“Into the time-Slip… A Strange Journey” To Another World

Everyone knows the song. Everyone knows the choreography.

Nobody can resist the temptation to get up and dance along with it.

It’s purposefully instinctive, you either know it really well, or you recognise it by the holographic sounding, and heavily accented opening dialogue consisting of the words “It’s astounding…”

The Time Warp. It has a continual domino effect on not only the Hamiltonian community but all over the world.

After performing at the opening launch of the Embassy Park Green Room in 2016, located at one end of Victoria Street, I felt as though my eyes opened to a freer version of myself. Just like the film, I was aware of feeling as if I went for a walk into a new dimension.

The same year that Embassy Park reopened, I attended the musical, put on by the Hamilton Operatic Society.

I had been told about the show in the past, but nothing quite prepared me for what I saw. It also happened to be the first time I had seen it.

The show, like the statue, was a big hit in Hamilton. It is the residing home of Richard O’Brien, the creator of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

It was a show that truly spoke for itself. In my opinion, there is a depth to this particular genre that you may not be fully attuned to until you witness one.

Being involved with Embassy Park encouraged me to look at myself through a pair of eyes, that were my own, however, my mindset on my individualism changed.

The Time Warp refers to the speed at which the units of time go by, but it also reveals a deeper insight into Hamilton’s history.

Singing at Rocky Horror’s 12th Birthday on-site with Richard O’Brien’s masterpiece of a bronze bust has allowed me to identify with many of the characters unique and multi-faceted takes on who they are, that exposed their kooky natures.

Some people’s perspectives are the idea that the time warp could have a more expansive meaning. They believe it shows a collective divide, while also being conscious of the fact that eccentricity plays a part in the people we are and the choices we make.

After all, our personal experiences shape how we observe the world we live in.

I hold the true belief that Rocky Horror and the Time Warp, are more relevant now, perhaps more so, than ever, due to the fact that the world’s stance on diversity is expanding; as we start to realise that acceptance is the key to celebrating who we are as people.

The musical was all kinds of random – wigs, bald caps, mops of curly hair and fishnet stockings – were the staple and normally  “unusual” when Rocky is brought up. Audience participation with props and a midnight showing are expected on particular nights…and we must not forget about oodles of red lipstick and high heeled boots.

I felt proud of our little city, and I am very glad that the show’s fan base has extended overseas to reach further patrons.

It’s also one of those productions that make us challenge our beliefs, raising many questions about what theatre means to our community, but also our whole population. This is a reminder of a quote by Yazmina Raza, “Theatre is a mirror, a sharp reflection of society.”

A view that comes to mind is the accessibility factor, to those who may feel as if they belong somewhere a bit “outside the box” in the understanding that we should be open to accommodating each other’s unique characteristics.

If you had asked me about the Time Warp years prior to the musical happening – I would still know what you were talking about. The Rocky Horror Show has a large fan base and following.

I hadn’t seen it myself before singing at the birthday party to mark the 12th birthday celebration of the peculiar character named Riff Raff.

Although Rocky Horror’s most reputable song seems to be The Time Warp, I will never forget the commencement song for the spectacle of entertainment… Science Fiction Double Feature.

I was a little confused, but at the time, I was also pretty ignorant to anything science fiction relative. I took it as a learning curve upon first hearing it.

That being said, there was something catchy about it that I couldn’t quite put my finger on at the time in question.

It gave me an isolated impression while still being relatable and overall gave an inside look into an “out of the blue” topic. At the same time, it was more memorable, possibly due to the fact that it was about a subject I had no knowledge of.

“I would like, if I may, to take you… on a strange journey.”

Strange is right! More like…. “Somewhere off the beaten track.”  Entirely.

When I think of “Don’t dream it, be it – that tells me to just be yourself.

In the grander scheme of things, it is first and foremost about the power of human perception, but I would say the story is about knowing and respecting yourself and the person you are becoming.

What planet do we really believe we come from?

Life is the Time Warp, and the world is based on science fiction… More or less… This fable is one of our world and where we are within that world. It is one that is training our brains to truly acknowledge our quirky sides, regardless of looks and one purely based on feeling and the first instinct. Who are we really?

That’s just it! We are individuals for a reason, but we all have a collective purpose. When was the last time you lived your own story through more than one pair of eyes? What if your ears become your second pair of seeing vehicles? It’s all about the senses…

What is the Time Warp?

A dance or an extremely complex place where Father Time lives? What if everything was different? What if…the answer to everything was a question?

Maybe the next thing you are thinking about… it doesn’t exist yet! What are you waiting for? Come visit Riff Raff. Heed his advice, “Don’t dream it, BE IT”  and take it to skyrocketing new heights.