Time Warp set to get city rocking for unveiling of Riff Raff statue

Source: http://stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/0,2106,3099916a6004,00.html

17 November 2004
By LUCY REED

Let's do the Time Warp again ...

Rocky Horror Picture Show creator and former Hamilton resident Richard O'Brien will lead the Time Warp – the main dance from the stage show and movie – on Hamilton's Victoria St in just over a week.

O'Brien will do the Time Warp at the unveiling of the Riff Raff statue in his honour on Friday, November 26.

Hamilton City Council spokesman Philip Burton said the occasion was a great opportunity for people to go along, perhaps dress up in the spirit of the event, and make it a memorable night.

The council plans to block off Victoria St between Hood and Collingwood Sts for the celebrations.
Street performers and bands will start entertaining the crowd at 10pm, with the unveiling set for the stroke of midnight.

Mr Burton said the council was very supportive of the project and excited that a special Hamilton story was being told.

But not only Hamilton was deeming the tribute to O'Brien important. Mr Burton said he already had taken inquiries from overseas media wanting photographs.

The statue, to be placed adjacent to the site of the now-demolished Embassy Theatre, was created at Peter Jackson's Weta Workshop in Wellington.

In a recent letter to the Times, O'Brien said he agreed with some people who thought he was not worthy of the honour. It was better to view the statue as a monument to rock 'n' roll.

Waikato University's theatre studies department is hosting an evening with O'Brien as a guest lecturer on Monday at the Wel Energy Trust Academy of Performing Arts at 7pm. He will speak about his career in theatre and film.

Spaces are limited, so RSVP to Jay Shattock by tomorrow on 07 838 4922. Entry is by gold coin donation.