Dr David Bramwell: From Shaman to Starman

A spoken monologue by David Bramwell, tracing how shamanic ritual has persisted in popular entertainment, from theatre and magic to rock music. It takes place at The Old Woollen in Leeds.

Bramwell's monologue argues that shamanism never disappeared from Western culture but took on a new disguise, staging its 'death and resurrection'ritual through theatre, magic and rock'n'roll. Beginning with why audiences grant figures such as David Bowie, Björk and Taylor Swift near-divine status, the piece moves through Scrooge, Doctor Who, Frida Kahlo, David Hoyle and the travelling medicine shows of earlier generations.

Examples and music by Nick Cave, Lingua Ingota, Alice Coltrane, Ozzy, David Byrne, Sun Ra, Kate Bush and Bowie punctuate the argument, which closes on the claim that the show itself is the medicine for a soul-sick society. Bramwell, a performer, author and musician, created The No9 Bus to Utopia, The Haunted Moustache, Ghosts of the Medicine Show and The Cult of Water, and is one half of Singalong-A-Wicker-Man. The Haunted Moustache was recently turned into a film.

Bramwell presents the monologue at The Old Woollen in Leeds. It suits anyone curious about the hidden ritual history of popular entertainment.