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wossnameWossname
Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
February-April 2020 (Volume 23, Issue 2–4, 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 Technomancer: Jason Parlevliet
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) QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"The Russian influenza has been worse than you can possibly imagine! We believe the worst is over, but it has taken a terrible toll... at every level of society. *Every* level, Captain. Believe me... The only reason the country is not in total chaos at the moment is that most people are too scared to venture out."
– "Sir Geoffrey" gives the bad pandemic news to Captain Samson in Nation
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02) LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR
Coming to you from the Lady Sybil Free Hospital... or possibly Dontgonearthe Castle...
As mentioned in the January issue, Wossname is still experiencing maddening ISP problems, so we still can't post out issues in email form. For the duration, Wossname is only available on the internet, at our regular address of https://wossname.dreamwidth.org – though we hope to be back in our traditional format at some point!
Many of you might have already heard of the forthcoming publication "The Time-Travelling Caveman", fourth and final in the series*** of collected children's stories from Sir Pterry's days as a young journalist, but apparently some readers are confused about the origin of the stories themselves. No, they are not "new", nor are they stories that were "held back' for publication after Sir Pterry's untimely death. As it says on terrypratchett.com, penguin.co.uk and other sites, "Written for local newspapers when Terry Pratchett was a young lad, these never previously published stories are packed full of anarchic humour and wonderful wit. A must-have for Terry fans . . . and young readers looking for a fix of magic."
There's a comprehensive list of *all* Pratchett short fiction, journalism and reviews, from the early 1960s onward, at https://colinsmythe.co.uk/terry-pratchett/contributions-to-books-and-periodicals/
The page is also fascinating as it shows how the young Terry Pratchett was already a professional-quality writer before the age of fifteen.
The Time-Travelling Caveman will be available from 3rd September 2020 in three formats: 336-page hardcover, ebook and audio CD and can be pre-ordered from these sellers, among others:
https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/111/1119110/the-time-travelling-caveman/9780857536037.html
https://www.discworldemporium.com/childrens-books/639-the-time-travelling-caveman-hardback
https://discworld.com/?s=Time+Travelling+Caveman&post_type=product
Many thanks to Colin Smythe for bringing this to my attention!
*** the previous three volumes being Dragons at Crumbling Castle, The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner, and Father Christmas' Fake Beard
Do take a minute (or an hour) on the 28th of April to toast the birthday of The Author. GNU Sir Pterry!
And now, on with the show...
– Annie Mac, Editor
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03) ODDS AND SODS
3.1 CLICKS ON THE CLACKS
A very important message from the Cunning Artificer himself!
https://twitter.com/terryandrob/status/1244992305519570944
Wash your hands like Nanny Ogg! A public service film from Nullas Anxietas:
https://twitter.com/ausdwcon/status/1241624170527625217
3.2 DISCWORLD AND THE PANDEMIC
* WWNOD (What Would Nanny Ogg Do)? A speculation from Paul Kidby and Discworld fans on Twitter:
Paul Kidby: Wondering how Nanny Ogg would cope with self isolation...
Jeroen Keerl: Ah, no problem! Our Jason will take care of her. Or her daughters in law.
Keith Jackson: Have a long, relaxing bath (Bang! Bong! Buggrit!) with a bottle of "mostly apples" to hand?
NeglectusApe: without having around daughters-in-law to subtly torment...
Fidgetpie: The Hedgehog Song
Red: I think you know and it's not safe for Twitter
Alec Cawley: As a witch, ie nurse, Nanny Ogg would have plenty to do. And, as one in touch with the magic of the land, plenty of remedies for diseases of the land. And her cider probably has potent antiviral effects.
EleanorAffleck: Easily done, with a well applied boot to the wall and a shout for one of her sons - or their wives! Plus Scumble must be strong enough to disinfect anything, as long as it’s not metal!
Die Kuchenbrumsel: Without her daughters-in-law, who keep everything clean, it will be very difficult for her. But a Nanny Ogg can never spoil the good mood, no matter what.
Grace Speaker:
- Scumble, which is purely medicinal, being made from apples. Well mainly apples. . .
- her banjo
- food provided by various terrified daughters in law
- Casanunda
https://twitter.com/PaulKidby/status/1240199881249173505
* SOCIAL DISTANCING, LIBRARIAN-STYLE
The Pratchett community on Reddit offers some insights: "Imagine there is an orangutan between you and the other person" - and replies include:
IsaacEiland-Hall: Say the "M" word and you'll never have to worry about social distancing again! :)
matts2: Say the "M" word and your arms will be a distance from your torso.
areyou_: Look Honey, that monkey is aaaahhhhhhh......ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch.
Kidlike101I: Ook?
IsaacEiland-Hall: No, not "Mandarin", those are oranges.
Libriomancer: I figure that I’ll just always carry a sword with me. If you are close enough for me to poke, you are too close. “That’s not safe” they tell me. It’s a sword, it’s not meant to be safe. “I don’t understand social distancing” they explain. It is educational about proper distance. “What if you cut me.” That will be a very important lesson.
Kidlike101I: You understand that no unconcealed weapon maybe over 7 inches according to the rules hand book. Otherwise Captain Carrot will have to pay you a visit and be very polite about it!
SirAquila: Easy, just carry a broadsword, hard to conceal and useful for social distancing.
zenspeed: It's not social distancing, it's staying out of melee range.
VividTOON: What if you’re an animal lover and want a hug?
IsaacEiland-Hall: Full PPE the both of you! :)
IndependentAmount: Staying alive tip: make sure there is also at least 2 meters between you and an orangutan
draypresct: I'm going to stand a lot more than 2m away if there's an orangutan between us.
stumpdawgLuggage: SAUSAGE INNA BUN! RAT ONNA STICK! GENUINE COVID-19 REPELLENT! made from genuine monks in the mountains.
chickenwyr : "There were no public health laws in Ankh-Morpork. It would be like installing smoke detectors in Hell."
https://old.reddit.com/r/discworld/comments/fykdqh/great_to_see_ankhmorpork_being_proactive_in_their/
3.3 A MESSAGE FROM DISCWORLD.COM
"As we are sure you are all aware, the government has now updated its advice – and is likely to continue updating this advice on a daily basis. As with all businesses, we are assessing how to respond responsibly to these new requirements. We remain open for business however some of our product lines are subject to delay. Feel free to get in touch before submitting your orders, we are here to support you with any enquiries you may have. Should Royal Mail cease to collect and/or deliver, we may also need to revisit our operations procedures. Please take care of yourselves and you’re loved ones at this difficult time and thank you for your continued support."
