The Mancunion - Issue 2 by The Mancunion

FRE

Issue 2 / 11th October 2021

www.mancunion.com

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLING CRISIS: THE MANCUNION INVESTIGATIONS TEAM HAS REVEALED UOM HAS 12 COUNSELLORS FOR 2826 STUDENTS WHAT HAVE THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY BEEN UP TO IN MANCHESTER?

CHATTING WITH: LEMN SISSAY

WOMEN IN SPACE

ISSUE 2 / 11th October WWW.MANCUNION.COM

2 Contents

Page 3

Page 22

Page 10

Page 24

Page 3 Page 5 Page 23

Page 31 Page 29

Contact us Editor-in-Chief: Jess Walmsley mancunion.editor@gmail.com Managing Editor News & Current Affairs: Ella Robinson Managing Editor Michal Wasilewski

Culture:

Print Editor: Clem Lawrence Online Editor: Sophie Berkley

Head News Editor: Archie Earle Deputy Editor: Shikhar Talwar

Deputy Features Editor: Steffie Banatvala Opinion Editor: Annie Dabb Deputy Editor: Gemma Brown

Co-Science & Technology Editor: Sam Bronheim & Emma Hattersley

Music Editor: Reece Ritchie Deputy Editors: Sarah Taylor & Jack Greeney

Investigations Editor: Joe McFadden

Lifetsyle Editor: Erin Botten

Features Kenny

Film Editor: Benjy KaluberGriffiths

Editor:

Serafina

Fashion Editor: Alex Bikard Deputy Fashion Editor: Zahra Mukadam Beauty Editor: Alice Henderson

Theatre Editor: Jay Darcy Books Editor: Aileen Loftus Deputy Books Editor: Ava Innes

Sport Editor: Arsh Asthana

Sub-editors: Elinor Burt, Katy Bray, Naziha Mardem-Bay, Florrie Evans

Food & Drink Editor:Katie Hourigan Food & Drink Editor: Izzy Langhamer

Design Editors: Emily Turvey, Johnno Hadfield, Mariam Hussain, Roisin Hever, Sam Bronheim, Anja Samy, Ella Robinson, Jess Walmsley

Marketing Team: Conrad Pope, Eleanor Fisher, Jimena Gonzalez, Martina Ferrara, Camille Garret

News 3

ISSUE 2 / 11TH OCTOBER 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Drink spiking on the rise in Manchester Students in Manchester have warned their peers of the rise in drinks being spiked across Manchester Jess Walmsley Editor-in-Chief

tudents have voiced concern over a rise in spiking across bars in Manchester. The majority of people who have been recently affected by drink spiking are students and they have taken to social media to warn people of the specific bars they have been spiked in. Comments from those who have been spiked in Manchester have risen in numbers over the past month and bars are beginning to take notice. 256 Wilmslow Road, a popular student bar pick in Fallowfield, have announced that they will be providing

Photo: Jia Jia Shum @ Unsplash

free anti-drug bottle-stops & lids with all drinks. Drink Aware and alternative spiking information sources recommend checking the colour of your drink, especially for any hints of blue which could be a signal your drink has been tampered with. Other changes to your drink might be whether it is cloudy, has excessive bubbles or fizzing, or tastes different such as more bitter or salty. If you notice any of these changes report it to a member of staff and do not carry on drinking said drink or any other alcoholic beverages. Signs to look out for in other people are if they have trouble speaking or staying focused, they find it difficult to stand up and can’t hold their

balance, have blurred vision, feel extremely nauseous, feel as though they are hallucinating, disorientated or paranoid, experience memory loss or blackout. If you think someone has been spiked you need to stay with them at all times, tell a member of staff or trusted person, seek medical attention and call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates. Never leave them unattended. More information can be found online at www.drinkaware.co.uk

The Mancunion are currently leading a full investigation into the increase of drink spiking amongst the student community.

Nancy Out, Locked Out Ella Robinson & Sam Bronheim Managing Editor (News) & Science Editor

he Nancy Out campaign’s attempts to barge into the Foundation Day celebrations were quickly stopped by security guards. As approximately ten campaigners ran towards the door it was slammed in their faces by security, who seemed to be aware of the protest groups plans. An attendee of Foundation Day was overheard discussing the potential of a ‘barge-in’ by campaigners before the event, and security covered all exits. The group looped around Whitworth Hall, where the event which celebrates the coming together of Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), was taking place. A security guard was overheard saying, “Three of them are near the library, looking for a way in down there.”

After failing to enter the building most of the Nancy Out campaign abandoned their plans and went for a drink in 532 instead. A few remained to try and hand a P45 to Nancy Rothwell which she didn’t accept. In response to a The Tab article in which a protestor described an interaction with a security guard as “incredibly threatening”, a University spokesperson said: “We are aware of an unpleasant incident which took place on the University campus on Wednesday evening involving, we understand, a Tab reporter and a group of students who targeted the President and Vice-Chancellor in a hostile and very personal manner. This was witnessed by several staff. The individuals had previously unsuccessfully sought to disrupt the University’s Foundation Day celebrations in Whitworth Hall. This type of aggressive behaviour is clearly unacceptable and does not demonstrate a commitment to our shared values. We will be reviewing all available information accordingly.”

‘Nancy Out’ fail to disrupt Foundation Day celebrations as barge-in was pre-empted by security. A UoM spokesperson referred to the later protest as “personal” and “unpleasant”

Photo: Jess Walmsley @ The Mancunion

Doctor Rashford

Marcus Rashford is the youngest ever recipient of an honorary doctorate from UoM Ella Robinson Managing Editor (News)

Photo: University of Manchester

arcus Rashford, 23, became the youngest recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester on Thursday. The announcement was made in July last year, but due to the pandemic, an official in-person ceremony was not possible until now. The other honorary doctorates were awarded on Foundation Day, but Rashford was unable to attend so a special ceremony was held at Old Trafford in his honour. David Aaronovitch, Dorothy Byrne, Professor Dame Sue Hill, Sir Alan Langlands, and Professor Helen Pankhurst CBE were also recipients of the award. Rashford was honoured for “his ongoing charity work and wellpublicised campaign against child poverty off the field, as well as his outstanding sporting achievements on the pitch”, according to the

University of Manchester. Whilst students are very supportive of Rashford’s work over the pandemic, some felt that the Foundation Day celebration and subsequent award at Old Trafford was according to an anonymous second year student, “out of touch” after two years of postponed graduation ceremonies for students. An anonymous third year student said: “Whilst the work that Marcus Rashford does is really inspiring, many students save up money and work very hard to get to university and get a degree. It just feels like he got to fasttrack the process. Marcus might be one of the few exceptions where he has actually done good, so it’s not on him but others have received the same honour, for accomplishing much less.” Rashford made reference to the news that the £20 credit top-up to Universal Credit had ended during his acceptance speech: “I’m here to receive my Honorary Doctorate for my work around child poverty. Yesterday, millions of families across

the UK lost a lifeline and a means of staying afloat. A move that could see child poverty rise to 1 in 3 children. For that reason, today is bittersweet. “It’s time that representatives got out into communities like mine. It’s time they saw first-hand the true measure of struggle. COVID-19 can no longer be used as an excuse.” Sir Alex Fergurson, who was in attendance at the event, remains the most qualified figure in British football history, with honorary degrees from eight universities.

Photo: Dunk @ Flickr

4 News

ISSUE 02 / 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Conservative Party protest : in photos

Photos: Antonio Ross & Reece Ritchie

News 5 “Boris Johnson is rubbish”: Coservative Party Conference protest coverage ISSUE 2 / 11th October WWW.MANCUNION.COM

On Sunday 3rd October approximately 20,000 people marched down Oxford Road to protest the Conservative Party Joe McFadden Investigations Editor

he protest was organised by The People’s Assembly. Starting at 1pm, the protest was preceded by a speech from a horse drawn carriage provided by the National Bargee Travellers Association, a Gypsy-Roman group. Multiple other groups had a visible presence with the unions Unite, Unison and CWT flying balloons and walking with banners. Mancunian’s from all walks of life showed up to protest the Tories with a diverse showing that cut across age groups. Everyone from children to students to pensioners marched against Boris Johnson’s government to show their disdain for over a decade of Tory rule.

