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Steven Berkoff discussion / Metamorphosis in Singapore
« Last post by Iain Fisher on November 02, 2024, 09:18:30 PM »
Intercultural Theatre Institute present Steven Berkoff's Metamorphosis.  It is on from 7- 9 November 2024 at the Esplanade Theatre Studio.

The director is Aarne Neemecast with the cast Adam Guevarra Almeniana, Akshay Sharma, Karthik S, Krys Yuan and Lam Man Yik.

"The story follows Gregor Samsa, a young man who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. As he grapples with his new grotesque form, Gregor’s once-supportive family begins to unravel, revealing deep-seated fears and hidden resentments. Set in a claustrophobic atmosphere with minimalist staging, the play explores themes of alienation, identity, and the crushing weight of societal expectations.

This adaptation of Metamorphosis remains faithful to Kafka’s original work while showcasing Berkoff’s unique approach to theatre. The result is a production that not only reflects on the fragility of identity and the human condition but also resonates with contemporary audiences facing the pressures of modern society.".

The Institute's website is here
https://www.wellingtonyoungactors.com/
For more on Metamorphosis click here
https://iainfisher.com/berkoff/berkoff-play-adaptation-kafka.html


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Ben Wheatley on three directors- Ken Russell, Nicolas Roeg and John Boorman - "I’ve certainly been appreciating the Ken Russell stuff a lot over the last few years, rewatching it,” Wheatley told The Skinny of his forays into classic – and often controversial – British cinema. “I’m a massive fan of The Devils. It’s a spectacular movie and one of the best British films made if not one of the best films made.”

From Scott Campbell, Far Out, 31 October 2024 click here
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/ben-wheatleys-holy-trinity-underrated-british-filmmakers/
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Steven Berkoff discussion / The Trial in New Zealand
« Last post by Iain Fisher on October 28, 2024, 07:32:59 PM »
Wellington Young Actors present Steven Berkoff's The Trial on 3 November 2024.  It will be at  Lower Hutt Little Theatre Wellington.

Steven Berkoff’s groundbreaking adaptation of Franz Kafka’s The Trial tells the story of Joseph K., a man accused of a crime which is never revealed to him. The play depicts Joseph K.’s tortuous attempt to discover the truth behind his arrest. The ensemble creates an ever-changing and ambiguous environment as Joseph K., struggling against an unknown authority, begins to question his sense of self and the very meaning of being human".

The actors' website is here
https://www.wellingtonyoungactors.com/
For more on The Trial click here
https://iainfisher.com/berkoff/berkoff-play-adaptation-kafka.html


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Savage Messiah: Ken Russell / Re: poor journalism
« Last post by Iain Fisher on October 28, 2024, 06:46:48 PM »
"Ken Russell's bonkers adaptation of The Who's rock opera Tommy".  Does Pete Townsend liking the adaptation of his work still make it bonkers?  The poor journalism is by Brent Furdykoct, 27 Oct 2024 in Grunge.

He does seem keen on sensationalism even if the facts are against him. He talks of Oliver Reed drinking 126 pints of beer within a single 24-hour period, but has to admit Reed's biographer said the accuracy of that count was questionable.

On Jack Nicholson he talks of the extreme use of cocaine, then admits Nicholson's girlfriend Anjelica Huston says Nicholson's use of the drug, despite assumptions, was never as extreme as people may have thought.

The writer seems to cover the sleaze area of celebrity but without the wit and incisiveness of for example Kenneth Anger's Hollywood Babylon.

https://www.grunge.com/1683964/actors-partied-way-hard/

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Savage Messiah: Ken Russell / Re: poor journalism
« Last post by Iain Fisher on October 27, 2024, 07:22:23 PM »
Another example of unthinking journalism that still haunts Ken Russell.
In a short but positive mention of Altered States, Guy Lodge comes out with the usual cliches.
"Ken Russell, already established across other genres as a true artist of bad taste..."   Of course he gives no example.

The article is in The Guardian, 26 Oct 2024, click here
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/oct/26/streaming-the-substance-and-the-best-body-horror-for-halloween

Thankfully the BFI's reissue of quality recording of Russell's films with thoughtful extras, and the recent scholarly books Ken Russell Interviews, The Films of Ken Russell and London's New Scene bring a more intelligence and knowledgeable approach.
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Athol Fugard discussion / The Island in South Africa
« Last post by Iain Fisher on October 25, 2024, 07:59:14 AM »
The Island will be presented at St Stephens Hall, Gqeberha from 24-26 October 2024.  The director is Xabiso Zweni and the cast includes Fiks Mahola.

"This powerful production tells a compelling story of freedom, resistance, and human dignity, set against the backdrop of apartheid South Africa".

For more on the play click here
https://iainfisher.com/fugard/athol-fugard-statements.html



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Savage Messiah: Ken Russell / The Boyfriend in Los Angeles, USA
« Last post by Iain Fisher on October 23, 2024, 10:28:38 AM »
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles present Ken Russell's The Boyfriend on 30 October 2024.



"Sandy Wilson’s 1953 stage musical The Boy Friend paid homage to the frothy early days of musical theater, and Ken Russell’s stylish film version brought his own distinctively eccentric vision to the material. Iconic fashion model Twiggy made a charming ingenue in her first leading film role, supported by a droll cast including Broadway legend Tommy Tune and an uncredited appearance by Oscar winner Glenda Jackson".

There will be an Introduction by Daniel Orlandi, Costume Designer, and the Academy Governor.

For more details on the Academy website click here
https://www.academymuseum.org/en

For more details on The Boyfriend click here
https://iainfisher.com/russell/ken-russell-film-the-boyfriend.html



8
The Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Court Theatre jointly present Kane's 4.48 Psychosis

A quarter century from its debut, the entire original cast and creative team revisit Sarah Kane’s final masterpiece- director James Macdonald and actors Daniel Evans, Jo McInnes and Madeleine Potter.

"4.48 Psychosis plunges the audience into the mind of an unnamed protagonist grappling with severe depression. Kane crafts an unflinching portrait of a psyche teetering on the edge of oblivion".

‘I dreamt that I went to the doctors, and she gave me eight minutes to live. I’d been sitting in the f**king waiting room for half an hour’.

The production is at the Royal Court Theatre, London from 12 June- 5 July 2015.  For details click here
https://royalcourttheatre.com/
The production then transfers to the Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon.  For details click here,
https://www.rsc.org.uk/

For more on 4.48 Psychosis click here
https://iainfisher.com/kane/eng/sarah-kane-448.html


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Sarah Kane discussion / Re: Phaedra's Love- 1996 reviews
« Last post by Iain Fisher on October 06, 2024, 10:19:42 AM »
Hi,

Have you tried searches of The Times and The Guardian?  You will need the online historic archive of each but you should have access via your university library.
The article by Michael Billington from The Guardian 21 May 1996 is quoted by Graham Saunders in his book "Love Me or Kill Me".  The two books by Saunders cover critical responses.

Iain
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Sarah Kane discussion / Phaedra's Love- 1996 reviews
« Last post by E Weissman on October 04, 2024, 06:35:44 PM »
Hi All,

I'm a graduate student doing a report on Phaedra's Love, and I am looking for reviews of the original 1996 production. I've looked far and wide but haven't been able to find any leads. Does anyone have any ideas of where I might find these? Thank you so much.
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