** Twitter (https://twitter.com/Discworld_com)
** Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/discworldofficial/)
** Website (https://twitter.com/Discworld_com)
3.4 ...AND FROM THE DISCWORLD EMPORIUM
Life is seemingly stranger than fiction at present, with lockdowns and isolation having us all reaching for the Dried Frog Pills. We would like to wish you all comfort, health and fortitude at this difficult time, and recommend opening your books while your doors are shut and trusting Terry to help us make sense of a world gone completely Bursar! We believe it is extremely important to keep morale boosted and imaginations ignited in these 'Interesting Times', so we are continuing our online ordering service following government guidance, and have made changes to our working practices to keep the Emporium safe."
https://www.discworldemporium.com/content/13-Temporary-Store-Closure
And also...
"We had a bit of an ++ out of cheese error ++ or two! Due to reasons (probably quantum) a few customers experienced problems accessing our site or completing orders last night. We have now applied more cheese, fed the ants and applied the Fluffy Teddy Bear so we're crossing all of Igors fingers that the issue is resolved. Also, in a double-whammy of ineptitude, our international shipping prices were incorrect for the splendid Ankh-Morpork Archives Volume Two!
All is now mended and you may now pre-order this marvellous compendium of text and illustration guiding your through the guilds and environs of Ankh-Morpork without incurring a nasty blood-pressure spike at checkout!"
https://www.discworldemporium.com/19-new-books
3.5 PAUL KIDBY NEWS
A message from Mr Kidby, distancing in his studio:
"These are clearly worrying and exceptional times and while Coronavirus tracks around the world we are all having to make big compromises. I appreciate that for those of us who already work from home the lifestyle changes required are not so enormous but being cut off from our usual interaction with people is hard for all of us. Despite the new protective restrictions to daily life there is much to be thankful for, our local communities are rallying to give support and people are coming up with inventive and creative solutions to the challenges we face. Creativity, in whatever medium, is a wonderful distraction and focussing down on a task at hand brings back a sense of control and positivity. For me, it is my daily work, illustrating Guards! Guards! and the Discworld City Watch Calendar. Both of which have fixed deadlines, (despite the obstacle of obtaining the Fabriano paper I use). I encourage you to join me in getting creative too, (we still have Discworld Colouring books in stock if you feel inclined) and no one minds if you are in your PJ’s!"
2021 Discworld City Watch Calendar and The Ankh Morpork Archives II are available for pre-order:
https://shop.paulkidby.com/the-ankh-morpork-archives-volume-ii/
https://shop.paulkidby.com/terry-pratchetts-discworld-city-watch-collectors-edition-2021-calendar/
3.6 ORANGUTAN NEWS
Great ape sanctuaries, including Borneo's Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, have closed to the public in order to protect their precious charges. According to Susan Sheward, founder and chairwoman of Orangutan Appeal UK, "This disease could be fatal for the already critically endangered orangutan, it is a risk that we cannot afford take."
Meanwhile, a zoo in Belgium has an unusual non-distancing interspecies friendship - orangutans and otters! From CNN:
"The animals live together at Pairi Daiza zoo in Domaine du Cambron, as part of a program designed to maintain the primates' wellbeing in captivity. According to zoo spokesman Mathieu Goedefroy, they 'must be entertained, occupied, challenged and kept busy mentally, emotionally and physically at all times.' As part of the program, the family of Asian small-clawed otters were allowed to live in the river that runs through the enclosure that houses the orangutan family: 24-year-old father Ujian, 15-year-old mother Sari and Berani, their three-year-old son. 'The otters really enjoy getting out of the water on the orangutan island to go and play with their big, furry friends,' said Goedefroy, adding that Berani and Ujian have developed a particularly strong bond with their neighbors. 'It makes life more fun and interesting for both animal species, which makes it a very successful experiment.'..."
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/30/europe/orangutans-otters-belgium-zoo-scli-intl/index.html
How topical is this? Although it's been mislabelled on the Clacks as having to do with the current pandemic. An orangutan called Sandra (featured before in Wossname, when she was acknowledged as having legal personhood), assiduously washing her hands:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_b9KJu6y_c
More about Sandra:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandra_(orangutan)
Meanwhile, Alba, the only albino orangutan known to our own species, was seen alive and well in a rainforest in Borneo for the first time since her rescue, rehabilitation and 2018 release!
"Wildlife experts at the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation recently caught a glimpse of the majestic beast while they were observing Unyu, one of the three orangutans who were recently rehabilitated and returned to the wild, according to a press release from the organization. Not only did Alba seem to be thriving in her natural habitat, but officials said the great ape even welcomed Unyu — whom she was living with during her time at an animal rehabilitation center — into her territory. 'While monitoring Unyu, one of newly released orangutans, the team looked on as he encountered Alba... Their immediate greeting served as a heart-warming reminder that during her time at the BOS Foundation’s Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation Centre, Alba had been housed together with Unyu.'... Alba was rescued by the BOS Foundation in 2017 when they received a tip about an orangutan being kept as a pet at a village in Borneo. At the time, the ape was around 5 years old and had been kept in a cage...
https://people.com/pets/alba-the-albino-orangutan-spotted-more-than-a-year-after-release-into-wild/
3.7 NOT QUITE MISTER TEATIME, BUT...
"Tannlege Einar Bergersens Legat, a private foundation, awarded approximately EUR 23,000 to the project ‘MoBaTann’[The Norwegian Mother and Child Research Biobank for Milk Teeth] at the Department of Clinical Dentistry... Teeth are collected among the participants as a part of the nationwide cohort study "The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study" (MoBa), run by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. More than 100,000 pregnant women participate and their children are followed up during the years after birth. The collected milk teeth are to be used as biomarkers of exposure to environmental contaminants and occurrence of diseases during the children’s early years. The teeth may be made available to researchers with relevant projects, following application to the National Institute of Public Health. There are now over 17,000 milk teeth recorded and stored in the 'Tooth bank'..."
https://bit.ly/37ReoBv
3.8 BABY STAR TURTLES?
Fossils of Stupendemys geographicus, a car-sized ancient chelonian that flourished between 13 and 7 million years ago, have been discovered in what is now northern South America!
