In Spring 2017 Berlin-based artist Christopher Kline worked with communities in Pennine Lancashire and Liverpool to produce O.K.– The Musical. The production and performances took place at Tate Liverpool, where gallery spaces were transformed into a living theatre.
Chris brought people together from communities along the canal in a series of meetings, where they shared their experiences over food before rehearsing and preparing for the final performances, which took place in April 2017. No experience was required to be involved, with participants trying their hand at acting, singing, playing an instrument, set design, lighting, and prop making. Bringing their own lives and experiences to the project, they influenced the narrative and the performance itself.
O.K.– The Musical explored and restaged the entire history and folklore of Kline’s home of Kinderhook in New York State with an original score by the artist. It was part of an annual season of commissions at Tate Liverpool entitled We Have Your Art Gallery – the first of which was Art Gym – which was an experimental and developing project that reimagined what a museum can be and how it can programme for and with the public.
Supported by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union, as part of Collaborative Arts Partnership Programme, Tate Liverpool, Liverpool City Council and Tate Liverpool Corporate Members and Patrons.
Find out more about Chris Kline