Multiple student activist groups also attended the demonstration. Amber Barrow, Deputy Chair of the University of Manchester’s Feminist Collective, told The Mancunion that she was “marching today because we need a government that listens to the people. We need a government that protects people of marginalised genders on the streets … I am marching for everyone who has ever been treated as lesser for who they are.” Spearheading the protest were Labour MPs Richard Burgon and Barry Gardiner alongside Black Lives Matter activists and representatives from People’s Assembly and various other groups. Following the march, the protest culminated in a rally at Deansgate Docks with speeches from the

various groups. All the speakers expressed dismay with the current government and were highly critical of Boris Johnson’s leadership of the country. They also took aim at the Cabinet, with Priti Patel receiving criticism for her immigration policies. There was a heavy police presence on the march with at least 20 police vans positioned around the University of Manchester’s Oxford Road campus alongside police horses. The actual Tory Party Conference at the Britannia Hotel was also guarded by the police.

: Reece Photo

e Ritchi

What have the Conservative Party been up to in Manchester?

The Conservative Party have been active in the streets of Manchester from going for runs to ordering cocktails and even being turned away from bars, here’s what we have found out:

Boris Johnson: Spotted going for a run

in Manchester dressed in a white shirt, knee length shorts and smart black work shoes. Did he forget his PE kit, or was it a calculated move to draw attention away from his disastrous Brexit policies, HGV crisis and fuel shortage?

Michael Gove : Reported to have or-

dered a non-alcoholic passionfruit mojito in Zouk Tea-Bar, said an anonymous source in Zouk at the time. Gove has also been spotted on the famous dating app Bumble whilst staying in Manchester. Jacob Rees-Mogg: Denied entry to Revolucion-de-Cuba...no Daiquiri for him! Laura Kuenssberg: Most recently went viral on Twitter for allegedly competing in a rap battle and dance-off with Michael Gove in a local Manchester bar.

6 News

ISSUE 2 / 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Wales to head racial history education BAME history is now a mandatory part of the Welsh school curriculum

Shikhar Talwar Deputy News Editor

history

ales are the first UK country to make BAME

mandatory

part

student’s curriculum. On the 1st of October, 2021, the Welsh Department of Education put forth a press release. Starting September 2022, it would be mandatory for Welsh students to receive education on Black, Asian and Ethnic Minorities (BAME). The Welsh Minister of Education,

education system equips our young

that it is important for students

the ambitious, capable, enterprising,

have received £500,000 from the

people to understand and respect

to learn the other side of colonial

creative, ethical, informed, healthy,

Welsh government. The group will

their own and each other’s histories,

history and the “very real impact” it

and confident citizens. They will

complete its procedure by the 15th of

cultures and traditions.”

had on BAME communities.

be introducing BAME history in

November.

This would make Wales the first

Hence in a similar way Jeremy

Mathematics, Science, Humanities,

The idea is to further break the

UK country to make BAME history

Miles said, “If we are to progress as a

Languages, Health & Wellbeing, and

“traditional” subject to subject bound-

mandatory. This came after a Senedd

society, we must create an education

Expressive Arts. These six areas of

aries that exist in an effort to also

petition in Wales achieved nearly

system which broadens our under-

learning which involve mandatory

show how everything would likely

35,000 signatures. The petition men-

standing and knowledge of the many

elements will be called the ‘Statement

have a history in the past. While this

tioned that the entirety of the UK has

cultures which have built Wales’, and

of What Matters.’

announcement comes at the start of

benefited from its colonial and slave

the world’s, past and present.”

history, and the current education system glorifies the British Empire.

A working group headed by

the Black History Month, the curric-

The new curriculum would be

Charlotte Williams, was formed last

ulum would not be only focused on

based on the purpose of developing

year to improve teaching on BAME

this one month but would be taking

communities, and

a larger step in decolonising history.

They believe

Meanwhile in England however, no

Jeremy Miles stated, “It is vitally that

such law has been put into

important

motion.

our

: Ca oto Ph

s rlo

@ oro De T

h plas Uns

Sc o

Shikhar Talwar Deputy News Editor

cotland is believed to be one of the most progressive countries in Europe when it comes to Queer education. They have announced that they will make Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender education a requirement across all schools in the country. To ensure that the teaching staff are themselves aware, the government will provide school staff with a course on LGBT inclusive education as well as a toolkit for teaching resources. The government hopes this will help empower

young people who may otherwise find it difficult to be able to speak on this subject. The act aims to reduce bullying faced by students on such matters, as the curriculum pushes for equality. The government has also launched a website with information and resources for young people to look at and educate themselves. The website has options for anyone to join an LGBT charter, or classroom resources, or join an online youth group, or just get any digital forms of support. The co-founder of the Time for Inclusive Education (TIE), Jordan Daly, has backed this approach by the Scottish government, mentioning how he was also bullied for being gay and such an initiative would have helped him regain his confidence. He added, “this work will empower young people and provide them with an opportunity I didn’t have at school - to feel valued, confident, and proud of who they are.” Furthermore, Clare Haughey, Scottish Minister for

ed uc a

Children and Young People, stated: “I am proud to say that Scotland is leading the way as the first country in the world to embed LGBT inclusive education right across the curriculum … we can help young people to reach their full potential and flourish in a diverse and inclusive society… The Scottish Government, in partnership with COSLA, is determined to provide a fully inclusive education for Scotland’s children and young people.” This initiative is Scotland’s push for ensuring greater inclusivity and equality among youth. They wish that any person irrespective of their sexual or gender identity is given the utmost amount of respect that they deserve.

n tio

s ’ d n a l t

L r G o f B h T s Q u + p

Investigations 7

ISSUE 2 / 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLING CRISIS: Just 12 counsellors for 2826 students The Mancunion Investigations team and Accessibility Report committee reveal shortfalls in University of Manchester mental health support

Ella Robinson Managing Editor (News and Current Affairs)

he Mancunion has revealed that the University of Manchester has just 12* counsellors and 5 mental health nurses in their counselling service, although 2826 of their current students have disclosed mental health issues. The number of students registered with the Disability Advisory Support Service (DASS) for mental health issues has increased steadily from 2333 in 2018/19, but the number of students receiving at least one private counselling session with the University’s service has dropped by 10 per cent from 3266 to 2910, an FOI request reveals. Students have reported struggling to access the service, with one* saying: “I called them multiple times, only to not get any answer or be told the week was already full and to try the week after”.

“

I left and cried and wanted to file a complaint but didn’t know how In response the University of Manchester spokesperson said, “For a period of time during lockdown and remote operation access to the appointment line became more difficult. In recognition of this ... we have recruited 4 triage and support workers offering the first point of contact to all callers and introduced a new caller management system. This allows the appointment line to be available throughout the day and routine next day appointments are offered. Urgent and crisis queries will be offered same day support. In addition the duty counsellor responds to all email queries.” But the University’s claims of a same-day booking service have reportedly led GPs and Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT) to rely on the University’s system, rather than offering external support to student patients. Communication between the CMHT and University services appears to be lacking. A student with Depression, Anxiety, Schizophre-

nia, Agoraphobia and PTSD reported: “I was not receiving any form of talking therapy from the Community Mental Health Team when the University turned me away, and the CMHT wouldn’t give me any talking therapy because I could supposedly get it through the uni counselling service.” In response the University explained that referrals to external services are only made when students need more specialist and extensive support than could safely be offered within a university service. They said the “C&MH service would endeavour to continue to support these students whilst making assertive efforts to secure an appropriate NHS service.” The Disabled Student’s Society and the Disabled Student’s Campaign looked into mental health during their 61-page ‘accessibility report’, finding that “the most vulnerable students felt alienated by the service”, with the Student Mental Health Services allegedly refusing to treat self-harming students with Borderline Personality Disorder “because they will not be willing to listen to [the service]”. A UoM spokesperson said: “It is not possible to meaningfully comment on this without more information to enable us to look into it. This description does not reflect our practice and students are not refused support.” Amongst disabled students who responded to a survey created by the report committee,* 95.5 per cent felt that University impacted upon their mental health somewhat or very negatively. 69.2 per cent didn’t believe the University would help them in a mental health crisis. Students quoted anonymously in the report said: “The University rarely seeks to address the causes of mental health struggles, when in many cases the University itself is responsible for those issues” and “the lack of support for people is ridiculous and endangering lives”. One student even said: “The direct impact of a lack of support from the University has led to multiple suicide attempts and mental health crises on my part.” A University of Manchester spokesperson said: “Using a stepped care model we provide resources across the full spectrum from preventative wellbeing support, through workshops and groups, 1:1 support, mental health and risk assessments and active referral into the GM Universities Student Mental Health Service and appropriate NHS services.”

The number of undergraduates disclosing mental health issues during the application process rose from 234 in 2018/19 to 362 in 2020/21. In each of the past three academic years new Mental Health disclosures to DASS (either developed or subsequently disclosed at University) remained above 1000, The Mancunion can reveal.

