hotspotarchive2004/5/6
hotspotarchive
| Bill Kenwright and Michael Edwards & Carole Winter present ON THE WATERFRONT
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at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, January 28, 2009 - April 25, 2009
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| the review: It is amazing just how much can be
achieved with stylish and clever stage lighting, and just a few chairs. And for fans
of Stephen Berkoff, this will come as no surprise. Like so many of Berkoff's past
productions, the actor/director cunningly communicates with his audience via a series of
;languages: the language of mime, which is at once omnipresent and at the same time almost
invisible, and the physicality of the actors as they set the scenes of hardship, violence
and aggression. Simon Merrells plays a very
effective Terry Malloy - the role taken on by Marlon Brando in the movie. And for
those familiar with Stephen Berkoff, they get what they expect with the usual menacing
undercurrent of anger and rage typical of Berkoff's performances as he takes on the role
of ganster boss, Johnny Friendly. Running parallel in the
background are the activities of the House Un-American Activities Committee which
'encouraged' indiviiduals to admit that they were communists. Elia Kazan, like so
many of his peers was witness to the proceedings and the theme of good succeeding over
evil in On The Waterfront mirrors the politics of the day.
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Following rave reviews in Edinburgh and Nottingham last year, Steven Berkoff's fabulous adaptation of the multi Oscar winning film On the Waterfront gets its West End premiere at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket. The classic story of beleaguered boxer bum Terry Malloy's fight against the New York underworld has been transported from screen to stage. After throwing too many fights Terry is now working on the docks and in the pay of mobster Johnny Friendly. Unwittingly implicated in a murder, facing conflicting feelings of guilt and pragmatism, he is forced to make a decision when falling for the dead man's sister. For those of you who do not know
Berkoff's work, this classic story is adapted to the stage complete with the director's
trademark visual language which emphasizes the physicality of the dynamic production. |
The cast features acclaimed actor/director Steven Berkoff as Johnny Friendly, who also directs. Steven has directed and toured productions of Shakespeare's Coriolanus (also playing the title role), Richard II, Hamlet and Macbeth, as well as Oscar Wilde's Salome. His original stage plays include East, West, Messiah: Scenes from a Crucifixion, The Secret Love Life of Ophelia, Decadence, Harry's Christmas, Massage, Acapulco and Brighton Beach Scumbags. The cast is completed by Simon Merrells (Terry Malloy), Vincenzo Nicoli (Father Barry) Coral Beed (Edie Doyle), Antony Byrne (Charley Malloy), Alexander Thomas, Ian Gofton, Sean Buckley, Alex McSweeny, Dominic Grant, Alex Giannini and Gavin Marshall.
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where? how? time? how much?
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| editor, January 2009 |
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in conversation at Lilian Baylis Studio on November 24, 2008 |
| A rare opportunity to learn more about Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui - one of Europe's most successful and inventive choreographers. Well-known for blurring the division between dance and other forms of performance, his work has attracted a wealth of critical and popular acclaim. Recent highlights include his hit collaboration with Akram Khan, zero degrees, and the more recent Sutra, a unique dancework in collaboration with Turner Prize-winning artist Antony Gormley, inspired by and performed alongside Buddhist Shaolin monks. "The starting point for my talk with Larbi is the book 'Myth and the body', a dialogue between Joseph Campbell, eminent scholar in mythology and Stanley Keleman, specialist in somatic studies. Their main idea that all myths are about the body - its birth, its transformations and its death - is applied to Larbi's creative process and research." GUY COOLS This special event is an opportunity to see Sidi Larbi is in discussion with Guy Cools, an international curator, writer, and dramaturg who has worked on several productions well known to Sadler's Wells audiences including zero degrees and Sacred Monsters. He is currently teaching, writing, lecturing and publishing in Europe and Canada.
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where? how? time Running time how much £6 (US410)
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| editor, November 2008 |
The Times BFI 52nd London Film Festival October 15-30, 2008
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review to folllow: |
| This year's programme for The Times BFI 52nd London Film Festival includes a record number of world and international premieres with a total of 189 features and 108 shorts screening alongside a stellar line-up of special events and expected guests. Opening Night film, Ron Howards FROST/NIXON, is one of the Festivals 15 world premieres and the Closing Night Gala is the European premiere of Danny Boyles SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. An outstanding selection of new British films will world premiere at the Festival, including Nick Morans TELSTAR, Eran Creevys SHIFTY, and Gerald McMorrows FRANKLYN in addition to Shashank Ghoshs QUICK GUN MURUGAN from India and Samir Habchis BEIRUT OPEN CITY from Lebanon. The 12 international premieres at the Festival
include: Also hosting 20 European and 119 UK premieres, the Festival showcases new work from established and emerging filmmakers alongside feature film debuts by newly discovered directing talents. The programme includes the latest work from Laurent Cantet (Cannes Palme dOr winner, THE CLASS), Oliver Stone (W.), Steven Soderbergh (CHE PART 1 & PART 2), Raymond Depardon (MODERN LIFE), Jonathan Demme (RACHEL GETTING MARRIED), Stephan Elliott (EASY VIRTUE), Agnes Varda (THE BEACHES OF AGNES), Shyam Benegal (WELCOME TO SAJJANPUR), Rian Johnson (THE BROTHERS BLOOM), Gabor Csupo (THE SECRET OF MOONACRE), Nuri Bilge Ceylan (THREE MONKEYS); Fernando Eimbcke (LAKE TAHOE), Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne (THE SILENCE OF LORNA), Woody Allen (VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA) and Terence Davies (OF TIME AND THE CITY). In addition to welcoming back previous Festival alumni - such as Kelly Reichardt (WENDY AND LUCY), Pablo Trapero (LIONS DEN) and Bouli Lanners (ELDORADO) - the programme introduces the work of debut directors including Lance Hammer (BALLAST), Juraj Lehotský (BLIND LOVES), Enrique Rivero (PARQUE VIA) and Ursula Meier (HOME). Contributing to an especially strong line-up of British films are the latest features from distinguished UK directors including Michael Winterbottom (GENOVA) and Richard Eyre (THE OTHER MAN), in addition to new work from Justin Kerrigan (I KNOW YOU KNOW) and Pat Holden (AWAYDAYS). British directors making their feature film debuts at the Festival also include Steve McQueen (HUNGER) and Sallie Aprahamian (BROKEN LINES), whilst a special panel event, BRITISH FILM BOOM, will celebrate and examine the new generation of British film talent. Amongst those films representing new French cinema are Arnaud Desplechins A CHRISTMAS TALE, Christophe Honorés LA BELLE PERSONNE and Philippe Grandrieuxs A LAKE. Contemporary European cinema is celebrated in the Cinema Europa strand which includes 29 films, such as Ole Christian Madsens FLAME & CITRON from Denmark, Hungary-Germany co-production DELTA, UPRISE by Sandro Aguilar from Portugal, and INVOLUNTARY by Ruben Östlund from Sweden. In addition, the Film on the Square strand includes Uli Edels THE BAADER MEINHOF COMPLEX from Germany and Antonello Grimaldis QUIET CHAOS from Italy. The best of world cinema will transport Festival audiences around the globe with films from 43 countries including Iceland, Kazakhstan, Chile and Liberia. Mexicos Rodrigo Plá directs THE DESERT WITHIN and Kim Jee-Woons THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD hails from South Korea, whilst Francis X. Pasions JAY and Annemarie Jacirs SALT OF THIS SEA represent new filmmaking from the Philippines and Palestine respectively. A diverse slate of new films from the US includes Gina Prince-Bythewoods THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES and Peter Solletts NICK AND NORAHS INFINITE PLAYLIST, which screen alongside a strong selection of films representing a new wave of American independent filmmaking, such as Antonio Campos AFTERSCHOOL and Courtney Hunts FROZEN RIVER. Highlighting this trend is a special panel event entitled INDIEWOOD IS DEAD LONG LIVE THE NEW, TRUE INDIES which will discuss the future of the US Indie scene. Documentary