Oklahoma City, OK (July 31, 2023) – SPARK! Creative Lab is proud to present Ditty Bops: The Art of Listening, an immersive multi-arts project that delves into the captivating story of Dr. Neil Chapman, an esteemed photographer and Vietnam-era veteran in Edmond.
Serving as a Morse Code Interceptor (also known as a ditty bopper) in Thailand, Chapman honed his listening skills, knowing the gravity of even the smallest mistake. Now, decades later, he faces the challenges of Parkinson’s disease, a service-related illness that has further complicated his journey. But his story does not end there. Chapman now joins over 262,440 other veterans also entangled in the Veterans Affairs backlog of claims for compensation.
“The heart of Ditty Bops: The Art of Listening is Neil Chapman, and honoring his story, while listening to and lifting up voices that have gone unheard,” said Nicole Poole, Executive Director of SPARK! Creative Lab. “This is an incredibly unique event that you won’t want to miss - we explore a complex topic that impacts our community through Morse Code-laced musical compositions, choreography, theater, visual art, and other forms of performance.”
Against the backdrop of Chapman’s renowned Mannequins Series of photographs, powerful symbols of social allegory, Ditty Bops unearths a deeper meaning. These mesmerizing portraits, collected across the United States and acquired by France’s national library, now symbolize how our veterans are often dehumanized and neglected.
SPARK! invites you to join in this creative endeavor, where art, empathy, and advocacy intertwine to create a profound impact.
Be a part of this transformative journey to listen, reflect, and take compassionate action to honor our veterans and forge a community that truly embraces their service and their care.
Join SPARK! At Ditty Bops: The Art of Listening on Aug. 24, 26 or 27. Tickets are on sale now at sparklahoma.org; limited quantity available.