Arts

Czech surrealism exhibition

The second exhibition of the spring term offers a rare opportunity to see works by two of the most prominent artists of the Czech surrealist group.

For over 40 years Jan Švankmajer and Eva Švankmajerová have worked together, and exhibited together. During this time they have collaborated in the making of Jan Švankmajer’s films and in the experimental and collective activities of the Czech surrealist group.

Work from the Communicating Vessels: Jan Švankmajer and Eva Švankmajerová exhibition

Both however developed their own distinct bodies of work influenced in part by the history and folklore of Bohemia. This exhibition shows those works side by side.

Communicating Vessels: Jan Švankmajer and Eva Švankmajerová has been organised in collaboration with the AHRC Research Centre for Studies of Surrealism and its Legacies and will be accompanied by a screening of films by Jan Švankmajer.

The exhibition opens on 26 February and runs until 24 March. Admission is free and opening times are as follows: Monday to Friday 11am to 5pm, and Saturday 1pm to 4.30pm.

Picture (use picture from Arts brochure, page 5) caption: Work that will be on show as part of Communicating Vessels: Jan Švankmajer and Eva Švankmajerová exhibition

Spring programme has something for everyone

The University’s Lakeside Theatre offers a varied programme of events this term from professional productions exploring the life of Adolf Hitler to student productions from the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies and the Essex Dance Club.

Pip Utton will perform his own one-man play about the twentieth century’s most notorious leader. Drawing inspiration from the ruler’s own words from Mein Kampf and Table Talk, Utton explores the mindset of a nation that allowed a man such as Hitler to take control, and exposes the influence of racism on our own lives.

Student productions include A Night with David Ives by the Theatre Arts Society as well as an innovative dance production, Delusions of Grandeur, by the Essex Dance Club.

At the end of February, audiences will also be able to enjoy a play penned by a current Essex student. Middle Ground is written by Eleanor Barton, a BA Drama student. Inspired by ancient Greek tragedy, the play brings to modern-day life the story of Tereus, Procne and Philomela.

For further information about these, or other events in the Lakeside Theatre, contact the Arts Office on 01206 873261 or e-mail arts@essex.ac.uk.

Also in the printed January edition of Wyvern:

• Campus exhibition inspires students
• Kentridge exhibition