you’re reading from memory! There have been times when I was starting off where I’d be reciting from memory, I’d make eye contact with someone in the crowd, and suddenly there’d be this cosmic blast and all the words would go out of my head… If you have the poem with you, you can just refer to it and finish, which is better than walking off early. But definitely go for it: the more you put it off, the bigger the shadow looms in your mind, and what we’ve tried to do at Spoken Word London from the very start is provide a friendly, supportive night that means anybody can feel confident to get in front of our very, very bright light!
Hannah: I would say do it! It's an amazing feeling to perform at SWL and it's a great place to start out as the audience are supportive and once you're up there you usually can't see anyone due to the spotlight! I would also recommend reading one of my favourite books: ‘Letters to a Young Poet’ by R. M. Rilke, it’s full of advice for anyone, but especially for aspiring poets.
Spoken Word London 3rd Anniversary Special Wed 3 August Doors open 7.30pm / free entry
Q&A: Tara Fleur - Woman of Bones
Host of VFD's S.E.X. Erotic Salon, visual artist, writer and performance poet Tara Fleur - Woman of Bones took a little time out from f*cking up the system to answer some of our questions... Q: Tara, you’ve been part of the VFD family for a while. We’ve known you primarily as a writer and performance poet, but we just discovered you’re a visual artist too. A true polymath. What does being an artist mean to you, especially in the current climate of political and global chaos:
A: Yes, I guess I am a polymath. But I see no distinction between writing, painting or digital art. They are my artistic pallete, my creative tools that combine my desire to dissect visually and verbally my complete contempt and resistance to a world falling apart at the seams. Being an artist is not just a matter of creating for me, it is in a bizarre way my own little revolution against the system that would love for me to put down my paintbrushes and my pens, pull up my knickers and my socks… pick up a tube map that leads me nowhere other than a dead end job. I am agitprop… agitprop is me.
Q: Your art takes many forms and you create in many mediums, can you tell us about the amazing digital project you’re working on currently, which you’ve sneak-peaked on Facebook recently?
A: I have become increasingly interested in Agitprop (political art). I have been exploring this genre in my writing, but felt that I could achieve stronger reactions (Reaction is very important to my art practice) if I were to explore agitprop visually. I studied Digital Art at art school, it’s always been part of my pallete, but now it has become even more important as a social -political commentary. The Digital Art I am now exploring is pure agitprop and I am loving the process and the results. The style of these new pieces very much compliments my writing, the brashness of my performances and the boldness of my paintings. They are all part of one body of work, that body being Tara Fleur-Woman of Bones.
Q: You host the monthly ’S.E.X. Erotic Salon’ nights here at VFD, can you describe what goes on at these nights for the uninitiated?
A: Yeah sure. S.E.X is a safe, censorship free (within an artistic debate) erotic salon where writers, artists, performers can explore without worry of being banned or negated, erotica within their art practice. It is a very welcoming environment with a truly open and accepting audience. Visually I see S.E.X nights at VFD as a red light district for the arts rather than for solicitation. What goes on there? Well colourful, provocative, explicit, thought provoking, dramatic and fascinating works by some of the best poets, spoken word artists and performers London has to offer.
Q: Which artists inspire, or have inspired, you in your work?
A: Gosh so many artists have inspired me. I have been in love with the arts from childhood. I guess to name a few I would have to say ‘The Sex Pistols’ and punk. John Cooper Clarke. Anne Sexton. Sarah Lucas. Beth B. Louise Bourgeois. Rubens. Bosch …. and so many more. Anyone whose work challenges not only in their art but the artists who made them. This is important to me… The Artist as the ultimate work of art.
Q: A lot of your writing riffs on the female experience of sex and sexuality, is this something you consciously write about in order to blast remaining mainstream taboos around female sexual expression?
A: Yes, definitely. I see myself as part of the sex positive feminist movement. Fighting against the rigidity of historical feminism and a society that still feels so uncomfortable and challenged by women who see sexuality as an important form of expression within their art practice. If we can explore love, death, emotions, why the fuck shouldn’t we explore sex within our art.
