LENTIL AS ANYTHING
41 Blessington St. St. Kilda 3182,VIC Australia ph: 9534 5833
lentilasanything@hotmail.com
"Lentil as Anything" is many things.
It is a café which provides quality organic vegetarian food. There is no set price. People pay what they feel is fair.
This philosophy has attracted a whole range of people: artists, the disadvantaged, those interested in alternative ideas, those drawn to care for the community they live in.
You may be aware how state, national and even international newspapers, magazines, radio and television have reported on Lentil and it's original philosophy.
The menu ranges from round the world delightful curries to five star chef cooked Japanese dishes (a few nights a week) and speciality of the house Sri Lankan hand made sambals.
Many of Lentil's clients are the homeless, street workers, drug addicts and those with mental health issues. Lentil has been supporting these people with food, shelter and a healthy and creative social environment without any funding. Lentil has been operating for almost three years with the support of volunteers and individuals who give generously.
Lentil is also a highly engaging psychic and creative space, which attracts artists from all over Melbourne. Much of the people involved with Lentil are practicing professional artists. The place itself has generated many projects and collaborations.
This year a new Lentil as Anything opened at Belgrave, following the same philosophy and concepts originated in the one in St. Kilda.
Examples of Artistic Ventures Connected with Lentil
"Lentil Bash": is a free and open to everybody cultural gathering happening the third Thursday of every month, which emphasis is collaborations between participants. Artists in realms of music, dance, theatre, comedy, spoken word and film perform works together. We are looking for the development of new professional work, which break the boundaries between expressive mediums and the roll of participant/spectator. Lentil is an unusual place. We encourage unusual artistic explorations and ventures.
For one and a half years, Lentil as Anything has facilitated a monthly poetry reading. These events generated substantial attendance and positive feedback. Since May 2003 this event evolved into the City of Port Philip supported "Lentil Bash", including poetry but piggy backing off the rhythm and energy of a full range of other art forms. Many possible directions open to spark the imagination of local and visiting artists. We like experimenting with the format and mixing of artistic genres. We encourage horizontal collaborations, where participants (that is performers and audience), create a unique cultural expression, celebrating our community and its diversity.
"Lentil Republic" is a monthly magazine which started this year from what the editors would like to call a spontaneous combustion of energy. A submission box was placed in the café and each edition is put out with a print run of 400. The editorial policy is not to edit. To allow all voices to have full reign. It also includes information relevant to disadvantaged groups: accommodation, food, health services etc. We are working with the outreach team of the Psychiatric Services division of the Alfred Hospital. They have shown a lot of positive interest in the work we have been doing. Many of their clients are our customers.
"The Dreams of the Chicken", absurd theatre/cabaret show has an all Lentil cast and crew. Had performed at Sydney & Melbourne "Big Day Out", Sydney Mu Mason Archives, Canberra State Library (invited by the Argentinean Embassy), "Melbourne Fringe" 2002 and soon to perform in the 2003 version,.
"Refugees The Musical", is a comedy show which has an all Lentil cast and crew. Many of the ideas were workshopped at Lentil. The show was part of the last Melbourne Comedy Festival, and will be at the upcoming Melbourne Fringe Festival.
"The Rush Effect" is a band that has been playing weekly. It has about 6 members. All of these musicians met at Lentil and continue to do so. The band started playing together at Lentil's early poetry nights.
Spontaneous eruptions of creativity which include musical jamming, poetry in the window and writing in Lentil's journal. Visual art from local painters, photographers and craft people is exhibited on the wall. Artists can choose to offer their work for sale (without commission charged).
Lentil's Sponsorship and Support
Lentil has offered sponsorship in the form of either food or money to different gatherings and organisations. Examples include: Mayhem Caberet (held at Theatreworks and West St Kilda RSL) and "In the Realm of the Senses", a film festival held in the Catanny gardens and Revolver Upstairs. Lentil has also had stores at Confest, the St Kilda festival and a Global dance festival held at Gasworks.
