Arts & Culture
Originally published on Friday, 9th January 2009
The Exhibition-ist's January Picks
Dave Waters, UJ’s very own Exhibition-ist, has been trawling through January’s creative sludge to find those hidden pearls of artistic excellence to make the chilly New Year more pleasurable. And we really can’t get through January without...
… getting in a dance-taster
Sampled is a cultural smorgasbord of future offerings from Sadler’s Wells, all crammed into a single weekend (Jan 24-25th). Expect tasty morsels from Matthew Bourne, American Ballet theatre and Russell Maliphant, all of which should get your feet tapping. But if not, then there are workshops, installations, DJs and dancefloors aplenty to get your inner Nureyev leaping. You’re not just in the audience, you could be part of the performance too.
Sadler's Wells, Roseberry Ave, EC1R 4TN - 0844 412 4300)
January 24-25
...a song in your heart
Spring Awakening is a rock-musical version of Frank Wedekind's play about teenage sexual angst in 19th century Germany, which was a huge hit recently in New York. The Atlantic Theater Company production, directed by Michael Mayer and choreographed by Bill T Jones, brings the work to London with a young British cast. Highlights should include the infamous communal masturbation scene. Here’s hoping.
Lyric Theatre, King St, W6 0QL - 0871 221 1729
January 23-February 28
...reminding yourself of Soho’s debauched past
This exhibition of cult Picture Post archive photography between 1938 and ‘57 captures the sleaze, glamour and decadence (what else?) of London’s favourite nocturnal playground. The exhibition also includes intriguing pictures by film maker Ken Russell of the Cat’s Whiskers cafe where the hand jive (and no, that’s not an euphemism) was invented due to lack of dancing space. Curated by Bob Pullen and Val Williams of the University of the Arts.
Photographers’ Gallery, 16-18 Ramillies St, W1F 7LW
Until February 8
...without a little verse
What is it about poetry? Just when you think the form has quietly faded into the flock wallpaper, it does a back flip and starts shouting its head off again. To see what the ancient mariner is up to these days, check out the TS Eliot Prize Readings at the Southbank Centre. Shortlisted poets include Moniza Alvi, Peter Bennet, Ciaron Carson and Maura Dooley. The prize will be announced the next day.
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX
January 11, 7.30pm
...a cultural quick fix
Short films seem to suit our fast-paced urban life: they are a visual espresso hit, rather than a relaxed sit down meal – or in this case, a mad dash rather than a leisurely stroll, as the theme for the 6th London Short Film Festival.
See website for venues and times.
January 9-18
...last chance to see
The fantastic Rothko exhibition at Tate Modern, which closes on February 1st. Definitely one to catch before it disappears.
Mark Rothko, Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG.
Until February 1