Hi, Iain,

A podcast has gone up featuring a couple of hours of conversation between myself and
"The Broken Halo", a new podcast series dealing with the "creative life". The thread includes some
of my film experiences and a warm sharing exchange about my own biographical life and creativity.
It may be of interest to a few here. In any event, my very best, as usual, and keep your sense
of wonder. Keep up the great work. The link is below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xFtx6BwyI8

Jon Sorensen
www.jonsorensencreative.com

The Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate New York present Valley Song from 15- 24 November 2024.  It is at Hubbard Hall in Cambridge, NY.

The Director is Jean-Remy Monnay.

"This is the moving story of an old man’s love for his dutiful grandchild. Buks’ Jonkers is a poor yet dignified war veteran who is devoted to his vegetable furrows in a remote South African province. He is anxious to shield his dreamy, restless sixteen year old granddaughter from temptations beyond the valley. She is equally anxious to be a singer in faraway Johannesburg. Her self made songs brim with the longings of youth.  Valley Song is a coming-of-age story about a young girl seeking the courage to embrace the future while her grandfather searches for the wisdom to let go of the past".

For the theatre website click here
https://hubbardhall.org/
For more on the play click here
https://iainfisher.com/fugard/athol-fugard-plays-africa.html

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

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

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.