THEGAYUK

Author: Professor Ball

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Children Of The Sun

    ★★★ | Children Of The Sun

    A Maxim Gorky classic play, adapted by Andrew Upton, is a deep and philosophically driven piece set during a cholera epidemic, which works on many significant levels.

    On the surface its comedic approach could be mistaken as a light hearted play, but below the surface lies a distinct feeling of danger – a narrative of fear which is explored through many conversations.

    Protasov is longing to find the answer to all of life’s mysteries through scientific experimentation and research. He believes that the quest of life will be answered through science so he becomes immersed in his own ignorance; failing to acknowledge the significance of what is happening around him.

    There is a superb collective of talent in this adaptation, with strong gestural performances and moments of intensity which breaks up the performance, constantly focussing it back to the deeper questions.

    The stage set is the perfect backbone to the story, with a commendable attention to detail and realistic nature which helps one to engage on an additional level. Indeed the National Theatre is one of my all time favourite destinations, with its strong Brutalist architecture just asking for performance and drama. This is exactly what is delivered with ‘Children of the Sun’. A though-provoking and engaging play, highly recommended.

    Treat yourself to some theatre this month at the National Theatre. Tickets range from £12-34 and Children of the Sun is on until Sunday 14th July 2013.

    www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

  • FILM REVIEW | She Male Snails

    ★★★★★ | She Male Snails

    An exceptional art based film employing experimental film work to explore androgyny, living beyond a conformity of gender; visually fulfilling for any art film lover.

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  • FILM REVIEW | How To Have A Relationship

    A series of film shorts exploring the complexities of relationships.

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  • FILM REVIEW | Les Invisibles

    ★★★★★ | Les Invisibles

    A refreshingly honest and prevailing documentary film following the lives of eleven elderly gay men and women, something which has had little representation in gay culture.

    A superb collection of intimate autobiographical stories on what it was like growing up being gay and the pain of suppression. Somehow it seems more sincere coming from elderly people with incredibly fascinating memories to share. It was so easy to become affectionate towards these unashamed individuals and their lives.

    The film uses a collection of personal photographs and home footage to reveal the memories. At intervals the exceptional cinematography oozed of beauty.

    Although these individuals grew up in a different society as what we live in today, it is still touching to hear similar experiences of growing up being gay, and in particular, other peoples reactions to being gay. Some came from a time where it was scandalous to even claim to be proud of being gay.

    This film really made me think. It reminded me of the importance of acceptance in others, and acceptance in oneself. It made me proud to be part of a community of shared experience. But most of all it made me proud that a film has been lovingly and unpretentiously made which is honest and real. The highlight of the film festival so far.

    Outstanding

  • THEATRE REVIEW | Untold Stories

    ★★★★★ Untold Stories | Master of his craft Alex Jennings exuberantly brings Alan Bennett’s autobiographical theatre production ‘Untold Stories’ to life in two warm and masterful accounts entitled ‘Hymn’ and ‘Cocktail Sticks’.

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  • FILM REVIEW | Fragments

    A series of spectacular experimental short films which explore memory and gay culture. Art lovers prepare to be amazed…

    1. Kiss ★★★★

    A superb silent composition consisting of a single couple in frame, kissing. The black and white film has an air of romanticism and sexual lust about it. Following on from this, the same clips are played, but this time in colour and with the sound of kissing. This was a less attractive portrayal. An excellent arrangement of film and artistic questioning.

    2. Birthplace ★★★

    A spoken memory about growing up in a strong family unit which radiated out into the village culture. This is juxtaposed with a grainy Super 8 film full of exaggerated hue. Nostalgic and heartfelt.

    3. Things Art Different Now ★★★

    A film with a kind of painterly image quality. Single face shots are placed into context through a memory of persecution and the painful sadness of friends dying. A ghostly reflection on the AIDs epidemic.

    4. Happy ★★★★★

    This short displays a lyrical based approach with strong conceptual integrity. There is a continual flux of beliefs and desires through this duality of religious speech versus popular culture icons, such as Judy Garland. Outstanding and poignant dichotomy. The one to watch!

    5. Postface  ★★★★

    An exploration into the life of Montgomery Cliff, where an accident left him in pieces. The film work replicated this idea through a fragmented pausing and playing of film; a very experimental approach. It is suggestive of the consequences of his accident. Although this type of work probably will not be understood by the majority of people, it certainly comes highly commended for all the experimental art film lovers out there.

    6. I’m Leaving on Wednesday ★★★

    This looks at love and memory of this love though a footage style of filming. The passion when eyes lock together, the closeness, the feeling, the companionship. A gentle film.

    7. Pop! ★★

    This short film is like a collaged composition; a mash up between film, words, music and artistic overlay. Slightly confusing and ambiguous.

    8. How To Talk To Kids ★

    With a miminal music overlay, reminiscent of Sigur Ros, this film wasn’t as well executed as it could have been. Forgettable.

    9. Like Rats Leaving A Sinking Ship ★

    Poetic in expression, but incoherent in storyline. However, this incoherence perhaps adds to its beauty.

  • FILM REVIEW | Intersexion

    ★★★★★ Intersexiom | A gripping documentary investigating intersex individuals. A staggering 1 in 2000 are born with genitalia which is so ambiguous – it cannot be determined male or female.

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  • FILM REVIEW | Keep The Lights On

    ★★★★ | Keep The Lights On

    Keep the Lights On is a powerfully charged plot following two men from New York City, Erik (Thure Lindhardt) and Paul (Zachary Booth), through an emotional wave of events.

    Their initial casual sex encounter forms a beautiful relationship which is explosive, climatic and heart-warming, creating a dichotomy of emotive highs and agonising lows. These fundamental parallels are significant, questioning how one can think they know someone, but at the same time know so little about their drive and purpose. But what are the implications of having casual sex with a stranger?

    The movie is set across a period of time, as the storyline gradually increases in momentum. The main couple are easy to relate to, joyfully expressing those heart warming feelings of being in the early stages of a relationship – the closeness, the ecstasy, the contentment. But along with the greatness of any relationship comes the sadness. The film explores the difficulties and strains of alcohol and drug abuse, but how much can a partner support and guide before they can take no more?

    The film work is a mature and honest investigation into a couples intimate bond. It doesn’t try to make a point of this being a gay relationship, which is usually my biggest criticism. It is simply a love story full of anguish and confusion like any other. With poignant shots throughout the movie and set to a stunning soundtrack, it has to be placed right at the top of the must see movie category.

  • FILM REVIEW | R/Evolve

    ★★ | R/Evolve

    Lucas and Lincoln tackle the pains and joys of proposed marriage, of which gay marriage is the defining cultural indifference of the age.

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  • DVD REVIEW | Scissor Sisters Live In Victoria Park

    ★★★★★ Scissor Sisters Live In Victoria Park (more…)

  • TV REVIEW| Dancing On The Edge

    ★★★★ Dancing On The Edge

    A superbly rich and decadent five part BBC2 drama, Dancing On The Edge is a refreshing burst of historic splendour detailing the introduction of jazz to a reserved and stagnant British elite.

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