Q: If you have anyone from history to present day, fictional or real, in the S.E.X. Salon, who would you choose and why?
A: Oh gosh again so many. But I think I would love to have Annie Sprinkle come and perform her public cervix piece (a nom de porn in honour of urolagnia) or John Courts performance ‘The anus paintings’
Q: Tell us in 5 words, why people should come to your next event? A: Because S.E.X is art personified.
Q&A: Dirtbox
One of VFD's most iconic nights, Dirtbox, recently made its comeback, bringing with it lots of familiar faces and popper-scented memories of debauched days... We caught up with Dirtbox crew, Jos, Alex and Michael, for a Q&A.
Q: Dirtbox is the stuff on legends in VFD’s history. Can you recount where the inspiration, and the name, for the night came from?
A: When we first started talking about doing a night we very much wanted it to be a no-frills night with good music. We very much were inspired by gay discos from the 1970s and 1980s in terms of music with very sexy undertones but not overtly sexual (although a lot of things happened...). When it came to picking a name we were looking for something that we felt would be the embodiment of that sentiment and so settled on Dirtbox.
Q: Describe the sound of Dirtbox? A: It's evolved a lot since we started which was really eclectic from hiphouse to newbeat, but it's now really about modern deep house vibe interspersed with old rave classics
Q: What makes Dirtbox unique in terms of a clubbing experience? A: Dirtbox had a reputation as a no-holds-barred, anything-goes kind of night.
Q: What’s the most outrageous story from the original days of Dirtbox? A: Urm, probably that time that circle jerk happened on the dancefloor. It was just in time for Christmas. (That's the only thing I can remember anyway, too much poppers...).
Q: What made you decide to rebirth the night after its 2 year hiatus? A: When we started there wasn't much going on in Dalston, even Superstore hadn't opened. There was just fashion parties in Shoreditch but then it exploded over the years; there was so many parties it was time to take a break but everyone kept asking and asking us to do one again so we thought, why not?
Q: Do you think the clubbing landscape in Dalston has changed since the original nights? If so, what’s different / what do you miss? A: It's definitely changed a lot. When we first started back in 2009 there were only a handful of bars and not much else. It was also a lot less busy on weekend nights with mostly people from East London or those in the know coming to parties as it was a bit more of an effort to get there before the overground opened at Dalston Junction.
Q: In 5 words, tell us why we should come to the next instalment on Saturday 13th August? A: Poppers, sweat, men, sexy times and more poppers.
DIRTBOX is back: Sat 13 Aug from 10pm.
Q and A with Emma Kroeger about our new night Shellac Discotec: May 2016
What is the principle behind your new night Shellac Discotec? Shellac Discotec was created as a showcase of the super talented ladies I know in East London – I wanted to create a night that breeds collaboration, not just musically but in terms of installation and performance as well.
Who and why did you come up with the night, or want to put it on?
In addition to being a showcase of talented women, Shellac was borne out of a frustration at how male-dominated gay parties can often to be. You either have the choice of lesbian nights, or gay nights. Musically, I have always loved disco, but every gay disco night you go to tends to dominated by men. I have gone to nights where I’ve been made to feel really out of place as a woman, which is super disappointing. The misogyny you experience in the gay scene can be really appalling sometimes. Plus I know so many queer gals who love disco and are damn good at playing it!
In addition to that, so many of my friends (male, female and otherwise) are far more queer and open in their self-expression, and I wanted to create a queer space that really celebrates the feminine and the amazing women I know, without being exclusively female. I describe it as a girls-to-the-front queer night for everyone.
Favourite track to play at a Shellac?
Elles brought the Merrilyn Fox track ‘For Ladies Only’ to my attention. It’s a total tune (and a pretty fitting Shellac anthem!)
Where did the name come from?
The name Shellac Discotec is a way of celebrating the female as well as parodying notions of what it is to be feminine. Shellac Nails also represent the faux glamour aesthetic of the night – when things go so far beyond tacky that they are actually the greatest. In a word, camp.
Who do you run the night with?
