Niki News 2007
By Robin Chase, Archive Editor
YOUR MEMORIES OF SPACE EXPLORATION --- In conjunction with Niki's performances of Space 50 and as part of the 50-year commemorations of the human endeavour to reach "the final frontier", you (the public) are invited to participate by submitting your memories of significant moments from mankind's journey into space. For example, what did you feel in 1957 when you first heard the recordings of that ominous beeping from Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite sent into orbit by the Soviet Union? What were your feelings when Soviet Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to be blasted into Earth orbit? Where were you and what were you doing when American Astronaut Neil Armstrong first stepped onto the Moon?
These are just a few of the many achievements in space exploration over the past 50 years. Your significant memories may be quite different from the memories of others. All are welcome. Niki is asking all venues at which Space 50 will be performed in the U.K. for the remainder of 2007 to encourage people in their areas to submit their space memories to be shared at the performances.
(Posted 24 February 2007)
ONE GIANT STEP FOR PAIR OF TALENTED MODELMAKERS --- The most accurate lunar model ever to be made in Britain is on display in Bath this weekend. And the man who is responsible for its visit is Bradford-on-Avon-based Piers Bizony. Piers is responsible for the concept and research behind Niki McCretton's new performance piece, Space 50. They plan to display the model at the premiere at the University of Bath's theatre. The model will be on display in the ICIA Arts Theatre foyer at Claverton Down on Saturday February 10 before-and-after the evening show.
The Lunar Module model is accurate right down to the last rivet and panel. The modelmakers were from the Arts Institute at Bournemouth -- Richard Horton & Jonathan Sturgess. They used every modelling technique from woodcarving to laser-cutting and 3D-computerised prototyping. Piers said: "The attention to detail is an act of devotion which enriches the viewer like a good work of art." This model is a great way for people to remind themselves just how fragile, crazy and dangerous the hardware of Apollo 11 was. It will renew a sense of wonder about the first landing on the Moon in July 1969.
Piers has written about space and cosmology for magazines in the U.K. and USA including Focus, Omni, Wired and The Independent. His award-winning book on the making of Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey has become a standard reference work for the movie's many fans around the world. Piers is holding a two-day session in October at the multimedia @Bristol Complex, marking the 50th Anniversary of Sputnik.
(From This Is Somerset -- 07 February 2007)
MERLIN FUNDRAISING CABARET --- Niki is scheduled to be one of the performers to grace the stage for a Fundraising Cabaret to benefit The Merlin Theatre located on Bath Road in Frome, Somerset, U.K. on Saturday 24 February 2007 beginning at 7:00 PM (UK Time). Along with Niki, artists confirmed to date include: Dance from Pretty Good Girl, Mark Bruce and StetsaPhunk; Performances from Pip Utton and The Frome Drama Club; Music with Last Train To Memphis and Tangled; Slam Poetry & Music from Crysse Morrison; plus many more to be confirmed. (All artists subject to availability -– line-up subject to change -- contact The Merlin's Box Office at 01373 465 949 for details.)
Reviving the hugely popular community cabarets of the past, this promises to be a fun, eclectic mix of the best professional, community and young performers both in Frome and from across Somerset. Funds raised at this event will go towards supporting The Merlin's expanding youth, community and education programme. (Recommended for all ages -- suitable for a family audience.) Tickets are £8.00 Per Person, £25.00 for Four Tickets and £50.00 for a Party of 10 + One Ticket Free.
(Posted 31 January 2007)
LIGHTHOUSE APPOINTMENT RENEWED --- Niki has been re-appointed as Associate Artist at The Lighthouse (Centre for the Arts) in Poole, Dorset for a second one-year term effective 23 January 2007. The Lighthouse is the largest arts centre outside London, U.K. with a 669-seat theatre, 1500-seat concert hall, 150-seat studio, 105-seat cinema, an Image Lab/media suite, a large gallery for photography and digital art, a restaurant and three function rooms. Home to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, The Lighthouse's mission is "to entertain, stimulate and inspire." Congratulations to Niki on her re-appointment!
(Posted 18 January 2007)
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Webpage Last Updated 14 May 2007