"The first Stupendemys fossils were discovered in the 1970s but many mysteries have remained about the 4-metre long animal. It was about the size and weight of a saloon car and inhabited a huge wetland across northern South America before the Amazon and Orinoco rivers were formed. The male had forward pointing horns either side of its shell. Deep scars found in the fossils indicate that the horns were probably used like lances to fight rivals. Researchers say they've found a 3-metre long shell and a lower jaw bone which has given them more clues about its diet..."
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-51485011
3.9 THE MERCH CORNER
For serious collectors:
* The Dunmanifestin limited edition Illustrated Guards! Guards!
"A beautifully bound edition of The Illustrated Guards! Guards! by Sir Terry Pratchett, containing brand-new full-page colour illustrations from long-time Discworld artist Paul Kidby. Foil-embossed with metallic gold page edges and presented in a dragon-skin* solander box also containing an eclectic folio of beautiful Guards! Guards! ephemera. Each copy features a numbered tip-in sheet signed by Paul Kidby."
Each copy of The Illustrated Guards Guards, Dunmanifestin Edition (only 1,000 copies will be made) is priced at £195. Publication date is 1st October 2020. For more information, and to pre-order, go to:
https://shop.paulkidby.com/the-illustrated-guards-guards-dunmanifestin-edition/
* Leather-bound and presented in a clamshell box, actually - Ed.
For the rest of us:
* The Ankh-Morpork Archives, Volume II!
"The Ankh-Morpork Archives, Volume II, is a fully illustrated comprehensive guide to the exuberant capital city of Terry Pratchett's Discworld, getting to the heart of Ankh-Morpork's secrets, societies and guilds. The book is a compilation of the texts written by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Briggs for the City Watch, Fools Guild, Reformed Vampires diaries and Lu-Tze's Yearbook of Enlightenment. They have been redesigned and formatted into one deluxe digitally re-mastered compendium to showcase the numerous illustrations in large size and the diary element has been removed."
Each hand-signed copy of The Ankh-Morpork Archives, Volume II is priced at £25. Publication date by Victor Gollancz is currently given as autumn 2020. For more information, and to pre-order, go to:
https://shop.paulkidby.com/the-ankh-morpork-archives-volume-ii/
* The 2021 City Watch Discworld Collector's Edition calendar!
"This year's calendar has us signing up to Ankh-Morpork's most singular institution dedicated to the upkeep of law and order. Head through the year and revel at the mighty and honourable exploits of the City Watch, plus whatever it is Cpl Nobbs has been up to . . . The calendar dates are extensive, and exhaustively researched, and include all major real-time calendrical data for Great Britain, Eire, Australia, New Zealand and the USA, as well as notable Discworld dates. All calendars are hand signed by Paul Kidby."
Each 2021 City Watch Discworld Collector's Edition calendar is priced at £14.99. Publication date (Gollancz) is currently given as August 2021, (which is probably a mistype; otherwise the calendar wouldn't be of much use for the rest of the year!) but probably that means August 2020. For more information, and to pre-order, go to:
https://shop.paulkidby.com/terry-pratchetts-discworld-city-watch-collectors-edition-2021-calendar/
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04) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
4.1 FORTHCOMING PLAYS
No plays are being performed in public on Roundworld at the moment, of course. Hopefully all will be well by November, but keep an eye out for other Discworld plays. We must keep the knowledge of Discworld circulating!
* MURDER IN ANKH-MORPORK IN ABINGDON (NOVEMBER 2020)?
Murder in Ankh-Morpork is currently scheduled to run from 18th–20th November. More details as soon as we know them!
Stephen Briggs had this to say*** about creating "composite" Pratchett plays:
"When I first adapted Terry for the stage (and as many of you know, I *was* the first, ever), it was because I liked, enjoyed and admired his witty and inventive writing. I knew, of course, that cuts would have to be made to fit an 80,000 word novel into a two hour play. My challenge was to ensure that my stage versions would still accurately reflect his characters, humour and plots. I aimed to retain, and portray, the *spirit* of each book. Terry came to see all my shows, and liked what I did with them (to be fair, some more than others!). I've written three more Pratchett shows since Terry passed - but I always have him sitting at my shoulder as I write, and I always picture him in the audience each night. I still write what I think he'd approve and enjoy. 'Murder in Ankh-Morpork' takes more liberties than a straight book-to-play adaptation, but I am still true to Terry's words, wit and characters. I think he'll enjoy it, and I hope his fans will too."
*** I don't know where Mr Briggs originally posted this, or indeed even who sent me the link to it, as my record-keeping has gone a bit down the Quire on a dam slam between internet issues and pandemic "permanent holiday" disruptions. Sorry! - Ed.
4.2 A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM FOURECKS' FAMOUS UNSEEN THEATRE
...from director Pamela Munt:
Hi Everyone,
I do hope that you are all keeping well in these distressing times. This email is just to let you know that we are all still here and eagerly awaiting the time that we can once again entertain you on stage. What we had originally planned for the "Year of the Condescending Carp" was:-
* A huge celebration of UNSEEN'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY, including a "museum" type display of previous Props, Costumes, Scrapbooks, Cast photos and other nostalgia. The idea was that our actors would have given you all a personal tour guide of this space for half an hour before you settled in to see our shows.
* Our production in May would have been a performance of "Guards!" "Guards!" which was our first play at the Bakehouse Theatre (although the very first was "Mort" at the Tower Arts Centre)
* In November we had intended to stage a witches' play (which we haven't done for a while), namely "Wyrd Sisters".
Unfortunately we have had to cancel our scheduled performance in May, but we are still hoping that our November performance can go ahead. Obviously this is not just up to us. We will just have to wait and see what happens with the virus and the government restrictions.
Unseen Theatre's website is http://unseen.com.au/ (currently not updated)
Reprinted with permission
4.3 REVIEWS
* GOING POSTAL IN DURHAM
Reviewed by April Howard for Palatinate
"For an evening of humour, quirkiness, and energy, look no further than Ooook! Productions’ Going Postal at the Assembly Rooms Theatre. Frank Dudley is an impressive lead. He takes on the role of Moist von Lipwig with enthusiasm and an abundance of talent. Isabelle Bull is also a brilliant heroine as the witty Adora Belle Dearheart, the love interest who is so much more than that. The pair have excellent chemistry... The play opens and ends with an orchestra and they follow the action, heightening the sense of tension and excitement throughout the play. I thought this was an excellent addition. I was impressed to find that the musical score, so perfectly suited to the feeling and tone of the play, was composed by Musical Directors Kat Pittalis and Samuel Abel. The orchestra are a delightful element of this production and quite indispensable to its success...
