Varieties of Folly is a working title for a socialist cabaret. A draft plan – published here – was circulated to a number of individuals in the city of Bath, in the summer of 2026, with a view to organising a regular meeting. An outline structure for a monthly show is described with an indication of possible content.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Varieties of Folly : Draft Plan for a Twenty First Century Cabaret
Varieties of Folly : Draft Plan for a Twenty First Century Cabaret
What is (a) cabaret? What is its value? What is socialism (v capitalism) at this point in time? What is a twenty first century socialist cabaret? Have such shows existed? Do such shows exist? What would such a show be like? How would it be organised in terms of a company, operations, and administration?
Join a regular meeting with interested writers, artists and others, to meet each other and think about these questions and others; and – if people so decide – to make it happen. See below for details.
OUTLINE STRUCTURE FOR A MONTHLY SHOW
| WARM UP | |
| PART ONE : | |
| THEME SONG AND DANCE | We Are All In This Together (Opening Version). |
| ANCESTORS | Work (Visual Arts; Literature; Performance Arts) in socialist tradition is honoured through a performance. |
| REGULAR DANCE WITH VARIATIONS | Extreme Weather Suite |
| FIRST INTERVAL | |
| PART TWO : | |
| SEASONAL SONG | Original song. |
| GUEST ACT I | A local artist performs own work. |
| SEASONAL DANCE | Original dance. |
| SECOND INTERVAL | |
| PART THREE : | |
| REGULAR SONG WITH VARIATIONS | Business Song Cycle. |
| GUEST ACT II | A local artist performs own work. |
| THEME SONG AND DANCE | We Are All In This Together (Closing Version). |
A Master of Ceremonies [MC] hosts, introduces, and may perform throughout. MC role can be rotated, and be minimal or more expansive.
Contents and running order as indicated. Performances feature original songs or dances written for the show; adaptations of classic works (ancestors); and already existing original work (guest acts).
REGULAR MEETING
Join a regular meeting with interested writers, artists and others, to meet each other and think about these questions and others; and – if people so decide – to make it happen.
SATURDAY 5 SEP 20 00 – 22 00
WEDNESDAY 16 SEP 19 00 – 21 00
SATURDAY 3 OCT 20 00 – 22 00
WEDNESDAY 14 OCT 19 00 – 21 00
SATURDAY 7 NOV 20 00 – 22 00
WEDNESDAY 18 NOV 19 00 – 21 00