“

the lack of support is ridiculous and endangering lives Another key concern from the report was the complaints process for students who are dissatisfied with the University’s support. The data gathered from a Freedom of Information request submitted by The Mancunion reveals no formal complaints have been filed against the University Counselling Service in the last three years. Moreover, there were just seven informal complaints or cases of negative feedback recorded. But students were reportedly struggling to make complaints, with one respondent saying, “I left and cried and wanted to file a complaint but didn’t know how.” Another claimed to have made an “official complaint” after “one counsellor was very inappropriate and actively harmful to me”, but there is no record of this in the data supplied by the University of Manchester. The official complaints procedure requires the complaint to be in writing and marked as confidential to the Head of Counselling. But the Accessibility Report called for change in this process as “students have reported not feeling comfortable or supported in making a complaint about the counselling service/SMHS, as well as simply not being made aware of how to even do this.” A University of Manchester spokesperson said: “All informal complaints or feedback are responded to by the Head of the relevant service. Students are able to make formal complaints about any aspect of University through the Student Complaints Procedure.” In response to the informal complaints the UoM has said various action was taken such as “changes to procedures, additional training for individual staff, changes to information on the

website.” However, a student who complained of “discriminatory” behaviour towards them and their partner, “did not feel that [their complaint] was handled seriously, and they believe that the member of staff is still employed there”. Students also complained that the ‘Six ways to wellbeing’ and other mental health related communication, frequently mocked on Instagram and Facebook were not adequate support. The University told The Mancunion the model is based on New Economics Foundation evidence and is aimed at empowering students to support their own wellbeing. Nor were the workshops, described by students as “overly trivial, and ultimately not useful, or even harmful”. Yet students felt pressured into attending them although “building them into my timetable felt like an extra stress factor”. The University reiterated that attendance is optional, and of the students who did attend feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Some students in the Accessibility Report alleged the University Counselling Service “did not do enough to help me because I didn’t have just one problem”. However, the University said it “is impossible to meaningfully comment on without further information”. The Accessibility Report has called for a “full review of mental ill-health in conjunction with disability”, as well as an online booking system for appointments, the ability to book more than a one-off appointment and an “adequate complaints procedure”. The University set up a “Task and Finish Group in response to the Accessibility Report, which included representatives from across the university including the Disabled Student Network and the authors of the report.” Recommendations will be published shortly.

*This data is as of 24th April 2021. The exact numbers are 12.2 FTE counsellors and 5.4 FTE Mental Health Nurses (as equivalent to full-time hours). Whole numbers have been used in this piece for clarity. The University are currently in the process of recruiting another full time counsellor, a part time mental health nurse, and one full time social prescriber. **All student quotes are anonymous in this piece ***23 students responded to the survey.

8 Sport

ISSUE 2/ 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Hamilton Makes History Lewis Hamilton enters his name into the history books by becoming the first Formula One driver to win a hundred races. Arsh Asthana Sports Editor

ewis Hamilton finally gets his 100th Grand Prix win as heavy rain causes chaos and leads to heartbreak

for Lando Norris near the end of the race. Max Verstappen enjoyed a sensational drive to secure second place, after starting in last place, and Carlos Sainz had a strong recovery at the end to pick up third place and the final podium spot. Lando Norris, who took pole position during qualifying and became the fifth youngest pole sitter in F1 history, got off to a bad start as Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz found the slipstream and overtook him to take the lead after turn one. Lewis Hamilton started the race in P4 and fell down by three positions, with Lance Stroll, Daniel Ricciardo and Fernando Alonso all moving ahead of his Mercedes in the opening lap.

Russian GP Race Result 1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 2. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 3. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari

During lap 13 Norris re-took first place from his former team-

his first ever win in Formula One.

mate Carlos Sainz, before extending his lead to twelve seconds

“We didn’t get it together as a team in hindsight, it was the

from Daniel Ricciardo and Lewis Hamilton at the halfway stage.

wrong decision to stay out,” said team principal Andreas Seidl.

Lewis Hamilton redeemed himself after his poor start, getting past

Max Verstappen ended up with a second-place finish

Fernando Alonso’s Alpine in the second lap before Lance Stroll’s early

after starting in last place due to a grid penalty for taking a

pit stop, but the Mercedes driver was then stuck behind Ricciardo.

new engine. The Dutchman got off to a strong start, making

The Australian’s slow pit stop during lap 23 allowed Lewis to get into

up five positions during the first six laps, and clearing

clean Lando

air

and

Norris

fellow

Bottas

along

the

way.

the track, Lando almost lost his lead to the seven-tme world

in lap 38. When the rain started to pour down, Max was one of the

champion as he went wide with just over seven laps remaining.

first drivers to pit for intermediate tyres and making the decision

As the rain started getting heavier, drivers started to lose

this early meant he was able to finish the race in second place.

starting

his

Valterri

his second stint, even losing out his sixth place to Fernando Alonso

drizzle

Mercedes’

light

remainder

compatriot

However, the Red Bull driver was starting to slow down during

the

his

race.

With

for

attack

show

grip and control over their cars, and had to make the tough decision of whether to stay out

With only two points separating Hamilton and Max Verstappen for the Drivers

on slicks or pit for intermediate tyres.

Championship, the last leg of the

Lando was adamant that he wanted to stay

2021 Formula One season promises

out on his hard tyres even after his race engineer

to end with some sparks and

insisted that he change to intermediates.

fireworks.

Although Lewis also refused to change his tyres at first, he came in for his pit stop during the 49th lap, after

4. Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren

his pit crew warned him that more rain would follow. With just over three laps to go, McLaren and

5. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes

Norris would come to regret their decision to stay out. The young Briton lost control of his car and left the track,

6. Fernando Alonso, Alpine 7. Lando Norris, McLaren

allowing Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes to take the lead and eventually win the race. It was picture perfect for Lewis Hamilton,

8. Kimi Raikkonen, Alfa Romeo

who

showcased

his

race-craft

after

enduring a tough start to the race, to

9. Sergio Perez, Red Bull

clinch his 100th win in Formula One. “It was the wrong one at the end of

10. George Russell, Williams

the day but I made the decision just as much as the team,” said a devastated Lando Norris, who was on track for

Jen Ross @ Flickr

Features 9

ISSUE 2 / 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

In conversation with: Lemn Sissay Serafina Kenny Features Editor

emn Sissay answers the Zoom call with a beaming smile on his face. Sat in front of a colourful wall covered with framed art, it’s almost like he’s in an art gallery, if it were an installation exhibition depicting a poet’s home office. He addresses me by name, and is so friendly it’s like we’ve chatted a hundred times before. I ask him how he is, and he urges me to start recording before he answers - he wants to tell me about a letter he’s received from a reader of his poetry. “It’s a six page letter from a 91 year old woman, just talking about the fact that she’s just read my book, and about her incredible life. I was really pleased to write back to her, so you asked me how my day is going - it’s a good day.” We chat about the rarity of a handwritten letter, and the value of feedback from readers. “It’s quite a gift that’s given to writers, that people will feed back to them and tell you what they think. My favourite kind of feedback is when students or their parents stop me in the street, and say, ‘You made a difference in my life.’ Or ‘You shook my hand when I got my degree.’ It means a lot to me.” Lemn has been the Chancellor of the University of Manchester (UoM) for almost seven years - writing poetry you might know from the Stellify scheme branding, or from the sides of buildings along Oxford Road. But there’s more to the role than that, and I tell Lemn that this is one of the things I want to ask him about. This is a paper for the students of UoM, who have been quite invested in the doings of senior leadership recently, after all. I’m curious to know about his actual involvement with the university, and what a day in the life of the Chancellor of UoM looks like. “My role as Chancellor of the University is first and foremost to be the ceremonial head of the university. I’m not there on a daily basis, but I will, for example, be at degree ceremonies. That’s my favourite responsibility - to be able to shake the hands of the students, and give them their degree as they grow wings and fly off into the world, into their respective positions. “That moment is a moment of connection between the entire university population. I represent all of the lecturers and all of the institution saying to that student, ‘Thank you for being here. Congratulations on everything you’ve done. And I wish you well for the future. Stay in touch, stay part of the alumni of the University, because there is much more to university than simply the time that you’re here. There are many more services that we can offer you and we want you to be part of this university family.’” His attitude towards graduations is poetic, really, and it’s clear that he genuinely cares about and enjoys his role as Chancellor. He’s keen to explain the extent of his role, telling me that he also gets involved with the bureaucratic running of the university: “It was the Students Union who called me and said, ‘We would like you to put yourself forward to be the next Chancellor’, and then it was the constituents who voted for me to become Chancellor. I will forever be thankful to the Students’ Union for calling me and asking me to run for the chancellorship. If it hadn’t been for the Students’ Union, I wouldn’t be Chancellor right now.” So it seems that Lemn and the SU go back a while. It’s unsurprising that the SU were so keen to have him as Chancellor, really, given his links with the city of Manchester - his poetry is literally part of the city, with his poem ‘Flags’ set in the flagstones of Tib Street in the Northern Quarter. Manchester loves Lemn Sissay, and this love is by no means unrequited. “As a child growing up in the northwest of England, Manchester was this city glinting on the horizon from the Lancashire planes... I ran down that yellow brick road as soon as I left the children’s homes. It gave me, and still gives me, the experience which allows me to then go out to the rest of the world as an artist and writer. Manchester was my university, you know? It gave me everything. “I became a literature development worker at a place called Common Word. There, I published books by Black writers, gay writers, working class writers, any writers who otherwise wouldn’t be published for any reason. After that, I became a full time writer from the age of 25, based in Manchester. And I just grew from there really, I made records with bands in Manchester, I performed at the Hacienda. I’m keen to hear more about his career trajectory. In a lot of interviews, Lemn talks about his childhood in care and the hardships that that brought about. But we’re focusing on the highlights. There is one thing, which he decides he can tell me after we figure when this will be published. “By the time this comes out, I’ll be an honorary professor at the University, which is great. I can also tell you that I’ll be a visiting fellow at Jesus College in Cambridge.” And then, a few more things: “This year, I was made an OBE... I guess that could be a highlight. Also my book becoming number one in the Sunday Times bestseller list,

