Wossname -- April 2018 -- main issue
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Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
April 2018 (Volume 21, Issue 4, Post 1)
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WOSSNAME is a free publication offering news, reviews, and all the other stuff-that-fits pertaining to the works of Sir Terry Pratchett. Originally founded by the late, great Joe Schaumburger for members of the worldwide Klatchian Foreign Legion and its affiliates, including the North American Discworld Society and other continental groups, Wossname is now for Discworld and Pratchett fans everywhere in Roundworld.
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Editor in Chief: Annie Mac
News Editor: Vera P
Newshounds: Mogg, Sir J of Croydon Below, the Shadow, Mss C, Alison not Aliss
Staff Writers: Asti, Pitt the Elder, Evil Steven Dread, Mrs Wynn-Jones
Staff Technomancers: Jason Parlevliet, Archchancellor Neil, DJ Helpful
Book Reviews: Annie Mac, Drusilla D'Afanguin, Your Name Here
Puzzle Editor: Tiff (still out there somewhere)
Bard in Residence: Weird Alice Lancrevic
Emergency Staff: Steven D'Aprano, Jason Parlevliet
World Membership Director: Steven D'Aprano (in his copious spare time)
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INDEX:
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
02) EDITOR'S LETTER
03) ODDS AND SODS
04) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
05) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
06) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
07) CLOSE
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01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
"'Everyone needs their little dreams.' Maurice truly believed that, too. If you knew what it was that people really, *really* wanted, you very nearly controlled them."
– the amazing Maurice, in The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents
"'Everyone's thinking these days. I think there's a good deal too much of this thinking, that's what *I* think. We never thought about thinking hen I was a lad. We'd never get anything done if we thought first.'"
– as spoken by Clan leader Hamnpork, ibid
"Maurice thought a rude word in cat language, which has a great many of them. What was the point of education, he thought, if people went out afterwards and used it?"
– ibid
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02) LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR
One's 70th birthday, in our era of extended average lifespans, is still considered a major milestone. Terence David John Pratchett, who came into this world on the 28th of April in the year 1948 by Roundworld reckoning, should have lived to celebrate his. It grieves and angers us all that he didn't – but I for one will never stop celebrating the day he was born.
A word from David Tennant, as published in Newsweek: "I was unprepared for the fanbase of Good Omens. Obviously I knew that Neil and Terry had huge followings. But people started telling me how much the book meant to them — that they reread it every year of their life, that these characters have lived in their imagination forever. That can be a bit nerve-wracking because you suddenly realize the potential for destroying peoples’ fantasy of these characters. You might be the person that shatters the dream!" It's all right, David, we trust you...
It's a short issue this month, mostly so we can get Discworld plays schedules out in time... so on with the show!
– Annie Mac, Editor
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03) ODDS AND SODS
The Little Blue Book from Terry Pratchett: HisWorld exhibit has earned a nice sum for dementia charity! As reported in The Bookseller:
"A book accompanying the "Terry Pratchett: HisWorld" exhibition at Salisbury Museum has raised £20,000 for Bath-based dementia charity RICE (The Research Institute for the Care of Older People). The exhibition opened at the museum in September 2017 and was accompanied by the publication of a 60-page long "special little blue book", Terry Pratchett: HisWorld – A Brief Guide to Discworld (Clays), compiled by writer Stephen Briggs, with illustrations by Paul Kidby. Half of the proceeds were donated to RICE, which were the wishes of the Estate of Sir Terry Pratchett before the exhibition opened. By the time the exhibition closed on 14th January, it had been visited by over 21,000 people, and "incredible" sales of the book generated £20,000 for the charity...
"Professor Roy Jones, director of RICE, who looked after Sir Terry during his illness, said: 'We were pleased to contribute to the outstanding Terry Pratchett: HisWorld exhibition. Terry’s loyal fans have again surpassed themselves so that a donation of £20,000 has been made to our centre in Bath. We are very grateful for this money which will go directly towards supporting our vital research and support programme to improve life for people with dementia everywhere.'..."
https://www.thebookseller.com/news/terry-pratchett-exhibition-raises-20k-charity-771046
[Editor's note: I have a copy of the Little Blue Book. It's beautiful!]
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04) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
Editor's note: as Wossname normally only comes out once every month, do check the Wossname blog for information on plays that might fall between issue dates! Go to https://wossname.dreamwidth.org/ for interim updates.
Editor's other note: Bendigo Theatre's production of Wyrd Sisters earlier this month was completely sold out. Well done, the Fourecksians! (See review in 4.3 below)
4.1 PLAYS IN APRIL AND MAY
* MONSTROUS REGIMENT IN ILLINOIS, USA (APRIL)
The Green Man Theatre Troupe's production of Monstrous Regiment is currently in progress!
When: now through 29th April 2018, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Venue: First United Methodist Church, 232 S.York Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Time: 7.30pm all evening shows, 2pm all Sunday matinees
Tickets: $17 (students and seniors $15), available from the Box Office (630 464 2646)
http://www.greenmantheatre.org
* WYRD SISTERS IN HAMPSHIRE (APRIL)
The Headley Theatre Club are currently presenting Wyrd Sisters in what looks to be a fun evening, complete with discly music!
When: now through 21st April 2018
Venue: Headley Village Hall, Arford Road, Headley, Bordon, Hants GU35 8LJ
Time: 8pm all shows, but if you arrive at 7.30pm you'll be serenaded pre-show by the Mended Drum Folk Club!
