Deptford X @ The Old Police Station

About

Mitch McEwen - solo show commissioned by The Old Police Station: Brooklyn architect re-interprets CIA interrogation techniques with structure and sound. Mitch McEwen "BLACK SITE #2"

Inspired by the CIA's documented use of rap music as an element of sleep depravation torture, BLACK SITE #2 consists of a multi-media installation that hybridizes ad hoc detention with ad hoc performance. Two microphones are fed into sound exciters and surface transducers that turn wall and furniture elements into speakers. Visitors are invited to use the microphones to engage in a competition, a game, or any form of performance. Using components often deployed in video game production of 'virtual' experience, multiple levels of transduction create a range of output from audio to tactile effects.

The installation references both the format of competitive MCing and techniques deployed against 'enemy combatants' in the War on Terror, in order to investigate the overlap of battle and play at the scale of individual bodies. This involves, of course, a play on the word black - which here references both the signification of Black identity invoked by rap music and the CIA terminology for a specific network of facilities. This hybridization of space for cultural production and militarized detention questions the role of language and performance in the interplay between normative civil society and military operations and technology.

DX projects: Mark Titchner creates a public artwork 4 stories high, Eduardo Padilha, participatory installation and program in the cells. Fringe projects: Mario P. Cordeiro, Annabel Tilley. IDOL magazine presents new talent.

24th September launch of the new cocktail bar at The Old Police Station: "Slammer", bar by Stav Bee

Coinciding with the private view of all the projects at The Old Police Station for Deptford X will be the launch of this new charity fundraising bar - open every first and every last Friday from then on.
Stav Bee is renown for her professional cocktails and also her queer DJ nights around London.
She will present a concise list of drinks each one sourced from fine ingredients and individually made with care.
"Slammer" will be open both Fridays during Deptford X from 6-11pm.
The space will also serve coffee and pastries during the day during Deptford X.
Proceeds go to running and staff costs of The Old Police Station project

www.theoldpolicestation.org