"The talent of the cast on the whole is breath-taking. One who shines out as a beacon of talent is Jay Figuerdo as the tyrannical Lord Vetinari. Figuerdo combines likeability, charisma and a flawless command of the stage to present us with the benevolent dictator. Vetinari oozes with uncanny charm and an enchanting intensity. Every element of the play complements the overall tone. The set is vivid, colourful and bizarre, just like the play itself. Technical director James Goodall and assistant Rebecca Ayre use lighting and sound commendably, to heighten the tension or vividly create a moment. The satire and social commentary of the text is not lost on director Peter Firbank and assistant director Nieve Gauvain. Pratchett has much to say about how ridiculous and farcical our world is, painting the competitive nature of capitalism and the evil figures that emerge from it with a satirical brush, both laughing at and solemnly criticising this system... The combination of ability, good directorial decisions, wacky costuming and farcical comedy makes for a night of laughs and warmth. The production is professional, seamless and incredible. The talent of Pratchett is in good hands here..."
https://www.palatinate.org.uk/review-going-postal/
* WYRD SISTERS IN READING
By Zoe Andrews for The Whitley Pump
"I am always impressed by the staging delivered by Progress: with the sound and lighting also being spot on throughout. I liked how the cast didn’t hide the set moves between scenes and the innovative design meant it was incredibly smooth. The actors playing Nanny Ogg (Liz Carroll) and Granny Weatherwax (Melanie Sherwood) do a superb job. They have both played these roles before in Maskerade, another of Chris Moran’s directions of Pratchett’s work. Both ladies have beautiful and characterful voices that carry the room, bouncing off one another with ease. They share a trusting rapport (symptomatic of having worked together before), and much like a harmony, their comic timing is perfectly in tune as they explore these funny lines in their northern accents. On the other side of the performance is the witch-in-training Magrat Garlick... Played by Yvonne Newton, Garlick develops a slow burning relationship with Dean Stephenson’s Fool: both deliver their parts in a perfect tip-toe around emotions and coming of age. Ali Carroll plays Lady Felmet by design: domineering, power-hungry and somebody who’s answer to every problem is executing somebody else. You watch in hope that she will get her just desserts... In the second act, the production gathers pace as it heads towards its conclusion, but the lines don’t let up and neither does the comedy. It’s a funny and thoroughly entertaining show throughout: kudos goes to the whole cast who do a great job in relaxing into the performance and letting the comedy play out onstage. Progress consistently put out really good theatre. Wyrd Sisters is no exception and I genuinely enjoyed it, a two hour ride of laughter, witty dialogue, and excellent direction..."
https://www.whitleypump.net/2020/01/16/wyrd-sisters-at-the-progress-theatre/
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05) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
Remember, one day, possibly in the not too distant future, Discworld fans will be able to meet in the real Roundworld again. So keep this information handy:
The Broken Drummers, "London's Premier Unofficially Official Discworld Group"
BrokenDrummers@gmail.com or nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk or join their Facebook group at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/55107511411/permalink/10156634038566412/
*
Drumknott's Irregulars
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."
*
The Victorian Discworld Klatch
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VictorianDiscworldKlatch
*
"The Gathering of the Loonies (Wincanton chapter)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/373578522834654/
*
The Pratchett Partisans
https://www.facebook.com/groups/pratchettpartisans/ or contact Ula directly at uwilmott@yahoo.com.au
*
The City of Small Gods
www.cityofsmallgods.org.au
*
The Broken Vectis Drummers
broken_vectis_drummers@yahoo.co.uk
*
The Wincanton Omnian Temperance Society (WOTS) meets at Wincanton's famous Bear Inn when social gatherings are possible.
*
The Northern Institute of the Ankh-Morpork and District Society of Flatalists normally meet at The Narrowboat Pub in Victoria Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, 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)
Contact Sue (aka Granny Weatherwax): kenworthys@yahoo.co.uk
*
The Treacle Mining Corporation, formerly known as Perth Drummershttps://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
Sound advice from the Discworld Emporium:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ET97uu-WkAgOtaE?format=jpg&name=900x900
And from reddit, on social distancing: https://bit.ly/2XyzhzQ
The gorgeous front cover of the forthcoming 2021 Discworld calendar:
https://bit.ly/3binkT3
Aidan Moran's folio of iconographs, from Progress Theatre's January 2020 production of Wyrd Sisters:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ajmstudio/sets/72157712625561382/
Roundworld clowns or Fools Guild enforcers? You be the judge: https://bit.ly/2JXm2RB
One of our favourite Librarians! Malu, at Melbourne Zoo:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ERvTzGFU4AES-nG?format=jpg&name=small
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07) CLOSE
I don't know how much longer I'll be able to carry on publishing Wossname. It's something of a shame, since Wossname has been going in various forms for over twenty years now, ever since its inception as a homemade postal newsletter compiled and mailed by our founder (the late Joe Schaumburger mayherestinpeace). But between changes in the way the email giants accept or reject email newsletters, changes in the social and political behaviours of the world around us and changes, frankly, in certain areas of the Pratchett and Discworld fandom, I feel there's less and less point in keeping most of the features going. Perhaps when the pandemic is over and Roundworld returns to something that might even resemble what we once knew as normal, I'll carry on promoting Discworld plays and interesting Discworld-related merchandise. We'll see. At this moment I genuinely don't know.
I re-read Nation this week, for the manyth time, and as always was moved to tears by its beauty and wisdom. Our world needs more people like Mau and Daphne and fewer people like Ataba and Daphne/Ermintrude's grandmother. Ask yourself, where do *you* fall on that continuinuinuum, hmm?
Right, that's it for now. Mind how you go, REMAIN INDOORS, and we hope to 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) 2020 by Wossname for the Klatchian Foreign Legion
Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
February-April 2020 (Volume 23, Issue 2–4, 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 Technomancer: Jason Parlevliet
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
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
01) QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"The Russian influenza has been worse than you can possibly imagine! We believe the worst is over, but it has taken a terrible toll... at every level of society. *Every* level, Captain. Believe me... The only reason the country is not in total chaos at the moment is that most people are too scared to venture out."
