'Think where man's glory most begins and ends,
And say my glory was I had such friends.'
-William Butler Yeats.
29.07.2009- A Streetcar Named Desire
Rachel Weisz is receiving rave reviews for her performance as Blanche DuBois in 'A Streetcar Named Desire' at the Donmar Warehouse. Weisz is one of my favourite actresses and I admire the fact that despite her Oscar winning success in film (Best Supporting Actress, The Constant Gardener, 2006) she is still keen to challenge herself by returning to the stage, playing a character made infamous by Vivien Leigh in the 1951 film. With such a high profile name playing the title role, tickets are sure to be like gold dust, so snap yours up while you can!
(Photo credit: BBC)
27.07.2009-Some of my photographs.....
(All images property of Sarah Farrell, please do not reproduce without permission.)
22.07.2009- Coco Before Chanel
'Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future.'
- Coco Chanel
'Coco Avant Chanel' (Coco Before Chanel) is released here in the UK next Friday and it looks like a must see. Audrey Tautou stars as Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel who established the iconic fashion house which still bears her name, revolutionising contemporary womenswear through her creation of the little black dress. Her influence is unavoidable in 21st century fashion and her establishment of Chanel cosmetics and fragrances (Chanel no. 5 being Coco's signature scent) paved the way for many design houses to follow in her footsteps throughout the 20th century.
The costumes featured in the film are sure to provide inspiration for many a winter wardrobe, and through replicating Chanel's design ingenuity on screen, costume designer Catherine Leterrier proves how something as simple as tying a ribbon in a bow around the neck of a white shirt can become timeless.
(Images taken from 'Coco Avant Chanel' Trailer, Optimum Releasing.)
The costumes featured in the film are sure to provide inspiration for many a winter wardrobe, and through replicating Chanel's design ingenuity on screen, costume designer Catherine Leterrier proves how something as simple as tying a ribbon in a bow around the neck of a white shirt can become timeless.
(Images taken from 'Coco Avant Chanel' Trailer, Optimum Releasing.)
21.07.2009
This never fails to make me laugh...no matter how many times I watch it.
(Clip courtesy of Youtube).
(Clip courtesy of Youtube).
21.07.2009
What does it mean to have friends?
To be loved or loathed in polarity?
You who walk down the empty path
wallow in misery,
the moon illuminates your death.
We walk together and apart.
Far from one another yet always together;
For you are never far from my whirring mind
Dancing in the avenues of the past
My brain.
It bursts in isolation
Contemplating the 'why'
The 'when'
The 'what if'
Always with a question
Never comforted in contentment
But all the while alone.
10.07.2009- Brief Reviews
Back in April I went to see War Horse and England People Very Nice, but in the midst of exam revision and a busy summer term neglected to write reviews at the time. Nearly three months have passed since I saw these performances and needless to say my terrible memory isn't really up to writing an in-depth review of either, so for now I'll just rate each along with a brief comment.
England People Very Nice, The National Theatre, 16.04.2009, 2pm.
**** (4 stars).
Although dogged by controversy (on stage protests anyone?) regarding the so called 'racist' content of Richard Bean's script, England People Very Nice is an innovative and hilarious look at the waves of immigration to hit the East End of London (specifically Bethnal Green). Bean's script is witty, fast moving and seeks not to demonise immigrants but rather the reaction of the English to them; the French Huguenots, so maligned by the 'native' English when they first arrived in London go on to profess that the influx of Irish immigrants a generation later will destroy their homes and livelihoods. To call the play 'racist' is a simplistic dismissal of a piece which addresses not only issues of cultural identity but also national pride and patriotism, whilst remaining topical and engaging throughout.
War Horse, The New London Theatre, 18.04.2009, 2.30pm.
***** (5 stars).
The biggest recommendation I can offer this performance is simply that I would go and see it again, multiple times. Heartrending and visually enchanting, this has to be the best piece of theatre I have seen. Words simply cannot do it justice.
England People Very Nice, The National Theatre, 16.04.2009, 2pm.
