Back to School
What we did in our holidays
Callum’s Greek Summer… in London
The Oresteia
Watching the lives of a family brutally unravel in Simon Stone’s ‘The Oresteia’ was a gripping reminder of how the destructive cycle of justice and revenge is as vicious as ever. Showing at the Bridge Theatre until the 19th September, the 458 BC tragedy has been modernised around a contemporary family, all encased in one of Stone’s signature glass boxes.
Electra/Persona
I was lucky enough to go and see a late dress rehearsal of Benedict Andrews’ sold-out, two-part play. Half Greek tragedy (based loosely on the second part of ‘The Oresteia’, funnily enough) and half Swedish art-house (via Ingmar Bergman’s 1966 film ‘Persona’), the play features Cate Blanchett and Nina Hoss. Seeing them tackle the intensity of the script right before opening night felt like watching the clash of two titans.
Odyssey-less
I might end up being the last person see ‘The Odyssey’, but once I do, it will complete my own personal Greek trilogy.
Fred’s XXXXXXXXXX
Institut Valencià d'Art Modern
Valencia may be best known for oranges and paella, but it has quietly become a hub of modern art and design on Spain's Mediterranean coast. IVAM (Institut Valencià d'Art Modern) houses one of the world's largest collections of Julio González's pioneering sculptures, while an exhibition exploring the representation of women in his work, and that of his daughter Roberta González, is the perfect excuse to escape the midday heat for an air-conditioned afternoon.
Theatreship
Canary Wharf doesn’t often come to mind when you mention ‘independent arts venue’, but Theatreship is a hidden gem amongst the suits. The volunteer-led vessel from 1913 screens classic cinema alongside a roster of music and theatre. A recent screening of ‘A Hard Day’s Night’, part of the BFI’s ‘Rip It Up’ series pairing films with rising bands, was a surreal break from a hot summer in the city.
Perry Green
Henry Moore’s Hertfordshire home for more than 40 years, Perry Green is an idyllic mix of studio chaos and sculptural beauty. To escape the bank holiday crowds, I’ll be venturing into the countryside to see Moore’s monumental sculptures looming large amongst the gardens and fields. As long as Kew hasn’t nicked them all…
