Critics accuse Trevor Nunn, head of London’s National Theatre, of turning the company into the home of bland, crowd-pleasing fare. So much so, that there’s a debate going on about whether Nunn’s contract ought to be renewed. But if the productions are so blah, how come the National’s team keeps winning so many awards? – The Guardian
Tag: 05.04.00
BUILDUP BEGINS
It’s still a year away from being released. But the buzz is building. “In the war of the film trailer promos distributed as premieres over the internet, the promo for the upcoming (2001) release of the first episode in the epochal live action version of JRR Tolkien’s immortal novel ‘The Lord of the Rings’ did almost double the traffic of the similar trailer release for ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.'” – Daily Mail and Guardian (South Africa) 05/04/00
AIRWAVE CLUTTER
Radio ad rates are high right now, tempting stations to pack ever more commercials on the air. “Since the Federal Communications Commission deregulated the radio industry in 1996, stations have increased their commercial load by 25 to 33 percent. That means most FM stations play anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes of diet pill pitches and fast food ads each hour. News-talk stations play even more, mixing up to 20 minutes of commercials with baseball scores and headlines.” – St. Louis Post-Dispatch 05/04/00
PASSION PLAY
Australian fans of the TV show “Xena” have formed a club and are performing shows based on the series. “In recent weeks, they’ve perfected costumes and choreography for a production of ‘Bittersuite,’ a musical revival of a favourite Xena episode by the same name. In weekly practices, they clank plastic swords, march in unison and sing such lyrics as, ‘Forgive those who harm you, do good to those you hate.’ ” No word yet on whether Cameron Mackintosh has optioned the rights. – The Age (Melbourne)