Dorothy Grace Laity and Christophe Lombardi host and organise the Melting Pot at their home in Coolure Demesne. It runs from Friday to Sunday every three months or so. They provide any resources they can, some accommodation, three meals a day if you stay (a donation box is available for those participants who can afford to throw something in to help with costs) and lots of ideas. It is a place where creative minds can work on their projects be it actors, writers, musicians, costume designers and so on in collaboration with others. If you have a screenplay then there is a group of people ready to play the roles so that you can hear how the dialogue sounds. Or perhaps you are a musician with a new song and need feedback. Maybe you need a costume for a re-enactment and help to make it. Then this might be the place for you.
I attended the Melting Pot for May that ended today and had gone with three projects to work on.
I am writing dialogue on a short screen play and working with Jude Wilkinson from Edge Hill University in Liverpool. My role has been developing the script and Jude decided it was about 80% there. I needed to hear it for myself and listen to ideas for how it can be improved or extended. I am pleased to say that this worked. Not only was I able to listen to the dialogue spoken by actors but also discuss its development. Now I am raring to carry on and send a completed piece.
I was able to provide support and feedback in return by helping Tof with a piece he wrote for his show reel. He heard is spoken by someone outside his head, which is an invaluable tool for all writers. Tof seemed happy.
My second project was research for a novella featuring a re-enactment society. As every period of hisotry is covered, it provides a wealth of subject matter. For members of a re-enactment society it is a way of keeping history alive; not just a hobby or an entertainment although they are major elements. Of course, there are the purists and the more casual participants which may prompt a different battle out of the arena, but they all share the same enthusiasm and love of the event.
Both Christophe and Dorothy are re-enactment and living history actors and gave me lots of invaluable information. They promised to answer further questions as they arose. In addition, I obtained Robin’s phone number so I can pursue my research.
As an aside, I also satisfied a private endeavour of a different nature. It’s for Christmas, so it’s hush hush.
I had a bowl of delicious home-made leek and potato soup with bread and butter followed by a slice of chocolate cake (low calorie – ha, ha). Unfortunately, I had to leave before the chilli could be served for dinner. Boo hoo.
Incidentally, my mobile phone took the pictures of Dorothy and Christophe, so I apologise for their poor quality.
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