in 2019, I think that was a highlight. Yeah.” The past covered, we turn to the present. The SU Executive team this yearhas decided not to celebrate Black History Month, so I ask Lemn about his thoughts on this. “Gosh. Listen, I remember when International Women’s Day was a small affair, seen as a niche thing - a few events in Manchester happening but mainly by the left field. And now International Women’s Day is an international movement and reminder of the importance of the need to listen to women. And I think Black History Month is the same. It’s a reminder of the importance of Black history as part of the history of Britain. There’s a reason that that reminder has been put in place. It’s because it was ignored. “So, look, Black Lives Matter. Black History Months matter too. And if anybody says it doesn’t, it possibly means that they have little idea of their own British culture.” But could it not be seen as tokenistic if similar efforts aren’t kept up throughout the year? “As a black man, I don’t find it tokenistic at all. I’m like, great, yeah, bring it on. What do you know about the great classical black musicians? What do you know about the great black poets and novelists and writers? And why do you think that all we do is music and sport? Is it because actually, the people who had the opportunity to quite acquire knowledge were all one colour, and because they actually did everything they could to stop the acknowledgment of the achievements of people of colour? “Black History Month is a way of saying, Oh, no, we have achievements, we have done incredibly well. It’s just that you’ve been ignoring us. So let us put things in context for you.” The SU’s General Secretary, Melody, wants the removal of the university’s annual ‘BAME’ report and to replace it with a diversity report with breakdowns of each separate ethnic group, so I also ask his thoughts on the term BAME. “Whenever there is one term to describe our whole group of people, there will be a massive subsection of those people who don’t agree with that term. I don’t acknowledge myself as BAME but I know that a lot of people do, and a lot of institutions do as well, including probably my own university. “I would agree with Melody from the Students Union. She’s saying that there are so many different groups of people within BAME, that it sort of doesn’t work. It’s supposed to be a way of acknowledging diversity, but actually it denies diversity. “What I am aware of is that everybody’s trying to do the right thing. And sometimes that means doing the wrong thing first. Unfortunately, we often end up being the crash test dummy. But our difference is what unites us. And this isn’t just a difference of race, every unique individual has a different life experience.” Speaking of life experiences, Lemn’s has been immortalised in multiple documentaries and a memoir. I’ve never met anyone who has written a memoir before, so I’m curious to find out how it feels to turn your life into art, into consumable content. “Our own stories are something that we get away from, you know, we go out into the world and we become lawyers, poets, scientists, hairdressers - but actually, our own stories, the stories of our families, and the journeys that they have been through, they create us. Those stories are part of our journeys, whether you have to articulate it explicitly as I do or not. What does matter is that you don’t deny where you’re from. It is part of who you are. And you are incredible because of that. “A lot of my work at the moment is autobiographical. But it is the medium that you use, which is actually more exciting. So in many ways, it doesn’t matter what it is that you’re writing, the medium that you use is what’s exciting. What I’m excited by is the medium and how I have utilised it, how I’ve explored my life with the medium. If you go on a journey, you may love the view. But actually, I built the car.” I don’t want to take up too much of his time, but Lemn wants to say one last thing. “This probably will be my last interview in the Mancunion because I’m leaving in July next year. So I just wanted to thank the students of University of Manchester over my six and a half years of being here. And I just want the students to have a great time while they are at the university! Students are the most important part of the university. There’s research and there’s teaching and there’s this, that and the other, but the students are the heart of our university. “Also, be kind to yourself. As students you put yourself under a lot of pressure - there’s a lot of work to be done and you will do it as best as you can. But be caring to yourself, because there’s only you that’s going to carry yourself through this process. We need you to be well in your mental health as well as in your academic health.” “Oh and also”, he adds, “Can I ask them to follow me on Twitter?”

You can find Lemn on Twitter @lemnsissay

10 Science & Tech

ISSUE 2 / 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

New COVID antiviral pill inspires hope A new antiviral pill has been found to reduce rates of hospitalisation in COVID-19 patients. Emma Hattersley Science Editor

new COVID-19 antiviral pill, known as molnupiravir, has shown promising results in early trials. Developed by Merck and Co., the drug has been found to reduce hospitalisation of patients with mild to moderate coronavirus by 50%. Merck are now applying for Emergency Use Authorisation, acting on advice by the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), and an independent Data Monitoring Committee. What is molnupiravir? Molnupiravir is a drug that slows the replication of SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes the disease COVID-19. It is intended to reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death for patients who already have symptoms of coronavirus. However, it is also currently being studied as a potential drug for post-exposure prophylaxis. This means it would be given to people who have had close contact with those infected with coronavirus. Studies are currently investigating whether it could prevent household transmission. The drug was invented at Drug

Innovations at Emory (DRIVE), LLC, a not-for-profit biotechnology company owned by Emory University. It was developed by Merck (also known as MSD), in collaboration with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics. Why is the study so promising? The study evaluated the data from 7 75 patients with laboratory-confirmed-COVID-19. All patients had at least one characteristic which increased their risk of COVID-19 making them severely unwell. This included obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. These patients were divided into two groups. The first group was treated with molnupiravir, and the second was given a placebo. This study produced three main encouraging findings: The rate of hospitalisation was 50% lower for the group given molnupiravir. In addition, no deaths occurred amongst this group’s patients, compared to eight deaths in the placebo group. Based on gene sequencing of 40% of participants, the pill was similarly efficient for the Gamma, Delta and Mu covid variants. These are currently the three most common COVID variants worldwide. Molnupiravir seems to induce

few side effects – the incidence of drug induced ‘adverse events’ for patients treated with the pill was almost identical to those treated with a placebo. How will the drug be made available? Merck expects to produce 10 million courses of treatment by the end of 2021, and more in 2022. It has already agreed to supply approximately 1.7 million courses to the US government, at a cost of $1.2 billion - around £880 million - and is in early talks with other countries. If approved, Merck claims that it will charge countries for their drug proportionally to their wealth. They have also entered into non-exclusive licencing agreements with established companies to improve availability in low and middle income countries. What might the future hold? Despite the new vaccines providing a very high rate of protection against COVID-19, breakthrough cases that require hospital treatment do occur. This means that the new antiviral drug could provide yet another layer to the safety net of societal protection. Testing and widespread vacci-

nation programmes help reduce the number of people being infected, but if you are infected, being vaccinated reduces your chance of becoming severely ill. If you are one of the small percentage of vaccinated people who would have still become severely ill, this new pill should reduce your chance of dying of COVID. In addition, pills like these may help reduce the burden currently placed on hospitals. Wendy Holman, chief executive officer of Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, stated: “With the virus continuing to circulate widely, and because therapeutic options currently available are infused and/or require access to a healthcare facility, antiviral treatments that can be taken at home to keep people with COVID-19 out of the hospital are critically needed”. Combined with pre-existing tools, antiviral medications should help us move to a future where coronavirus has less of an impact on the world. In the UK, despite most people returning to daily life, about 800 people have died of COVID-19 in the last seven days. Molnupiravir gives hope that as we ‘learn to live with COVID’, fewer people will have to die from it.

