Party at the Silver Factory, 1966
In July 2019, we recreated Andy Warhol’s infamous Silver Factory as an immersive world you could explore. There was life-drawing, screen printing, film shooting and Warhol’s very own Superstars. At the end of the night, we got our groove on to the Velvet Underground, Nico, queer 60s rock ‘n’ roll, and Black protest music, culminating in some trippy slow-dances.
The Story
It’s 1966. Just south of Midtown and away from the Wall Street angst, Manhattan is a glorious playground for artists, where it feels like anything is possible. The Vietnam war rages on while America reels in shock from the assassination of JFK in 1963. Non-violent Civil Rights Movement protests across the country inspire a new generation of African Americans.
Against this fragile backdrop of hope and uncertainty, artists begin to descend on the expansive loft spaces across Manhattan, relics from New York’s long-gone industrial past.
In one of these converted industrial spaces, a group of drag queens, musicians, artists and gallerists hang out, paint canvases, build installations and shoot 8mm film. Despite the landlord’s warnings, later tonight there will be another party. Everyone in New York has been invited.
Experience the collective euphoria of the rebellious avant-garde scene from an old warehouse in Peckham and become part of the action if you choose.
The Cast
Antony Antunes, Oliver Britten, Georgia Clarke-Day, Joseph Cullen, Sulin Hasso, Sam Hoye, Nathanial Jacobs, Toby Manley, Charlotte Newton John, Lucy Wild, Sasha Wilson. And our drag queens, Karma and Soroya Marchelle.
It’s a party in the immersive camp – a bit like a mini Secret Cinema, only nobody is going to make you sit through Casino Royale.