I started the night myself, but I’ve built up a gang of really killer ladies who are all doing amazing stuff individually – and that’s what it was all about from the outset. There’s Dance Armstrong who I run Disco Spritz at Dalston Superstore with, Elles & Violet who are both incredible DJs & producers in their own right (and actually put out an all-girl cover of Mike Dunn’s So Let It Be House on International Women’s Day – so GOOD), female drag queen in need of no introduction - Victoria Sin, amazing dancer & performer Georgie Bee & Ella Lynch AKA Bobby Dazzler who has done set and costume design for Passing Clouds to Glastonbury, and whose work I have always really admired. The club night is basically a means of celebrating and bringing together the work of super talented local women. For the second night, I’ve just added the phenomenal Nadia Ksaiba to the bill, who has a weekly radio show on NTS with Dan Beaumont called Rhythm Connection. Can’t wait!
What do you see for the future of Shellac?
I would love to get more and more girls involved in Shellac, and to keep growing the art installation aspect. We had a giant boob and shellacked hand at the first one, so who knows what will come next!
Why do it at VFD?
VFD is such a perfect little disco den. Because it is so stripped back, it is an amazing space to decorate (which is a huge part of Shellac Discotec.) Plus, I love that the size keeps the party super intimate - it basically feels like you’re at your best mate’s house party.
If Shellac was a drink, what would it be?
A pornstar martini. Or a wet pussy shot. Or triple goldleaf vodka on the rocks.
Any hints of who will be playing the next Shellacs? A slew of amazing laydiezzz, that’s the only guarantee <3
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An interview with Fashion Designer and latest Window Project Artist Eden Loweth.
We spoke to our latest Designer and Artist Eden Loweth before his PV last Thursday and his window up for the month of April. How do you describe your work?
So when I'm thinking about clothing I never thought of clothing to be about wearing something thats masculine or feminine, as a man who just picks clothing up off a shelf that I like, so when it came to doing my own work I really kind of focused on looking at fashion through a Queer gaze, the idea of it not being through a male or female canon, that is something more bigger than that, so all my work takes references from the people around me, but also referencing people like Derek Jarman, and really interesting Queer artists . I have done a lot of research into him and the way he worked and I find that really inspirational.
I work a lot with my partner as well and we kind of bounce ideas off each other, and it acts as a constant method of criticking it, so everyday we are talking things over and it takes a lot of kind of standard pieces of clothing and trying to make them into something that everyday any man or women would want to wear, but making it into something a bit more interesting and saying something new to say.
I hate this idea of genderless clothing that's out there at the moment which is basically black and white stuff, or really boring stuff. I'm not doing something thats genderless, but something different to a masculine and feminine item.
Do you define yourself as an artist?
No, but I think art comes into what I do, I'm really a firm believer that fashion is fashion, and fashion is a business and thats it's primarily means is to put clothes on peoples backs, but at the same time I don't want my business to become something thats fast fashion , I can't deal with the idea of having to churn out things at a rate that gets beyond doing a collection a season.
I want to do something thats contained within that and says everything I want to say within it. Art definitely comes into it, a lot of my references come from artists and I always produce mini films with my boyfriend and with even things like the window I try to collaborate with people I find interesting and work with concepts that are not just me creating the clothes.
Your window at VFD this month is up for April, what is the philosophy behind it?
I think it's looking at several things, I think it's focus is on a bag that is from my graduate collection that is coming up in a couple of months, and that really is one of the main shapes inspirational. So there these blob like shapes inspired by the Matisse cutouts and queering the handbag and making it into something thats kind of not recognisable as an item of clothing or a bag.
So that forms the focus of it but then I worked with a set designer William Farr and we built this idea of creating a set that was using luxurious and non luxurious materials in different ways so the linings of the window is silk, but then the whole of the base is lit up with this glass sand that we have made in different ways so from thousands of broken wine bottles, so its kind of taking the mundane and turning it into something more luxurious and a bit more like what you would see in a Cartier window.
Why did you do it at VFD?
