PLAY: THE FRUITS OF PHILOSOPHY.
- March 15 · 7:30 PM
It is anticipated that this event will be full, so we have switched off further RSVPs on meetup beyond those that have already said they are coming. If you come but are not already on the list, we will try our best to welcome you - but cannot guarantee you a place.
You are advised to arrive allowing plenty of time before the event starts.
The event itself starts at 7.30pm, but representatives will be there from 6.30PM with literature, programmes, refreshments etc.
GALHA members and their friends have created for you a tour de force of scandalous, secular Victorian England, including obscene libel, parliamentary outrage, blasphemy, rampant republicanism, sexual innuendo and the mysterious Madame Blavatsky! As befits a grand humanist event, the cast includes 21st century campaigners Andrew Copson, Keith Porteous Wood and Terry Sanderson,
The Conway Hall Library will be open just before the play with a special exhibition highlighting the main personalities and issues covered.
A dramatisation by GALHA LGBT HUMANISTS of one of the most important trials of the 19th Century. In April 1877 Annie Besant,a campaigner for women's rights and the estranged young wife of a Church of England clergyman stood trial in London, in a cause celebre that revealed the full depths of Victorian prejudice before an international audience, for publishing an "obscene libel", a pamphlet advocating family planning and describing contraception. The Victorian establishment were scandalised by the fact that the pamphlet was sold for sixpence, and thus available to poor people.
Her co-defender was the most famous freethinker and republican of his day, Charles Bradlaugh, who at this time was President of the National Secular Society, and considered a brilliant orator and campaigner. Although the top legal brains of the day were directed against them, Bradlaugh and Besant chose to conduct their own defence unaided by counsel, and argued brilliantly for the freedom of the press, the importance of scientific and medical advances, and the need for the poor to have access to and knowledge of birth control in an age of overcrowding and extreme poverty. This play will give a dramatised account of the trial, the scandal that surrounded it and the way in which its outcome affected their relationship and wider society.
Fire and Brimstone Productions is a group of secularists and humanists and their friends who put on plays to highlight issues and personalities from our secular/humanist past.
More info about Charles Bradlaugh here http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/PRbradlaugh.htm
More info about Annie Besant here
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/Wbesant.htm
Annie Besant and Charles Bradlaugh-both married-were rumoured to be having an affair. This scandalised much of Victorian Society.
THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR ADMISSION TO THIS EVENT. HOWEVER, A £5 DONATION IS REQUESTED.
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Jane Davis
Something held me up this afternoon so couldn't leave early enough to guarantee a seat. Still in recovery from an accident so didn't want to come up to Holborn and not get in. Let me know if you do another date
March 15
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James Heather
As always after the event we will all be heading to the Dolphin or Enterprise (both out the doors onto the square, turn left and a 2 min walk).
March 15
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James Heather
There has been a huge amount of interest (more than anticipated but definitely welcome) on a range of sites and elsewhere meaning we are expecting a full house. With the exception of a few people coming all the way from Leicester all seating will be on a first come first served basis. Registering on this site does not guarantee a seat but on the other hand not everyone who has RSVP'd yes will definitely turn up so there is a possibility to get in even if you haven't signed up. We would like it that the people who have taken the time to sign up early here get seats so I strongly recommend you all please arrive early to ensure you get a place. There will be drinks available before hand as well as a chance to visit the library upstairs which holds many interesting things including the original pamphlet which caused so much scandal in this play.
If you don't get in please let us know as we are considering a second performance if there is sufficient demand.
James
GALHAMarch 15
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Walter Steding
hi is this fully booked up yet?, as can't seem to see where I need to register my attendance
March 13
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Adam Knowles
we're worried about space so have turned off RSVPs - but if you get there in good time it should be ok
March 13
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pete fullskip
Do you want the thing video'd? I do have pro quality equipment, mics, lights etc.
1 · March 1
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Adam Knowles
Pete thanks for the offer but it's unlikely there'll be space to do a good job of filming it.
March 11
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James Heather
Hey Lucas.
Are you interested in getting involved in this particular event or with GALHA in general. We have a lot of things going on all the time and are always interested in people getting involved.James
March 10
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Lucas Voclère
I want to get involved but feel a bit lost for where to start, how to start...
March 10
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95 attended
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Jimmy Hayes +1
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A former member
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A former member
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A former member+1 guest
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A former member
People in thisMeetup are also in:
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The London Atheists Meetup Group
750 Positive Atheists
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