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December 5th on Meet the Bloggers
Rev. Billy Talen began his career with the
other sidewalk preachers on Times Square. Specializing in exorcisms of
sweatshop companies, and opposing the Disneyfication of the neighborhood, he
set up his portable pulpit at the door of the Mouse. Soon, "moral soap
operas," also called "Retail Interventions" were staged inside the chain
stores, principally Disney, the GAP, Nike, and Starbucks. The preacher was
soon accompanied by singers, and began staging whole ³Worships² in the
tradition of ritual-based interactive plays of the day such as Tony and
Tina's Wedding, Late-Nite Catechism, and Blue Man Group. The Reverend's
developing theology became the "Church of Stop Shopping," founded on a
resistance to consumerism and a defense of independent shops, community
gardens and local economies. Under the direction of Savitri D, the Reverend
and Choir have toured in Europe, Africa, South America and throughout North
America. William Talen has won the OBIE Award, The Dramalogue Award, The
Historic Districts Council's "Preservation" Award (for leading
demonstrations to save the Poe House at 85 W 3rd Street) and has been jailed
more than 50 times. He is the star, along with his wife, Savitri D, of the
documentary, "What Would Jesus Buy?"
Savitri D is the director of Reverend Billy and The Church of Stop Shopping.
She is a freedom fighter and lover of wildness. She was born in Taos, New
Mexico and has lived in Brooklyn since 1996.
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4 months ago, Joe Batson said This is a wonderful opportunity to get to have some insight wtih people we respect. Thank you for the chance.
jb
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