I was waxing enthusiastic down there somewhere on the subject of the latest film at my Cineworld and it reminds me to remind you that next Thursday 27th there is a 'cinecast' (I think they call it), anyway, a live filmed performance of Romeo and Juliet with music by Prokofiev and choreography by Kenneth MacMillan. Do not miss it! I am not a particular fan of ballet although my admiration for the skill, stamina and artistry of the dancers is second to none. For me, however, first and foremost, the music has to be superb and in this case, Prokofiev is at his very best. Second, it has to tell a story and the dancing must be part of the story telling, just in the way that actors as they move in and on and around a stage help, by their movements, to underline the movement of the plot. I am always intensely irritated by traditional ballet in which the action stops every so often so that the principal dancers can then do their 'showpiece' routine. MacMillan's choreography always illuminates the story and the spirit of each scene. I will go this far - given a choice I would rather watch this version of R&J than a stage version by the RSC.
These 'cinecasts' are absolutely superb. You really do feel as though you are in the theatre with the performers. If you check the schedule for Cineworld you will have a choice of the very best of theatre, opera or ballet productions, and even if I hate Cineworld with a passion, I am minded to forgive them for these 'cinecasts'.
ADDITIONAL: Yet more cinema! Thanks to those rascals at I Hate The Media, I am reminded that yesterday was the 40th anniversary of one of the very best films ever made - The Godfather. Pop over to their place and you can watch a short clip. (Note to self: must buy the DVD!)
So much kultchur lately.
We uncouth Aussies can't handle too much of the stuff.
Posted by: Andra | Friday, 16 March 2012 at 22:11
But I don't know anything about kangeroos and didgeree-doos, and Australian football is played by poofters in disgustingly short shorts so I can't possibly feature them in this distinguished blog!
Posted by: David Duff | Saturday, 17 March 2012 at 09:03
Well, I'd say that Spain is quite less nationalistic than England. Mainly because here spanish, and as a matter of fact all kind of nationalism is still equated with Franco and seems suspicious. Meanwhile, the pro independence nationalisms, mainly in Catalonia and the Basque Country, very in the line of M. Salmond's, are quite strong and without any of those complexes.
What M. Rajoy, the new President, has done is to low the first step versus the mandatory 3.3% budget deficit for 2014. He went from the expected 4.4 to a 5.8 to end with a bargain of 5.3 with the EU. That only means that next year the sacrifice will be bigger. Anyhow, he has scored one point as a strong man standing before the EU.
About the movie you mention below, maybe yo'll like this review.
http://www.jamesbowman.net/reviewDetail.asp?pubID=2149
Coriolanus! Did Old Bill put that name to the work with a straight face?
Posted by: ortega | Saturday, 17 March 2012 at 11:51
On all matters Spanish, Ortega, I bow to your expertise. Even so, I would hesitate to try and tell the Spanish how to run their country!
As for Coriolanus, it was actually Bowman's review in The American Spectator which sparked off my post.
Posted by: David Duff | Saturday, 17 March 2012 at 12:12