Review: Jan Morris – A Masterful Yet Flawed Figure by Sara Wheeler
Sara Wheeler's review delves into the complex life of Jan Morris, portraying her as a brilliant, prolific, yet profoundly selfish journalistic adventurer and trans pioneer. Before agreeing to pose for the National Portrait Gallery in London, Morris made two specific demands: her Norwegian forest cat, Ibsen, must be included, and one of her calves. The gallery accepted these terms. The resulting artwork depicts Morris, then approaching 80, dressed in a yellow jumper and dark green skirt, with Ibsen glaring beside her exposed legs. While content with the finished piece, she mused that it might have benefited from being slightly larger. The question is posed: could any single canvas truly encapsulate the vastness of Jan Morris?
To describe her as merely 'two-faced' would be an understatement given her numerous contradictions. Morris was, for instance, a sympathetic chronicler of empire who later embraced republican Welsh nationalism, despite also accepting a CBE. Her bibliography exceeds 50 books, spanning travelogues, biographies, historical accounts, memoirs, and fiction. Despite being a workaholic, some of her own writings reveal a surprising streak of idleness. Furthermore, a proponent of the 'religion of kindness,' she was notoriously unkind to her own children.
Fresh materials — Society news
Unseen Drawings by Tove Jansson, Creator of the Moomins, to Feature in London Exhibition
Previously unseen drawings by Tove Jansson, the Finnish artist and writer behind the globally popular Moomin books, will be exhibited in London. The Moomins, described as lovable trolls with hippopotamus snouts who live in harmony with nature, have sold up to 30 million copies since Jansson cr
Mr T: I Pity the Fool Review – A Rare Chance with an Electrifying Star… And They Blew It
Reflecting on childhood memories, one might ask when was the last time entertainment rivaled the joy of watching "The A-Team." For many, the documentary "Mr T: I Pity the Fool" evokes the iconic character of B.A. Baracus, the genius engineer and fan-favorite from the soldiers of fortu
Review: I Made You a Mixtape - Energetic Dorm Party Fun
"I Made You a Mixtape" is an undefinable, vibrant, and somewhat chaotic performance, unlike any other. As director Christie Lee Manning of Response Theatre Company explains, it's not strictly a play, musical, or dance show, despite being predominantly dance-focused with th
Chris Carter is mistaken if he thinks more gore will bring The X-Files: I Want to Believe back to life
While director's cuts are often lauded, "The X-Files: I Want to Believe – Vrach Frankenshteyn," a new version released on Disney+, is unlikely to change critical opinions of the original 2008 film. Director Chris Carter has emphasized the new version's graphic additions, b
Lara Ricote: Inkling Review – This Fizzy Stand-Up’s Smart New Set is Her Best Yet
Lara Ricote delivers a rich and enjoyable show with "Inkling," a significant step forward from her already impressive early work. The Mexican-American comedian remains as endearing as ever, her drive to connect with the audience evident in a performance exploring how to decipher life's messages,
France-Lise McGurn: The Art of Embracing Life's Complexities
Artist France-Lise McGurn embraces the intricate nature of life, acknowledging that while parties are enjoyable, they eventually end. Her latest exhibition at Dundee Contemporary Arts, titled "The Charm Offensive," marks a significant expansion of her dynamic and vital paintings to an