Tickets: £8, available online at www.headley-village.com/drama or from Ticketsource at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/headley-theatre-club or by ringing the Box Office on 01428 717358. NOTE: an additional £5 gets you fed by Porkers, Pies and Puddings
http://www.headley-village.com/drama
* WYRD SISTERS IN SOUTHAMPTON (APRIL)
The Maskers Theatre Company, "one of the South’s leading non-professional theatre groups", are also currently staging Wyrd Sisters: "The Maskers has its own premises – a studio/workshop acquired and converted with lottery funding in 1994 – where equipment and wardrobe are stored and set construction takes place. Since then our activities, both technical and social, have flourished. Our performances are often reviewed as being of a professional standard; all of this is enhanced by the beautiful setting in which we are privileged to perform."
When: now through 20th April 2018
Venue: Berry Theatre, Emsworth Road, Shirley, Southampton SO15 3LX
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £10–£12.50, available from http://www.theberrytheatre.co.uk/whats-on/spring-18/wyrd-sisters/ (scroll down and click on your desired date) or by phoning 023 8065 2333.
http://maskers.org.uk/productions/2018/WyrdSisters/show.php
* MORT IN YORKSHIRE (APRIL)
Skipton Players are presenting Mort this week!
When: now through 21st April 2018
Venue: Skipton Little Theatre, Clifford Street, Skipton, N Yorks BD23 2AD
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £10 (concessions £5), available online at http://www.skiptonlittletheatre.org.uk/book-online/ or through the Box Office by phoning 07527 141176
http://www.skiptonlittletheatre.org.uk/
* WYRD SISTERS IN SWITZERLAND (APRIL/MAY)
Attention all Francophone Discworld fans! Theatre de la Cite de Fribourg will stage their production of Wyrd Sisters ("Trois soercieres") – adapted by Christophe Vaillot, Alain Le Coultre and Serge K. Keller from the Patrick Couton translation of Stephen Briggs' version – in April and May.
When: 20th, 21st and 27th–28th April, 4th–5th and 10th–12th May 2018
Venue: Theatre de la Cite de Fribourg, Grandes-Rames 36, 1700 Fribourg, La Sarine, Switzerland
Time: 8pm all evening shows; 5.30pm matinees on 29th April and 6th May
Tickets: adults CHF 18, seniors and students CHF 13. There is also a students-only discount price of CHF10 on Thursdays. To reserve tickets, ring Fribourg Tourisme on +41 26 350 11 00 – tickets can then be collected at the theatre.
Note: there will be a celebration of Sir Pterry's 70th birthday after the final April show (28th, the day of his birth), and the public are welcome to attend.
http://www.tcf.ch
* JINGO IN DORSET (APRIL)
The Castle Players will present their production of Jingo "in celebration of what would have been Sir Terry Pratchett's 70th Birthday". A good choice!
When: 26th–28th April 2018
Venue: The Village Hall, High Street, Lytchett Matravers, Poole, Dorset BH16 6DD
Time: 7.45pm evening shows; Saturday matinee 2.30pm
Tickets: £10 (concessions £9), bookable by phone (07938 965434) or available from the Rose and Crown in Lytchett Matravers or online at https://www.castleplayers.com/tickets
https://www.castleplayers.com
* GUARDS! GUARDS! IN CHORLEY (APRIL)
CADOS (possibly once the Chorley and District Operatic Society?) will be staging Guards! Guards! this month: "This production marks what would have been Sir Terry's 70th birthday."
When: 23rd–28th April 2018
Venue: Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Lane, Chorley, Lancs PR7 2RL
Time: 7:30pm all shows
Tickets: 23rd, 24th, 25th £8; 26th, 27th, 28th £10, available online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/208113 or in person at Malcom's Musicland 01257 264362 or Ebb & Flo Bookshop or when the Theatre Box Office is open for shows.
http://www.chorleylittletheatre.com/chorleytheatre/index.php/event/552-cados-play
Editor's note: the theatre itself is absolutely adorable! Look:
http://www.chorleylittletheatre.com/chorleytheatre/images/ChorleyLittleTheatre1.jpg
* MORT IN BIRKENHEAD (APRIL)
The Carlton Players are presenting Mort next week: "He gets board and lodging and free use of company horse, and doesn't even need time off for his grandmother's funeral..."
When: 24th–28th April 2018
Venue: The Little Theatre, Grange Rd West, Birkenhead CH41 4BY
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £8 (students and under-16s £6), available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/venue/FEDIFI or by ringing the box office on 0151 647 6593
https://www.carltonlittletheatre.co.uk/the-carlton-players/2017-18-season/mort/
* THE FIFTH ELEPHANT IN ESSEX (APRIL/MAY)
Chelmsford Theatre Workshop is having a go at staging The Fifth Elephant, directed by Mark Preston. A good choice: "April 2018 will see groups from all over the UK perform plays to mark Terry Pratchett’s 70th birthday, and Chelmsford Theatre Workshop will be proud to contribute to this anniversary event."
When: 25th–28th April and 2nd–5th May 2018
Venue: Old Court Theatre, 233 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6JT
Time: 7.45pm all shows
Tickets: £10 (concessions £9), available from the Box Office by phoning 01245 606505
https://ctw.org.uk/season-2017-2018/
* GUARDS! GUARDS! IN PLYMOUTH (MAY)
City College Plymouth will be staging their production of Guards! Guards! in May.
When: 16th–18th May 2018
Venue: Tilt Theatre, Performing Arts, City College Plymouth, Plymouth
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £5 (concessions £3), available online by going to http://bit.ly/2HZba37 and clicking on the desired date button.
https://allevents.in/plymouth/guards-guards-by-terry-pratchett/1943260799295027
* MORT IN READING (MAY)
Caversham Park Theatre will also present their production of Mort in May – and they're promoting audience participation: "Dress Up for Discworld! Any Character, any performance, especially Saturday evening". Sounds good!
When: 17th–19th May 2018
Venue: Milestone Centre, Milestone Way Precinct, Caversham, Reading RG4 6PF
Time: 8pm (17th and 18th) and 7.30pm (19th)
Tickets: £7 plus an online booking fee, available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/223486 or by ringing the Box Office on 01189 481 377
http://www.kelvinplayers.co.uk/
4.2 PLAYS LATER IN 2018
* WYRD SISTERS IN SHEFFIELD (JUNE/JULY)
The Company invite you to their production of Wyrd Sisters this June and July.
