Marcus Coates and Chrome Hoof on the Heygate Estate (Nick David)
Faced with an impossible question, why not respond with an absurd act? It's an approach artist shaman Marcus Coates is trying with the Middle East peace process, so why not apply it to the "clusterfuck" that is the parlous state of Elephant and Castle?
On Friday night, an expansive, entertaining, durational ritual will take place at the Coronet Theatre. The collaborators, brought together by Nomad, will be largely improvising, drawing on months of hanging out in the local area. They've been talking to local people and councillors and, rather unusually, involving them in shamanic 'vision quests' - letting local people lead Marcus, through an imaginative journey, guided by animal voices, and seeking a new mode of expression for the fearsome frustration folks feel about the long mooted redevelopment of Elephant and Castle; none more so than the residents temporarily rehoused from, or left lingering on, the infamous Heygate Estate.
Marcus will be performing with "huge ever-growing otherworldly mutant metal/disco/intergalactic sonic space band", Chrome Hoof and supported by Wildbirds & Peacedrums plus a 20 piece drum circle; which if nothing else, will be rousing. There will also be a graphic art response from Le Gun. The main performance will have local people's stories at its heart but be warned right now - this may not be apparent. Come join what may well be the most mixed audience you've ever been a part of, comprising followers of all the artists involved plus local residents, councillors and the downright curious. We will be there to find out what the ritual achieves.
A Ritual for Elephant and Castle happens this Friday, 5th June at the Coronet Theatre, Elephant and Castle from 7pm-midnight. Tickets £6 in advance.
