THE LONG TABLE

7pm (prompt) On Friday 23 March 2007
At ‘The Fridge’ - Cow Lane Studios, Cow Lane, Salford, M5 4NB

A live art event devised and hosted by
Adela Jones in collaboration with Naomi Kendrick

Menu - Six, six minute courses served by six special guests:

Course 1 - Naomi Kendrick
Course 2 - Marie Louise Cookson
Course 3 - Kevin Linnane
Course 4 - Peter Knowles
Course 5 - Sophia Hao
Course 6 - Matthew Keogh

'Come and join us around the table for an evening of anticipation and participation'

The first 12 visitors to arrive were given a new name for the evening, they were then directed to find their place, a seat at 'The Long Table' to consume a menu of encounters and interactions at this ‘one-off’ event. Standing areas were marked out for visitors who arrived after the first 12 were seated. Six special guests had been invited to bring something to the table; an intimate experience for the seated guests. Each of the special guests served 'a six minute course' introduced and timed by the hostess; Adela Jones: She stood on a raised platform at the head of the table. Three ushers (Sally Grimwood, Elly Stringer and Shoey Juna) worked closely with the special guests throughout the evening assisting with the preparations and clear away of each course.

The table was covered in a deep blue cloth with a gold geometric repeated pattern, the handmade dress worn by the hostess and Naomi Kendirck (who met guests on arrival) were made from the same fabric as the table covering; the platforms were also covered in this material. Items on the table at the start included: 12 cream napkins hand embroidered in blue with 'The Long Table' , 12 name places corresponding to the new names the visitors had been given for the evening and a heavy steel chain running the circumference of the table with 12 sets of cutlery attached.

Course 1 - Naomi Kendrick
The seated guests were split into pairs. Each pair was dressed by Naomi in either a hats, gloves or a scarf which were physically connected together with chains. Pushing the boundaries of personal space; the ushers then bought in six baguettes on plates placing one between each connected pair. Naomi then asked everyone to pick up the knife and fork (attached to the steel chain) and consume their meal. Whilst eating the visitors were encouraged by Naomi. After 6 minutes the action was stopped by the Hostess and the table cleared as with each course.

Course 2 - Marie Louise Cookson
Marie entered wearing her everyday clothes, wrapped up warm like the event visitors. She presented a monologue that explored the concept of recalling a story to friends at a dinner table. The interaction with this piece was through listening and did not require any props. The story focused on social interactions in public spaces and what it is to really know someone. Marie moved around the space surrounding the table and used body language and eye contact to connect with the standing audience.

Course 3 - Kevin Linnane
Kevin entered the space with ceremonial precision. The female ushers bought in wine glasses two at a time containing red liquid they placed one in front of each guest. The male usher followed them placing an envelope to rest upright against each glass. Once complete Kevin asked the visitors to open their envelope. On the front of each envelope was a quote about 'work', inside were instructions. Kevin then asked them all to stand and demonstrated how to create a continuous harmonious sound with their glass. Each glass contained a level of water that would produce an individual note.

Course 4 - Peter Knowles
A member of the standing audience was invited to draw a name from a hat. This was Peter's method of selecting the recipient of his first delicacy. Dragging a long hessian sack (and his foot) behind him Peter moved around the table to find the person who had been selected, creating a sense of anticipation. On reaching the 'chosen one' Peter invited him to select a 'Match'. Peter's work explored the way language and interpretation can challenge meaning. Complete with a set of handmade and carefully chosen props and safety gear he used the chosen visitor as the receiver of his concept in the form of an object.

Course 5 - Sophia Hao
Sophia entered to the sound a somber ticking clock. A female usher placed a glass test tube on the table beside each visitor. Sophia walked around the table carrying a domestic washing up bowl filled with water. A male usher entered carrying a photograph of Sophia as a Memento Mori. When Sophia placed the bowl at the end of the table the usher handed her the photo; she placed it facing upwards in the bowl of water then proceeded to wash it with her hands. Sophia then moved around the table placing the bowl in front of several guests; inviting them to wash the photo prompting a controlled intimate encounter for each individual. Each time the hostess rung a bell Sophia filled the visitors test tube with water from the bowl; capturing fragments of the photo. The visitors were given the signed tubes as gifts to keep.

Course 6 - Matthew Keogh
The final course involved a transformation of the table. The seated guests were asked to stand and move with their chairs to the area marked out for the standing audience. Matthew then removed the cloth revealing the table beneath. He then brought in a large electric circular saw; wearing protective goggles, gloves and a respirator he proceeded to cut a line along the 7m length of 'The Long Table'. Moving steadily along, the sound of the cutting alarmed the visitors. Splaying from the side of the power tool was a fountain of fine sawdust falling like windswept sand in changing patterns on the white table top caused by the vibration of the cutting.

The evening concluded with the Hostess inviting everyone to take a mint to aid their digestion.

Duration: 45 minutes





Photographs by Sam Jones 2007