I just think you know, VFD acted as a really big part of me developing both my creativity and also personally. I came to London and I didnt know anyone and I had a very sheltered life and education. I had been taught at home for most of my life so I didn't really experience having many friends in my own circle. I didnt know many people my own age, so then so when I started coming here it really opened my eyes and I met my partner here and it opened my eyes to a whole different experience, and for me this is one of the primary places which was a starting point for everything Im doing now and it would be very different if I had not discovered it, so for me to do it is amazing.
Are your collage pieces crucial to your work?
Yes, so I kind of when I'm doing anything I never design by doing really accurate skecthes, its just not the way I work, I'm more a person that does a lot, hundreds of abstract drawings really quickly with ideas in my head and probably people look at them and not really see clothing but I know what they were, and then on top of that then I'll do collages that are more visual that represent it. I work quite a lot with my boyfriend on those as well because its good with things like collage to try and get other peoples views. I only ever use two or three images at once. I'm not really into this whole fashion collage thing, I'm more about laying down different images on top of each other and seeing how it works, then they form the basis of what I do with my collection and things like the window.
Where do you like to go out?
Obviously VFD, I started very early going to Sink The Pink's, now I really found myself wanting something thats a bit more artistic in a way, I became friends with Charles Jeffrey (Designer/Loverboy) and then heard about here (VFD) and I think there is not really anywhere else that engages me as much as here (VFD) does.
The Queen Adelaide I also really like what they are doing (formerly The George and Dragon, now on the other side of Hackney Rd), and I have down a couple of nights there before and I think its been really interesting and I think it will become another haven and is a really interesting space to use. So I would say places like that, and I really like going to lots of exhibitions.
Do you have a favourite item of clothing?
I would say at the moment I'm getting really obsessed with wearing this blue coat ( I like it!) I found it on a £1 rail somewhere and its actually really nice and it has this weird pleated back, like a Brownies uniform, but that formed a big part of my collection and is turquoise blue. It's almost a mix between oppression blue and ceruleum blue, and I found it because I was wearing this coat doing the rest of my fabric sourcing so I thought blue would be a really good colour, so its really formed quite a key role, and I also wear these Wales Bonner jeans all there time, I'm not wearing them today, but I always wear them, and I just live in then at the moment, they are quite baggy and comfortable.
What will you be doing after the window and your final collection, future plans, aspirations?
So my graduate shows on the 7th June, so between now and then I'll be finishing the collection and once thats complete hopefully I will be able to do my own line, and if not work for one of my friends.
In one word how would you describe yourself?
Thats a difficult one, I would say that as much as I try and be kind of quite forthcoming and easy to be out there and be confidant, I'm quite a shy person when it comes down to it, so I'm quite happily reserved.
What track or music are you listening to at the moment?
The whole of Fleetwood Macs Albums, like everything, its really amazing.
Is performance a part of your work?
Performance art plays a really big part, I am doing my whole dissertation on performance art, used within fashion, so its really something that I have referenced quite heavily. I'm a massive fan of Marina Abromovich and I worked on her 500 and 1/2 Hours show at the Serpentine, but it really made that whole concept of using something like performance art in fashion, like Galliano in the 90s used performance as a means of showing their clothes in a kind of different way, it wasn't straight up and down the runway. I think its really interesting so I always pull load of references in my own show, I want it to be something thats more than straight up and own boing graduate fashion week I want it to be something that's a bit of a statement.
Hint of what the show will be like?
It's going to be shown as a part of a press show, so I'll have my own slot in the press show, its going to be performative. I have had a sound scape made for it as well, so the models will interact with that and will all have different personas and its based on their own individual preference to what they are wearing, so we have really worked hard at fitting the looks to the models personality and it's looking into each person as queer in their own way, so it's really identifying what suits best and how they feel wearing the clothes, and will be perceived in the way they behave on the catwalk.
Favourite film?
There are two different ones, sometimes I go through these phases with getting obsessed with action films, I love Angelina Jolie in Salt, she's amazing! But also the my mums favourite film which I use to have to watch as a child Carousel, I really like old classics.
Eden Loweth, Eartly Delights, Window Project, April 2016
Photographer Emily Rose England takes us into her Queer London
[embed]http://hiskind.com/2016/03/inside-queer-london-pt-ii/[/embed]
The Gay Men Who Hate Women - An interesting read.