When: 13th–16th June and 11th July 2018
Venue: The University Drama Studio, Shearwood Road, Sheffield S10 2TD on 13th–16th June, and outdoors on Dore Village Green on 11th July
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £8.50 (concessions £5.5), available online at https://www.thecompanysheffield.co.uk/boxoffice/ or £9 (concessions £6) on the door.
https://www.thecompanysheffield.co.uk/productions/wyrdsisters/
https://www.thecompanysheffield.co.uk/aboutus/howtofind.php
* WYRD SISTERS IN SWANSEA (JULY)
The Pontlliw Players will present their production of Wyrd Sisters in July
When: 26th–28th July 2018
Venue: Pontlliw Village Hall, Carmel Rd, Pontlliw, Swansea SA4 9EX
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £7, available from the Box Office by phoning 01792 897833 or 07986 135341, or by emailing tickets@pvh_online.org.uk
http://www.pvh-online.org.uk/
* MEN AT ARMS IN BRISBANE, FOURECKS (OCTOBER/NOVEMBER)
It will be a bit of a wait, but the Brisbane Arts Centre's next Discworld production – Men at Arms – is already looking good! All props to Fourecks for keeping the Disc alive on stage: "Men at Arms is the 15th novel in Sir Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, a comic fantasy universe with over 80 million books sold worldwide. Aficionados and newcomers to the Disc will love this adaptation, brought to life by the expertise of our Pratchett team."
When: 6th October through 3rd November 2018
Venue: Brisbane Arts Centre, 210 Petrie Terrace, Petrie Terrace (yes, the suburb and the road share a name), Brisbane, Queensland 4000
Time: 7.30pm Thursdays, 8.00pm Fridays and Saturdays, 6.30pm Sundays. "Doors close 5 minutes prior to performance. Late entry is not permitted."
Tickets: AU$34 ($28 concession or groups of 10 or more), available now online at http://bit.ly/2zHKO5a – and there will be Student Rush tickets priced at $15, available from the box office 15 minutes prior to curtain on the dates
https://www.artstheatre.com.au/menatarms
* THE SCIENCE OF DISCWORLD IV IN ABINGDON (NOVEMBER)
The Studio Theatre Club's next Discworld production will be Stephen Briggs' dramatisation of the fourth Science of Discworld novel, Judgement Day!
When: 14th–17th November 2018
Venue: the Unicorn Theatre, Medieval Abbey Buildings, Checker Walk, Abingdon,, Oxon OX14 3JB
Time: TBA
Tickets: TBA
http://www.studiotheatreclub.com/beyond-quality-street
* GOING POSTAL IN BRISTOL (DECEMBER)
The Kelvin Players will be staging Going Postal in December 2018. Keep an eye on their website: "Moist von Lipwig was a con artist, a fraud and a man faced with a life choice: be hanged, or put Ankh-Morpork's ailing postal service back on its feet. It was a tough decision. With the help of a golem who has been at the bottom of hole in the ground for over two hundred years, a pin fanatic and Junior Postman Groat, he's got to see that the mail gets through. In taking on the evil chairman of the Grand Trunk Semaphore Company, and a midnight killer, he's also got to stay alive. Getting a date with Adora Bell Dearheart would be nice, too. In the mad world of the mail, can a criminal succeed where honest men have failed and died? Perhaps there's a shot at redemption for man who's prepared to push the envelope..."
When: 5th–8th and 12th–15th December 2018
Venue: Kelvin Studios, 253B Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NY
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: TBA
http://www.kelvinplayers.co.uk/coming-soon
4.3 REVIEWS
* WYRD SISTERS IN BENDIGO
By Chris Pedler for the Bendigo Advertiser:
"Directed by Kerrie Turpie, Wyrd Sisters is Tribe’s first drama production. Cedar-Rose Russell plays the wise and quick-witted Granny Weatherwax, Bronte Bailey plays the cheeky and jovial Nanny Ogg and Emily Brown is the young, good-hearted Magrat Garlick. Individually, all three women have developed strong, well-drawn characters. As a group they are even more impressive. Russell’s Weatherwax is almost nonchalant with a sharp tongue and a clever mind that goes well with Bailey’s Ogg who is full of happy-go-lucky, gossipy charm and Brown’s eager and determined young Margat[sic]. On the other side of good is the scheming Duke and Duchess played by Kody Austin and Ella Fletcher... Fletcher’s cold, cunning presence is inspired by Lady MacBeth and an excellent foil for Austin’s portrayal of a whiny, easily suggestible Duke who is determined to be more well-liked than the witches. Wyrd Sisters also features excellent performances from Max Harris as the bumbling-yet-wise Fool and Bailey Matheson who has strong presence as King Verence..."
https://bit.ly/2H8gEZo
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05) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
The Broken Drummers, "London's Premier Unofficially Official Discworld Group" (motto "Nil percussio est"), will be meeting next from 7pm on Monday 7th May 2018 at the Monkey Puzzle, 30 Southwick Street, London, W2 1JQ. "We welcome anyone and everyone who enjoys Sir Terry's works, or quite likes them or wants to find out more. We have had many visitors from overseas who have enjoyed themselves and made new friends. The discussions do not only concern the works of Sir Terry Pratchett but wander and meander through other genres and authors and also leaping to TV and Film production. We also find time for a quiz."