Photo: Sergio Santos @ Flickr

Science & Tech 11

ISSUE 2 / 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Women i n Space : Revolutionising the past to pave way for the future One small step for man, one giant leap for woman-kind - Sam Bronheim discusses 5 pioneering astronauts and scientists who broke the glass cieling in our quest for the stars. Sam Bronheim Science Editor

omen in Space’ gives nations a chance to honour women who are truly out of this world. This year’s theme for World Space Week celebrates not only the women themselves, but draws attention to the importance of encouraging more girls into STEM pathways. With engineering being a traditionally male dominated field it can be easy to overlook the contributions of women in space exploration. However they have been, and continue to be, monumental to the success of space programmes. Valentina Tereshkova Russian astronaut Valentina Tereshkova orbits over 200km from the earth’s surface. The year is 1963. She is the first woman to ever travel into space. As she completes her solo-trip consisting of 48 earth orbits, unbeknownst to her she has opened the doors for women in space travel. It would still be another 20 years before the first US woman, Sally Ride, and the second Russian woman, Svetlana Savitskaya, would travel into space. But here is Valentina; fearless and pioneering. Katherine Johnson No ‘Women in Space’ recognition would be complete without mentioning the incredible Katherine Johnson. In 1953 she worked in the all-black department of computing at NACA (would go on to become NASA), but things took a fateful turn in 1957 when Johnson had the opportunity to demonstrate her true expertise; mathematics. She provided some of the calcula-

tions in important documents that went on to be fundamental in projecting trajectories for Alan Shepard’s flight into space as the first US man. This made her the first woman to be involved in the mathematics of a project of this magnitude. But perhaps Johnson’s most famous involvement was with the suborbital voyage of John Glenn, where she recalls Glenn himself having cold feet before the launch and stating “if [Katherine] says [the trajectories] are good then I’m ready to go”. Johnson went on to be involved in many NASA missions, including Apollo 11, and remains a true inspiration for women and minorities. Nancy Roman Also known as ‘The Mother of Hubble’, Nancy Roman played a fundamental role in driving the US forward as a leading nation in space exploration. Roman credits her scientific parents for her own love and interest in science; she was particularly fascinated by astrology and astrometry (study of constellations). Aside from her role as the first female executive for NASA and involvement with the NASA astronomy programme, Roman’s biggest legacy was her contributions to the Hub-

ble Telescope. She helped lead the programme, selected the operators, and even personally invested in the programme. She strongly felt that there was more than meets the eye, quite literally, out in space that was waiting to be discovered. And thanks to her efforts, we have. Mae C Jemison In 1992, Mae Jemison reached another milestone by being the first black woman to travel into space. From a young age Jemison was passionate about astronomy and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering at Stanford University. She then attended Cornell Medical School and practiced as a doctor for disadvantaged communities in Thailand, Cambodia and East Africa. She even joined the Peace Corps and worked in the Centers for Disease Control. But Jemison’s childhood passion never went away, and in 1987 she was chosen out of around 2000 applicants to be on the crew on the Endeavour space shuttle. Jemison continues to be an advocate for women and minority rights and contributions in not only scientific fields, but in all society.

Susan Helms Imagine spending 536 minutes walking in a huge expanse of nothingness. It’s eerily quiet, and there’s nothing for hundreds of miles except a giant looming mass of floating rock. This might be what Susan Helms experienced when she broke the record for longest single spacewalk. The nearly 9-hour expedition took place during her 5-months onboard the international space station, where she was also the first female resident. Helms also boasts a decorated military career that began when she graduated from the US Airforce Academy in 1980 with a degree in aeronautical engineering. She eventually retired with the rank of lieutenant general. I am pleased to say that there are numerous more examples of female astronauts, engineers and innovators in the domain of space research. Kitty O’Brien and Mary Jackson are respectively, the first female and black female engineers. Not to mention Kalpana Chawla, Ellen Ochoa, Christa McAuliffe and Dorothy Vaughn. Today NASA hosts a range of women in STEM careers, including Dawn Martin, engineer on the all-women Artemis programme, and current astronaut Loral O’Hara. Thanks to the pioneering women of the past, STEM has never been more popular for women. In the UK, the workforce of women in STEM has surpassed 1million, the highest it has ever been. As of 2015, it is estimated that 14.4% of the adult workforce in the UK is made up by women in STEM. These women have been empirical to the progression of space technology, so I urge you - in the name of science to explore them further, and discover the women of today who are driving space discovery thanks to the women of the past. Background photo: Jeremy Thomas @ Unsplash Image: Clementine Lawrence

12 Opinion

ISSUE 2 / 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Drop it like it’s hotspot Lack of internet connection causes chaos on campus Aimee Butler takes a look into the lack of internet access and University communication on campus for the first few days of term net, with a great deal of resources tion, as well as WiFi essentially only being accessible online, such being considered a necessity in as the online library and Blackthis day and age, it would be asboard. This meant that the lack sumed that the problem would be e’ve spent over a year of connection disrupted learning tackled promptly and efficiently. and a half away from significantly. Despite Evidently this was not in-person university. We’ve been this hindrance, most the case. stuck with zoom seminars and [one student] statstudents were still Despite the issocials and not being able to set ed that she was able to attend their sue seemingly havfoot inside any of the vast array forced to watch in-person lectures ing been resolved of University buildings on Oxlectures using her and seminars, even for most people by ford Road. Hence why the first 4G because the if they showed up 10 the end of the week, day back on campus was long videos “were so minutes late because a simple message awaited by almost every student they couldn’t access from the University at Manchester. glitchy” their timetables! would still have been We’ve spent over a year and a U n f o r t u n a t e l y, greatly appreciated half away from in-person univerthose who opted to study remoteby most students. It is this vital sity. We’ve been stuck with zoom ly this semester were denied this communication which the Universeminars and socials and not beopportunity, as Zoom was unasity doesn’t seem to understand ing able to set foot inside any of ble to work efficiently without a helps students feel in the loop and the vast array of University buildstable internet connection. This at ease that WiFi will soon be reings on Oxford Road. Hence why highlights a lack of support for stored. the first day back on campus was students with alternative learning The situation was also the long awaited by almost every stusituations who would potentialcause of a lot of undue stress for dent at Manchester. ly have felt ignored first year students, as their first Yet, the big day by their institution. days in a new educational enviwas not only darkFurthermore, the ronment were tainted. One first ened by torrential No emails have lack of wireless has year living in Ashburne halls said rain and mile-long been sent to stubeen accompanied that they were actually sent an bus queues, but also dents to explain by a lack of response email saying they were intending by a WiFi black-out the very limited and poor communito replace the WiFi. However, it across most of the internet available cation from the Unionly “seems to have got worse” or University campus. on campus, nor versity. “stayed the same”. Hundreds of stuhas any informaNo emails have Additionally, when attemptdents eager to begin tion been released been sent to stuing to complete lectures online, the new academic on when the issue dents to explain why she stated that she was forced to year, wanting to get will be resolved. there was limited inwatch them using her 4G because organised, settled ternet available on the videos “were so glitchy”. The and on top of their campus, nor has any information lack of communication and reworkload were unable to connect been released on when the issue sponsibility from the University’s to Eduroam, the University’s main will be resolved. Consequently, officials on such an issue marks a WiFi router, come Monday mornthe entire student body has been worrying beginning to the return ing. left in the lurch on whether the of academic normality. Modern day unibuildings they yearned to sit in for It raises the question once versity is largeso long are of any use to them now more of whether student wellbely reliant on without WiFi access. ing and support is even considthe interAs it is an issue that affects ered a number one priority. most of the student popula-

Aimee Butler Opinion Writer

“

14 Lifestyle

CULTURE

ISSUE 2 / 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

MAKING YOUR HOUSE A HOME Erin Botten Lifestyle Editor

t’s been a week since students have been let loose in Manchester, with the city returning to its bustling self. That being said, it’s also been the University of Manchester’s (UoM) students’ most expensive week, hunting for ways to make their flats feel like home. A great way to do this? Plants. Lots and lots of plants. They’re an easy way to brighten up any flat - even Oak House. So, if you missed the Student’s Union (SU) Freshers plant sale, or simply can’t get enough, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of Manchester’s plant shop havens. NICE THINGS NQ, Oldham St. 10:30-18:00 Opening recently 2 minutes from Piccadilly Gardens, Nice Things has made its The Mancunion debut. Set to be a hit with Millenials and students alike, the store is a plant paradise. With a peachy exterior welcoming you to a Mediterranean mini market inside, plants range from £3.95 - £400. The store does replicate Boots however with shopping trolleys and a plant pharmacy section. Along with modern warm tone pots, dried flowers and funky vases, it can be confirmed that Nice Things definitely has some nice things. FRED ALDOUS LTD NQ, Lever St. 9-17:30 At first glance, Fred Aldous may not strike you as a plant shop, but don’t be fooled: the store is a hidden gem. Ranging from £4 - £35, their art-pop pots are gorgeous and super sturdy. They even have plant pot bookends - something I might invest in...for study purposes obviously. Alas, if a Frida Kahlo pot isn’t for you, there’s more. Just below the store, there are two huge DIY floors to get lost in, enabling you to spice up old pots or completely make a new one. Whatever you’re looking for, Fred Aldous can supply it.