An interesting read with a quote from VFD owner Lyall Hakaraia. http://broadly.vice.com/en_us/article/the-gay-men-who-hate-women
A chat with Granny (Lasana Shabazz) before Granny's Yard, Saturday 24th October, VFD.
A chat with Granny and Lasana Shabazz before Granny's Yard at VFD, Saturday 24th October. Check out below a piece from Lasana's last show Minstrels.
http://youtu.be/Pnau8pzz-ak
- Tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm a performance artist and writer although I original trained as an actor. My work tends to be multidisciplinary incorporating acting, singing, dance and multimedia. I also direct and produce arts projects.
- How did you first get into performance?
I grew up in the arts. My father is a playwright and artist and took me to his rehearsals as baby. So I was exposed to the arts very early. Then when I was 4 I started going to a performance arts school called weekend arts school (WAC) which I went to until drama school. So for 14 years.
- How does your new show Minstrel explore themes of race and gender, and why did you think it was important for the current gay landscape in London?
The show connects to a lot of people's experience in terms the common identity question of where do I fit in. It also explores what it's like to be a non-White gay man which is a harder experience. Learning from when you come out you can be fetishised or point blank rejected simply because of the colour of your skin. These rejections built on stereotypes and preconceptions of a race. Re gender I deconstruct this idea of 'boys things' and 'girls things' and pigeon holing yourself or allowing people to do that to you simply because of your Gentalia. The show in a bit sell the preconceptions people place on you and the ones you place on yourself. Within gay culture there's a lot, for example masc for masc which I find quite amusing. As the quote from Shakespeare's Hamlet goes 'the lady doth protest too much, methinks'. A lot of this apparent masculinity in the gay and straight scene is very performative.
- Have you experienced prejudice for either reasons or race or gender, or both, within the gay community of London? If so, how do we think we best go forward combatting that?
I find the gay scene more racist as there's this idea that 'I'm a minority myself so I can say whatever I like'. I've been categorised because of my race either as a top with a big dick face or face or via dating apps. Alternatively there's the classic stereotype of the angry, hyper sexual, illiterate, homophobic, straight only or down low black man. People to who tend to be vocal about these assumptions also seem to be quite defensive when challenged. One key thing I've noticed is also the racism I experience in London on gay the scene has increased significantly with gentrification. I find a lot of people are leaving small and maybe closed minded areas of the U.K and bringing some of those narrow minded views and ignorance into London.
- Tell us about Granny's Yard. How are you going to make it into an immersive theatrical experience?
For granny's yard I'm bringing an array of performers but an also interactive recognisable character, granny Roslyn. She's your Aunty or your mums friend or best friends granny, as character you know her. The audience will also help make some of the performance throughout the night. This night of performance is also accompanied by dance party after where the audience and performer lines are blurred further.
- How did you go about researching the Granny's Yard piece? What did you find out about drag and the generations in conducting your research?
I wouldn't really define Granny as drag. She is a cultural identifiable character. The research I've done was I suppose through meeting and watching hundreds of Caribbean women of Granny's generation at funerals, party's, also using my own grandmas for research.
- And finally, why is London such a great city to be right now in terms of queer performance? Which artists do you most admire?
London is amazing at the moment as there's such a diverse representation of queer performance which is out there like Imma Mess, Ellis D, virgin xtravaganza, Rebekah Ubuntu, Tsinder, Baby Tap and so much more.
And although not all queer and arts venue are not keen on diversity in queer performance and don't want to provide a platform for it, it's still getting out there and opening audiences eyes.
Granny's Yard, VFD, Saturday 24th October, 10pm-3am.
A Chat with Lavinia Co-Op on Marsha P Johnson.