Gala, Alex Gibneys GONZO: THE LIFE AND WORK OF DR. HUNTER S. THOMPSON, is one of 19 documentary features at the Festival which will compete for the annual Grierson Award for best feature-length documentary. Ari Folmans animated documentary WALTZ WITH BASHIR and James Tobacks TYSON also screen, in addition to CITIZEN HAVEL by Pavel Koutecký and Miroslav Janek from the Czech Republic and Sacha Gervasis ANVIL! THE STORY OF ANVIL. With a total of nine short film programmes and six experimental shorts programmes, audiences enjoy a wealth of choice ranging from recent work by the capitals most exciting new filmmakers in the LONDON CALLING selection, to SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN - an assortment of films which focus on the perils of growing up. The Festivals cutting edge Experimenta strand includes surrealist biopic THE FEATURE by Michel Auder and Andrew Neel, in addition to new restorations of 35mm films by French writer and theorist Guy Debord, and RR - the latest film from American auteur James Benning. Treasures from the Archive celebrates the legacy of cinema with a new restoration of Sergio Leones ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST to mark the classic westerns 40th anniversary, alongside the first two major restorations from Martin Scorseses World Cinema Foundation Metin Erksans DRY SUMMER from Turkey and Djibril Diop Mambétys TOUKI BOUKI from Senegal. For the fifth year running, the Festival will host free outdoor screenings on Trafalgar Square. In celebration of archive cinema, LONDON LOVES is two nights of archive film screenings with Neal Brand providing live piano accompaniment to HIGH TREASON on 23 October and screenings of 15 shorts celebrating the capital on 24 October. Complementing the screenings is an impressive slate of unique Special Events, with an outstanding line-up of film talent due to attend the Festival. THE ETHICAL PROBLEM OF VIOLENCE ON FILM and CINEMA UNDER GEORGE W BUSH promise to be provocative free events for audiences, whilst THE JOURNEY FROM WRITING INTO DIRECTING IN HOLLYWOOD will examine the popular transition from writer to writer-director which several directors in this years programme have made. FROST/NIXON screenwriter Peter Morgan and SYNECDOCHE NEW YORKs writer-director Charlie Kaufman will participate in Masterclasses and Robert Carlyle will be one of four special guests in the Screen Talks series of career interviews. Other guests expected to attend the Festival in October include: Michael Sheen; Eva Green; Atom Egoyan; Gwyneth Paltrow; Sam Riley; Nanni Moretti; Rian Johnson; Omar Sharif; Laurent Cantet; Jessica Biel; Michael Winterbottom; Arnaud Desplechin; Colin Firth; Laura Linney; Michel Houellebecq; Liam Neeson; Alex Gibney; Antonio Campos; Penelope Cruz; Ben Barnes; Danny Boyle; Christophe Honoré; Nathaniel Dorsky and Steven Soderbergh.
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Catering to film fans of all ages, this year The Times BFI 52nd London Film Festival includes a rich selection of 9 international Family-friendly films, alongside an expanded Education programme. Recommended for ages 8+ are MAX MINSKY AND ME from Germany, a smart and funny story about basketball, bat mitzvahs and the pains of growing up, and SOS SUMMER OF SUSPENSE from Norway - a thrilling adventure about a young girls quest to save a seal pup. The international theme is continued with WHERE IS WINKYS HORSE? from the Netherlands a sequel to the heart-warming film Winkys Horse, which screened at the LFF in 2005, and is recommended for an audience aged 5+. Introducing family audiences to the delights of animation are the Danish features SUNSHINE BARRY AND THE DISCO WORMS, the colourful story of one worms musical transformation, and A TALE OF TWO MOZZIES, an anarchic tale of independence, music and honey. In addition, the ANIMATED SHORTS FOR YOUNGER AUDIENCES is a series of short child-friendly gems that complement the Education strands hands-on approach to animation. Fun-filled half-term events for children include a FILM FUNDAY WORKSHOP, which will host a free drop-in animation session for families. In addition, a family-friendly screening of MIA AND THE MIGOU from France will be followed by an interactive event encouraging children to find creative ways to combat global warming, and NO NETWORK from Iceland will be followed by a lesson in survival skills by a real arctic explorer! The half-term screenings are part of a diverse programme of 9 films from around the world carefully selected for a family audience, including the European Premiere of THE SECRET OF MOONACRE, this year's Family Gala title. Based on Elizabeth Goudges popular childrens book The Little White Horse, the film is directed by Gabor Csupo (BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA) and stars Ioan Gruffudd, Dakota Blue-Richards and Juliet Stevenson. An exclusive ANIMATION WORKSHOP in association with Nexus Productions is open to Key Stage 2 pupils, and will introduce children to the increasingly popular world of computer animation under the guidance of professional animators. Meanwhile, the FILM-SCORING WORKSHOP will give Key Stage 4 music students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create their own film scores with help from renowned composer Michael Price (Harry Potter, Hot Fuzz). For undergraduates, a 16MM FILMMAKING WORKSHOP, shooting on location by the River Thames, will accompany special screenings of Nathaniel Dorskys experimental shorts. Further special events for older students include a SCRIPTWRITING MASTERCLASS for undergraduates, focusing on the themes of Female Identity and Characterisation raised by Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlers mesmerising film HELEN. Meanwhile, director Aaron Rose will lead a Masterclass discussing art and artistic integrity to accompany his documentary BEAUTIFUL LOSERS. As part of the Festivals commitment to lifelong learning, senior citizens are invited to a screening of Terence Davies wonderfully reminiscent OF TIME AND THE CITY, followed by a Q&A with the director.
debate and discussion Opening the Festival programme up for debate and discussion will be an illuminating series of post-screening talks in association with key organisations. As part of the Black History Month celebrations, debates surrounding image, identity and representation will follow screenings of MEDICINE FOR MELANCHOLY and BALLAST, whilst a screening of HEART OF FIRE, open to Key Stages 3 and upwards, will be followed by a Q&A in association with human rights charity War Child. Film and Media Undergraduates will be invited to investigate the impact of the media on political legacy through screenings of historical films including FROST/NIXON, CHE (PART 1) and THE BAADER MEINHOFF COMPLEX. In addition, live chatshow, STEREOTALK: TEENS ON SCREEN, gives undergraduates and youth groups the chance to discuss the portrayal of teenagers on screen, and is one of two special Festival events programmed by young people as part of the BFIs Street Geniuses initiative in association with Lambeth and Southwark local authorities. The Education programme will also work with the National Schools Film Week for the first time in order to reach an even greater number of primary and secondary school children.
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how
Tickets are available by calling +4420 7928 3232 from 27 September. BFI members booking opens on
Thursday 18 September
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| editor, September 2008 |
PRESENT WEST SIDE STORY Based on a
Conception of JEROME ROBBINS
Entire Original Production
Directed Originally Produced on Broadway
by Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince The 50th Anniversary July 22, 2008 - August 31, 2008 at Sadlers Wells
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| review When Bernstein wrote West Side
Story in the '50's for the Broadway stage, it took musical theatre to a completely new
level. More like a fix of opera and modern dance, the production highlighted the
fact that the only real American 'cultural' invention - the musical - could be more than
just sweet songs and happy endings. The revival of the original has lost little of its freshness. It maintains its momentum because the characters and the brilliant choreography gives the show its relentless appeal, despite the fact that some of the songs and lyrics are not very hip. West Side Story is musical theatre at its best. Every high school should be 'putting on the show' to illustrate how the story of Romeo and Juliet has a generic message which defies time, location or culture. The plot mirrors life today on the streets of London and many other towns and cities around the world . The tragic and inevitable outcome - death by stabbing - is the harsh conclusion and a stark reminder of tis timeless musical. And if you miss the Sadlers Wells production you can see the UK cast at Wimbledon theatre.
