I have changed my website so that it functions more as a process-led lab for ongoing work. There are a few initiatives that I’m involved with that I will write about here over the coming months.
I’m gearing up for this Saturday’s Bedtime Eating Secrets event at the Brickhouse in the East End (25th). It’s organised by the fabulous Alexa of The Experimental Food Society. Eating Secrets is developing for next year’s summer show in Novi Sad as part of a research project with Paola Tubaro at the University of Greenwich so this comes at a good time. Mertle is spending the day on a bed / in bed at the Bed Bar, third floor of the Brickhouse. All those with a secret on eating welcome. You get something in return. Out with those dubious fairy cakes though and in with a ritual for each secret giver. Open wide.
Mertle and Matt Cook Live
In the evening, Mertle takes to the stage with Matt, head chef of the Brickhouse, to regurgitate the secrets. Live action with whisk and flame.
Mertle launched Mertle’s Menus at Truman’s Brewery for The Experimental Food Society 21-22nd October. There were two slices of Mertle’s food-themed game show and new project Eating Portraits, where participants performed eating in front of Mertle and her camera. A response to the cultural taboo of eating in front of the camera or being 
Mertle’s Mobile Eating Secret Station moves to this year’s Spectacular for the Experimental Food Society at Truman’s Brewery, in London’s East End. 21/ 22nd October. Featuring: MERTLE’S MENUS – MAIN SHOW - Mertle launches her food game show with special guests and audience participation. MERTLE’S MENUS – SIDE SHOW Meet a stranger. Devise a Menu. 
The Hills are Alive
I recently went to Salzburg and found myself unwittingly in the heart of the Sound of Music. Austrians seem irritated by what is a great tourist pull because no one watched the film on its release. But money talks and its thrust on visitors with a now adult and all-American Liesl urging us to climb every mountain, part with every Euro.
For the re-enactment, I chose a green hill with a great view. Each hill does admittedly look the same and the churches all resemble the one in the opening sequence, but no matter. How she originally ran up that hill in nun-pumps and a full skirt I will never know.
Maria In Anorak (that’s me) sang The Hills Are Alive with a tape recorder from a former hotelier who used to play the songs in his restaurant as background music over breakfast.