For more information, email BrokenDrummers@gmail.com or nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk or join their Facebook group (if you must) at https://www.facebook.com/groups/55107511411/permalink/10156634038566412/
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Canberra, Australia's Discworld fan group is Drumknott's Irregulars: "The group is open to all, people from interstate and overseas are welcome, and our events will not be heavily themed. Come along to dinner for a chat and good company. We welcome people from all fandoms (and none) and we would love to see you at one of our events, even if you're just passing through. Please contact us via Facebook (_https://www.facebook.com/groups/824987924250161/_) or Google Groups (_https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/drumknotts-irregulars_) or join us at our next event."
*
For Facebook users in Fourecks: The Victorian Discworld Klatch is "a social group for fans of Discworld and Terry Pratchett... run by a dedicated team who meet monthly and organise events monthly." "If you'd like to join our events please ask to join the Klatch."
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VictorianDiscworldKlatch
*
"The Gathering of the Loonies (Wincanton chapter)" is a public Facebook meeting group: "This group, by request of Jo in Bear will continue to be used for future unofficial (not run by the Emporium) fan Gatherings in Wincanton. Look here for information." The Loonies' next event will be the Did You Bring a Beer Along weekend, celebrating 20 years of The Last Continent and what should have been Sir Pterry's 70th birthday, from 27th–29th April.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/373578522834654/
*
The Pratchett Partisans are a fan group who meet monthly at either Brisbane or Indooroopilly to "eat, drink and chat about all things Pratchett. We hold events such as Discworld dinners, games afternoons, Discworld photo scavenger hunts. We also attend opening night at Brisbane Arts Theatre's Discworld plays." The Partisans currently have about 200 members who meet at least twice a month, usually in Brisbane.
For more info about their next meetup, join up at https://www.facebook.com/groups/pratchettpartisans/ or contact Ula directly at uwilmott@yahoo.com.au
*
The City of Small Gods is a group for fans in Adelaide and South Australia: "We have an established Terry Pratchett & Discworld fan group in Adelaide called The City of Small Gods, which is open to anyone who would like to come – you don't have to live in Adelaide or even South Australia, or even be a Discworld fan, but that's mostly where our events will be held, and we do like discussing Pratchett's works. Our (semi-) regular meetings are generally held on the last Thursday of the month at the Caledonian, 219 O'Connell St North Adelaide. We have dinner at 6.30pm followed by games until 9pm. The games are usually shorter games like Pairs, Sushi Go, or Tiny Epic Defenders, with the occasional Werewolf session, as these are the best sort of games that work in a pub setting. Every few months, we have a full day's worth of board games at La Scala Cafe, 169 Unley Rd, Unley in the function room starting at 10am. In addition, we will occasionally have other events to go and see plays by Unseen Theatre Company, book discussions, craft, chain maille or costuming workshops or other fun social activities."
The next CoSG events will be a celebration of Terry Pratchett's birthday on 28th April (details not yet finalised) and a Board Games Day at La Scala on 29th April.
The CoSG also have another identity. Here's the skinny:
Round World Events SA Inc is a not-for-profit incorporated association whose aim is to run fun social Pratchett-themed events for people in South Australia. Our first major event was the Unseen University Convivium held in July 2012. We have also run three successful and booked out Science Fiction and Fantasy themed quiz nights named Quiz Long And Prosper, in 2013, 2014 and 2015! The association will run some events under the City of Small Gods banner, but you do not have to be a Round World Events SA member to be part of City of Small Gods. However, we are always on the look out for new members for Round World Events SA to help us organise future events! Membership is $20 a year (for Adelaide locals) or $5 a year (for those not quite so close) and has the following benefits:
A shiny membership certificate all of your very own
Discounted entry price to some of the events we run
A warm, fuzzy feeling deep down in your chest (no, not quite that deep)
For more information, or to join as a member, please email RoundWorldEventsSA@gmail.com
www.cityofsmallgods.org.au
*
The Broken Vectis Drummers meet next on Thursday 3rd May 2018 (probably) from 7.30pm at The Castle pub in Newport, Isle of Wight. For more info and any queries, contact broken_vectis_drummers@yahoo.co.uk
*
The Wincanton Omnian Temperance Society (WOTS) next meets on Friday 4th May 2018 (possibly) at Wincanton's famous Bear Inn from 7pm onwards. "Visitors and drop-ins are always welcome!"
*
The Northern Institute of the Ankh-Morpork and District Society of Flatalists, a Pratchett fangroup, has been meeting on a regular basis since 2005. The Flatalists normally meet at The Narrowboat Pub in Victoria Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, to discuss "all things Pratchett" as well as having quizzes and raffles. Details of future meetings are posted on the Events section of the Discworld Stamps forum:
http://www.discworldstamps.co.uk/forum/
*
Sydney Drummers (formerly Drummers Downunder) meet next on Monday 7th May 2018 (possibly) at 6.30pm in Sydney at 3 Wise Monkeys, 555 George Street, Sydney 2000. For more information, contact Sue (aka Granny Weatherwax): kenworthys@yahoo.co.uk
*
The Treacle Mining Corporation, formerly known as Perth Drummers, meet next on Monday 7th May 2018 (possibly) from 5.30pm at Carpe Cafe, 526 Murray Street, Perth, Western Australia. For details follow Perth Drummers on Twitter @Perth_Drummers or join their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Perth.Drummers/ – or message Alexandra Ware directly at <alexandra.ware@gmail.com>
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06) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
The cast of Maskers Theatre's current production of Wyrd Sisters:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Da97NgrX4AAT2EX.jpg
...and some lovely iconographs of the Maskers Witches:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Da5Ob6VW0AAbJ3e.jpg
The orangutan version of "do not disturb"? Taken at Melbourne Zoo by Dan Campbell:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DaTYmV4VwAUX4yi.jpg
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07) CLOSE
And that's it for April. Take care, and we'll see you next month!
