Dr David Bramwell: From Shaman to Starman

Why do we imbue the likes of David Bowie, Bjork and Taylor Swift with god-like status? As the lights dim and performers take to the stage, is it mere escapism from our everyday lives or is there something more profound and ritualised about our need to be entertained?

In this entertaining and thought provoking monologue through the wilder corners of modern entertainment history David Bramwell shares the idea that shamanism never disappeared in western culture. Instead, it donned a cunning disguise and took the 'show' on the road, hidden in plain sight in everything from theatre and magic to rock'n'roll.

On a journey spanning over 7,00 years Bramwell explores how the shaman's 'death and resurrection show' is present in everything and everyone from Scrooge, Dr Who, Frida Khalo and David Hoyle to the travelling medicine shows of our ancestors.

Peppered with examples and music from the likes of Nick Cave, Lingua Ingota, Alice Coltrane, Ozzy, David Byrne, Sun Ra, Kate Bush and - of course - Bowie, this show demonstrates why, in our soul-sick society we need them more than ever before.

The show must go on because the show IS the medicine!

David Bramwell is a performer, author, musician and creator of The No9 Bus to Utopia,The Haunted Moustache, Ghosts of the Medicine Show, The Cult of Water. He is one half of the popular show, Singalong-A-Wicker-Man. His monologue, The Haunted Moustache, was recently turned into a film.

Featuring - David Bramwell