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West Side Story changed the course of musical theatre when it opened on Broadway in 1957. It remains one of the most successful stage shows of all time. Having sold out recently in Paris, Tokyo and Beijing, fifty years later, as part of its fiftieth anniversary world tour, the original Broadway classic is re-staged at Sadler's Wells for a limited season, directed and choreographed afresh by Joey McKneely - former assistant to Jerome Robbins. This production of the greatest dance musical of all time will open on 22 July 2008 and run until 31 August.
Directly following the Sadler's Wells run the production will tour to venues throughout the UK. Alongside the stage musical, and the 1961 film version, which won ten Academy Awards, the original creative team of West Side Story have gained legendary status. The groundbreaking choreography by the legendary Jerome Robbins, book by Arthur Laurents, and the unforgettable score by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, dealt with dark themes and marked a turning point in American musical theatre. Based on Romeo and Juliet and focusing on social issues, the extended dance scenes, and the unforgettable songs, including 'Maria', 'Tonight', 'Somewhere', 'America', and 'I Feel Pretty', have become part of public consciousness the world over. Set on Manhattan's Upper West Side, West Side Story explores the rivalry between two teenage gangs; one white the other Puerto Rican. When Tony falls in love with Maria, the sister of the rival gang's leader, the feud takes on a new dimension, and as their love blossoms so begins a fatal journey overshadowed by violence and hatred. Joey McKneely has choreographed and directed extensively on Broadway and his credits include Smokey Joe's Cafe, Hal Prince's production of Whistle Down The Wind and Nicholas Hytner's production of Twelfth Night. He staged and choreographed West Side Story at La Scala in Milan and has worked on many Hollywood movies. He choreographed The Boy From Oz, with Hugh Jackman in the leading role, before embarking on the direction and choreography for this production of West Side Story. This new version is the only modern day production which may call itself 'The Original' and is the only production currently licensed to tour internationally.
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where Sadlers Wells time ticket prices £10(US$21) - £60(US$125) WEDNESDAY MATINEE: There is a transaction charge of £2.20 for telephone and postal bookings (£1.50 for online and concessionary bookings. No charge in person)
how Box Office: tel: +44844 412 4300
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| editor, June 2008 |
| For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and
James Bond
April 17, 2008 - March 1, 2009 at
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| To celebrate the centenary of Ian Fleming's birth, Imperial War Museum London is producing the first major exhibition devoted to the life and work of the man who created the world's most famous secret agent, James Bond.
Casino Royale © 2006 Danjaq LLC and United Artists Corporation. Casino Royale is a trademark of Danjaq, LLC. Copyright Owner: CASINO ROYALE © 2006 Danjaq, LLC and United Artists Corporation. All rights reserved. Credit: CASINO ROYALE © 2006 Danjaq, LLC and United Artists Corporation Featuring fascinating material, much on public display for the first time, For Your Eyes Only will look at the author and his fictional character in their historical context and examine how much of the Bond novels were imaginary and how far they were based on real people and events. This exhibition will explore the early life of Ian Fleming, his wartime career and work as a journalist and travel writer and how, as an author, he drew upon his own experiences to create the iconic character of James Bond that continues to have global appeal. On display will be rare material including Fleming's desk and chair from his Jamaican home Goldeneye, where he wrote all of the Bond novels; a map of the Mercury News Network established by Ian Fleming in the 1950s showing where all Sunday Times foreign correspondents were based; the jacket worn by Fleming on the Dieppe Raid of 1942; a selection of annotated Bond manuscripts; the Colt Python .357 Magnum revolver presented to Fleming by the Colt company in 1964; the manuscript for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and a working model of an Aston Martin DB5 made for HRH Prince Andrew in 1966, complete with gadgets from the films Thunderball and Goldfinger. The 'blood-splattered' shirt worn by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale will be displayed for the first time along with prototypes for Rosa Klebb's flick knife shoes in From Russia with Love; Halle Berry's bikini from Die Another Day and Goldfinger's golf shoes which have been lent by the EON Productions' archive. For Your Eyes Only will show how Fleming's wartime experiences informed the Bond plots and inspired many of the iconic heroes and villains, such as M and Goldfinger, and how the Cold War, a war of spies and technology, provided the stage in which Bond could operate. The exhibition will examine to what extent the books and films reflect the reality of the Cold War and life in post-war Britain and how far they were a product of Fleming's prodigious imagination. It will conclude with Fleming's legacy, exploring how one man's idea generated an entire industry, not only books and films, but also parodies, toys, games and clothes. Over fifty years after his first appearance in print, James Bond continues to exert a grip on the global imagination and Fleming remains a classic writer of his generation.
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Caption: Ian Fleming with co-producers Harry Salzman and Albert R. 'Cubby' Broccoli on the set of Goldfinger (1964) (Photo by Pictorial Parade / Hilton Archive / Getty Images) Copyright Owner: Getty Images Credit: Getty Images
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where Imperial War Museum time ticket prices Adults £8(US$16) - how info.
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| editor, March 2008 |
MARTIAN MUSEUM OF TERRESTRIAL ART
at the Barbican Art Gallery through May 18,
2008 |
| The exhibit is accompanied by David Woods and Jon Haynes, the award-winning duo Ridiculusmus.
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Martian Museum of Terrestrial Art presents contemporary art as if shown in a fictional museum conceived by and designed for extraterrestrials. This ambitious, playful and irreverent exhibition transforms the Barbican Art Gallery into an imaginary museum, with a mission to interpret and understand contemporary art. It features around 200 works - primarily sculpture as well as mixed media, video, photography and works on paper - by over 100 established and emerging artists, from the 1960s until now. They include Joseph Beuys, John Bock, Marcel Broodthaers, James Lee Byars, Maurizio Cattelan, Richard Hamilton, Isa Genzken, Barbara Hepworth, Susan Hiller, Thomas Hirschhorn, Damien Hirst, Mike Kelley, Yves Klein, Sherrie Levine, Piero Manzoni, John McCracken, Annette Messager, Bruce Nauman, Sigmar Polke, Simon Starling, Haim Steinbach, Francis Upritchard, Andy Warhol and Cerith Wyn Evans. The project is in part inspired by the first chapter of Kant after Duchamp by Belgian art historian Thierry de Duve, in which an imaginary anthropologist from outer space sets out to inventory 'all that is called art by humans'. Since Martians do not have art as a defined category in their culture, they classify and interpret their chosen objects without the 'knowledge' we know as art history. Instead, they treat works of art as artefacts: objects which serve a function, whether real or symbolic. The Martian perspective opens up contemporary art to fresh interpretations. It allows for its reassessment from an alien standpoint, thus mimicking the way that Western anthropologists historically interpreted non-Western cultures through foreign eyes. Looking at contemporary art as though from outer space offers the potential to make the familiar strange and to the turn the dominant Euro-American art tradition into the 'other'. It also raises pertinent questions about the use and value of contemporary art in human culture. Adopting a pseudo-anthropological approach, Martian Museum of Terrestrial Art employs eccentric taxonomies and surprising juxtapositions. Arranged according to how they function or are used by humans, objects are classified within a framework of four broad categories: Kinship and Descent; Magic and Belief; Ritual; and Communication. Within these larger themes, objects are grouped in subcategories such as Ancestor Worship, Relics and Spirits, Ceremonial Objects, and Cultural Contact and arranged on plinths, in vitrines and on the wall. While interpretive labels and an audio guide enhance accessibility, and serve further to explicate the Martian's understanding of the role and purpose of contemporary art, they also reveal humorous misunderstandings about the objects on view.