– Annie Mac
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The End. If you have any questions or requests, write: wossname-owner (at) pearwood (dot) info
Copyright (c) 2018 by Klatchian Foreign Legion
Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
April 2018 (Volume 21, Issue 4, Post 1)
********************************************************************
WOSSNAME is a free publication offering news, reviews, and all the other stuff-that-fits pertaining to the works of Sir Terry Pratchett. Originally founded by the late, great Joe Schaumburger for members of the worldwide Klatchian Foreign Legion and its affiliates, including the North American Discworld Society and other continental groups, Wossname is now for Discworld and Pratchett fans everywhere in Roundworld.
********************************************************************
Editor in Chief: Annie Mac
News Editor: Vera P
Newshounds: Mogg, Sir J of Croydon Below, the Shadow, Mss C, Alison not Aliss
Staff Writers: Asti, Pitt the Elder, Evil Steven Dread, Mrs Wynn-Jones
Staff Technomancers: Jason Parlevliet, Archchancellor Neil, DJ Helpful
Book Reviews: Annie Mac, Drusilla D'Afanguin, Your Name Here
Puzzle Editor: Tiff (still out there somewhere)
Bard in Residence: Weird Alice Lancrevic
Emergency Staff: Steven D'Aprano, Jason Parlevliet
World Membership Director: Steven D'Aprano (in his copious spare time)
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INDEX:
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
02) EDITOR'S LETTER
03) ODDS AND SODS
04) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
05) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
06) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
07) CLOSE
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01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
"'Everyone needs their little dreams.' Maurice truly believed that, too. If you knew what it was that people really, *really* wanted, you very nearly controlled them."
– the amazing Maurice, in The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents
"'Everyone's thinking these days. I think there's a good deal too much of this thinking, that's what *I* think. We never thought about thinking hen I was a lad. We'd never get anything done if we thought first.'"
– as spoken by Clan leader Hamnpork, ibid
"Maurice thought a rude word in cat language, which has a great many of them. What was the point of education, he thought, if people went out afterwards and used it?"
– ibid
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02) LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR
One's 70th birthday, in our era of extended average lifespans, is still considered a major milestone. Terence David John Pratchett, who came into this world on the 28th of April in the year 1948 by Roundworld reckoning, should have lived to celebrate his. It grieves and angers us all that he didn't – but I for one will never stop celebrating the day he was born.
A word from David Tennant, as published in Newsweek: "I was unprepared for the fanbase of Good Omens. Obviously I knew that Neil and Terry had huge followings. But people started telling me how much the book meant to them — that they reread it every year of their life, that these characters have lived in their imagination forever. That can be a bit nerve-wracking because you suddenly realize the potential for destroying peoples’ fantasy of these characters. You might be the person that shatters the dream!" It's all right, David, we trust you...
It's a short issue this month, mostly so we can get Discworld plays schedules out in time... so on with the show!
– Annie Mac, Editor
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03) ODDS AND SODS
The Little Blue Book from Terry Pratchett: HisWorld exhibit has earned a nice sum for dementia charity! As reported in The Bookseller:
"A book accompanying the "Terry Pratchett: HisWorld" exhibition at Salisbury Museum has raised £20,000 for Bath-based dementia charity RICE (The Research Institute for the Care of Older People). The exhibition opened at the museum in September 2017 and was accompanied by the publication of a 60-page long "special little blue book", Terry Pratchett: HisWorld – A Brief Guide to Discworld (Clays), compiled by writer Stephen Briggs, with illustrations by Paul Kidby. Half of the proceeds were donated to RICE, which were the wishes of the Estate of Sir Terry Pratchett before the exhibition opened. By the time the exhibition closed on 14th January, it had been visited by over 21,000 people, and "incredible" sales of the book generated £20,000 for the charity...
"Professor Roy Jones, director of RICE, who looked after Sir Terry during his illness, said: 'We were pleased to contribute to the outstanding Terry Pratchett: HisWorld exhibition. Terry’s loyal fans have again surpassed themselves so that a donation of £20,000 has been made to our centre in Bath. We are very grateful for this money which will go directly towards supporting our vital research and support programme to improve life for people with dementia everywhere.'..."
https://www.thebookseller.com/news/terry-pratchett-exhibition-raises-20k-charity-771046
[Editor's note: I have a copy of the Little Blue Book. It's beautiful!]
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04) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
Editor's note: as Wossname normally only comes out once every month, do check the Wossname blog for information on plays that might fall between issue dates! Go to https://wossname.dreamwidth.org/ for interim updates.
Editor's other note: Bendigo Theatre's production of Wyrd Sisters earlier this month was completely sold out. Well done, the Fourecksians! (See review in 4.3 below)
4.1 PLAYS IN APRIL AND MAY
* MONSTROUS REGIMENT IN ILLINOIS, USA (APRIL)
The Green Man Theatre Troupe's production of Monstrous Regiment is currently in progress!
When: now through 29th April 2018, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Venue: First United Methodist Church, 232 S.York Street, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Time: 7.30pm all evening shows, 2pm all Sunday matinees
Tickets: $17 (students and seniors $15), available from the Box Office (630 464 2646)
http://www.greenmantheatre.org
* WYRD SISTERS IN HAMPSHIRE (APRIL)
The Headley Theatre Club are currently presenting Wyrd Sisters in what looks to be a fun evening, complete with discly music!
When: now through 21st April 2018
Venue: Headley Village Hall, Arford Road, Headley, Bordon, Hants GU35 8LJ
Time: 8pm all shows, but if you arrive at 7.30pm you'll be serenaded pre-show by the Mended Drum Folk Club!
Tickets: £8, available online at www.headley-village.com/drama or from Ticketsource at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/headley-theatre-club or by ringing the Box Office on 01428 717358. NOTE: an additional £5 gets you fed by Porkers, Pies and Puddings
http://www.headley-village.com/drama
* WYRD SISTERS IN SOUTHAMPTON (APRIL)
The Maskers Theatre Company, "one of the South’s leading non-professional theatre groups", are also currently staging Wyrd Sisters: "The Maskers has its own premises – a studio/workshop acquired and converted with lottery funding in 1994 – where equipment and wardrobe are stored and set construction takes place. Since then our activities, both technical and social, have flourished. Our performances are often reviewed as being of a professional standard; all of this is enhanced by the beautiful setting in which we are privileged to perform."
