Arts

Summer spectacular in the theatre

Following the appointment of its new Theatre Manager, Pasco Q Kevlin, the Lakeside Theatre launches an exciting programme of events for summer.

With a mix of concerts, professional and student productions, this term’s programme offers something for everyone including the return of the Angell Trio, a performance by Essex graduates Weitz and Muller, original music, and a chance to see emerging talent from the Theatre Arts Society.

On 11 May the Theatre will host an unusual musical performance by the Devil Music Ensemble. The ensemble is well known as one of the primary American groups composing and performing original scores for films. Their visit to the campus sees them perform their scores live to the first silent version of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1920).

For two weeks in June audiences will be able to enjoy theatre, comedy, music, spoken word and dance in the Roar Talent Festival organised by the Theatre Arts Society. V

For further information about any of the summer term events in the Lakeside Theatre see www.essex.ac.uk/arts or visit the Arts Office on square 4.

The Roar Talent Festival provides a chance to see the
campus’ stars of the future

Švankmajer success

The recent exhibition of works by Jan Švankmajer and Eva Švankmajerová was one of the most successful gallery exhibitions of the past year.

Attracting almost 1,200 visitors and supported by a popular programme of events and activities, the exhibition also saw the UK screen premier of Švankmajer’s film Lunacy.

Children from Langham Primary School were able to learn about surrealist art at a workshop led by Gallery Assistant Ginny Sowman while art students from the University’s partner institution in Southend, South East Essex College, visited the exhibition to support their study of the surrealist movement.

An experimental ‘open dialogue’ event with staff and students from the Centre for Psychoanalytic Studies also proved popular.

The exhibition was curated by Dr Donna Roberts of the Department of Art History and Theory.

Student exhibition unveiled

Students from the Department of Art History and Theory have this week unveiled the University Gallery’s latest exhibition.

Entitled Reality Undone, the show presents a selection of artworks exploring the absurd and evoking a sense of mystery.

The exhibition, which runs until 23 June, has been curated by students on the MA Gallery Studies programme. It focuses on the work of celebrated sculptor Richard Wentworth and the work of a small group of other internationally acclaimed artists.

Dr Neil Cox, Head of the Department of Art History and Chair of Colchester’s Visual Arts Trust, said: ‘This exciting project is all about those moments when we are no longer certain what we see or what we think, everyday occurrences that momentarily confuse us, and then often amuse us. The range of art on show will certainly stimulate, surprise and stay with the visitor long after seeing the works in the Gallery.’

A programme of events, including late night openings with jazz and DJs, will support the show.

Reality Undone will be at the University Gallery, Colchester campus, until 23 June. Admission is free and opening times are as follows: Monday to Friday 11am to 5pm (except Wednesdays when the Gallery will remain open until 8pm) and Saturday 1pm to 4.30pm.