Manchester’s Best Plant Shops

NORTHERN FLOWER NQ, Tib St. 10-17:00 Half florist half-plant shop, Northern Flower has tons of affordable options that look high end. The shop smells amazing as you walk in, with ‘make your own bouquets’ lining the walls (£25 - £100 depending on how “Sorry” you are). Close by there are a small array of plants: Marino balls, air, hanging available for £2 - £30. But, at the back, there’s a secret basement with guess what… even more plants! The basement is lit by a single neon sign, reminiscent of AHS Coven’s witch greenhouse. There you’ll find rustic ceramic and glass pots for £15 at most. FLOURISH NQ, Tib St. 9:30-17:30 Now, this is our absolute favourite here at The Mancunion. Situated on the west side of our beloved Debenhams (RIP), Flourish is an outdoor market with the coolest pots and plants. As manager Iain George puts it, “We’re not pretentious, plants are for everyone!” That couldn’t be more true at Flourish, with tiny cacti, affordable Marijo balls and bouquets available from £3 upwards. Even their quirky and colourful pots are just £4 £12! Over the years, the store has flourished and expanded across Manchester, with their warm personalities luring you back every time. So, if you’re looking to buy on a budget, or just seen what outfit Iain is wearing that day, Flourish has got you covered.

OKLAHOMA NQ, High St. 10-17:00 A stone’s throw away from the Arndale, Oklahoma is full of multicultural vibrant homeware items, including plant decor. Here you can find alternative pots consisting of cans, fabric, and woven baskets. The upcycled art aesthetic can be seen throughout the store, particularly in their mugs, doubling as small plant pots. The few plants that are available to buy in-store range from £30 - £60, along with flower bombs for £4.95. Additionally, Oklahoma stocks numerous plant posters and cards - brightening your room without the risk of it dying! GLASSHOUSE Gay Village, Princess St. 1118:00 Sister store to Nice Things, this industrially sleek pink shop caters to everyone’s budget. Along with books, tote bags, plant hangers and gift cards, Glass House has plants from £3 - £70. Its monochromatic pots are lightweight (75p - £10) and can be easily paired with a stand (£20). The store is a great place for pictures too, with pop music humming in the background as you waltz around the pink basement. Don’t worry about trying to find the store, it’s a literal glass house open seven days a week. If you love Urban Outfitters, Glass House is definitely for you.

CULTURE

ISSUE 2 / 11th Octobee 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Lifestyle 15

The World’s Worst and Weirdest Job Interview Olivia Coughlan Lifestyle Contributer

ecause one has bills to pay, I’m waiting outside a shop on my local high street for a job interview. The well-known strongly scented bath and body store is famed and feared for its over-friendly employees, which already is making me break out into hives. I decided to interpret the email I received a week prior which read “Wear whatever feels comfortable!” as a trick. So, I arrive ten minutes early wearing my most professional outfit, reciting the usual interview spiel: “I’m always punctual, I’ve got lots of experience etc, etc.” psyching myself up to cosplay as an extrovert for the next 45 minutes or so. That was until my competition shows up, with my stomach dropping like a bath bomb. We’ll call her Sharon. Sharon looks iconic in hot pink, cat-patterned dungarees, a red beret and red lipstick to match. From our brief introductory chat, she seems to really like and fit the aesthetic of this vegan friendly, bath-bomb enthusiast store. “Are you here for the interview too? Oh, I can’t wait for the Halloween and Christmas stuff to come out!” This is the moment it dawns on me that I am completely and utterly screwed.

“

“This reminds me of happiness and warmth and having a bath and childhood and the incense my mum burns at home!”. The only word I could muster up was “musky”.

Sharon is very confident, and not wearing a mask, so I take that as a sign to mine off. Soon, we’re greeted at the door by two smiling managers: Thing One and Thing Two. Without hesitation, Thing One instructs us to put masks on, instantly making me think I’ve blown my chances - the interview hasn’t even begun! I use the word ‘interview’ in a very loose sense of the word because nothing could have prepared me for what happens next. It all happens so fast, and yet somehow in slow motion. In the interview, there were to be no questions about my experience, or what I could bring to the company. Instead, after a brief demonstration - during which I am praying to be spared from what can only be described as the soapiest circle of hell- I would have to sacrifice what I hold most dear, personal space, and confront my deepest fear, small talk. So, as instructed, after eighteen months of internalising the idea that human contact will kill me, I begin caressing Sharon’s arm with a “massage bar”, looking her dead in the eye and asking, “Is that pressure okay for you?”. I ask her what she’s been up to today. We end up talking about her dissertation on how clothing was used in medieval times to oppress women. The conversation soon drifts into how patriarchy polices women’s bodies today. I realise that I have failed to keep the conversation light and decide that this is the final nail in the coffin, but that I am not a quitter, and I will see this car crash through to the bitter end. “This product is made with ethically harvested sea salt!” interjects Thing Two. “How would you unethically harvest sea salt?” I clumsily think aloud. “Child labour”. As I said, car crash.

The second half of the “interview” is less hellish but more surreal still. “Here we don’t describe fragrances, we describe memories”. Thing One lifts a perfume bottle from the shelf. “This, for example, smells like a Japanese artist who was considered homeless by many because he lived purely off donated items, whereas this…”. She picks up another bottle, a grave look on her face as if what she held in her hands was the very oil used at the final anointing of The Cat in the Hat, “smells like the generosity of those who have nothing.” For a moment I genuinely can’t tell if she’s joking. I’m glad I’m wearing a mask so she can’t see my irrepressible smirk. I look around for hidden cameras. I am 100% convinced that Barney and the ninjas will put me out of my misery and announce that I’ve been pranked by the Prank Patrol any moment now. But alas, the time has come for Sharon and me to describe scentsorry I mean memories. Sharon goes first “This reminds me of happiness and warmth and having a bath and childhood and the incense my mum burns at home!”. The only word I could muster up was “musky”. Needless to say, on this occasion, my application has not been successful, but I was provided with the helpful feedback that I could have “Paid more attention to the individual fingers,” which I’m sure will come in handy for future interviews! If I could design a fragrance to summarise my morning interview, it would be called ‘Internal Screaming’. It would smell like trying and failing to join a cult, with earthy notes of wanting the ground to open and swallow me whole. Needless to say, if this freakishly friendly, pungent store offers you an interview? Run.