The Martian Museum opens with a spectacular gallery conceived as the Great Hall of Ancestors. Presented within the category Kinship and Descent, works include totems, kinship diagrams and various forms of ancestor worship. Thomas Hirschhorn 's Musée Précaire Albinet (Lighter), 2004, is a four foot tall sculpture, in the shape of a cigarette lighter, featuring some of his artistic heroes such as Andy Warhol and Piet Mondrian. In Jay Heikes', Family Tree, 2003, brightly coloured sport jackets hang from a suspended tree trunk, suggesting connections between social groups. Sherrie Levine pays homage to Marcel Duchamp by casting a urinal in bronze, a precious metal and traditional material for sculpture, and thereby amplifying the gesture of transforming a common object into a work of art. Magic and Belief includes works that involve the literal or metaphorical transformation of materials from one form to another. Joseph Beuys' Capri Battery,1985, suggests that energy captured by the lemon from the Capri sun is magically transferred to a yellow bulb. Icons, relics and shrines are also featured in this section. Andy Warhol's appropriation of the endlessly reproduced photograph of Mao Zedong reinforces the Chinese political leader's iconic status. Dr Lakra's decorative box contains a small wax hand covered in tattoos, conjuring up the preciousness of holy power. Haim Steinbach's work consists of seven small black alarm clocks and a gold bust of C-3PO from Star Wars carefully arranged on shelves, and is reminiscent of a shrine. Ritual features masks, costumes, props or other objects used in the observance of rites and ceremonial functions. Damien Hirst's wall sculpture of fish in glass containers, all aligned in the same direction, can be likened to a cave painting as an auspicious ritual designed to produce a successful hunt. Rituals and ceremonies are also presented through photographic and video documentation. In the video The Colleague In a Kitchen Garden by Rosemarie Trockel and Thea Djordjadze we see the sculpture they had made together being burnt to a cinder, with the ashes then placed in an urn. Communication gathers works together that reveal attempts to communicate with extraterrestrials by transmission of messages, information or ideas. Július Koller's Universal Futurological Question Mark, 1978, is a black and white photograph of a large group of people sitting in formation on a hillside; if viewed from a distance or above their positions appear as a question mark. Other works involve interplanetary journeys and missions. Like the Apollo astronauts, Bruce Nauman seeks to leave his trace on the moon with his neon sculpture, My Name As Though It Were Written on the Surface of the Moon, 1968 and suggests that the moon can be a readymade work of art. The Martian Museum also includes a room devoted to Unclassified Objects. These are recent acquisitions which have not yet been understood, interpreted and categorised.
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| Martian Museum of Terrestrial
Art is curated by Francesco Manacorda and Lydia Yee and made possible in part by the
American Center Foundation and The Henry Moore Foundation.
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when March 6 - May 18, 2008 where Barbican Art Gallery time ticket prices £8(US$16) - £6(US$12) for concessions how info. 44(0)845 120 7550
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| editor, March 2008 |
| Flamenco Festival
London 08
at Sadlers Wells from March 3, 2008 |
| The annual Flamenco Festival London features some of the finest artists from across Spain. Opening the festival is Compañía María Pagés, whose outstanding dancers are renowned for their vibrant, colourful performances - the perfect introduction to flamenco, as well as as a treat for aficionados. Los Farruco, the royals of the flamenco world, present a truly authentic display of gypsy flamenco - mixing song with acrobatic turns and fast, furious footwork. Other highlights include modern flamenco dance from Rafaela Carrasco and the avant-guarde Israel Galván; a show dedicated to great women of flamenco Mujeres; concerts by new star Concha Buika and traditional singers Carmen Linares and Miguel Poveda; and a celebration of gypsy flamenco from Andalucía, Viva Jerez!
Directed and Produced by Miguel Marin productions |
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Shows in this season
Friday 07 March
2008 - Sunday 09 March 2008 Saturday 08 March
2008 Sunday 09 March
2008 Monday 10 March
2008 Tuesday 11 March
2008 - Wednesday 12 March 2008 Thursday 13 March
2008 Friday 14 March
2008 Saturday 15 March
2008 Sunday 16 March
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when March 3 -16, 2008 where Sadler's Wells
Theatre time ticket prices £10(US$2o) - £38(US$75) how BOX OFFICE 44844 412 4300
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| editor, February 2008 |
Richmond Theatre presents starring JAMES FLEET
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| review to follow IN THE CLUB
Fresh from its 2007 successful
summer premiere at Hampstead Theatre, the riotous and hilarious new comedy In The Club is
bringing its "running gags, slapstick and witty one liners" (Financial Times) to
audiences at Richmond Theatre for one week only! (And on tour around the country in a
theatre new you after Richmond!) Hapless MEP Philip Wardrobe (James Fleet) has a busy day ahead of him, balancing his less-than-irreproachable political career with his attempts to start a family. As he prepares for his girlfriend to fly in from Kettering for an afternoon of fertile frolics, his plan to be voted President of the European Parliament is foiled at every turn by his unpredictable colleagues: uncouth Yorkshiremen, irate Turks and amorous Frenchwomen to say nothing of the mysterious man in the linen cupboard. A Strasbourg hotel suite provides the setting for the door-slamming shenanigans in which Philip's personal and political life collide with hilarious results.
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David Grindley's Journey's End won the 2007 Tony Award for Best Revival and his revival of Abigail's Party in 2002 was Olivier-nominated.
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when Februry 12 - 16, 2008 where Richmond Green time ticket pricess £14(US$29) - £28(US$58) how BOX OFFICE 0870 060 6651 (bkg fee)
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| editor, February 2008 |
| holiday shows
holiday shows holiday shows holiday shows holiday shows holiday shows holiday shows holiday shows holiday shows holiday shows holiday shows holiday shows |
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visuals are protected by
copyright and may not be used without prior and written consent of the MOULINSART company (contact: colette.scietecat @moulinsart.be) |
tintin |
| the pantomime | ![]() |
dick wittington & his cat |
| THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH A Punchdrunk and BAC Co-production ends April 12, 2008 BAC's Playground Projects are Supported by Bloomberg This haunting version of Edgar Allan Poes The Masque of the Red Death follows Punchdrunk's smash-hit success, Faust, which won a Critics' Circle Award in 2006. Journey into a macabre world, explore the four corners of Battersea Arts Centre and relive its Victorian origins as Punchdrunk immerses the building in Poe's imagination. The most extraordinarily dramatic event you will find in any theatre(Sunday Telegraph) One of the best things to happen to the theatre in the last ten years (the Observer) The Masque of the Red Death is an indoor promenade performance lasting up to 3 hours, with two timed entries at 7.15pm and 7.45pm. The production takes place at BAC, Lavender Hill, London SW11 5TN. Evening dress is optional. Box Office +4420 7223 2223 Box Office +44870 737 7737 Tickets: £40 (US$85) - £20
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Richmond Theatre presents Nigel
Havers stars in Dust off your ball gowns and
prepare to laugh until your cry because this years pantomime looks set to be a feast
of festive fun and promises to be a magical experience for the whole family. BOX OFFICE 0870 060 6651 (bkg fee)
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co-produced by BITE:05, Barbican Hergés adventures of Tintin. at the Playhouse theatre ends January 12, 2008 Between the laughter, the venue was full of whispering voices of children excitedly asking their parents exactly what was going on, on stage, as Tintin, Snowy and Captain Haddock return to the UK to entertain and delight adults and kids of all ages. The storyline is simple.
