Fire (Was: New York)

[Pyromancer]

Mr. Ragatz, this reply is to your post in the New York! New York! thread in Specific Pitches.

I do not believe I am infallible, and did not make this statement at all. So please do not insinuate that I am a liar as it doesn't make this conversation a lot easier, does it?
I am aware that I am taking some risks and although I do the best I can to avoid any harm to my audiences or my environment, I know that there is always a small chance that things can go wrong, just like driving a car can go wrong, amongst other things people do in life.

Just as miss Bananas, I am looking for things without fire. But as I dedicated myself to this element years ago, it is not and easy transition and I am not quite sure if I want to make it at all. It might be better just to take the challange and go on with it. Too bad busking will no longer be an option for me then, but I love my speciality I don't want to get rid of it just like that. Just like you say, Steve, getting yourself booked is a good option if the streets don't work that well for you.

My statement was, that a society free from risks is an illusion that gathers more and more ground around the "civilized" world. And I doubt whether that is a good development. If we are at all moving towards a society that is really safer, we are not necissarily moving towards a society that offers a better quality of life.

The examples you use are partly grounded in reality, but not generally applicable to every fire performance.

The disaster during the Great White concert was caused by incorrect application of pyrotechnics, in a space that was basically not even suited for any pyrotechnics. Pyrotechnics are from a different order than 'fire manipulation' as in juggling and firebreathing and require a different set of safety precautions, especially when performed indoors. It doesn't take a OSHA license to figure that one out.

Gasoline is not the only fuel, there are varieties that are not too smelly at all: ultraclear odourless lamp oil is what I use. And allthough its a flammable fluid, it is not highly flammable, which actually does make a difference in practice. Ultraclear lamp oil is not toxic in itself and only small fractions of normal kerosene are actually toxic. But besides this, if handled with proper care, I am the only one touching any toxic substance I use in my show and I do believe I have the right to make the decision whether to handle toxic substances or not for my very own self. Sadly enough, I don't have this option with many other toxins floating in the environment.

And yes, mister Ragatz, I fully agree with you, that there still remains a risk, no matter how safe I work. There is always that strange hand of God or a person touched by the wrong nature, that may move things to an ugly side. I agree with that. But isn't that with almost everything in life? For example, I heard stories of numerous casualties with people loosing fingers by helping a busker mounting a unicycle. However, this never resulted in a full ban of unicycles and I do believe, it would be wrong if it did.

I do agree that as a fire performer you'll need extra safety precautions and that you carry a bigger responsibility. I do agree that in some environments, fire should not be performed at all. I am fully aware, that some routines are not suitable for particular environments.
Sadly enough, many people that actually work with fire, don't see nor understand this, or became lame over the years. But I do not agree, that this matter, should result in an all including "NO" for fire routines. It is a reason to keep a closer eye on things happening and work according to guidelines and - where necissary - restrictions. If you are afraid to get harmed in this world, just stay in bed and pray your house won't catch fire.

David Boelee aka Pyromancer

[ 05-27-2003: Message edited by: Pyromancer ]</p>

[Steven Ragatz]

We describe the same coin from different sides.

Acceptable risk is part of the business, and if it is appropriate, then take that risk. We have to challenge our mortality somehow, either by balancing on top a stack of chairs, walking a high-wire or by threatening to set ourselves on fire.

However, I think that it is naive of us as performers to preach that others need to learn to take those risks along with us. The risk should be the performer, and the performer alone, but when it is extended to members of the public, or at least perceived to be, then the management should step in and reign in the show. FOL: unhappy customers make for bad business and scorch marks don't come out with detergent.

The question of fire not being allowed on New York streets is wholly ignorant. Of course it won't be allowed, and to be surprised by that fact is silly. If one still chooses to do it, then do so knowing that in the long run the penalties will probably outweigh the tips.

By all means, do your fire act. I do fire myself. I've seen the pics on your website, and the imagery is very powerful and right on. But you will have to accept that there will be more venues than not who won't be willing to share in your (apparent) death challenge.

Steven Ragatz

PS David, please feel free to call me "Steve" or "Steven" - I ain't no "mister" on P-Net. I sign my full name on all posts for the sake of search engines.

[stickman]

Just a short note. I've also been told my hand truck (dolly), my bed of nails, straight jacket, juggling cups, etc.. Is also too dangerous. Strangely enough I also perform with controlled fire, outside.

The funny thing is what I consider the most dangerous aspects of my shows, are never noticed. It's seems sometimes, it's not about the saftely but only about control. I've turned down more gigs, because the conditions were unsafe for my show, and would rather lose the hat then finish a show where I thought the audience was in any "real" danger.

Playing with pre-perceptions is art, hurting people is stupid.

Stickman