“

ISSUE 2/ 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

OCTOBER

Cloud Studies @ The Whitworth Art Gallery

Black History Month @ HOME

U s e H e a r i n g P r o t e c t i o n : T h e E a r l y Ye a r s o f F a c t o r y R e c o r d s @ T h e S c i e n c e a n d I n d u s t r y M u s e u m Absolutely Completely Normal Cabaret

Black History Month @ HOME

QTIPOC Pizza Party

Action on Street Health @ XLR

Joy Orbison @ White Hotel

Gender Roles @ YES

DRS After Party @ Joshua Brooks

Attic Records: Rnb Jazz @ FUEL

Black Britain Writing Back

Cloud Studies @ The Whitworth Art Gallery

Oktoberfest @ Printworks

Manchester Folk Festival 2021

U s e H e a r i n g P r o t e c t i o n : T h e E a r l y Ye a r s o f F a c t o r y R e c o r d s @ T h e S c i e n c e a n d I n d u s t r y M u s e u m Oscar Lang @ Deaf Institute Drink&Draw Hotwings Challenge @ Brewdog

a party called: Two @ White Hotel

Love and Resilience @ HOME

Joy Orbison @ White Hotel

Quite Unfit for Females @ NFM

MCR Monsters

Pop Punk Party @ Deaf Institute Bassjam @ Victoria Warehouse

26 as british as a watermelon @ Contact

B o u n d A r t B o ok Fa i r @ T he W h it wo r t h A r t G a l l e r y

Caribou @ Victoria Warehouse

Hit+Run Halloween @ Hidden

Scare Skate Ice Rink @ HOME

INAKFEKT @ Escape to Freight Island

West Didsbury Comedy Fest

30 Mood Swings @ YES The Fairytale of Halloween

Vintage and Arts Market

ISSUE 2 / 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

SAVE THE DATE

The Mancunion found out what is going on in Manchester this month so you don’t have to Cloud Studies @ The Whitworth

As part of the Manchester Literature Festival , Booker Prize

Quite Unfit for Females @ National Football Museum

winner Bernardine Evaristo is joined by Judith Bryan,

About Time Dance Company retells the story of the FA’s fifty year

Jacqueline Roy & Nicola Williams to re-introduce lost or

ban on women’s football being played on its affiliated grounds. Five

hard-to-find books written by Black writers who wrote about

dancers will take you on a journey through the history of the Dick,

show how power shapes even the air that we breathe

Black Britain and the diaspora across the 20th Century.

KerrLadies,ateamformedbywomenworkingatamunitionsfactory.

Free

exhibition

Festival

2021!

Architecture

part

this

focuses

Manchester

interesting

Black Britain Writing Back International

exhibit,

environmental

Forensic

racism

Black History Month @ HOME MCR

celebrate

bringing

Join The Whitworth for an annual celebration of artist

you film, art, theatre, music and comedy across October,

publishing practices based right here in Manchester. Showcasing

November and December from incredible Black artists.

the work of independent artists, publishers, galleries, and

October special

Black

focused

interactive

exploring

History

film

panel

non-traumatic

Month,

HOME

Bound Art Book Fair @ The Whitworth

and

discussion Black

theatre, on

with

19th

experience

October

Gender Roles @ YES Basement

screen.

Gender is

Roles,

gracing

an the

indie-punk doors

band the

from YES

Brighton,

publishing to amplify new ideas and underrepresented voices.

Basement.

You can buy tickets for ‘Love and Resilience: The non-

It’s a cool venue, and with some great music to go alongside,

traumatic Black Narrative on screen’ for £4 on homemcr.org

it will be a good way to spend your Saturday evening.

West Didsbury Comedy Festival

MCR Monsters

If you’ve not experienced live comedy before, then definitely

Manchester’s collection of giant inflatable monsters are back for

get yourself along to this great little indie comedy festival!

halloween. Created by artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas,

the

runs

for

four

nights,

starting

28th

October.

You can find tickets online at westdidsburycomedyfestival.com

@Summermaydesign

distributors, this free event communicates the potential of

Monsters

around

the

will

city.

Take

across crisp

seven

autumn

locations

walk

around

the city centre and see if you can spot them all!

Use Hearing Protection: The Early Years of Factory Records @ Science and Industry Museum

The vintage, art and gift shop ‘A Curious Collection’ runs

This exhibition takes you through the story of the iconic record

a market on the last Sunday of every month at Withy

label, ‘Factory Records’, and how they played a critical part in the

Public Hall. It’s a nice way to spend your lazy Sunday.

Vintage and Arts Market

transformation of Manchester into the hub of art and culture it is

Drink & Draw @ Withy Public Hall

today. There’s a chance to get creative with the exhibition’s very

Indy Arts MCR has been running Drink & Draw at Withy

own synthesizer and mixing desk, so bring your headphones!

Public Hall since May, and it’s a super fun way to spend some time with your friends, have a drink and get

‘as british as a watermelon’ @ Contact Theatre

creative! You can find tickets on ticketlab and eventbrite.

QTIPOC Pizza Party @ The SU This pizza party is open to any student who identifies as QTIPOC - Queer, Trans, Intersex Person Of Colour. Come

Birch

and

Liquorice

Black

come

The

part of Queer Contact Festival 2021. Combining poetry and storytelling, mandla rae explores what it means to belong through their memories of migration and asylum.

along to make friends and celebrate the joys of being queer

Mandla

and a person of colour! It starts at 4pm in Room 2.2 at the SU.

artists

Absolutely Normal Cabaret @ The Deaf Institute Juno

Commissioned by Contact, as british as watermelon is

Rae at

bound

was

one

LINK

incredible

Contact’s

November

last

piece

featured

year, of

it’s

storytelling.

The Fairytale of Halloween @ The Love Factory

Deaf

Institute for a night of cabaret you won’t want to miss. The

a party called: Two @ White Hotel It’s a little out of the way, but White Hotel is a must-visit venue in Manchester. a party called: Two is the second in a series of events, bringing together five of Manchester’s favourite DJ’s - Anz, Finn, Chunky, Jungle Joe and Tom Boogizm.

Fairytale

Halloween

takes

place

Saturday

30th October in The Love Factory, a brand new customconverted

warehouse

Manchester

City

Centre.

The event will be a full 360 degree immersive and creative experience with custom visuals and set design, with the brand new Manchester venue The Loft hosting an afterparty.

BOOK NOW: 0161 832 1111 MANCHESTERACADEMY.NET ORLA GARTLAND

DAYGLOW

SATURDAY 9TH OCTOBER ACADEMY 2

CHESHIRE CAT COMEDY CLUB SUNDAY 10TH OCTOBER ACADEMY 3

SATURDAY 2ND APRIL ACADEMY 2

SINK THE PINK

BOSTON MANOR

070 SHAKE

GUCCIHIGHWATERS

SATURDAY 27TH NOVEMBER MANCHESTER ACADEMY

FRIDAY 11TH FEBRUARY ACADEMY 2

SUNDAY 28TH NOVEMBER ACADEMY 2

FRIDAY 18TH FEBRUARY ACADEMY 3

IAMDDB

FRIDAY 22ND OCTOBER CLUB ACADEMY

SATURDAY 9TH APRIL ACADEMY 2

MICK JENKINS

BIG THIEF

ALESTORM

$NOT

MADISON BEER

THE DARKNESS

MUNGO’S HI FI

JUNO BIRCH

KAWALA

ZOE WEES

MAE MULLER

GREENTEA PENG

METRONOMY

TUESDAY 30TH NOVEMBER ACADEMY 2

THURSDAY 24TH FEBRUARY MANCHESTER ACADEMY

THURSDAY 2ND DECEMBER MANCHESTER ACADEMY

LAWSON

FRIDAY 29TH OCTOBER ACADEMY 2

PI’ERRE BOURNE

MONDAY 1ST NOVEMBER CLUB ACADEMY

DIREN KARTAL’S PROJECT X HOUSE PARTY

SAT 6TH NOVEMBER, MCR ACADEMY

FRIDAY 11TH MARCH ACADEMY 2

FRIDAY 3RD DECEMBER CLUB ACADEMY

SATURDAY 12TH MARCH CLUB ACADEMY

THURSDAY 24TH MARCH ACADEMY 2

FUZZY SUN

THE CHATS

KIERNO

JAPANESE BREAKFAST

SATURDAY 18TH DECEMBER CLUB ACADEMY

SATURDAY 26TH MARCH MANCHESTER ACADEMY

THURSDAY 28TH APRIL MANCHESTER ACADEMY

THE WANDERING HEARTS WEDNESDAY 18TH MAY ACADEMY 2

FAT FREDDY’S DROP

SATURDAY 20TH NOVEMBER ACADEMY 2

TUESDAY 26TH JULY MANCHESTER ACADEMY

AFFLECKS PALACE

JADE BIRD

BELLE AND SEBASTIAN

THUNDERCAT

FRIDAY 14TH JANUARY ACADEMY 2

facebook.com/manchesteracademy

SATURDAY 23RD APRIL CLUB ACADEMY

SATURDAY 26TH MARCH ACADEMY 2

SCARLXRD

THURS 25TH NOVEMBER, MCR ACADEMY

SATURDAY 16TH APRIL CLUB ACADEMY

FRIDAY 10TH DECEMBER MANCHESTER ACADEMY

FRIDAY 10TH DECEMBER ACADEMY 2

FRANK CARTER & THE RATTLESNAKES

FRIDAY 15TH APRIL MANCHESTER ACADEMY

A TRIBUTE TO MANCHESTER

FRIDAY 12TH NOVEMBER ACADEMY 2

FRIDAY 19TH NOVEMBER MANCHESTER ACADEMY

WEDNESDAY 2ND MARCH ACADEMY 2

FRIDAY 3RD DECEMBER MANCHESTER ACADEMY

NATHAN DAWE

HEADIE ONE

FRIDAY 8TH APRIL MANCHESTER ACADEMY

AGAINST THE CURRENT

WEDNESDAY 13TH OCTOBER MANCHESTER ACADEMY

SUBMOTION ORCHESTRA

EVERYTHING EVERYTHING

MONDAY 7TH FEBRUARY MANCHESTER ACADEMY @mancacademy

SUNDAY 27TH MARCH MANCHESTER ACADEMY

FRIDAY 1ST APRIL MANCHESTER ACADEMY

RUSS

TUESDAY 4TH OCTOBER MANCHESTER ACADEMY

FOR UP TO DATE LISTINGS OR TO subscribe to our mailing list visit MANCHESTERACADEMY.NET