Tintin hears in his dreams the cries of his best friend lost in the mountains of
Nepal. Convinced he is alive, the courageous threesome set about on a dangerous
'operation rescue' and take on the challenges of snow storms and a very friendly Yeti. Snowy displays a number of human
characteristics which include a shared interest in whisky alongside Captain Haddock, and a
real sense of man's best friend behaviour as he frequently declares 'I love you, I love
you, I love you" to his owner, Tintin. Despite his almost human frailties -
odd moments when his loyalty to Tintin waver particularly during the most dangerous
'mission manoeuvers', it is Snowy that brings all the characters together in this two-hour
production. A must for all the family! The cast includes Russell Tovey (Tintin), Sam Cox (Captain Haddock), Simon Trinder (Snowy), Tom Wu (Tharkey) and Kenon Mann (Chang). Box Office: +44870 060 6631 |
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DICK WHITTINGTON & HIS CATat The Hackney Empire ends January 12, 2008 The cast is headed by the ever popular and much loved Clive Rowe, who in the past has received rave reviews for his role as Widow Twanky in Jack and the Beanstalk. Tameka Empson returns in yet another staring role which means that this pantomime is a guaranteed hit and pure entertainment for all the family The Hackney Empire pantomime has established itself as leader of the pack in Pantoland - receiving universal acclaim from audience and critics alike. Whilst others fight over the latest Big Brother winners, the Empire's Panto goes from strength to strength, focusing on the core elements of traditional performance, spectacular sets and costumes, magical spectacle, exciting music and dance, slapstick comedy and great fun. Tickets are from £9:50 (US$20)
through to £19.50 (US$42)with concessions Box Office - +44 (0)20 8985 2424
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| Henman's Fun Fundraiser
December 4-9, 2007 |
Update: December 7, 2007 PM John McEnroe has kept audiences
entertained at the Royal Albert Hall this week as a series of foot stamping, racquet
throwing and 'animated discussions' with the officials reminded the spectators of the
legacy of one of the greatest heroes of modern tennis. Of course, his reputation precedes him and both his opponents and the audience expect the best and worst of McEnroe.... and he delivers. As he moves onwards his half century he remains an icon of the game and his determination to win makes for dramatic entertainment. A slow speed first set in a mere 70 minutes saw John beat off the almost equally popular Pat Cash 7:5. McEnroe then went though to the quarters only to be trounced by the champion of the last two years, Paul Haarhuis. Let's hope he will be back next
year!
Update: December 6, 2007 AM The Seniors Tour is looking more like Wimbledon with dramatic tie-breaks and unexpected winners. Jeremy Bates easily won against the two other players in his group Leconte and Ferreira and will slide into the quater finals giving the crowd a lift to know that a local boy is performing well. McEnroe - another crowd pleaser - fought
tooth-and-nail to beat Pioline, saving countless break points before going down 7-6, 6-7,
10-4 (Champions Tie-Break). When Im playing with
confidence Im trying a lot of things and its going well and Im having
fun, so its good. Of course I want to win here because Ive never won it and it
would be the end of a fantastic season for me. Playing here in the Royal Albert Hall is
very nice, with an unbelievable ambience because its always full. Its fun to
play here. RESULTS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2007 Sergi Bruguera d Anders Jarryd
6-2, 6-4
Tim Henman and Stefan Edberg rolled back the
years in a special charity match at the BlackRock Masters Tennis on Tuesday to raise money
for the Teenage Cancer Trust. After the match, Edberg and Henman raised more
than £50,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. A three horse-race of bidders for an
exclusive day out at Wimbledon 2008 with access to the BBC output was firecely fought.
Eventually, Tim Henman made an executive decision and offered the three
bidders tickets for each of them and a guest for a bargain basement price of £10,000.
A good night out for all! |
The BlackRock Tour of Champions which includes a series of round-robin groups; and some entertaining doubles is also the platform for a Tim Henman fundraiser. Henman will also take on two-time Wimbledon champion Stefan Edberg at the Royal Albert Hall on December 4, 2007 to raise money for his Kids at Heart Charity. It will be his first match since he retired from the professional circuit in glorious fashion in Britains Davis Cup victory over Croatia at Wimbledon last month. (Better than the football!) The return of Bjorn Borg to the London stage was a much anticipated event this year; but the hero of Swedish tennis was forced to withdraw from the ranks of the 'seniors" at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The five-time Wimbledon champion will not be making his first appearance at the BlackRock Tour of Champions. But as a welcome addition, Greg Rusedski will make his first appearance on the BlackRock Tour of Champions after being drafted into the London field to replace the injured Goran Ivanisevic. The Briton, who reached the US Open final in 1997, will form part of the Group of Death¹ with defending champion Paul Haarhuis and 1991 Wimbledon winner Michael Stich in the round-robin stages. Ivanisevic has failed to recover from a left hamstring pull suffered in Frankfurt last month. The action gets underway tomorrow, with the No.2 player in the South African Airways Champions Tour Rankings, Henri Leconte up against Britain¹s Jeremy Bates. The 2001 champion Guy Forget will then face Belfast winner Anders Jarryd, and then in the evening session, Pat Cash meets Cedric Pioline and Stich faces Haarhuis. John McEnroe and current No.1 Sergi Bruguera will begin their campaigns on Wednesday. McEnroe will face Pioline, while Bruguera takes on Jarryd. Also on Tuesday, Tim Henman will meet Stefan Edberg in a charity match to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
See below for ticket information , |
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ROUND-ROBIN GROUPS Group A Bruguera Jarryd Forget Group B Leconte Ferreira Bates Group C Pioline McEnroe Cash Group D Haarhuis Stich Rusedski
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SCHEDULE (revised) Tuesday afternoon session Starting at 1pm Tuesday evening session Starting at 7.30pm Wednesday afternoon session 1. Sergi Bruguera vs. Anders
Jarryd Wednesday evening session 1. Greg Rusedski v Michael Stich Thursday afternoon session 1. Paul Haarhuis v Greg Rusedski Thursday evening session 1. Pat Cash v John McEnroe * please note, the order of play is subject to change
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SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS 2007 TOUR OF CHAMPIONS RANKINGS (after 11 events) Players positions, points and number of matches played
8. John McEnroe 715 6
THE BLACKROCK TOUR OF CHAMPIONS CALENDAR 2007 |
where The Royal Albert hall when December 4-9, 2007 how BOX OFFICE: +44 20 7589 8212 hours afternoon and evening sessions
how much £7.00 (restricted
view) to £95.00 (US$15 to US$200) depending on day |
| editor, december 2007 |
| Honour Bound directed by Nigel Jamieson and choreographered by Garry Stewart is part of
the Bite festival at Lond0n's Barbican November 14-17, 2007 |
review: The story opens with the very
familiar prisoner orange outfits on the floor. The dancers climb into their costumes
and seamlessly rotate between captors and captives. The very acrobatic dancers act out their pain and humiliation in a startling fashion. The choreography can only be described as 'bruising' and in some respects it almost becomes unbearable as layer and layer of brutality is thrown at the audience. While the audience is drawn into the production particularly by some effective lighting techniques, they are also drawn into the story, as the parents of the prisoner David Hicks appear on large screens to describe their son's horrific experience. The strong visual images of incarceration cast shadows over the stage and the relentless physicality of the performance makes for a a seductive and sometimes repulsive audience interaction. Where the production falls down is in its subject matter. In recent year's the UK audience has seen productions on the topic of Guantanamo Bay in all shapes and sizes, and whereas for the many the story has moved on, primarily due to the release of the British prisoners, David Hicks was only recently returned to his country to serve out the final few months of his 'sentence'. Great choreography, stunning multi-media effects and exceptional performances make this a must; but bear in mind this is a well known story with an Aussie twist and its' relevance to a British audience is no more than a reminder of what we already know. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Age guidance 16+
************************** The Company As Artistic Director of Australian Dance Theatre, Garry Stewart's choreography is renowned for the intense physicality of its style and its exploration of bodies pushed to physical and emotional extremes. Conceived, co-designed and directed by Nigel Jamieson Choreography by Garry Stewart Supported by the Australia Council for the Arts.
