MOVE OVER, DARLING.
During Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender History month in Feb 2010, Tom Marshman interviewed gay and lesbian adults of all ages in Bristol about their personal and social histories. Move Over Darling revealed people’s stories and reminiscences about their experiences and lives which are potent accounts of an often-overlooked part of Bristol’s social history. Tom focused on the testimonies of the over sixties and in doing so, he uncovered fascinating insights into a group that is sometimes invisible on the gay scene, let alone that of mainstream Bristol.
The work charts Bristol hangouts from the past including the Scarlett Coat, The Radnor Hotel and The Oasis. From the politically charged, such as marches and protests, to the mundanity of the all-female building company and the illicit, including the venues where secret liaisons took place, the show celebrates the full lives of Bristol’s gays and lesbians through their stories.
This new work has been based on texts generated from these conversations, incorporating fragments of stories, traces of memories, coded language and gesture, as well as everyday objects the telephone that took the calls for Bristol’s first gay switch board. Go see.
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For the last week or so I have been working the role of production assistant to performance artist (and Arnolfini resident) Tom Marshman. Click to see more of his fabulous explorative works.
During these days I was busily running and prop making. Drawing maps on o delicate pattern pieces from the 1970's. Mastering the technique of folding paper doves to replicate those hung by women in protest at Greenham common. Helping Tom learn his script was key and a giggle too. Listening to the sound scapes and scripts of these people gay histories was touching and humble. They fought hard in their day and things are easier for us as we are today, queer or not. I have always admired his work after seeing his work under the title 'Hi, my name is sue, how do you do?' many moons ago. He pioneered the work shop that got me in no-leg-hair nylons and ten inch stripper heels in the name of drag. Such a charming man. Move over darling was tremendous and every one was a little mezmerised. The dialog evoked the humouring and tenderizing of state of mind. Well done!
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