'Other Desert Cities' at The Old Vic

'Other desert cities' written by Jon Robin Baitz (Pulitzer Prize finalist and creator of hit TV series, Brothers & Sisters and contributor on The West Wing) is a modern play tackling issues of politics versus family life, changes that happened in USA from 1960, that is increasing polarisation of main political parties with growing influence of conservative Tea Party within the republican coalition, and bitter truth beneath the sugar coated American dream.

 
It’s Christmas Eve in Palm Springs. Brooke Wyeth  (Martha Plimpton) novelist who suffered from depression and writers block is back home to celebrate the holidays with her uptight and politically involved parents (Sinead Cusack and Peter Egan), younger brother (Daniel Lapaine)  and alcoholic aunt (Clare Higgins). But the family celebration is brought to a halt when Brook informs her family that her new book is a memoir, which focuses on her infamous dead brother who was suspected of  aiding a terrorist act in 70's, and on his broken relationship with their parents who she blames for his downfall and suicide. 

The play is very well written, fast paced, full of sarcastic humour, with great observations of modern day America and pop culture. The tension is skilfully raised with each coming scene and family dynamic is brilliantly depicted everyone who visits their parents can find some scary and funny similarities to there own life.

Acting is absolutely superb, Sinead Cusac's portrayal of  Polly is top notch, she owns the stage making her character incredibly compelling despite her despotic and overbearing personality , Peter Eagan is perfect as a softer and more approachable father figure, Clare Higgins as Silda is a worthy adversary to Polly and her comic timing is wonderful. Martha Plimpton gives a solid performance as tormented and self-righteous Brook although in some moments I found her acting a bit over the top. Daniel Lapain  is really great, he adds warmth and compassion to the character of Trip who despite being ridiculed for making bad taste TV shows is the voice of reason and heart within this dysfunctional family.

I truly enjoyed this play and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for drama with intelligent story, witty script and high quality acting.
 


For this season Old Vic has been completely transformed, if you have been there before you will be stunned and impressed by how they managed to change the auditorium into the round, the floor has been raised, the stage is round and situated in the centre, and additional seats are placed in the space where the stage used to be.

United Visual Artists: Momentum at The Barbican Centre

United Visual Artists (UVA) is a London based group of artists who in their work combine wide range of disciplines including: sculpture, installation, live performances and architecture. Their last work called Momentum can be now seen and experienced at The Barbican Centre.

Momentum has been installed  in the 90 meter long promenade located inside the Barbican Centre and called The Curve due to its distinctive shape. There are twelve pendulums activated lights and sounds swinging in complete darkness, each of the pendulums has been carefully designed and their movement is controlled by specially developed computer software, the sonic element is unique to each pendulum and created in a special way so the sound resonates within the shape of The Curve  According to its creators "The rhythmic, wave like sway of the work is inspired by scientific instruments such as Foucault's pendulum, the result of UVA's enquiry into the physical laws of motion, coupled with their experimentation with light, and how impacts o the space."

Visitors are let inside The Curve in groups so everyone can enjoy the sensory experience. When I arrived at Barbican Centre I was a bit concerned because behind me in the que were mothers with quite let's say 'active' kids,  I was wondering whether they will not spoil the experience with the noise and running around, but I was pleasantly surprised. The whole installation is submerged in darkness therefore the lights and sound make Momentum very hypnotic, obviously kids absolutely loved it and were completely fascinated by it, I actually really enjoyed listening to their comments, when they were trying to decide what does this place remind them of - the inside of the space ship seemed to be the most common choice.
Adults were equally enticed,  following the lights, trying to stand in the circles and even sitting down by the walls just to stay a bit longer because it was strangely calming. When I was there I was thinking that it must be similar when you are in your mother's womb, with muffled sounds, shifting lights and warmth, of course this mother would have to be a heavy smoker judging by the clouds of artificial mist floating near the lights.

I absolutely loved the whole experience and might even go there again. The Momentum is opened till 1st of June so there is plenty of time for you to go and see it which I truly recommend.

http://www.barbican.org.uk/artgallery/event-detail.asp?ID=15620

"Being Shakespeare" starring Simon Callow at Harold Pinter Theatre- the ultimate one man show for Bard's lovers.

"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages."

This Shakespeare's idea of seven ages of human life is a framework around which 'Being Shakespeare' is build and Simon Callow brilliantly leads us through the meanders of Bard's life. I learnt more from this play than at any point at school and got to know Shakespeare as a living being opposite to this artificial, legendary construct fed to us during our education.

'Being Shakespear' is full of joyous quirks and interesting anecdotes about Bard's life entwined with superbly acted excerpts from his most famous works, my favourite being Simon Callow acting as both Romeo and Juliet and later as a whole troupe from 'Midsummer's night dream'.

Simon Callow is absolutely captivating, he owns the stage with power and subtle humour, to be able to keep the audience interested and engaged while being on your own, with a minimal set of props and presenting someones biography one really has to be a great actor.

Currently there are some great offers for the tickets to this play (I went with http://www.lovetheatre.com/tickets/3715/Being-Shakespeare) so if you love the Bard of Avon (or even  if you really hate him for the tortures you've endured at school, but would like to know why there is all that fuss about him) go and see 'Being Shakespeare' (it ends on 15 of March).