A guest post from the inimitable and occasionally fearsome Kirsty Ware (@gazpachodragon) about the next big show at Temple Works, Why Rush? May 11-13. No bribery involving copious amounts of Pinot Egregious was entered into in the commissioning of this post
Templeworks, for quite a while now, has been gaining respect as a cultural venue outside of the norm. The birthplace of Bettakultcha, the safezone for 2.8hourslater, the escape route of Frankenstein…it seemed that if you needed a space that wasn’t just another bar, you wouldn’t go wrong with the rough ‘n’ ready former mill in Holbeck. Even if you’ve never been, you know Templeworks; and now it has firmly established itself as a destination the Templeworks team are pushing the boundaries again.
Why Rush? Is the first event created and curated by the Templeworks inhouse team. Over 45 performers will be given space in the sprawling building to do whatever they do best. Performance art, music, dancing, art, theatre…for three days the doors will be flung open for you to wander, to watch and to gaze in wonderment. A few teasers of the unexpected are pole-dancing mice, stone age sex and Russian graverobbers.
As you make your way through the building you’re encouraged to interact with the performers, to sit with them and talk to them. To find out why they do what they do. There will also be workshops for you to get involved yourself.
This is the first inhouse event that Templeworks have put on, and they’re hoping it will be the first of many alternative, imaginative events. Taking their cue from the building itself, you won’t get high-gloss events of champagne and caviar, but you’ll get something really different; it might not be polished, but it will be passionate. I’ve loved Templeworks for a long time, and although you might need to mind your head and queue for a portaloo, you’re guaranteed to get something incredibly imaginative and different, and always surprising. Think of it as an indoor festival – a bit rough round the edges, but something going on everywhere you look and…well, portaloos. The only thing you don’t need is a tent.
Of course every festival needs fuel, and if you’re not rushing (and Why Rush?) you’ll need energy to maintain you for the long haul. Enter Mr Peshwari, who is creating a special grab ‘n’ go menu for artists and audience alike. Wraps stuffed with flavour, smoothies for instant energy boosts and cereal bars for handy snacks, it’s the sort of good food you’d get from a premier festival – and that’s exactly what Templeworks are aiming to provide at this event and their future offerings. Mr Peshwari has become something of a staple on the streetfood scene of late, and he’s bringing his expertise to create a unique menu that brings the best of fresh, local food to the fast food arena. Add to that great drink in association with Leeds Brewery, and there really is no reason to rush.