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North WestYou are in: Inside Out > North West > Nico - icon of the North  Recreating Nico - a music and style icon Nico - icon of the NorthThink of the Velvet Underground and Nico and you probably think of the glamour of Andy Warhol's Factory and the Sixties New York Art scene. So it is perhaps surprising to learn that Nico spent the last years of her life in North West England. Twenty years after her death, Nico is the subject of a play - Nico Icon - which will be performed at Salford's Lowry Theatre in late 2008. Written by Stella Grundy, it's an exploration into the life and times of Nico - model, actress and singer with the Velvet Underground. Stellar performanceNico Icon Play is a multimedia event which uses live music, film and theatre to present three decades, capturing the glamour, hedonism and lifestyle of the Warhol years. Nico fact file* Born Christa Päffgen in Germany in October 1938. * Started career as a model and was dubbed "Nico". * Small acting role in Fellini's La Dolce Vita. Later moved to New York to study acting under the tutelage of Lee Strasberg. Landed film role in Strip-Tease (1963) and recorded the title track. * During the mid 1960s she met The Rolling Stones' guitarist, Brian Jones, and recorded a single, "I'm Not Sayin'". * Began working with Andy Warhol and Paul Morrissey on their experimental films, including Chelsea Girls, Sunset, and Imitation of Christ. * During her time at The Factory Nico was introduced to The Velvet Underground and collaborated with them, singing vocals on several songs including "All Tomorrow's Parties". Parted from The Velvet Underground in 1967. * Romantically linked to John Cale, Lou Reed, Jim Morrison, Brian Jones, and Iggy Pop. * Recorded a series of solo albums including the acclaimed 'Chelsea Girl', 'The Marble Index' and 'The End'. Worked with Brian Eno, Phil Manzanera, and John Cale on these projects. * Lived in Salford during the 1980s and became friendly with John Cooper Clarke. * Nico was a heroin addict but kicked the habit prior to her death. * Died in Ibiza on holiday following a cycling accident in 1988. It chronicles Nico's close friendship with Manchester svengali Alan Wise, revealing to a modern audience, the dark uncompromising humour and tragedy of her story. It also opens a window on the music scene in Manchester during the 1980s. The play stars Stella Grundy who draws on her own life in Salford and her experiences as the front-woman of '90s band Intastella. The Lowry production features a live performance from the legendary Arthur Browne, who plays a mythical creature appearing to Nico in her dreams. The play premiered at The Kings Arms, Salford in 2007 with a sell-out show which was regarded as the most popular event in their recent history. Later in 2007, the production opened the Cornwall Film Festival in Falmouth and the Salford Film Festival. Such was the positive reaction to the show that The Lowry took the unprecedented step of booking it for a 10 night run. The play sold out a week before the production began and more dates were added and tickets for these were also snapped up. The play's success is partly due to the interest generated by Stella Grundy. Julie Hesmondalgh, with whom Stella appeared in Coronation Street, has described the play as "Raw, uncompromising and thought provoking". Actor and director Noreen Kershaw, renowned for her TV work on Shameless and Life On Mars mentored the cast.  Grundy embodies the spirit of Nico. She says that Stella Grundy is ideal for the role, describing her as "the Shakespeare of drugs". Journalist Kevin Bourke who interviewed Nico during her lifetime believes that Grundy's casting is perfect - and says she "is utterly engaging and convincing as the iconic singer". Bonehead from Oasis is also a fan of the play, calling it "Mesmeric, the best bit of theatre I've ever seen". Ari Paffgen, Nico's son, has also lent his seal of approval. "I am glad she has written a play about my Mama," he says. All about NicoStella Grundy is fascinated by Nico, her work and her life, as she explains: "Nico Paffgen was a woman who occupied a man's life, accused of theft, violence and racism.  Nico - icon for a new generation. "She sang like the angel that was banished to hell. "She could never stop performing because she had no money and didn't know what else to do.... spending the last eight years of her life in Manchester and touring the toilets of the World. "Through interviews I've discovered many fabulous stories which has enabled us to document some of her less well known adventures.... a proper rock and roll adventure." Thirty years on Nico remains a powerful presence - and the Nico Icon Play looks set to attract a new generation of fans... Watch the Nico play...Nico Icon Play will be performed at Salford's Lowry Theatre from Wednesday 12 November 2008 to Saturday 22 November 2008. Nico web linksThe BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites last updated: 23/09/2008 at 15:40 SEE ALSOYou are in: Inside Out > North West > Nico - icon of the North |
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