– "Sir Geoffrey" gives the bad pandemic news to Captain Samson in Nation
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02) LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR
Coming to you from the Lady Sybil Free Hospital... or possibly Dontgonearthe Castle...
As mentioned in the January issue, Wossname is still experiencing maddening ISP problems, so we still can't post out issues in email form. For the duration, Wossname is only available on the internet, at our regular address of https://wossname.dreamwidth.org – though we hope to be back in our traditional format at some point!
Many of you might have already heard of the forthcoming publication "The Time-Travelling Caveman", fourth and final in the series*** of collected children's stories from Sir Pterry's days as a young journalist, but apparently some readers are confused about the origin of the stories themselves. No, they are not "new", nor are they stories that were "held back' for publication after Sir Pterry's untimely death. As it says on terrypratchett.com, penguin.co.uk and other sites, "Written for local newspapers when Terry Pratchett was a young lad, these never previously published stories are packed full of anarchic humour and wonderful wit. A must-have for Terry fans . . . and young readers looking for a fix of magic."
There's a comprehensive list of *all* Pratchett short fiction, journalism and reviews, from the early 1960s onward, at https://colinsmythe.co.uk/terry-pratchett/contributions-to-books-and-periodicals/
The page is also fascinating as it shows how the young Terry Pratchett was already a professional-quality writer before the age of fifteen.
The Time-Travelling Caveman will be available from 3rd September 2020 in three formats: 336-page hardcover, ebook and audio CD and can be pre-ordered from these sellers, among others:
https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/111/1119110/the-time-travelling-caveman/9780857536037.html
https://www.discworldemporium.com/childrens-books/639-the-time-travelling-caveman-hardback
https://discworld.com/?s=Time+Travelling+Caveman&post_type=product
Many thanks to Colin Smythe for bringing this to my attention!
*** the previous three volumes being Dragons at Crumbling Castle, The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner, and Father Christmas' Fake Beard
Do take a minute (or an hour) on the 28th of April to toast the birthday of The Author. GNU Sir Pterry!
And now, on with the show...
– Annie Mac, Editor
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03) ODDS AND SODS
3.1 CLICKS ON THE CLACKS
A very important message from the Cunning Artificer himself!
https://twitter.com/terryandrob/status/1244992305519570944
Wash your hands like Nanny Ogg! A public service film from Nullas Anxietas:
https://twitter.com/ausdwcon/status/1241624170527625217
3.2 DISCWORLD AND THE PANDEMIC
* WWNOD (What Would Nanny Ogg Do)? A speculation from Paul Kidby and Discworld fans on Twitter:
Paul Kidby: Wondering how Nanny Ogg would cope with self isolation...
Jeroen Keerl: Ah, no problem! Our Jason will take care of her. Or her daughters in law.
Keith Jackson: Have a long, relaxing bath (Bang! Bong! Buggrit!) with a bottle of "mostly apples" to hand?
NeglectusApe: without having around daughters-in-law to subtly torment...
Fidgetpie: The Hedgehog Song
Red: I think you know and it's not safe for Twitter
Alec Cawley: As a witch, ie nurse, Nanny Ogg would have plenty to do. And, as one in touch with the magic of the land, plenty of remedies for diseases of the land. And her cider probably has potent antiviral effects.
EleanorAffleck: Easily done, with a well applied boot to the wall and a shout for one of her sons - or their wives! Plus Scumble must be strong enough to disinfect anything, as long as it’s not metal!
Die Kuchenbrumsel: Without her daughters-in-law, who keep everything clean, it will be very difficult for her. But a Nanny Ogg can never spoil the good mood, no matter what.
Grace Speaker:
- Scumble, which is purely medicinal, being made from apples. Well mainly apples. . .
- her banjo
- food provided by various terrified daughters in law
- Casanunda
https://twitter.com/PaulKidby/status/1240199881249173505
* SOCIAL DISTANCING, LIBRARIAN-STYLE
The Pratchett community on Reddit offers some insights: "Imagine there is an orangutan between you and the other person" - and replies include:
IsaacEiland-Hall: Say the "M" word and you'll never have to worry about social distancing again! :)
matts2: Say the "M" word and your arms will be a distance from your torso.
areyou_: Look Honey, that monkey is aaaahhhhhhh......ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch.
Kidlike101I: Ook?
IsaacEiland-Hall: No, not "Mandarin", those are oranges.
Libriomancer: I figure that I’ll just always carry a sword with me. If you are close enough for me to poke, you are too close. “That’s not safe” they tell me. It’s a sword, it’s not meant to be safe. “I don’t understand social distancing” they explain. It is educational about proper distance. “What if you cut me.” That will be a very important lesson.
Kidlike101I: You understand that no unconcealed weapon maybe over 7 inches according to the rules hand book. Otherwise Captain Carrot will have to pay you a visit and be very polite about it!
SirAquila: Easy, just carry a broadsword, hard to conceal and useful for social distancing.
zenspeed: It's not social distancing, it's staying out of melee range.
VividTOON: What if you’re an animal lover and want a hug?
IsaacEiland-Hall: Full PPE the both of you! :)
IndependentAmount: Staying alive tip: make sure there is also at least 2 meters between you and an orangutan
draypresct: I'm going to stand a lot more than 2m away if there's an orangutan between us.
stumpdawgLuggage: SAUSAGE INNA BUN! RAT ONNA STICK! GENUINE COVID-19 REPELLENT! made from genuine monks in the mountains.
chickenwyr : "There were no public health laws in Ankh-Morpork. It would be like installing smoke detectors in Hell."
https://old.reddit.com/r/discworld/comments/fykdqh/great_to_see_ankhmorpork_being_proactive_in_their/
3.3 A MESSAGE FROM DISCWORLD.COM
"As we are sure you are all aware, the government has now updated its advice – and is likely to continue updating this advice on a daily basis. As with all businesses, we are assessing how to respond responsibly to these new requirements. We remain open for business however some of our product lines are subject to delay. Feel free to get in touch before submitting your orders, we are here to support you with any enquiries you may have. Should Royal Mail cease to collect and/or deliver, we may also need to revisit our operations procedures. Please take care of yourselves and you’re loved ones at this difficult time and thank you for your continued support."