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| where The Barbican when November
14-17, 2007 how BOX OFFICE: +4420 7638 8891 (9am-8pm daily) hours 7.45pm: running
time: 70 mins/no interval
how much £7.00 to £26.00
(US$15 to US$55) |
| editor, november 2007 |
| Headlong Theatre in association with the Nuffield Theatre, Southampton and Hampstead Theatre present the UK tour of Christopher Marlowe's FAUSTUS at RICHMOND THEATRE October 31, 2007 November 3, 2007 |
review: The performance seamlessly moves from past to present and is only really punctuated once with sentimentality when the camerawoman who is filming their 'painting over' describes the act as something as sacrilegious as the murder of her bother in war torn Eastern Europe. In doing this she provokes doubt in the mind of one of the Chapman brothers who momentarily feels remorse that he is about to ruin Goya's masterpieces; but doubt is fleeting and the Chapman Brothers achieve their objective to shock. Are they equal to the fallen Dr Faustus? It is hard to tell; and in part is dependent on your view of modern versus classical art. But the performances (particularly Faustus); staging; and fast paced dialogue makes the production memorable. You leave with more questions unanswered than answered as you see the audience quickly return to live out their own perronal value syste: by driving home in their big cars; going to dine in an expensive restaurant or planning their Christmas shopping. Human nature is so fickle!
************************** Headlong Theatre (previously Oxford Stage Company) bring their critically acclaimed production of Faustus to Richmond Theatre in a bold retelling of the 16th Century masterpiece, which interweaves the story of Christopher Marlowe's anti-hero with a provocative contemporary narrative. Two worlds overlap in this
subversive modern fable. In medieval Germany, John Faustus embraces the dark arts: in 21st
Century London, contemporary artists Jake and Dinos Chapman prepare a controversial new
work. As Faustus seals his pact with the devil, the Chapman brothers prepare to
"rectify" a priceless set of Goya etchings and all are forced to confront the
power of the irrevocable act. Rupert Goold's bold production of Faustus was originally created at The Royal Theatre, Northampton in 2004. It visited Hampstead Theatre, London in 2006 and following exceptional critical and audience acclaim is recreated for this UK tour. The cast in this new version by
Rupert Goold and Ben Power includes: Jason Baughan, Andrew Bridgmont, Gus Brown and Claire
Lams. |
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| where RICHMOND THEATRE , Richmond Green when October 31 to November 3, 2007 how BOX OFFICE 0870 060 6651 (transaction fee applies) hours Wed-Sat eves 7.45pm
how much £12.00 to £24.00
(US$25 to US$50) |
| editor, october 2007 |
| The fabulous
award-winning production of
at RICHMOND THEATRE October 23 - 27, 2007 |
review: The storyline is simple.
Tintin hears in his dreams the cries of his best friend lost in the mountains of
Nepal. Convinced he is alive, the courageous threesome set about on a dangerous
'operation rescue' and take on the challenges of snow storms and a very friendly Yeti. Snowy displays a number of human
characteristics which include a shared interest in whisky alongside Captain Haddock, and a
real sense of man's best friend behaviour as he frequently declares 'I love you, I love
you, I love you" to his owner, Tintin. Despite his almost human frailties -
odd moments when his loyalty to Tintin waver particularly during the most dangerous
'mission manoeuvers', it is Snowy that brings all the characters together in this two-hour
production. A must for all the family! , |
The first UK stage adaptation of Hergé's legendary cartoon hero Tintin, which originally played the Barbican over Christmas 2005 to full houses and great acclaim, is coming to Richmond Theatre with amazing sets, fast-paced choreography, live music, larger than life characters and plenty of humour for adults and children alike! Based on the book 'Tintin in Tibet', Hergé's Adventures Of Tintin follows the eponymous hero, his loyal dog Snowy and the curmudgeonly Captain Haddock in an engaging and charming plot as they battle to rescue their friend Chang lost in a plane crash in the high Himalayas. With time running out, and rumours of the Abominable Snowman prowling the peaks, this will be the most testing adventure yet for our fearless young reporter and his friends. Prior to a season in Londons West End and coming to Richmond: Tintin, the worlds most famous boy reporter began his first adventure in 1929, in the comic strip Le Petit Vingtième. Created by illustrator Georges Remi, known to the world as Hergé, Tintin has become a modern day icon with his trademark crested quiff, plus-four trousers and his faithful dog Snowy. Each year more than 3 million copies of Tintins adventures are sold across 50 countries in 40 different languages. Tintin has a lasting appeal which has transcended time, culture and language. The tour comes as Tintin is on the threshold of
superstardom as a 3D, digitally enhanced movie star. Steven Spielberg and The Lord of the
Rings director Peter Jackson have announced a three-film deal, with the first installment
due in 2009.
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Tintins universal appeal, stretching from his birthplace in Brussels to corners of the world far more obscure than those he reached in his globetrotting adventures, has a rock solid foundation in reality, enabling him to transcend fashion, age and nationality. Georges Remi was a highly gifted illustrator with a vivid, childlike imagination and deep curiosity about the world around him. He may have aspired to be a dashing foreign correspondent when he started on Le XXe Siecle, a Belgian Catholic daily, as a general dogsbody. But very soon his talent as an illustrator became apparent. He was put to work drawing for different parts of the newspaper until he was asked to produce a supplement for children that would come out weekly on Thursdays. It first appeared on November 1, 1928. To fill the supplement he decided inspired by the American example still unfamiliar in Europe to create a cartoon strip where, as he put it, words would come directly out of the characters mouth. And so, on January 10, 1928, the pages of Le Petit Vingtième saw the début of a reporter called Tintin, bound for Moscow to expose the evils of Bolshevism. The broad appeal of Tintins subsequent adventures was down to more than high quality drawing and compelling narrative. As in the best fiction, the stories were anchored firmly in fact. There was additionally a topicality of subject which somehow did not date and there was Hergés remarkable ability to anticipate world events, whether Pearl Harbour or the first manned landing on the Moon. The extraordinarily accurate detail of every
story, the result of painstaking research and Hergés constantly swelling archive
files, was a key ingredient of the successful formula. Every motorcar was an exact model;
revolvers were copied from arms manufacturers catalogues, cameras from a Leica
brochure and so on. Hergé was almost obsessive about keeping material that he could draw
on in the future a nod to Tintins boy scout nature.
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| where RICHMOND THEATRE , Richmond Green when 23 October to 27 October how BOX OFFICE 0870 060 6651 (transaction fee applies) hours Tues-Sat eves 7.00pm
how much £17.00 to £19.00
(US$35 to US$40)
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| editor, october 2007 |
| The world premiere
production of Terms Of Endearment, stars the glamorous award-winning actress Linda Gray as feisty widow Aurora Greenway, Suranne Jones as her daughter Emma and John Bowe as Garrett. in By Dan Gordon at RICHMOND THEATRE October 15 - 20, 2007 |
![]() review: It is very rare that a play can
be accused of having 'too much of the bedroom' - but this touring production of Terms of
Endearment unwittingly achieves that objective. Linda Gray (Aurora) and John Bowe ('the astronaut') exemplify the bitter-sweet nature of their roles; and Surname Jones (Emma) gets better and better as the play moves on. Take this opportunity to see the production at Richmond before it seals a deal at a more expensive West End venue; and hope and pray that next time round the audience are given credit that if the set allows them to imagine the location of the scenes (rather than act as a distraction) they will not lose track of the plot. Part way through the second half of the show the backdrop to a hospital is flown in. It successfully hides the double bed and the following takes on 'a status' well suited to the very emotional final scenes. The actors should be applauded for their performances; and as for the double bed........ , |
| Who can forget Londa Gray as the worn-down wife of J R Ewing inthe hit US TV sereies "Dallas"? In sharp contrast, Gray performs
in this new comedy drama.based on the novel and five-times Oscar-winning film. Linda Gray says of the production: "The beautiful balance in the play is that it gives you a slice of life, it says here it is - life is funny, life is touching, life is moving, life is sad. For me it's important to touch people's hearts and I truly hope that will happen, that they'll come out laughing and crying and talking about it long after. That's what's missing from a lot of movies. You walk out and there's an emptiness - you go out with an empty bag of popcorn and an emptiness in your soul because nothing really happened, lots of special effects but nothing really touched you at all. I don't think anyone will go away feeling empty from this play. This script was a gift to me, so I hope we can touch somebody's heart."
