Friends,
I parked off the A505 near the coppice and made my way into the wood past the pollarded elms. As I moved between the saplings I saw that the high hills hemmed in a forest of huge and hoary oaks – hundreds together and heavy hazel and hawthorn thickets with rags of rough moss wrapped round each limb – while on the bare branches the huddled birds were perched, piping pitifully in the cold.
I spotted Peachy’s pink shorts poking out from an accumulation of humus (not to be confused with the creamy dip originating in the Middle East, made from puréed chickpeas but a brown or black organic substance consisting of partially or wholly decayed vegetable or animal matter that provides nutrients for plants and increases the ability of soil to retain water).
He was not dead. This was how the popular text and image entertainment chose to pass the summer months that he experienced as so much doldrum. It was, if you like, a form of text and image hibernation.
But he must be revived in time for his first outing. He is due to be paraded in London.
“Peachy! Peachy!” I cried, scooping at the mulch.
“What exactly is it?” enquired Peachy, sitting bolt upright, leaves and suchlike falling away from his smooth, translucent skin.
“Gotta go, Peachy! First of the season soon!” I said back to him.
“Do you have the car?” the pampered set of constraints asked.
“What am I? Membership Secretary of the Ramblers Association?” I tersely retorted.
This is what you get:
David Gale’s Peachy Coochy Nites
The projector projects 20 images for precisely 20 seconds each. The Coocheur (or Presenter) speaks for precisely twenty seconds per image. Randomness is discouraged but narrative linearity is not automatically esteemed.
David Gale, having launched a nationwide performance must-have, curates this third season of Peachy Coochy events at ArtsAdmin’s stylish yet reassuring Bar. Each event features six Coocheurs, or Presenters, drawn from many walks of life. Each Coocheur will compose a verbal response to 20 images of their choice. Each presentation lasts 6 minutes and 40 seconds. There will be gaps between presentations for drinking and light conversation.
David, something of a Black Belt in these matters, will both compere and present the components that may not be readily assembled.
This is what a typical person thinks of the Nite:
“Having seen the Nite I felt exhilarated yet destabilised, unable to return home, to behave as before.”
Malcolm (07/08/09)
Peachy Coochy Nites subscribes to the the National Belief System and is therefore committed to the provision of a wide range of contributors such as the miner, the major, the private individual, the self-made woman, the exhibitor, the moderator, the concierge.
The first Peachy Coochy Nite of the new season will be held, as usual, in the Bar at Toynbee Studios on October 29th at 7.30 pm. Tickets £5.00. Booking advised but walk up welcome.
more details here:
http://www.artsadmin.co.uk/projects/project.php?id=211
and a map here:
http://www.artsadmin.co.uk/contacts/
The Guardian catches some cooch:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/theatreblog/2008/nov/17/theatre-peachy-coochy-performance-art
Some of you, pleased by the Nite, may wish to compose your own presentations. See me afterwards.
The Nites will run on the last Thursday of each month. You will be notified.
all the best
David