David Bowie’s Unfinished Masterpiece: Unveiling ‘The Spectator‘ Musical
Did you know David Bowie, the chameleon of rock, harbored a secret ambition to conquer musical theater? before his untimely passing in 2016, Bowie was deeply immersed in a project unlike any he’d undertaken before: an 18th-century musical titled The Spectator. Now, a forthcoming exhibition at the V&A East Storehouse is shedding light on this engaging, previously unknown chapter of his creative life.
This isn’t just about discovering another facet of a beloved artist; it’s a glimpse into Bowie’s enduring fascination with art, satire, and the power of performance. Let’s delve into the details of The Spectator, exploring its origins, the historical figures that captivated Bowie, and what this discovery means for his legacy.
The Inspiration: 18th-Century London and The Spectator Newspaper
Bowie’s musical was inspired by The Spectator, a hugely popular daily newspaper published in London between 1711 and 1712. This wasn’t a publication focused on breaking news as we certainly know it today. Instead,The Spectator offered essays,satire,and observations on the social customs and morality of the time. It acted as a cultural mirror, reflecting the anxieties and aspirations of 18th-century society.
Bowie, ever the astute observer of culture, saw in The Spectator a rich tapestry of characters and themes ripe for musical adaptation. He was captivated by the period’s evolving artistic landscape and the role of artists within it. As lead curator Madeleine Haddon explained to the BBC, Bowie was exploring “What is the role of artists within this period? How are artists creating a kind of satirical commentary?” https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3dpdpvj083o
Characters in the Spotlight: thieves, Vigilantes, and the Mohocks
Bowie’s notes reveal a particular fascination with the criminal underworld of 18th-century London. He considered centering the musical around Jack Sheppard, a notorious petty thief who became a public sensation, and Jonathan wild, a complex vigilante who ultimately orchestrated Sheppard’s capture and execution.
But the intrigue didn’t stop there. Bowie also focused on the Mohocks – a shadowy, upper-class gang known for their drunken rampages and violent attacks on the streets of London. These figures, operating on the fringes of society, offered a compelling contrast to the refined world depicted in The Spectator newspaper. They represent the darker undercurrents of the era, providing fertile ground for dramatic tension and satirical commentary.
A Lifelong Passion for Theatre
The revelation of The Spectator isn’t entirely surprising when considering Bowie’s lifelong love affair with theatre. He openly admired singer-songwriter and actor Anthony Newley, emulating his style early in his career. He also studied dramatic arts under the influential Lindsay Kemp, a master of mime and physical theatre.
In a 2002 interview with the BBC, bowie confessed his long-held ambition to write for the stage, stating his desire “to have a pretty big audience” for his theatrical endeavors. This ambition clearly persisted throughout his career, culminating in the ambitious project that was The Spectator.
Experiencing bowie’s vision: The David Bowie Center at the V&A
fans will soon have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Bowie’s creative process. The David Bowie Centre, opening at the V&A East Storehouse in Hackney Wick, east London, on September 13th, will feature Bowie’s notes for the Spectator – and even the desk where he worked on them.
The centre will showcase 200 items on permanent display, building upon the success of the groundbreaking David bowie Is exhibition in 2013, which remains the V&A’s most visited show to date. But the archive doesn’t stop there. With 90,000 pieces in total, fans can apply to view specific items from the collection by submitting a request form. https://www.vam.ac.uk/info/david-bowie-centre
This exhibition promises to be more than just a retrospective; it’s a chance to witness the