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| Terms Of Endearment is written by Dan Gordon and is based on the novel by Larry McMurtry and the screenplay by James L. Brooks of the motion picture produced by Paramount Pictures Corporation. This new production is presented on tour by Lee Dean, Jenny Topper, Laurence Myers, Charles Diamond, Hilary Williams in association with GR8 Theatricals and York Theatre Royal. Terms Of Endearment stars Golden Globe winner Linda Gray who won international fame and critical acclaim with her portrayal of Sue Ellen in the TV phenomenon Dallas. She most recently starred as Mrs Robinson in The Graduate both in the West End and on Broadway. She is joined by Suranne Jones as Emma and John Bowe as Garrett. Suranne is probably best known for her role of Karen McDonald in Coronation Street and she most recently appeared in the West End in A Few Good Men opposite Rob Lowe. John's work includes seasons with the RSC, and numerous TV drama roles including George Marlow in Prime Suspect. The cast also includes Robert Fitch and Katherine Heath. The creative team is led by Director David Taylor with designs by Julie Godfrey and lighting by Oliver Fenwick.
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| where RICHMOND THEATRE , Richmond Green
when 15 October to 20 October how BOX OFFICE 0870 060 6651 (transaction fee applies) hours Mon-Sat eves 7.45pm Wed & Sat mats 2.30pmhow much
how much £14.00 (US$22) to
(US$60)
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| editor, september 2007 |
| if there is one
exhibit that you must see in London during the summer it is Antony Gormley's: Blind Light. it's such fun.........
|
| ANTONY GORMLEY: BLIND LIGHT through August 19, 2007 The Hayward, as part of the relaunch season of Southbank Centre ,Presenting the first major London showing of the work of Antony Gormley, the exhibition features a series of brand new monumental works specially conceived for The Haywards distinctive gallery spaces, which move Gormleys work in a radical new direction. It includes one of the largest ever urban public art commissions, Event Horizon, which features 31 sculptural casts of the artists body on rooftops and public walkways across central London, spanning outwards from the Southbank Centre, subtly punctuating the city skyline. Awarded the Turner Prize in 1994 and the South Bank Prize for Visual Art in 1999, Antony Gormley is one of the most celebrated artists working in the UK today. Since the 1980s his work has focused consistently on the human figure, using his own body as the starting point, material, tool and subject. For this exhibition Gormley has created a series of newly commissioned works which take the human form as their starting point but then abstract the figure to the limits of readability. Visitors to the exhibition are immediately confronted by Space Station (2007), a colossal six metre high steel mass, weighing 22 tonnes, which from various vantage points in the gallery reveals itself as a human form curled into a foetal pose. The work is lit solely by the glow from Blind Light (2007), a luminous glass room filled with a dense cloud of mist. On entering inside the chamber the visitor is immediately disorientated by the enveloping mist, which reduces visibility to around twofeet, whilst visitors catch a glimpse of the figures moving within. Whilst downstairs the gallery features these largescale installations, along with the monumental work Allotment II (1996), the lightfilled upper galleries provide a contrasting experience with one gallery filled with a spectacular series of suspended figures created in lightinfused webs of steel appear to float midair. The interactive experience continues with Hatch (2007), a room containing a threedimensional maze of projecting aluminium tubes which visitors can enter. From outside the room visitors can look through the hollow tube which creates a fractured, kaleidoscopic view of the interior. Gormleys provocative engagement with our physical and perceptual space continues outside the gallery walls with a major new installation Event Horizon (2007). Viewed from the vantage point of The Haywards three sculpture terraces, the 31 lifesized figures are spread over a 1.5 sq km area, with some figures clearly visible and others sensed only as presences on the horizon. From daily commuters to tourists visiting London for the first time, Event Horizon encourages people to look afresh at the city and explores the way people view and interact with their everyday surroundings. The exhibition has been chosen by Hayward Director, Ralph Rugoff and Curator, Jacky Klein, in consultation with Antony Gormley. As well as the compelling new works the selection includes a selection of earlier works including the vast installation of 300 concrete forms, Allotment II (1996) Mothers Pride (1982), and reworking of the installation Drawn (2000/2007).
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| where Blind Light at The
Haywad ,
when 17 May and runs until 19 August. how tel: +4420 7921 0813 hours opening hours for
The Hayward: Open daily 10am-6pm: how much Advance tickets are available by calling +44871 663 2519, or in person at The Hayward ticket office. Full Price £8.00
(US$16)
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| Editor, june 2007 |
June 2007
HAVANA RAKATAN at the Peacock Theatre through June 23, 2007 |
| the review: If you have visited Cuba, it is easy to recognize some of the characteristics of the country and the people in the performance of the artists in HAVANA RAKATAN. Cuba - as a very poor country
lacks sophistication and frills - in part due to the lack of funding. This gives the
Cubans a natural spontaneity and enthusiasm for all aspects of life and in particular
music and dance. There may be a lack of slickness
and sophistication in the production, but this does not take away from the enjoyment. Instead, at times, the changeovers seemed almost awkward and this can only be explained by a lack of tehnical experience rather than a lack of skill on the part the performers.In fact, what gave HAVANA RAKATAN its unusual edge was the fact that it wasn't perfect. Had the staging been just slightly better it would have given the show a quality of the nightclub rather than the West End stage. But if you love the music, the dance and the beautiful songs this is a great show and one that is likely unique to the London stage.
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| Nilda Guerra's acclaimed Cuban company Ballet Rakatan brings a slice of Havana flavour to London as high-octane Cuban dance combines with an awe-inspiring Cuban band in this spectacular new show direct from the world's most soulful city. From the sexy, spontaneous rumba to the slick footwork of the cha-cha-cha, this is a show that's guaranteed to get heads nodding and feet tapping. Set to live Cuban music courtesy of Cuba's well-known son band Turquino, Havana Rakatan is a captivating journey through the dance and music of a truly unique country. Beginning with the Cuban fusion of Spanish culture and African spiritual beliefs, choreographer Nilda Guerra takes us through a rich mix of flamenco, Yoruba and Afro-Haitian rhythms, before moving on to the modern forms of salsa that originated in the early twentieth century salon dances. Jazz, mambo, bolero, son, cha-cha-cha, rumba and salsa all come alive in a dazzling dance display of Cuban passion.
