Talks / Ideas / Philosophy

The Roger Ely Experience

96 Euston Road

Thu 12 Nov · 18:15 · £15

Talk

About this event

The event marks the British Library’s acquisition of the unique archive of artist, publisher, archivist, curator, and collector Roger Ely (1952 – 2015), which represents a rare and unrivalled history of the alternative and counterculture of the late 20th century.This is a two-part evening. A panel discussion at the British Library is followed from 20.00 by The Roger Ely Experience Cabaret at nearby The Water Rats (328 Gray's Inn Rd, London WC1X 8BZ) featuring acts and films by a wide range of contributors connected to Roger. Tickets for the discussion will also enable entry to the Cabaret. Additional tickets for the Cabaret are also available.From Leeds Arts School in the 1960s, to the Brighton Contemporary Festival of Arts in the 1970s, to the Final Academy in the 1980s, to the Zap Club in the 1990s, Roger Ely was at the centre of the underground scene that influenced the art, music, film, literature, cabaret and performance that went on to change the world.His collaborators, connections and collections are breathtaking – William Burroughs, Brion Gysin, Ian Hinchliffe, Genesis P-Orridge, John Giorno, Kathy Acker, John Maybury, Cosey Fanni Tutti, Lydia Lunch, Marc Almond, Kenneth Williams, Anne Bean, Paul Burwell, Derek Jarman and countless other luminaries and characters all feature in some way in his life and in his archive.This discussion at the British Library looks at Roger’s archive, the cultural landscapes it shines a light on, and the experimental and radical artists, ideas and histories it represents. With contributions from Steve Cleary, Dave Stephens, Neil Butler, Lois Keidan, Anne Bean, Barry Miles and Rob La Frenais. It is followed by a cabaret night at the nearby The Water Rats featuring acts and films by a wide range of contributors connected to Roger. Full details to be announced.