Ultraviolet Productions presents an exploration into the life and times of Christa Paffgen; model, actress and singer with the Velvet Underground.
Through the use of live music, film and theatre, the production spans three decades, from the glamour, hedonism and coldness of the Warhol years to the drug addiction and squalor of her life in 1980s Manchester. It chronicles her meeting and close friendship with Manchester svengali Alan Wise and her many ill-fated attempts to re-emerge as a credible artist.
Nico Icon Play reveals, to a new audience, the dark, uncompromising humour and tragedy of a city familiar to those who grew up in '80s Britain.
Following its sold-out extended run at Studio Salford, Stella Grundy’s acclaimed study of the woman behind the icon, returns in a special Salford Film Festival “remix” for two days only at Islington Mill.
Featuring a Special Guest Performance from the God of Hellfire himself, ARTHUR BROWN.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS NOT FREE. Admission £7.
www.myspace.com/nicoiconplay
"I've always thought Stella to be very talented...a true bohemian. She is Nico's natural successor." - Alan Wise, Music Promoter & Manager
"I am glad she has written a play about my Mama." - Ari Paffgen, Nico's son
"It’s a compelling story, featuring guest appearances from the likes of Lou Reed, Andy Warhol, and Allen Ginsberg along with some Manchester music scene figures, such as the irrepressible Alan Wise. [The play] boasts great compassion as well as searing honesty, despite its non-naturalistic approach. Sporting a variety of wigs and making a pretty decent stab at Nico’s Teutonic tones, Grundy is utterly engaging and convincing as the iconic singer and the rest of the cast are also excellent."
- Kevin Bourke, Manchester Evening News. Read the full review here.
Read the BBC Manchester review here
Stella Grundy also appears in DAMNED NATION, screening as part of CAUGHT SHORT TWO: SALFORD SHOTS, at Salford Arts Theatre on Tuesday November 27th from 5.30pm