Culture Diary w/c 24-09-12
Monday – Beetlejuice 8.45pm @ FACT
Of the entire Tim Burton canon, Beetlejuice is perhaps correctly considered the passion project. His breakout movie, it is the film which introduced Burton’s brand of macabre comedy to an as yet unsuspecting audience. There is currently talk of both Burton and its titular star, Michael Keaton, being on-board for a sequel – if the script is up to scratch, so this showing as part of FACT’s The World of Tim Burton season, is timely indeed.
Tuesday – The Magic of Motown 7.30pm @ The Liverpool Philharmonic £25/£31
There are songs, genres and labels that are destined for timelessness. The Magic of Motown this Tuesday at the Phil offers a rare opportunity to experience the reasons the Motown label has gone down in history in a live context. Featuring “an all-star cast” performing hits from The Supremes to The Jackson 5, this is a fine reminder of why the Motown sound endures.
Wednesday – Control 6.30pm @ FACT
Part of the NeuroCinema (programmed by Neurosupport) strand at FACT, Control is the story of Joy Division lead singer, Ian Curtis. The film provides an honest and sensitive profile of Curtis, who along with having to deal with the pressures that come with a band, fatherhood and infidelity, fought depression and had epilepsy.
Thursday – “Explorers” (Michael Lacey) 6pm @ Arena Studios and Gallery
Glasgow School of Art graduate Michael Lacey presents his debut solo exhibition “Explorers” this week at Arena Studios. Featuring collage, drawing and painting, Lacey, who describes himself as a writer, illustrator and artist, documents “a fictional landscape populated by strange characters and rituals”.
Friday – Orphée 6.30pm @ Metal
Jean Cocteau’s reimagining transplants a classical Greek legend into a work of clear autobiographical resonance. Orpheus is turned from the lyre player of mythology into poet in post-war France, who becomes obsessed with a princess dressed all in black in this fantastical tale. Orphée is preceded by Blog North Award shortlisted Adam Scovell’s Wake Up Dedalus.
Saturday – Wolf Red 8pm @ the Unity Theatre £8/£10
Premiering on Wednesday, but sold out until Saturday, Wolf Red is the latest production from masters of physical theatre Tmesis (“Rarefied, intriguing…beautiful”, said the Guardian of previous work). Described as “quirky and disturbingly memorable”, this blurring of fairytale and reality looks to be a potential under-the-radar pick of the week.
Sunday – Silver Apples 7.30pm @ The Kazimier £10/£15
In September 2007, Simeon Coxe III went on tour for the first time in years under the Silver Apples moniker. Formed as a psychedelic duo in 1967, the group (along with the now deceased Danny Taylor) are credited with influencing everyone from Suicide to Kraftwerk, and beyond.
Biennial Diary Picks
Tuesday – Gina Czarnecki 12pm @ Metal
In December last year, the Bluecoat hosted a retrospective of work from the multidisciplinary artist Gina Czarnecki, and – if you liked her work, or not – on Tuesday you can join the artist in conversation at Metal’s CAFÉ VALISE.
Friday/Saturday – Static Social 6pm/8pm – 2am @ Static Gallery
Described as an “escape route & hospitable hangout for city centre refugees with an obscure music & video focus”, Static Social was conceived as a means for people (perhaps with an eye on out-of-towners in-particular) doing the rounds at the Biennial to be able to get a drink and be entertained out of the reach of Concert Square and the like. Curated by Ladytron’s Daniel Hunt, it promises to feature an evolving line-up of guest artists and DJs. We’re there.