When: now through 20th April 2018
Venue: Berry Theatre, Emsworth Road, Shirley, Southampton SO15 3LX
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £10–£12.50, available from http://www.theberrytheatre.co.uk/whats-on/spring-18/wyrd-sisters/ (scroll down and click on your desired date) or by phoning 023 8065 2333.
http://maskers.org.uk/productions/2018/WyrdSisters/show.php
* MORT IN YORKSHIRE (APRIL)
Skipton Players are presenting Mort this week!
When: now through 21st April 2018
Venue: Skipton Little Theatre, Clifford Street, Skipton, N Yorks BD23 2AD
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £10 (concessions £5), available online at http://www.skiptonlittletheatre.org.uk/book-online/ or through the Box Office by phoning 07527 141176
http://www.skiptonlittletheatre.org.uk/
* WYRD SISTERS IN SWITZERLAND (APRIL/MAY)
Attention all Francophone Discworld fans! Theatre de la Cite de Fribourg will stage their production of Wyrd Sisters ("Trois soercieres") – adapted by Christophe Vaillot, Alain Le Coultre and Serge K. Keller from the Patrick Couton translation of Stephen Briggs' version – in April and May.
When: 20th, 21st and 27th–28th April, 4th–5th and 10th–12th May 2018
Venue: Theatre de la Cite de Fribourg, Grandes-Rames 36, 1700 Fribourg, La Sarine, Switzerland
Time: 8pm all evening shows; 5.30pm matinees on 29th April and 6th May
Tickets: adults CHF 18, seniors and students CHF 13. There is also a students-only discount price of CHF10 on Thursdays. To reserve tickets, ring Fribourg Tourisme on +41 26 350 11 00 – tickets can then be collected at the theatre.
Note: there will be a celebration of Sir Pterry's 70th birthday after the final April show (28th, the day of his birth), and the public are welcome to attend.
http://www.tcf.ch
* JINGO IN DORSET (APRIL)
The Castle Players will present their production of Jingo "in celebration of what would have been Sir Terry Pratchett's 70th Birthday". A good choice!
When: 26th–28th April 2018
Venue: The Village Hall, High Street, Lytchett Matravers, Poole, Dorset BH16 6DD
Time: 7.45pm evening shows; Saturday matinee 2.30pm
Tickets: £10 (concessions £9), bookable by phone (07938 965434) or available from the Rose and Crown in Lytchett Matravers or online at https://www.castleplayers.com/tickets
https://www.castleplayers.com
* GUARDS! GUARDS! IN CHORLEY (APRIL)
CADOS (possibly once the Chorley and District Operatic Society?) will be staging Guards! Guards! this month: "This production marks what would have been Sir Terry's 70th birthday."
When: 23rd–28th April 2018
Venue: Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Lane, Chorley, Lancs PR7 2RL
Time: 7:30pm all shows
Tickets: 23rd, 24th, 25th £8; 26th, 27th, 28th £10, available online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/208113 or in person at Malcom's Musicland 01257 264362 or Ebb & Flo Bookshop or when the Theatre Box Office is open for shows.
http://www.chorleylittletheatre.com/chorleytheatre/index.php/event/552-cados-play
Editor's note: the theatre itself is absolutely adorable! Look:
http://www.chorleylittletheatre.com/chorleytheatre/images/ChorleyLittleTheatre1.jpg
* MORT IN BIRKENHEAD (APRIL)
The Carlton Players are presenting Mort next week: "He gets board and lodging and free use of company horse, and doesn't even need time off for his grandmother's funeral..."
When: 24th–28th April 2018
Venue: The Little Theatre, Grange Rd West, Birkenhead CH41 4BY
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £8 (students and under-16s £6), available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/venue/FEDIFI or by ringing the box office on 0151 647 6593
https://www.carltonlittletheatre.co.uk/the-carlton-players/2017-18-season/mort/
* THE FIFTH ELEPHANT IN ESSEX (APRIL/MAY)
Chelmsford Theatre Workshop is having a go at staging The Fifth Elephant, directed by Mark Preston. A good choice: "April 2018 will see groups from all over the UK perform plays to mark Terry Pratchett’s 70th birthday, and Chelmsford Theatre Workshop will be proud to contribute to this anniversary event."
When: 25th–28th April and 2nd–5th May 2018
Venue: Old Court Theatre, 233 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6JT
Time: 7.45pm all shows
Tickets: £10 (concessions £9), available from the Box Office by phoning 01245 606505
https://ctw.org.uk/season-2017-2018/
* GUARDS! GUARDS! IN PLYMOUTH (MAY)
City College Plymouth will be staging their production of Guards! Guards! in May.
When: 16th–18th May 2018
Venue: Tilt Theatre, Performing Arts, City College Plymouth, Plymouth
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £5 (concessions £3), available online by going to http://bit.ly/2HZba37 and clicking on the desired date button.
https://allevents.in/plymouth/guards-guards-by-terry-pratchett/1943260799295027
* MORT IN READING (MAY)
Caversham Park Theatre will also present their production of Mort in May – and they're promoting audience participation: "Dress Up for Discworld! Any Character, any performance, especially Saturday evening". Sounds good!
When: 17th–19th May 2018
Venue: Milestone Centre, Milestone Way Precinct, Caversham, Reading RG4 6PF
Time: 8pm (17th and 18th) and 7.30pm (19th)
Tickets: £7 plus an online booking fee, available from https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/223486 or by ringing the Box Office on 01189 481 377
http://www.kelvinplayers.co.uk/
4.2 PLAYS LATER IN 2018
* WYRD SISTERS IN SHEFFIELD (JUNE/JULY)
The Company invite you to their production of Wyrd Sisters this June and July.
