Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Ministry of Silly Walks (Monty Python)



When I thought about whimsey in the city, this Monty Python sketch popped into my head. At one point, it evokes "belly laughs", but underlying it is a satirical statement on the nature of government at all levels, including city government. Local government can often be observed by the flanuer as being comical.

No Pants Day In New York City 2009



As an urban flanuer, one may observe spontaneous actions. "No pants day in the NYC Subway" is purely for fun, but it livens up the city in a whimsical manner. Should not cities be places of the unexpected, the unusual and the rediculous? The city can become the backdrop for open air spontaneous theater. Why can't theater be brought into places of work, play and commerce. There used to be a production company that would put on performances in the London Underground. I searched on the Internet, but found no reference fot this. It might be defunct. But, it was an excellent example of theater in a public place that contained an element of spontenaity.