** Twitter (https://twitter.com/Discworld_com)
** Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/discworldofficial/)
** Website (https://twitter.com/Discworld_com)
3.4 ...AND FROM THE DISCWORLD EMPORIUM
Life is seemingly stranger than fiction at present, with lockdowns and isolation having us all reaching for the Dried Frog Pills. We would like to wish you all comfort, health and fortitude at this difficult time, and recommend opening your books while your doors are shut and trusting Terry to help us make sense of a world gone completely Bursar! We believe it is extremely important to keep morale boosted and imaginations ignited in these 'Interesting Times', so we are continuing our online ordering service following government guidance, and have made changes to our working practices to keep the Emporium safe."
https://www.discworldemporium.com/content/13-Temporary-Store-Closure
And also...
"We had a bit of an ++ out of cheese error ++ or two! Due to reasons (probably quantum) a few customers experienced problems accessing our site or completing orders last night. We have now applied more cheese, fed the ants and applied the Fluffy Teddy Bear so we're crossing all of Igors fingers that the issue is resolved. Also, in a double-whammy of ineptitude, our international shipping prices were incorrect for the splendid Ankh-Morpork Archives Volume Two!
All is now mended and you may now pre-order this marvellous compendium of text and illustration guiding your through the guilds and environs of Ankh-Morpork without incurring a nasty blood-pressure spike at checkout!"
https://www.discworldemporium.com/19-new-books
3.5 PAUL KIDBY NEWS
A message from Mr Kidby, distancing in his studio:
"These are clearly worrying and exceptional times and while Coronavirus tracks around the world we are all having to make big compromises. I appreciate that for those of us who already work from home the lifestyle changes required are not so enormous but being cut off from our usual interaction with people is hard for all of us. Despite the new protective restrictions to daily life there is much to be thankful for, our local communities are rallying to give support and people are coming up with inventive and creative solutions to the challenges we face. Creativity, in whatever medium, is a wonderful distraction and focussing down on a task at hand brings back a sense of control and positivity. For me, it is my daily work, illustrating Guards! Guards! and the Discworld City Watch Calendar. Both of which have fixed deadlines, (despite the obstacle of obtaining the Fabriano paper I use). I encourage you to join me in getting creative too, (we still have Discworld Colouring books in stock if you feel inclined) and no one minds if you are in your PJ’s!"
2021 Discworld City Watch Calendar and The Ankh Morpork Archives II are available for pre-order:
https://shop.paulkidby.com/the-ankh-morpork-archives-volume-ii/
https://shop.paulkidby.com/terry-pratchetts-discworld-city-watch-collectors-edition-2021-calendar/
3.6 ORANGUTAN NEWS
Great ape sanctuaries, including Borneo's Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, have closed to the public in order to protect their precious charges. According to Susan Sheward, founder and chairwoman of Orangutan Appeal UK, "This disease could be fatal for the already critically endangered orangutan, it is a risk that we cannot afford take."
Meanwhile, a zoo in Belgium has an unusual non-distancing interspecies friendship - orangutans and otters! From CNN:
"The animals live together at Pairi Daiza zoo in Domaine du Cambron, as part of a program designed to maintain the primates' wellbeing in captivity. According to zoo spokesman Mathieu Goedefroy, they 'must be entertained, occupied, challenged and kept busy mentally, emotionally and physically at all times.' As part of the program, the family of Asian small-clawed otters were allowed to live in the river that runs through the enclosure that houses the orangutan family: 24-year-old father Ujian, 15-year-old mother Sari and Berani, their three-year-old son. 'The otters really enjoy getting out of the water on the orangutan island to go and play with their big, furry friends,' said Goedefroy, adding that Berani and Ujian have developed a particularly strong bond with their neighbors. 'It makes life more fun and interesting for both animal species, which makes it a very successful experiment.'..."
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/30/europe/orangutans-otters-belgium-zoo-scli-intl/index.html
How topical is this? Although it's been mislabelled on the Clacks as having to do with the current pandemic. An orangutan called Sandra (featured before in Wossname, when she was acknowledged as having legal personhood), assiduously washing her hands:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_b9KJu6y_c
More about Sandra:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandra_(orangutan)
Meanwhile, Alba, the only albino orangutan known to our own species, was seen alive and well in a rainforest in Borneo for the first time since her rescue, rehabilitation and 2018 release!
"Wildlife experts at the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation recently caught a glimpse of the majestic beast while they were observing Unyu, one of the three orangutans who were recently rehabilitated and returned to the wild, according to a press release from the organization. Not only did Alba seem to be thriving in her natural habitat, but officials said the great ape even welcomed Unyu — whom she was living with during her time at an animal rehabilitation center — into her territory. 'While monitoring Unyu, one of newly released orangutans, the team looked on as he encountered Alba... Their immediate greeting served as a heart-warming reminder that during her time at the BOS Foundation’s Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation Centre, Alba had been housed together with Unyu.'... Alba was rescued by the BOS Foundation in 2017 when they received a tip about an orangutan being kept as a pet at a village in Borneo. At the time, the ape was around 5 years old and had been kept in a cage...
https://people.com/pets/alba-the-albino-orangutan-spotted-more-than-a-year-after-release-into-wild/
3.7 NOT QUITE MISTER TEATIME, BUT...
"Tannlege Einar Bergersens Legat, a private foundation, awarded approximately EUR 23,000 to the project ‘MoBaTann’[The Norwegian Mother and Child Research Biobank for Milk Teeth] at the Department of Clinical Dentistry... Teeth are collected among the participants as a part of the nationwide cohort study "The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study" (MoBa), run by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. More than 100,000 pregnant women participate and their children are followed up during the years after birth. The collected milk teeth are to be used as biomarkers of exposure to environmental contaminants and occurrence of diseases during the children’s early years. The teeth may be made available to researchers with relevant projects, following application to the National Institute of Public Health. There are now over 17,000 milk teeth recorded and stored in the 'Tooth bank'..."
https://bit.ly/37ReoBv
3.8 BABY STAR TURTLES?
Fossils of Stupendemys geographicus, a car-sized ancient chelonian that flourished between 13 and 7 million years ago, have been discovered in what is now northern South America!
