AMBERGRIS- An Environmental Installation (2018)
CREATED BY / MICHAEL GORMAN & THE FORTY HOUR CLUB
October 20, 2018— 6:30pm
Portland Fish Exchange / Net Yard
6 Portland Fish Pier, Portland, ME
“Ambergris” is an environmental installation and performance that explores the roots of addiction and new models of sustainable fishing. The installation was inspired by the economic devastation being caused by the ongoing opiate epidemic within commercial fishing communities in New England and beyond.
Held outdoors on the working waterfront in The City of Portland, Maine, this event included the performance of scenes from playwright Michael Gorman’s new play “Chasing the New White Whale”, which draws inspiration from Moby Dick, and is part of Gorman's on-going project/arts & advocacy model Chasing The New White Whale.
The event also featured live musical accompaniment, video and photographic projections, an evolutional series of rolling boats (artistically suggestive models) including an ancient whaling harpoon boat and “The Ambergris”, and included a spectacle invoking Ahab’s final thrilling chase in Moby Dick.
Gorman's work explores the roots of the disease of addiction, and calls for a more compassionate understanding of addicts, as well as the tremendous need for more treatment and education. Attendees included: those working within the local fishing community; local addiction and recovery groups and advocates; healthcare professionals; and the general public interested in this unique arts and advocacy model.
October 20, 2018— 6:30pm
Portland Fish Exchange / Net Yard
6 Portland Fish Pier, Portland, ME
“Ambergris” is an environmental installation and performance that explores the roots of addiction and new models of sustainable fishing. The installation was inspired by the economic devastation being caused by the ongoing opiate epidemic within commercial fishing communities in New England and beyond.
Held outdoors on the working waterfront in The City of Portland, Maine, this event included the performance of scenes from playwright Michael Gorman’s new play “Chasing the New White Whale”, which draws inspiration from Moby Dick, and is part of Gorman's on-going project/arts & advocacy model Chasing The New White Whale.
The event also featured live musical accompaniment, video and photographic projections, an evolutional series of rolling boats (artistically suggestive models) including an ancient whaling harpoon boat and “The Ambergris”, and included a spectacle invoking Ahab’s final thrilling chase in Moby Dick.
Gorman's work explores the roots of the disease of addiction, and calls for a more compassionate understanding of addicts, as well as the tremendous need for more treatment and education. Attendees included: those working within the local fishing community; local addiction and recovery groups and advocates; healthcare professionals; and the general public interested in this unique arts and advocacy model.
"Ambergris" took take place outdoors on the pier at The Portland Fish Exchange & “Net Yard” in the heart of Portland’s working waterfront.
The Forty Hour Club wishes to Thank The City of Portland, Maine, The Portland Fish Exchange, and The Portland Fish Pier Authority for allowing us the opportunity to hold this event on the pier.
The Forty Hour Club wishes to Thank The City of Portland, Maine, The Portland Fish Exchange, and The Portland Fish Pier Authority for allowing us the opportunity to hold this event on the pier.
Michael Gorman as "The Chaplain"
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Khari Constantine & Alan Barnes Netherton
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Mark Daly & Alan Barnes-Netherton
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Marlee Luemann as "The Fish"
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"Ambergris" by artist Russ Cox
Roland Albert as Fedallah, Alan Barnes Netherton as Captain Robbie Forester.
(All photos by Brett Plymale)
Support for "Ambergris" was provided by the Kindling Fund, a grant administered by SPACE as part of the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Regional Regranting Network.
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