**** (4 stars).
Although dogged by controversy (on stage protests anyone?) regarding the so called 'racist' content of Richard Bean's script, England People Very Nice is an innovative and hilarious look at the waves of immigration to hit the East End of London (specifically Bethnal Green). Bean's script is witty, fast moving and seeks not to demonise immigrants but rather the reaction of the English to them; the French Huguenots, so maligned by the 'native' English when they first arrived in London go on to profess that the influx of Irish immigrants a generation later will destroy their homes and livelihoods. To call the play 'racist' is a simplistic dismissal of a piece which addresses not only issues of cultural identity but also national pride and patriotism, whilst remaining topical and engaging throughout.
War Horse, The New London Theatre, 18.04.2009, 2.30pm.
***** (5 stars).
The biggest recommendation I can offer this performance is simply that I would go and see it again, multiple times. Heartrending and visually enchanting, this has to be the best piece of theatre I have seen. Words simply cannot do it justice.
09.07.2009- New York Recommendations
Grand Central Terminal- East 42nd Street at Park Avenue.
Breathtaking Beaux Arts Building that feels more like a palace than a train station. Make sure you visit the bar on the main concourse and enjoy a Cosmopolitan whilst looking at the constellations painted on the vautled ceiling and generally soaking up the atmosphere. Alternatively, visit the Oyster Bar and shops on the lower concourse and discover a labryinth of subterranean treasures, including a market selling fresh fruit and vegetables.
Radio City Music Hall- Rockefeller Center, 1260 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas), between West 50th and West 51st Street.
The Radio City Stage Door guided tour is relatively cheap and gives you a chance to explore this beautiful Art-Deco theatre, from backstage to the stunning 6,000 seat auditorium. The ornate bathrooms/restrooms are a must visit.
The Statue of Liberty (Liberty Island) and The Ellis Island Immigration Museum (Ellis Island), subway to South Ferry and Circle Line Ferry from Battery Park.
An iconic resident in the New York skyline and a museum which charts how New York became such a melting pot of different cultures. See if you can find your name on the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, the largest wall of names in the world. Battery Park is also a lovely place to sit and relax over a cold drink, overlooking the point where the Hudson and East River meet.
The Brooklyn Bridge, subway to Chambers Street or walk from Battery Park/Ground Zero.
Even if you don’t make it all the way across, a visit to the Brooklyn Bridge is a must. Beware strong winds once you reach the middle!
Broadway Lounge, The Marriott Marquis Hotel, 1535 Broadway.
The perfect place for a pre-theatre drink, with stunning panoramic views over Times Square. Head for the 8th floor once you reach the hotel and make sure you get there early (as close to 5pm as possible) to get a window table.
The Bronx Zoo, subway to Fordham Road/Bronx River Parkway.
If you fancy a day away from the frenzy of Manhattan, visit The Bronx Zoo, the largest urban zoo in the United States, set in 265 acres. Make sure you visit the Gorilla Forest, home to the largest population of Western Lowland Gorillas in America.
Top of the Rock Observation Deck, 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
The best vantage point across Manhattan, best visited at dusk as the city lights up. Buy tickets from the booth on Rockefeller Plaza on the morning of the day you wish to visit.
Marc by Marc Jacobs, 403 Bleecker Street, Greenwich Village.
Enjoy looking through Marc’s latest collections at his Greenwich Village store, and make sure you pop into the store devoted entirely to accessories a few doors down where you are sure to find some bargain goodies and gifts, such as lipstick pens, key rings and necklaces which cost less than $20. Whilst you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Urban Outfitters at 628 Broadway (just follow Bleecker Street through to Broadway).
Also head to The Empire State Building, Macys, Central Park and Fifth Avenue.
08.07.2009- Maya Angelou
After hearing Dr Maya Angelou's haunting tribute to Michael Jackson read by Queen Latifah at yesterday's memorial service, I felt compelled to read some more of her work. I have fleetingly come across some of her writing in the past, but, as is the case with the majority of the poetry I have studied, I never fully understood or appreciated it at the time. I think this is in part to having to deconstruct poetry in such detail at school, and then later at college; when you pick something apart so much, searching for devices and intentions you neglect the poem as it exists as a standalone piece. The following poem, 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings' by Maya Angelou is simply beautiful:
(copyright Dr Maya Angelou, 1970)
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and is tune is heard
on the distant hill for the caged bird
sings of freedom
The free bird thinks of another breeze
an the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.
But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.
The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and is tune is heard
on the distant hill for the caged bird
sings of freedom
The free bird thinks of another breeze
an the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing
The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
(copyright Dr Maya Angelou, 1970)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)