Guillermo Calderón: “Chile is a country where one doesn’t speak that much, where ideas aren’t expressed very well, because it is a country that’s a little more silent and a little more violent … I like to create characters who talk, because to me this is a reaction against the culture of self-censorship and secrecy of the dictatorship.”
Tag: 04.20.13
Italian Bureaucracy Threatens Pompeii
“In recent years, collapses at the site have alarmed conservationists, who warn that this ancient Roman city is dangerously exposed to the elements — and is poorly served by the red tape, the lack of strategic planning and the limited personnel of the site’s troubled management.”
Carlos Acosta Begins Easing Away From Ballet
“Acosta turns 40 this year, and he’s aware of what time, and the rigours of classical technique, do to a dancer’s body. … He does have concerns that the labels, and most especially the audience expectations that go with them, might prove a stumbling block to what he hopes to achieve with a programme [of non-ballet work].”
Is It Necessary To Work Oneself To (Or Until) Death?
“Has it become obligatory for people with terminal illnesses to work like dogs during their final months or years? Is this how we define a ‘good death’ now? Is one a slacker to perform otherwise? Is this kind of determination healthy for sick people? Is it healthy for anyone?”
The British ‘Make Theatre Like Brazilians Play Football’
The Donmar’s artistic director: “Sometimes, its necessary for the actors to get the jitters. … But you’re the calm person at the centre of that. No one wants to see a director panic.”
A Song For A New King? The Netherlands Says No Way
“An online petition entitled No to the King’s Song had attracted 37,000 signatures. Mr Ewbank has now withdrawn it as the official anthem.”
Yes, There’s An App For Collaborative Flash Fiction
“Collaborative fiction brought to mind Victorian jeux d’esprit, 1970s experiments, wiki novels and fan fiction by gamers. Flash fiction, or micro-fiction, while nice in theory, tends to be a little unsatisfying. Somehow though, combining the two works surprisingly well.”
Writing When You’re Cripplingly Depressed (It’s, Uh, Not Easy)
Marian Keyes: “I thought because I was addressing my issues on a daily basis I wouldn’t be one of those people who suddenly blew, but I did. I can still feel the fear. It was very primal. It wasn’t anxiety – I was terrified and everything looked different. It felt like I’d landed on another planet.”
Movies, You Just Can’t Quite Compete With Our Living Rooms
“This year, if Netflix and Sony stick to their plans, there will be early viewers with 4K Ultra HD televisions watching 4K movies on-demand. Meanwhile, movie theaters will still be taking delivery of 2K digital cinema packages (i.e. DCPs) on hard drives shipped by plane and truck. Home theater will have leapfrogged the cinema.”
People Really Like Recounting Memories Of Working In Record Shops
“I can truly say it is my second home. It’s not a particularly flashy shop, nor hugely contemporary – more council library feel than High Fidelity – but nevertheless … the combined encyclopedic knowledge of the staff and passion for exploring music releases felt like striking gold.”