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| And for the
brave at heart ticket holders, after each Friday night show, the Peacock Theatre offers
you a chance to put into practice a very tiny part of what you have seen on stage with
free introductory salsa classes under the instruction of leading Salsa teacher,
Amanda Maitland. |
where when Performance times:
how Box office: +44844 412 4322 how much Tickets £15 (USD30) - £38 (US$76)
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| Editor, May 2007 |
Nominated for two Olivier Awards including OUTSTANDING MUSICAL PRODUCTION
HIGH SOCIETY Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter, Book by Arthur Kopit Directed by Ian Talbot, Designed by Paul Farnsworth RICHMOND THEATRE, Richmond May 14 - 19, 2007 |
| the review: As the cast warmed up during the first act of this delightful Cole Porter production, it became apparent why this is an unmissable show. Exquisite sets and strong performances made it a night out to remember. Full of fun and classic Cole Porter melodies, the audience could be seen singing along quietly, as the very talented cast gave it their all. Outstanding dance performances not only came from the legendary Mr Wayne Sleep; but also the equally talent and much taller Paul Robinson, who must be one of the best on the musical theatre circuit. Leading ladies, Isla Carter and Sophie-Louise Dann rose to the occasion displaying their power house musical talent - so needed for a somewhat over-the-top musical. And as the cast seamlessly moved from song to song, the staging and choreography equally matched the grace and ease in which this production more than met its expectation at Richmond Theatre's opening/press night performance. Once again, a perfect opportunity to see a top West End Show at bargain basement prices. And let's not forget the outstanding performances of Mike Sterling as he outshone the competition in the charm stakes; and Brenda Moore in the 'cuteness' category.. Try and grab a last minute ticket for this short run at Richmond as part of a National Tour.
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Richmond Theatre sends an exciting invite to the society wedding of the year, Cole Porter's greatest musical - High Society, starring Wayne Sleep. It is a classic musical that sparkles like a glass of vintage champagne! Following West End sell-out success and rave reviews, High Society is the perfect cocktail of glamour, romance and unforgettable songs. Familiar to most from the classic 1950's film starring Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, this classic musical features 15 of Cole Porter's greatest and most memorable songs, including 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire', 'True Love', 'You're Sensational' and 'Swell Party'. Wayne Sleep appeared in over 50 major roles for the Royal Ballet, and his own choreographic works include David and Goliath for London Contemporary Dance and San Francisco Ballet, Savoy Suite for English National Ballet, A Soldier's Tale and the Hot Shoe Show for television and stage. As an actor, Wayne has appeared as Ariel in The Tempest, Truffaldino in The Servant of Two Masters, the title role of Pinocchio, Oblio in the Point, Feste in Twelfth Night, Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream for the Open Air Shakespeare Company and starred in the original productions of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's smash hits Cats and Song and Dance. He has also recently played the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium and played the Emcee in Gillian Lynn's production of Cabaret in the West End. He has topped the bill in 16 pantomimes, and devised and directed many productions and charity galas. Appointed an OBE in 1998, he recently endured a spell in I'm a Celebrity, Get me Out of Here! as well being a judge on BBC1's Strictly Dance Fever. High Society guarantees a giddy blend of corking songs, fizzing one-liners and champagne-fuelled farce. The flowers have arrived; the champagne's on ice and the guests, press and paparazzi are assembling. All they need now is for the bride to choose the groom...
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BOX OFFICE +44870
060 6651 (transaction fee applies) |
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| Editor, April 2007 |
April 2007
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Sausage Night III: 30 March 2007 at BAC for one night only
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| Who says fundraising cant be hilarious fun? With no better time than the present, BACs legendary event is back. This year Sausage Night brings you another meaty line-up of sizzling stand-up stars. One ticket gets you a mouth-watering sausage* and an evening of top-class entertainment, all in the name of raising money to help BAC continue developing the future of theatre.
Line up includes Simon Amstell (anchor man of BBC2s Never Mind the Buzzcocks), Mark Thomas (star of BBC Radio 1s The Mary Whitehouse Experience, and Channel 4s The Mark Thomas Comedy Project), Stewart Lee (co-creator of Jerry Springer the Opera), Josie Long (winner of If.comeddies Best Newcomer Award 2006) and Scott Capurro (Perrier award winner, star of Channel 4s The Truth About Gay Animals). The evening will be compéred by the amazing Robin Ince (Chortle Best Compére nominee 2007), and will feature a special surprise guest to tickle your tonsils on what is set to be BACs greatest ever Sausage Night! Previous Sausage Nights have featured Richard Herring, Kevin Eldon, Harry Hill, Catherine Tate and Richard Thomas among others.
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where Grand Hall, BAC Lavender Hill, Battersea, London
SW11 5TN
Box Office: +$$20 7223 2223
whenFriday March 30, 2007
how much Tickets £25 (US$50)
and Dont worry, veggie alternative available. We think of everything, here.
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| Editor, March, 2007 |
|
| SIT AND SHIVER by STEVEN BERKOFF at Hackey Empire
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|
review February 1, 2007
For fans of Steven Berkoff, it is almost impossible to not be in awe of his imaginative staging and highly original choreography. A blend of drama and parody, Sit & Shiver nostalgically looks back at Berkoff's own family and history. The characters gather together to mourn the death of a member of the family and like many other funerals, the event acts as catalyst to reminisce and at the same time expose the truth - both prejudices and misconceptions; and the realities of past and present. Just escaping the overwhelming and often 'cringing' Jewish humour, Berkoff weaves swiftly between comedy and pathos. The story is unremarkable but typical of the author/actor, there are are moments of brilliance and intermittent one-liners that keep the audience continually entertained. Berkoff takes his past to mirror the present; and without directly referring too deeply to many topics that currently invade our lives, he touches upon all of them as he questions whether anything has really changed across the generations of immigrant communities in British history. Not quite a masterpiece, but an incisive look at the fears and prejudices of modern society and its future, it is only the security of the family and the familiarity of the established relationships that ultimately find its equilibrium. And just as you wait for the next outburst, the play ends and you leave the theatre smiling.
This comedy is set in London's East End. A husband and wife are mourning for the wife's father, a stern patriarch with a reputation for self-denial and integrity. During this day of mourning, a visitor arrives bringing some astounding news which affects the family and friends who have come to pay their respects. Some of the characters are based on Steven Berkoff's own family background. The cast also includes: Catherine Bailey, Russell Bentley, Leila Crerar, Barry Davis, Louise Jameson, Sue Kelvin, Frank Lazarus, Bernice Stegers. SIT AND SHIVER is written and directed by Steven Berkoff, assistant director is Susie McKenna, with design by Lotte Collett and lighting by Mike Robertson. It is presented by Hackney Empire Ltd, New End Theatre in association with SAW Productions. An earlier version of 'Sit and
Shiver' was produced in Los Angeles in 2004. Steven Berkoff's award winning career includes original plays 'East' Edinburgh Festival 1975, and in which he appeared at Hackney Empire in 1980; 'Decadence', 'Greek', 'Kvetch', 'Acapulco'. His many adaptations include the celebrated Kafka's' 'Metamorphosis', 'The Trial' and 'Agamemnon' (After Aeschylus). These have all been seen worldwide and in many languages. He directed and starred in his own play 'Messiah' at the Old Vic. In 2005 he directed 'Richard II' at the Ludlow Festival. Film credits include in 'The Flying Scotsman' (2006) with Jonny Lee Miller, 'A Clockwork Orange', 'Beverly Hills Cop' and 'The Krays'. There will be an exhibition of Steven Berkoff's East End photographs at the Hackney Empire during the run. Catherine Bailey was seen in The Tricycle in 'Walk Hard,Talk Loud'. Barry Davis's recent film credits include 'The Merchant of Venice' with Al Pacino, Ridley Scott's 'Kingdom of Heaven' with Orlando Bloom, Spielberg's 'Munich'. Louise Jameson played Rosa De Marco in 'EastEnders' and has been in many productions with the RSC and National. Sue Kelvin has performed in 'Sophie Tucker's One Night Stand' at the New End/Kings Head, on tour and at the Edinburgh Festival. Mike Robertson designed the lighting for 'Sunday In The Park With George'.
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where Hackney Empire
Box Office
when Mons to Sat 7.30pm matinees February 8 and 15, 2007 at 1.30pm and February 18 at 3.00pm
how much £16.50 (USD33) concs £12.50 (USD25) and £10.00 (USD20)
running time 2 hours
how to get there Tube:Central Line to Bethnal
Green, then 10 mins on 106 or 254 bus.
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| Editor, January, 2007 |
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