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During the Vietnam War, Neil Chapman listened for a living, intercepting enemy Morse Code as an Air Force “ditty bopper.” He later became a celebrated photographer, lecturer, and muse for SPARK!. Neil passed away on September 27, and this afternoon honors his life, his service, and the lessons in listening he left for us all.Saturday, November 7 · 2:00 pm · ARTSPACE at Untitled · Free
Presented by deadCenter Continuum, SPARK! Creative Lab, and ARTSPACE at Untitled.
The Film
Ditty Bops: The Art of Listening, a short documentary by Zachary Burns, follows Neil’s story. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran who called Edmond home for more than a decade, and later in life he faced Parkinson’s disease linked to exposure to defoliants like Agent Orange. His experience speaks for hundreds of thousands of Veterans whose stories too often go unheard.
The film shows how Neil’s story became Ditty Bops, SPARK!’s stage production. It weaves Morse Code into music, dance, theater, spoken word, and visual art, staged alongside Neil’s striking Mannequins photographs.
The Workshop: Your Message in Rhythm
Start the afternoon by trying one of SPARK!’s signature practices. Led by the one-of-a-kind Kevin Jamison (U.S.M.C., Ret.), you’ll learn how Morse Code and rhythm can become a way to express yourself and connect with others. Veterans and civilians alike are welcome - it's FREE, and no experience needed.
Schedule
2:00 pm – Doors open
2:30 pm – Workshop: Your Message in Rhythm
3:00 pm – Film screening: Ditty Bops: The Art of Listening
3:30 pm – Panel discussion
Afterward – Reception with cash bar by Untitled and appetizers by SPARK!
And SAVE THE DATE! Ditty Bops live returns in a brand-new production January 29–31, 2027, at Oklahoma Contemporary.
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Event venue
ARTSPACE At Untitled, 1 NE 3rd St,Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Tickets
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