When: 13th–16th June and 11th July 2018
Venue: The University Drama Studio, Shearwood Road, Sheffield S10 2TD on 13th–16th June, and outdoors on Dore Village Green on 11th July
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £8.50 (concessions £5.5), available online at https://www.thecompanysheffield.co.uk/boxoffice/ or £9 (concessions £6) on the door.
https://www.thecompanysheffield.co.uk/productions/wyrdsisters/
https://www.thecompanysheffield.co.uk/aboutus/howtofind.php
* WYRD SISTERS IN SWANSEA (JULY)
The Pontlliw Players will present their production of Wyrd Sisters in July
When: 26th–28th July 2018
Venue: Pontlliw Village Hall, Carmel Rd, Pontlliw, Swansea SA4 9EX
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: £7, available from the Box Office by phoning 01792 897833 or 07986 135341, or by emailing tickets@pvh_online.org.uk
http://www.pvh-online.org.uk/
* MEN AT ARMS IN BRISBANE, FOURECKS (OCTOBER/NOVEMBER)
It will be a bit of a wait, but the Brisbane Arts Centre's next Discworld production – Men at Arms – is already looking good! All props to Fourecks for keeping the Disc alive on stage: "Men at Arms is the 15th novel in Sir Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, a comic fantasy universe with over 80 million books sold worldwide. Aficionados and newcomers to the Disc will love this adaptation, brought to life by the expertise of our Pratchett team."
When: 6th October through 3rd November 2018
Venue: Brisbane Arts Centre, 210 Petrie Terrace, Petrie Terrace (yes, the suburb and the road share a name), Brisbane, Queensland 4000
Time: 7.30pm Thursdays, 8.00pm Fridays and Saturdays, 6.30pm Sundays. "Doors close 5 minutes prior to performance. Late entry is not permitted."
Tickets: AU$34 ($28 concession or groups of 10 or more), available now online at http://bit.ly/2zHKO5a – and there will be Student Rush tickets priced at $15, available from the box office 15 minutes prior to curtain on the dates
https://www.artstheatre.com.au/menatarms
* THE SCIENCE OF DISCWORLD IV IN ABINGDON (NOVEMBER)
The Studio Theatre Club's next Discworld production will be Stephen Briggs' dramatisation of the fourth Science of Discworld novel, Judgement Day!
When: 14th–17th November 2018
Venue: the Unicorn Theatre, Medieval Abbey Buildings, Checker Walk, Abingdon,, Oxon OX14 3JB
Time: TBA
Tickets: TBA
http://www.studiotheatreclub.com/beyond-quality-street
* GOING POSTAL IN BRISTOL (DECEMBER)
The Kelvin Players will be staging Going Postal in December 2018. Keep an eye on their website: "Moist von Lipwig was a con artist, a fraud and a man faced with a life choice: be hanged, or put Ankh-Morpork's ailing postal service back on its feet. It was a tough decision. With the help of a golem who has been at the bottom of hole in the ground for over two hundred years, a pin fanatic and Junior Postman Groat, he's got to see that the mail gets through. In taking on the evil chairman of the Grand Trunk Semaphore Company, and a midnight killer, he's also got to stay alive. Getting a date with Adora Bell Dearheart would be nice, too. In the mad world of the mail, can a criminal succeed where honest men have failed and died? Perhaps there's a shot at redemption for man who's prepared to push the envelope..."
When: 5th–8th and 12th–15th December 2018
Venue: Kelvin Studios, 253B Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NY
Time: 7.30pm all shows
Tickets: TBA
http://www.kelvinplayers.co.uk/coming-soon
4.3 REVIEWS
* WYRD SISTERS IN BENDIGO
By Chris Pedler for the Bendigo Advertiser:
"Directed by Kerrie Turpie, Wyrd Sisters is Tribe’s first drama production. Cedar-Rose Russell plays the wise and quick-witted Granny Weatherwax, Bronte Bailey plays the cheeky and jovial Nanny Ogg and Emily Brown is the young, good-hearted Magrat Garlick. Individually, all three women have developed strong, well-drawn characters. As a group they are even more impressive. Russell’s Weatherwax is almost nonchalant with a sharp tongue and a clever mind that goes well with Bailey’s Ogg who is full of happy-go-lucky, gossipy charm and Brown’s eager and determined young Margat[sic]. On the other side of good is the scheming Duke and Duchess played by Kody Austin and Ella Fletcher... Fletcher’s cold, cunning presence is inspired by Lady MacBeth and an excellent foil for Austin’s portrayal of a whiny, easily suggestible Duke who is determined to be more well-liked than the witches. Wyrd Sisters also features excellent performances from Max Harris as the bumbling-yet-wise Fool and Bailey Matheson who has strong presence as King Verence..."
https://bit.ly/2H8gEZo
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05) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
The Broken Drummers, "London's Premier Unofficially Official Discworld Group" (motto "Nil percussio est"), will be meeting next from 7pm on Monday 7th May 2018 at the Monkey Puzzle, 30 Southwick Street, London, W2 1JQ. "We welcome anyone and everyone who enjoys Sir Terry's works, or quite likes them or wants to find out more. We have had many visitors from overseas who have enjoyed themselves and made new friends. The discussions do not only concern the works of Sir Terry Pratchett but wander and meander through other genres and authors and also leaping to TV and Film production. We also find time for a quiz."