Patrick Cash speaks to legendary drag queen Lavinia Co-op about gay liberation, performance and trans activist Marsha P Johnson. “Marsha did a show in a loft,” reminisces the softly spoken Lavinia Co-op, as he recalls early 80s New York. “It was by Jimmy Camicia from the Hot Peaches. Jimmy said: ‘Marsha, you go out there and introduce the show.’” 64-year-old Lavinia, grey-haired but sharp-eyed, smiles to himself in his flat full of vinyl records. “And Marsha had such a lovely way. She said to the crowd: ‘I’m glad you’ve come here, you must have had a hard day at work, but we’re going to try and do as best we can for you. And now, I’d like to welcome you to… Concentration Camp!’” The pause from 80s New York flows through to Hackney Downs 2015. “And Jimmy’s hissing: ‘It’s not Concentration Camp, it’s Concentrated Camp!’” Lavinia’s eye sparkles wickedly as he remembers. “And Marsha says: ‘Yeah, I said that! Concentrated Camp!’” We laugh together. “She could steal the show,” says Lavinia, as his smile fades. “She wasn’t a great performer, but she could be herself. She was very real.”
*
Marsha P Johnson was one of the most prominent New York drag queens. She’s renowned in LGBT history for fighting in the Stonewall riots of 1969, leading to gay liberation. Lavinia encountered her when his UK drag troupe Bloolips, lead by Bette Bourne, performed a 1981 stint in the US. “She was a pan-handler, a beggar,” says Lavinia, over a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit. “She’d go up to the flower market, get flowers and put them in her hair. People would come up to her and say: ‘have you got any money?’ And she’d give her money that she had, and she’d be asking you for spare change. She put it all in her sock.” Who did she give the money to? “She looked after street people, she was protective of other trans people. She found people places to live. You didn’t have mobiles, so Marsha would phone you. ‘Have you got any money?’ we’d ask. No, she didn’t have any money, so we’d say: ‘come on over.’ People looked after her, and gave her things.” I begin to feel the powerful sense of community amongst out and visible LGBT people at the time. “She was a very warm, black queen,” continues Lavinia. “She’d done a show in London with the Hot Peaches too.”
*
I ask Lavinia, also known as Vin, to tell me about himself. “I’m an actor, singer, dancer,” he muses. “Working-class, born in Hackney. I was working as a dresser in the theatre, and I went to go and be a teacher in a college and I couldn’t stand it. They all went: ‘you’re gay.’” This was 1971, a few years after the legalisation of homosexuality in the UK. “I had all this attitude,” he continues. “After about six weeks, I thought: ‘this isn’t worth it.’ Why not go to a drama school?” Vin ended up at the Martha Graham dance school, and Lavinia Co-op was born later that year in a friend’s rural Irish cottage. With none around them, the gay boys could explore new ways of being. “I thought Lavinia was too posh, so I put Co-op on the end. We went to the woods to make fire. You just got into playing character.” I ask Lavinia what is the best thing drag performance has given him? “One of the biggest things, for me, was being myself. Not having to be like something. You sort of discovered: you’re okay the way you are.” I nod.
*
Lavinia has many other stories to tell, including the tale of how the 1980s AIDS crisis changed the LGBT community. But our conversation’s ultimate reason is Marsha P Johnson. I ask for the end of Marsha’s story. “She drowned in the East River,” he says, rolling a cigarette, staring out the window where Hackney pulses below. “It’s just so weird. She knew that neighbourhood. Unless somebody pushed her in… You think: why did she die?” We spend a moment of silence, before I ask my final question. Why is our history as gay people important to us a community? Lavinia thinks. “You gotta know where you come from, and where you’re going to. Men in dresses goes way back. And it still is an issue… How come a man putting on a dress is still questioned, or people freak out?”
The Marsha P Johnson Film Club begins with a showing of the Marsha P Johnson documentary ‘Pay It No Mind’, with performances from Lavinia Co-op and prominent trans poets, at Vogue Fabrics, 66 Stoke Newington Road, N16 7XB on Tuesday 6th October. 7.30pm, £3 entry.
Our Friend and part of the VFD family tell's it like it is on ELLEUK.com-Meet Rhyannon Styles
Our wonderful bartender, artist and hairdresser has joined the Elle team to discuss being young and Trans. Check it out http://elleuk.com/now-trending/new-girl-young-trans-columinst-rhyannon-styles
Much love to this girl!