Horror on streets

STATUESQUE: A digitally enhanced picture of Rocky Horror writer Richard O'Brien as Riff Raff...  could something like this possibly be Hamilton's next piece of public art? (WAIKATO TIMES)

Will city let Riff Raff in? 

Source: http://stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/0,2106,2824861a6004,00.html

24 February 2004
By INGER VOS

It's just a sweet transvestite from transexual Transylvania.

And it's coming to a street near you.

City councillors are being asked to allow a statue paying homage to the cult Rocky Horror Picture Show to grace Hamilton's Victoria St.

It would honour former Hamiltonian Richard O'Brien, who wrote Rocky Horror and played the butler Riff Raff in the movie.

The statue of Riff Raff in drag has been proposed by thespian Mark Servian to "make Hamilton love itself" and has been designed by Wellington special effects company Weta Workshop.

O'Brien worked as a barber next to the old Embassy Theatre in Victoria St, where the statue would stand.

The statue would be the first piece of public art donated to the city since the Art in Public Places policy was adopted by the council last year.

The project has financial backing of $100,000 from the Perry Foundation.

Council funding of $25,000 towards the cost of the statue –- estimated at $125,000 –- was approved by the strategic planning committee last week.

The public art proposal was also approved by the social and community meeting.

The public will be excluded from tomorrow's meeting when both recommendations will be considered by the council.

Social and community chairwoman Pippa Mahood said it was more than likely that the bronze statue would make it through the full council meeting despite some opposition.

"But while it is not everyone's cup of tea, most recognise it is a superb opportunity for Hamilton to recognise one of its own and to bring lots of people into the community."

Councillor Jocelyn Marshall, an avid supporter of the arts in Hamilton, said she "sagaciously opposed" the statue.

"I associate the Rocky Horror Show with Rob Muldoon and fishnet tights and bad make-up. It's not something that Hamiltonians can feel particularly proud of," she said.

Councillor John Gower said he was "rapt" with the idea.

"We've got to get out of this bloody cow-town type of look. We have to do something to the central city area," he said.

"I am a fan of Rocky Horror and I think it will attract a lot of people to the city because it has a bit of a cult following."

Perry Foundation chairman Barry Coombes said it supported the statue despite its controversy.

"Not every city gets the opportunity to get behind something that has national and international significance," he said.

Mr Servian, who now lives in Wellington, said it was well documented that the Rocky Horror phenomenon grew out of Hamilton.

"Hamilton has a lot to be proud of and one of them is Rocky Horror...it made me think Hamilton needs to acknowledge this."

Mr O'Brien –- who wrote several of the songs featured in Rocky Horror while living in Hamilton –- said that he was "exceptionally flattered" about the planned statue.

"My devious character was certainly formed in Hamilton or the times I had in Hamilton."