For more information, email BrokenDrummers@gmail.com or nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk or join their Facebook group (if you must) at https://www.facebook.com/groups/55107511411/permalink/10156634038566412/
*
Canberra, Australia's Discworld fan group is Drumknott's Irregulars: "The group is open to all, people from interstate and overseas are welcome, and our events will not be heavily themed. Come along to dinner for a chat and good company. We welcome people from all fandoms (and none) and we would love to see you at one of our events, even if you're just passing through. Please contact us via Facebook (_https://www.facebook.com/groups/824987924250161/_) or Google Groups (_https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/drumknotts-irregulars_) or join us at our next event."
*
For Facebook users in Fourecks: The Victorian Discworld Klatch is "a social group for fans of Discworld and Terry Pratchett... run by a dedicated team who meet monthly and organise events monthly." "If you'd like to join our events please ask to join the Klatch."
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VictorianDiscworldKlatch
*
"The Gathering of the Loonies (Wincanton chapter)" is a public Facebook meeting group: "This group, by request of Jo in Bear will continue to be used for future unofficial (not run by the Emporium) fan Gatherings in Wincanton. Look here for information." The Loonies' next event will be the Did You Bring a Beer Along weekend, celebrating 20 years of The Last Continent and what should have been Sir Pterry's 70th birthday, from 27th–29th April.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/373578522834654/
*
The Pratchett Partisans are a fan group who meet monthly at either Brisbane or Indooroopilly to "eat, drink and chat about all things Pratchett. We hold events such as Discworld dinners, games afternoons, Discworld photo scavenger hunts. We also attend opening night at Brisbane Arts Theatre's Discworld plays." The Partisans currently have about 200 members who meet at least twice a month, usually in Brisbane.
For more info about their next meetup, join up at https://www.facebook.com/groups/pratchettpartisans/ or contact Ula directly at uwilmott@yahoo.com.au
*
The City of Small Gods is a group for fans in Adelaide and South Australia: "We have an established Terry Pratchett & Discworld fan group in Adelaide called The City of Small Gods, which is open to anyone who would like to come – you don't have to live in Adelaide or even South Australia, or even be a Discworld fan, but that's mostly where our events will be held, and we do like discussing Pratchett's works. Our (semi-) regular meetings are generally held on the last Thursday of the month at the Caledonian, 219 O'Connell St North Adelaide. We have dinner at 6.30pm followed by games until 9pm. The games are usually shorter games like Pairs, Sushi Go, or Tiny Epic Defenders, with the occasional Werewolf session, as these are the best sort of games that work in a pub setting. Every few months, we have a full day's worth of board games at La Scala Cafe, 169 Unley Rd, Unley in the function room starting at 10am. In addition, we will occasionally have other events to go and see plays by Unseen Theatre Company, book discussions, craft, chain maille or costuming workshops or other fun social activities."
The next CoSG events will be a celebration of Terry Pratchett's birthday on 28th April (details not yet finalised) and a Board Games Day at La Scala on 29th April.
The CoSG also have another identity. Here's the skinny:
Round World Events SA Inc is a not-for-profit incorporated association whose aim is to run fun social Pratchett-themed events for people in South Australia. Our first major event was the Unseen University Convivium held in July 2012. We have also run three successful and booked out Science Fiction and Fantasy themed quiz nights named Quiz Long And Prosper, in 2013, 2014 and 2015! The association will run some events under the City of Small Gods banner, but you do not have to be a Round World Events SA member to be part of City of Small Gods. However, we are always on the look out for new members for Round World Events SA to help us organise future events! Membership is $20 a year (for Adelaide locals) or $5 a year (for those not quite so close) and has the following benefits:
A shiny membership certificate all of your very own
Discounted entry price to some of the events we run
A warm, fuzzy feeling deep down in your chest (no, not quite that deep)
For more information, or to join as a member, please email RoundWorldEventsSA@gmail.com
www.cityofsmallgods.org.au
*
The Broken Vectis Drummers meet next on Thursday 3rd May 2018 (probably) from 7.30pm at The Castle pub in Newport, Isle of Wight. For more info and any queries, contact broken_vectis_drummers@yahoo.co.uk
*
The Wincanton Omnian Temperance Society (WOTS) next meets on Friday 4th May 2018 (possibly) at Wincanton's famous Bear Inn from 7pm onwards. "Visitors and drop-ins are always welcome!"
*
The Northern Institute of the Ankh-Morpork and District Society of Flatalists, a Pratchett fangroup, has been meeting on a regular basis since 2005. The Flatalists normally meet at The Narrowboat Pub in Victoria Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, to discuss "all things Pratchett" as well as having quizzes and raffles. Details of future meetings are posted on the Events section of the Discworld Stamps forum:
http://www.discworldstamps.co.uk/forum/
*
Sydney Drummers (formerly Drummers Downunder) meet next on Monday 7th May 2018 (possibly) at 6.30pm in Sydney at 3 Wise Monkeys, 555 George Street, Sydney 2000. For more information, contact Sue (aka Granny Weatherwax): kenworthys@yahoo.co.uk
*
The Treacle Mining Corporation, formerly known as Perth Drummers, meet next on Monday 7th May 2018 (possibly) from 5.30pm at Carpe Cafe, 526 Murray Street, Perth, Western Australia. For details follow Perth Drummers on Twitter @Perth_Drummers or join their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Perth.Drummers/ – or message Alexandra Ware directly at <alexandra.ware@gmail.com>
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06) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
The cast of Maskers Theatre's current production of Wyrd Sisters:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Da97NgrX4AAT2EX.jpg
...and some lovely iconographs of the Maskers Witches:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Da5Ob6VW0AAbJ3e.jpg
The orangutan version of "do not disturb"? Taken at Melbourne Zoo by Dan Campbell:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DaTYmV4VwAUX4yi.jpg
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07) CLOSE
And that's it for April. Take care, and we'll see you next month!
– Annie Mac
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The End. If you have any questions or requests, write: wossname-owner (at) pearwood (dot) info
Copyright (c) 2018 by Klatchian Foreign Legion
