Live cinema «Life of Brian»

   The Monty Python comedy is not simply projected here — it is played back at the screen, live. For two nights the back yard of a Mỹ An café turns into a room where the film is joined by actors, musical numbers, sudden interruptions and an audience that is expected to shout, haggle and sing along.

   The spine of the evening is Life of Brian, the 1979 picture directed by Terry Jones and written by the Monty Python troupe. The organisers call the format live cinema: the original film runs as it always has, while a scripted live performance unfolds in front of it. You are warned in advance that participation is part of the deal — singing, haggling, heckling and joining the crucifixion line, one cross each, please.

   Worth knowing before you go:

• — two consecutive nights, the same programme each time
• — nine performers carry the live half, listed by first name and signed off with a joke about «the other Chris»
• — fancy dress is strongly encouraged and a suspiciously convincing beard counts
• — beards, rocks, otters' noses and other essential goods will be on sale for your hard-earned shekels
• — tasteful heckling is explicitly welcomed

   You do not need to know the film. The organisers make a point of it: no previous acquaintance with Brian, his mother or the bloody Romans is required, only an open mind and a healthy disrespect for authority. For anyone who does quote the thing line by line, this is a rare chance to do it out loud and in company.

   Doors open an hour ahead of the performance itself, which starts at eight, so allow for the gap. This one is firmly adults only: children stay at home, and dogs stay in the front yard, where staff will look after them.

   He's not the Messiah. He's a very naughty boy. Probably.