"The first Stupendemys fossils were discovered in the 1970s but many mysteries have remained about the 4-metre long animal. It was about the size and weight of a saloon car and inhabited a huge wetland across northern South America before the Amazon and Orinoco rivers were formed. The male had forward pointing horns either side of its shell. Deep scars found in the fossils indicate that the horns were probably used like lances to fight rivals. Researchers say they've found a 3-metre long shell and a lower jaw bone which has given them more clues about its diet..."
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-51485011
3.9 THE MERCH CORNER
For serious collectors:
* The Dunmanifestin limited edition Illustrated Guards! Guards!
"A beautifully bound edition of The Illustrated Guards! Guards! by Sir Terry Pratchett, containing brand-new full-page colour illustrations from long-time Discworld artist Paul Kidby. Foil-embossed with metallic gold page edges and presented in a dragon-skin* solander box also containing an eclectic folio of beautiful Guards! Guards! ephemera. Each copy features a numbered tip-in sheet signed by Paul Kidby."
Each copy of The Illustrated Guards Guards, Dunmanifestin Edition (only 1,000 copies will be made) is priced at £195. Publication date is 1st October 2020. For more information, and to pre-order, go to:
https://shop.paulkidby.com/the-illustrated-guards-guards-dunmanifestin-edition/
* Leather-bound and presented in a clamshell box, actually - Ed.
For the rest of us:
* The Ankh-Morpork Archives, Volume II!
"The Ankh-Morpork Archives, Volume II, is a fully illustrated comprehensive guide to the exuberant capital city of Terry Pratchett's Discworld, getting to the heart of Ankh-Morpork's secrets, societies and guilds. The book is a compilation of the texts written by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Briggs for the City Watch, Fools Guild, Reformed Vampires diaries and Lu-Tze's Yearbook of Enlightenment. They have been redesigned and formatted into one deluxe digitally re-mastered compendium to showcase the numerous illustrations in large size and the diary element has been removed."
Each hand-signed copy of The Ankh-Morpork Archives, Volume II is priced at £25. Publication date by Victor Gollancz is currently given as autumn 2020. For more information, and to pre-order, go to:
https://shop.paulkidby.com/the-ankh-morpork-archives-volume-ii/
* The 2021 City Watch Discworld Collector's Edition calendar!
"This year's calendar has us signing up to Ankh-Morpork's most singular institution dedicated to the upkeep of law and order. Head through the year and revel at the mighty and honourable exploits of the City Watch, plus whatever it is Cpl Nobbs has been up to . . . The calendar dates are extensive, and exhaustively researched, and include all major real-time calendrical data for Great Britain, Eire, Australia, New Zealand and the USA, as well as notable Discworld dates. All calendars are hand signed by Paul Kidby."
Each 2021 City Watch Discworld Collector's Edition calendar is priced at £14.99. Publication date (Gollancz) is currently given as August 2021, (which is probably a mistype; otherwise the calendar wouldn't be of much use for the rest of the year!) but probably that means August 2020. For more information, and to pre-order, go to:
https://shop.paulkidby.com/terry-pratchetts-discworld-city-watch-collectors-edition-2021-calendar/
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04) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
4.1 FORTHCOMING PLAYS
No plays are being performed in public on Roundworld at the moment, of course. Hopefully all will be well by November, but keep an eye out for other Discworld plays. We must keep the knowledge of Discworld circulating!
* MURDER IN ANKH-MORPORK IN ABINGDON (NOVEMBER 2020)?
Murder in Ankh-Morpork is currently scheduled to run from 18th–20th November. More details as soon as we know them!
Stephen Briggs had this to say*** about creating "composite" Pratchett plays:
"When I first adapted Terry for the stage (and as many of you know, I *was* the first, ever), it was because I liked, enjoyed and admired his witty and inventive writing. I knew, of course, that cuts would have to be made to fit an 80,000 word novel into a two hour play. My challenge was to ensure that my stage versions would still accurately reflect his characters, humour and plots. I aimed to retain, and portray, the *spirit* of each book. Terry came to see all my shows, and liked what I did with them (to be fair, some more than others!). I've written three more Pratchett shows since Terry passed - but I always have him sitting at my shoulder as I write, and I always picture him in the audience each night. I still write what I think he'd approve and enjoy. 'Murder in Ankh-Morpork' takes more liberties than a straight book-to-play adaptation, but I am still true to Terry's words, wit and characters. I think he'll enjoy it, and I hope his fans will too."
*** I don't know where Mr Briggs originally posted this, or indeed even who sent me the link to it, as my record-keeping has gone a bit down the Quire on a dam slam between internet issues and pandemic "permanent holiday" disruptions. Sorry! - Ed.
4.2 A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM FOURECKS' FAMOUS UNSEEN THEATRE
...from director Pamela Munt:
Hi Everyone,
I do hope that you are all keeping well in these distressing times. This email is just to let you know that we are all still here and eagerly awaiting the time that we can once again entertain you on stage. What we had originally planned for the "Year of the Condescending Carp" was:-
* A huge celebration of UNSEEN'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY, including a "museum" type display of previous Props, Costumes, Scrapbooks, Cast photos and other nostalgia. The idea was that our actors would have given you all a personal tour guide of this space for half an hour before you settled in to see our shows.
* Our production in May would have been a performance of "Guards!" "Guards!" which was our first play at the Bakehouse Theatre (although the very first was "Mort" at the Tower Arts Centre)
* In November we had intended to stage a witches' play (which we haven't done for a while), namely "Wyrd Sisters".
Unfortunately we have had to cancel our scheduled performance in May, but we are still hoping that our November performance can go ahead. Obviously this is not just up to us. We will just have to wait and see what happens with the virus and the government restrictions.
Unseen Theatre's website is http://unseen.com.au/ (currently not updated)
Reprinted with permission
4.3 REVIEWS
* GOING POSTAL IN DURHAM
Reviewed by April Howard for Palatinate
"For an evening of humour, quirkiness, and energy, look no further than Ooook! Productions’ Going Postal at the Assembly Rooms Theatre. Frank Dudley is an impressive lead. He takes on the role of Moist von Lipwig with enthusiasm and an abundance of talent. Isabelle Bull is also a brilliant heroine as the witty Adora Belle Dearheart, the love interest who is so much more than that. The pair have excellent chemistry... The play opens and ends with an orchestra and they follow the action, heightening the sense of tension and excitement throughout the play. I thought this was an excellent addition. I was impressed to find that the musical score, so perfectly suited to the feeling and tone of the play, was composed by Musical Directors Kat Pittalis and Samuel Abel. The orchestra are a delightful element of this production and quite indispensable to its success...
