AN ADIRONDACK STATE OF MIND More years ago than I admit to, while on a cross country skiing adventure, I came to the shore of a lake in the Adirondack Mountains. Before me was an unbroken snow-field, untouched, unmarked, bathed in the soft red-gold glow cast by the last rays of […]
Theatrical and Anti-Theatrical Aesthetics in Romania Today
Miruna Runcan Theatrical and anti-theatrical stage aesthetics in Romania today If one wants to really understand the contemporary substance (general horizon, phenomena and/or directions) of the Romanian theatre stage today, a short historical approach is inevitable. As in many other Central and Eastern European cultural spaces, the modern Romanian theatre was dominated […]
Challenging Greek Art: Anathena
The commercial Greek art scene has always been traditionalist. One only needs to look at the notorious entry requirements for the Athens College of Art to understand this. Every year, a select few pass the entrance exams to attain a good degree with a weighty reputation after a five-year time-honoured education in ‘Fine Art’ […]
Mortadella? Molto Bella!
The nun with the baking tray covered in aluminium foil came over to the stop where we waiting to catch the bus from Catania to Taormina in Sicily. A teenage girl instantly stood up and offered the nun a seat, which was gratefully accepted. In return, the nun offered the girl the tray, […]
Simply having a wonderful… New Year’s time?
A gander down the high streets through this European city in December has all the festive spirit of an American suburban shopping mall. The light posts are covered in garland and holly. Santa Claus in his rotund, velveteen splendor makes his usual appearance in storefront windows. Pine trees bedecked with shimmering bulbs and twinkling lights […]
A Place to Belong
The Phoenix Theatre by day is a picture reminiscent of an after school daycare program. Inside the main auditorium kids are skateboarding on the multitude of wooden ramps set up against the walls. The lobby is filled with youth hanging out, and searching their pockets for change to buy candy or soda from the concession […]