Arts
Private made public in University gallery
A new exhibition at the University Gallery features works
by some of the most influential artists of the late twentieth and early
twenty-first century in an exhibition about democracy and capitalism.
Little Private Governments showcases a selection of drawings,
sculptures and video works by internationally-renowned names including
controversial German artist Martin Kippenberger, 2003 Turner Prize
nominees Jake and Dinos Chapman, known for their re-working of the Becks
beer bottle label, and American artist Jenny Holzer. Alongside such
greats, will be works by four of exciting emerging artists working in the
UK.
The Future for Less, 2006, by
emerging artists Pil and Galia Kollectiv will be shown at the Gallery
Matthew Poole, of the Department of Art History and Theory and
co-curator of the show, explains the central theme: 'This exhibition
explores the prevalence of art's long-term interest in its place within
the structures of capital, democracy and idealism. It is about making
private ideas public in the same way that private ventures get entangled
with public governance in the world outside of art.'
One of the show’s most eye-catching pieces is California Uber Alles
by the Chapmans. The work, which consists of three, red banners
bearing the image of a smiley face, evokes Nazi propaganda. Matthew
explains: 'The banners usurp and diffuse the unnerving potency of the Nazi
design, forcing us to question where our belief in the power of design
lies.'
Inflammatory Essays by Jenny Holzer, who has exhibited all over
the world, should also prove interesting. Consisting of coloured paper
printed with inflammatory statements, the work allows Holzer to make
public her private thoughts on issues such as street violence and
political corruption in a bureaucratic way.
Securing the loan of Fred the Frog Rings the Bell by Martin
Kippenberger whilst most of his works are being shown in a retrospective
at Tate Modern is a real coup: 'It was extremely difficult to get this
specific work by Kippenberger. But, as the self-proclaimed most important
artist of the 1980s, who was fascinated by capitalism to the extent that
he marketed himself as a brand in order to secure his own superstardom, it
was vital we included him.'
Little Private Governments will be at the Gallery until 25
March. Admission is free.
Music hall magic
Music, mirth and melodrama returned to East 15 Acting
School’s Corbett Theatre for a week of rousing songs and sentimental
ballads from the good old days of Music Hall.
Music Hall, entertainment which reached its peak of popularity between
1850 and 1960, is famous for its mixture of song, comedy and sketches. The
week-long run comprised of two entirely different shows.
East 15 graduate, Kate Williams returned to the School to direct the
cast of second-year students. Kate most recently appeared in Channel 5
soap Family Affairs playing Myra Costello, but is also famous for her
numerous theatre, film and television roles. Musical accompaniment was
provided by Colin Sell on piano.
All six performances packed out the 125-seat Corbett Theatre, including a
gala charity show, organised in conjunction with Cancer Research Theydon
Bois branch, which raised a total of £1,250 for cancer research.
John Baraldi, Director of East 15, said: 'East 15 is the only drama
school in the UK which keeps the tradition of Music Hall alive. The
tradition is a proud one for the School - it requires good acting, good
stage craft, good story telling and the ability to look the audience in
the eye. Students learn many lessons from the experience, and bring joy to
the community.'
East 15 students will put on three further plays this term: Scenes from
the Big Picture, by Owen McCafferty, Their Very Own and Golden City by Sir
Arnold Wesker and Hot L Baltimore by Lanford Wilson. For more information,
or to book tickets, please telephone 0208 508 5983, or visit
www.east15.ac.uk.
Student productions at the Lakeside
An adaptation of Terry Pratchett's Mort and a play
written by Bryony Lavery, both produced by student groups, will open at
the Lakeside Theatre in March.
Third-year drama student, Francesca-Anna Dudman is directing the Lavery
play as part of her Independent Practical Project. Her interpretation of
the story about a ten-year-old girl found murdered, deals with the way in
which lighting is used to influence the spaces used by actors on stage and
the atmosphere created by sound.
Later in March, the Theatre Arts Society will present Mort,
adapted by Stephen Briggs. Directed by Computer Science student Alex
Hall-Powell, the play centres on Mort who is handed Death’s scythe for an
evening. Set in Practchett's fantasy Discworld this promises to be a treat
for all Pratchett fans.
Frozen opens at the Lakeside Theatre on Wednesday 1 March.
Mort opens on Wednesday 8 March. For further information see
www.essex.ac.uk/arts/office.
Also in the printed February edition of Wyvern:
- A musical feast
- Stage door: Reviews from the Lakeside Theatre
