That sister of mine, upon reading my blog yesterday, why I hadn't done a 'What I'm...' in a little while. I feel guilty putting them on the end of a long post, making it even longer for the casual reader, so I've avoided it for the past few posts. But the time has come when I feel I have done enough in the world to spew up a little feedback. So, enjoy, and please comment.
What I'm reading:
Wicked George Maguire I've never seen the musical, and feel lucky I haven't, because friends of mine have told me the book would be far too harsh on my delicate senses if I was expecting a lighter, less graphic sort of book. Wicked is an adult novel telling the story of the Wicked Witch of the West, with little caring for the spellbound children of the original Wizard of Oz story. There's no way around this, the novel was vulgar. It seemed like Mr Maguire had sat down and wondered how to make this novel more appropriate for adults. The answer was sex and violence, often mixed together. Maybe I'm a prude, but personally I found that rather off-putting, especially when not particularly relevant to the main story (yes, I am referring to that horrific 'Philosophy Club'). Aside from that, the story was predictable and unbelievable, missing out crucial areas in time jumps. Although the main character, Elphaba, became a sympathetic character towards the end, it took far to long. The writing style was engaging mostly, although approaching the bland style of L. Frank Baum at others. So perhaps not a particularly recommended read, especially if you like the original tale.
What I'm visiting:
FABRIC–ATION Yinka Shonibare MBE at The Yorkshire Sculpture Park My sister often over-enthuses about her favourite artists to deaf ears, but not often does my father, as he did after seeing this exhibition. Intrigued, I went to have a look, and was thoroughly impressed. Yinka Shonibare MBE, although physically disabled, manages to make incredible art, from sculptures to canvases to films. He goes to great lengths in his sculptures of people to dissolve the ethnicity, and he manages to create a world identity in his work. The colours, usually based on Nigerian designs, are vibrant, and the entire exhibition seems so touchable (although don't because every thing's alarmed). There is something for everybody, children will love the colour, texture and movements he captures, but Shonibare creates multiple meanings, a set of dresses (Little Rich Girls) can refer to hierarchy, prejudice, but also examine the role of little girls and how their constricted. I haven't been so moved and inspired by an exhibition in a long time, and will probably go back again before September, when the exhibition closes, and would defiantly say its worth more than a look in.
What I'm watching:
The Golem Shonaleigh at The Library Theatre, Sheffield Maybe its cruel to talk about this, seeing as the piece of storytelling was yesterday, the 17th of July. Still, I think it's worth writing about, in case Shonaleigh comes to your area. All Shonaleigh does is get on stage and tell a story. Even she doesn't know what will happen, out of the thousands of tales she knows from her Jewish grandmother she selects as she talks. I never knew I had a capacity to just sit and listen for so long, she told a multi-faceted story about prejudice, love, and everything in between. I wish I'd been able to stay and listen all night, she alerted you to the points where she could tell so much more. It was a performance which is hard to criticise, and anything said would just be trite. Again, if she comes to the area, do anything you can for a ticket. I'll probably be in front of you in the queue.
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