Unrestricted is going to be a weekly (or every two weeks) entry about what I am loving in the world of music, television, film, literature and some other fields. The main idea behind this is that the blog is mainly focused of theatre and so these entries will help it becomes more rounded, whilst also giving insight into different arts fields. My picks will not necessarily be new releases, nor will they always be the old classics; instead being what I am loving right now.
Music: Bjork - Biophilia
Bjork's newest album combines the beautiful simplicity of Vespertine with the electronic nature of Homogenic to form an album which is huge in scope. Taking inspiration from nature and how the universe works, Bjork skillfully weaves her beautiful lyrics with a sound scape of drum and bass whilst also incorporating an ever changing app (which sadly does loose its appeal after time). The real stand out tracks on the album are Thunderbolt, Mutual Core and Sacrifice. What is really interesting about the album is how it has evolved as I went to see Bjork perform this new material at the MIF (Manchester International Festival) and since, the tracks which appear on the album are darker, more intense and bigger in scale. Admittedly this is not Bjork's best album (although it is near the top), but it is refreshing and it is always great to hear new material from the ever evolving performer that is Bjork.
Literature: Albert Camus - The Outsider
Albert Camus' infamous novella The Outsider has alluded me all these years and so I recently seizes the opportunity to finally get round to reading it. The short work is centred around the narrator, Mearsault, and is split into two parts - part one being his freedom and part two being a captive. Without wanting to ruin the book for those who have not read it, it really is astonishing in capturing the real essence behind the notion of being free and the idea of society expecting certain things from individuals. Although a quick read, Camus' writing offers enough insight into the workings of the characters which allows for this beautiful book to flow from one scenario to another. Highly recommended, especially for fans of existentialist literature or indeed those who want a thought-provoking and challenging read.
Television: Entourage
Entourage is a brilliantly executed, hilarious television show from HBO which features some truly hilarious performances and cameos from those within the world of Vince, a rising star in Hollywood. Each episode, though short in length, offer a burst of entertainment which no other show can rival - the foul mouthed tirades from Ari, the quick one liners from Drama and the camaraderie are just a few features which help make Entourage unique and highly addictive. The show, however, does loose momentum in the final seasons in comparison the first few, but still remains intoxicating viewing.
Monday, 28 May 2012
Friday, 18 May 2012
The year of Shakespeare
Photograph: Keith Pattison |
Ninagawa Company's Cymbeline at the Barbican, 29th May - 2nd June.
Otello at the Royal Opera House, 12th July - 24th July.
Troilus and Cressida at the RSC, 3rd August - 18th August.
Timon of Athens at the National Theatre, 10th July - 9th September (as of yet, more dates are yet to be announced).
King Lear at the Almeida Theatre, 31st August - 3rd November.
What is impressive about the amount of Shakespeare being put on this year is that it allows for the more obscure plays to be performed which might not normally get a look in when up against Macbeth or Hamlet. I think, this year, the most exciting productions will be of the more obscure of Shakespeare's plays such as King John at the RSC has been put into an innovative and original production by Maria Aberg.
p.s. I haven't abandoned this blog, I have just been very busy as of late and therefore my theatre-going duties will resume in a couple of weeks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)