"The talent of the cast on the whole is breath-taking. One who shines out as a beacon of talent is Jay Figuerdo as the tyrannical Lord Vetinari. Figuerdo combines likeability, charisma and a flawless command of the stage to present us with the benevolent dictator. Vetinari oozes with uncanny charm and an enchanting intensity. Every element of the play complements the overall tone. The set is vivid, colourful and bizarre, just like the play itself. Technical director James Goodall and assistant Rebecca Ayre use lighting and sound commendably, to heighten the tension or vividly create a moment. The satire and social commentary of the text is not lost on director Peter Firbank and assistant director Nieve Gauvain. Pratchett has much to say about how ridiculous and farcical our world is, painting the competitive nature of capitalism and the evil figures that emerge from it with a satirical brush, both laughing at and solemnly criticising this system... The combination of ability, good directorial decisions, wacky costuming and farcical comedy makes for a night of laughs and warmth. The production is professional, seamless and incredible. The talent of Pratchett is in good hands here..."
https://www.palatinate.org.uk/review-going-postal/
* WYRD SISTERS IN READING
By Zoe Andrews for The Whitley Pump
"I am always impressed by the staging delivered by Progress: with the sound and lighting also being spot on throughout. I liked how the cast didn’t hide the set moves between scenes and the innovative design meant it was incredibly smooth. The actors playing Nanny Ogg (Liz Carroll) and Granny Weatherwax (Melanie Sherwood) do a superb job. They have both played these roles before in Maskerade, another of Chris Moran’s directions of Pratchett’s work. Both ladies have beautiful and characterful voices that carry the room, bouncing off one another with ease. They share a trusting rapport (symptomatic of having worked together before), and much like a harmony, their comic timing is perfectly in tune as they explore these funny lines in their northern accents. On the other side of the performance is the witch-in-training Magrat Garlick... Played by Yvonne Newton, Garlick develops a slow burning relationship with Dean Stephenson’s Fool: both deliver their parts in a perfect tip-toe around emotions and coming of age. Ali Carroll plays Lady Felmet by design: domineering, power-hungry and somebody who’s answer to every problem is executing somebody else. You watch in hope that she will get her just desserts... In the second act, the production gathers pace as it heads towards its conclusion, but the lines don’t let up and neither does the comedy. It’s a funny and thoroughly entertaining show throughout: kudos goes to the whole cast who do a great job in relaxing into the performance and letting the comedy play out onstage. Progress consistently put out really good theatre. Wyrd Sisters is no exception and I genuinely enjoyed it, a two hour ride of laughter, witty dialogue, and excellent direction..."
https://www.whitleypump.net/2020/01/16/wyrd-sisters-at-the-progress-theatre/
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05) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
Remember, one day, possibly in the not too distant future, Discworld fans will be able to meet in the real Roundworld again. So keep this information handy:
The Broken Drummers, "London's Premier Unofficially Official Discworld Group"
BrokenDrummers@gmail.com or nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk or join their Facebook group at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/55107511411/permalink/10156634038566412/
*
Drumknott's Irregulars
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."
*
The Victorian Discworld Klatch
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VictorianDiscworldKlatch
*
"The Gathering of the Loonies (Wincanton chapter)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/373578522834654/
*
The Pratchett Partisans
https://www.facebook.com/groups/pratchettpartisans/ or contact Ula directly at uwilmott@yahoo.com.au
*
The City of Small Gods
www.cityofsmallgods.org.au
*
The Broken Vectis Drummers
broken_vectis_drummers@yahoo.co.uk
*
The Wincanton Omnian Temperance Society (WOTS) meets at Wincanton's famous Bear Inn when social gatherings are possible.
*
The Northern Institute of the Ankh-Morpork and District Society of Flatalists normally meet at The Narrowboat Pub in Victoria Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, 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)
Contact Sue (aka Granny Weatherwax): kenworthys@yahoo.co.uk
*
The Treacle Mining Corporation, formerly known as Perth Drummershttps://www.facebook.com/groups/Perth.Drummers/ – or message Alexandra Ware directly at <alexandra.ware@gmail.com>
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
06) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
Sound advice from the Discworld Emporium:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ET97uu-WkAgOtaE?format=jpg&name=900x900
And from reddit, on social distancing: https://bit.ly/2XyzhzQ
The gorgeous front cover of the forthcoming 2021 Discworld calendar:
https://bit.ly/3binkT3
Aidan Moran's folio of iconographs, from Progress Theatre's January 2020 production of Wyrd Sisters:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ajmstudio/sets/72157712625561382/
Roundworld clowns or Fools Guild enforcers? You be the judge: https://bit.ly/2JXm2RB
One of our favourite Librarians! Malu, at Melbourne Zoo:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ERvTzGFU4AES-nG?format=jpg&name=small
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
07) CLOSE
I don't know how much longer I'll be able to carry on publishing Wossname. It's something of a shame, since Wossname has been going in various forms for over twenty years now, ever since its inception as a homemade postal newsletter compiled and mailed by our founder (the late Joe Schaumburger mayherestinpeace). But between changes in the way the email giants accept or reject email newsletters, changes in the social and political behaviours of the world around us and changes, frankly, in certain areas of the Pratchett and Discworld fandom, I feel there's less and less point in keeping most of the features going. Perhaps when the pandemic is over and Roundworld returns to something that might even resemble what we once knew as normal, I'll carry on promoting Discworld plays and interesting Discworld-related merchandise. We'll see. At this moment I genuinely don't know.
I re-read Nation this week, for the manyth time, and as always was moved to tears by its beauty and wisdom. Our world needs more people like Mau and Daphne and fewer people like Ataba and Daphne/Ermintrude's grandmother. Ask yourself, where do *you* fall on that continuinuinuum, hmm?
Right, that's it for now. Mind how you go, REMAIN INDOORS, and we hope to see you next month...
– Annie Mac
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The End. If you have any questions or requests, write: wossname-owner (at) pearwood (dot) info
Copyright (c) 2020 by Wossname for the Klatchian Foreign Legion