CULTURE

20 Music

CULTURE

The Gig List:

ISSUE 2 / 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Music 21

CULTURE

WHO THE HELL ARE THE HARA? The Hara discuss the Download Pilot, signing to Scruff of the Neck and their Play Dead Tour in this summer catch up with The Mancunion Reece Ritchie Head Music Editor

resh off of their super successful live stream gig, the Mancunion wanted to

revisit our music editor Reece Ritchie’s interview catching up with The Hara over the summer for his Fuse FM show The NorthWest Emo Show. From performing over lockdown online, to their viral Tik Toks, to festival appearances at the Download Pilot and more The Hara have undeniably been killing it this year. One of Scruff of the necks most recent signings I had the pleasure of interviewing Josh, Jack and Zack over the summer.

What’s next for The Hara? We spoke just before they played Sheffield’s Tramlines festival still at the stage of government pilot events for concerts and festivals and they were ecstatic. There were few other bands simply as elated to be performing again as the alternative trio! We talked their Download set, Josh’s PVC dress

and his near decision not to adorn the statement

else on the planet other than Manchester that

shouted “NO!!” at me, a pride felt by every student that

piece. Moving to cover their Scruff of the Neck

this band could come from, electric in their

chooses to study at Manchester and something that

signing, what they hope to do with the future and

alternativeness – wired on passion they were a

got me as excited about the band as their music did!

what to expect from the upcoming Play Dead tour.

joy to behold at Donnington Park earlier this year.

The Hara are playing at Manchester Academy on

The band talked me through one of their most

A credit to the city they kick of their next

Sunday 17th October. Buy your tickets online now!

recent releases ‘Afterlife’ and the direction the band

tour dubbed Play Dead on the 9th of October

hope to take their music in future. What astonished

in Birmingham. Already set to play next

me is just how well The Hara’s music transfers to a

years Download festival in Donnington Park

live audience. A good festival performance requires

The

not just an entertaining band but also encapsulating

3 on Sunday the 17th of October. Already

tunes – both of which The Hara hold in abundance.

sold out this red-hot gig is undeniably going

With flashes of fire behind him Josh not only directs

to impress and I envy anyone with a ticket.

Hara

headline

Manchester

Academy

through an entire set all whilst singing is beyond me.

“Could The Hara come from anywhere other than Manchester?”

One of my biggest revelations from the

The most revealing part of our interview

interview was that all three guys studied at BIMM in

however was the moment where I ask the band

Manchester and their larger-than-life performances

if they could’ve come from anywhere other than

are Manchester born and bred. There is nowhere

Manchester. You could feel their pride as they

but commands the stage, every eye falls on him. How he manages to hold this attention so well

Scan our QR code to see Reece speaking to The Hara on his Fuse FM show, The NorthWest Emo Show

22 Food

CULTURE

ISSUE 2 / 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Black Milk: The world of cakes, shakes and pancakes galore

Jess Walmsley Editor-in-Chief

lack Milk is the place to be if you want to indulge in the world of pancakes, milkshakes, cakes and anything else which can be topped with whipped cream! Whether you fancy classic dessert combinations of the well known Lotus Biscoff or Oreo cookies and cream or feel like trying one of Black Milk’s signature specials, there is something for everyone on the menu. Decadent plates of food are brought to you by Black Milk’s team and your face is sure to drop when you admire the tower of pancakes brought over, jaw-dropping if you also order a shake

to go alongside and suddenly wonder if your stomach can really finish everything in front of you. Fear not however as Black Milk will box anything you want to finish off later! Black Milk has gone viral on social media many times for their enticing shots of the signature desserts menu because come on, who doesn’t love desserts? Andy the founder of Black Milk, spoke to The Mancunion, reminiscing on the days he learnt to bake with his grandma and talking about the nostalgia of desserts. Especially the simple treat of ice cream by the seaside. Everyone is catered for in the pink hub of Black Milk whether you’re vegan

or gluten-free or just want an alternative to a bar on a Saturday night, they are here and open to everyone. Black Milk is re-inventing the typical dessert, entering this cafe is committing yourself to the experience Black Milk offer, whether celebrating a birthday, coming for a romantic first date or brunch with friends, the onestop dessert shop has it all and welcomes groups in with open arms. For students, Andy is former MMU alumni and caters to the student community. Black Milk offers 2 for £12 on pancakes and has partnered with university groups to lead pop-up events in the city giving them valuable events and marketing experience. Students may also like to know the

best budget buy in Black Milk, The Mancunion’s tip to save money would be to share a plate of pancakes as believe us, they are huge! Black Milk is also a good place to note for any birthday presents. They sell their signature spreads and sauces by the bottle which makes a sweet gift for any dessert lover, spread it on toast, top your ice cream or just use a spoon? The spreads range between £4.95 £5.45 and sauces cost £5.95 per bottle. With a dazzling disco ball hanging, noughties tunes playing and an abundance of plants and of course the endless options of fantastical, exciting dessert picks, Black Milk is a must-go when discovering the Northern Quarter.

Tasty treats on a student budget Special Offer: 2 for £12 pancakes!

ISSUE 2 / 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

CULTURE

Books 23

A conversation with two friends about ‘Beautiful World, Where Are You’

Two friends discuss Sally Rooney’s most recent novel, Beautiful World, Where Are You, considering how it compares to her previous work Aileen Loftus & Victoria Roberts Books Editor & Books Writer

ally Rooney’s hotly awaited third novel, Beautiful World, Where Are You, covers themes of friendship, honesty and love. The novel follows Alice, a successful novelist, and her best friend Eileen, who works at a literary magazine in Dublin. They met while studying English Literature at university and are now navigating complex romantic relationships. Here, Aileen and Victoria, themselves both English Literature students at the University of Manchester, chat about the novel. These questions invite you to have your own conversations about Beautiful World, Where Are You. How would you classify the novel, if you think it needs classifying? A: While Beautiful World, Where Are You could fit into a whole range of genres, I don’t think that there’s one categorisation that would be fully accurate. I imagine it will be regularly marketed as romance, but I don’t see the novel as a romance. For me, the most important relationship is the friendship between Eileen and Alice. V: I think that the only way the novel could be classified is simply as contemporary literature, in that it is a work which is deeply concerned with the state of our current historical moment and the plights of the people

living within it. So do you think it could be called a novel about love? V: It’s a novel which is self-conscious about its own status as a novel about love… Alice and Eileen ponder whether there can be any value in books about romance in the face of impending apocalypse, or whether in fact it is one of the only things worth writing about. I think it’s a novel about love being humanity’s redemption in a society where everything else is unforgivingly commodified. A: The novel also offers moments of varying definitions of love, such as when Felix cuts his hand. He realises he cares about Alice, as it is her that his thoughts turn to. The novel could be described as plot-less, would you agree with that? V: I wouldn’t agree with that necessarily. The

story feels strongly rooted in following the lives of the characters, so it never feels directionless. The action in the novel in that this action is found in interactions between the characters, making the novel personal and character-driven but not strictly plot-less, as Rooney charts a clear trajectory in all four characters’ lives. A: I completely agree with Victoria - while overall the pace of the novel is slow, there are still key turning points that move the plot forward. And what about the sex? V: As always with Rooney, the sex is part of her preoccupation with the mundane and the real. Audre Lorde wrote about the diametrical difference between the erotic and the pornographic, in that the erotic is emotionally charged whilst the pornographic is sensation without feeling. Sex in Beautiful World, Where Are You always falls into the former, simultaneously reflecting and constructing the connection between the novel’s characters. A: Again I would agree, although the characters do tend to have full blown conversations during sex, which strikes me as slightly unrealisitc at times! However, it is pretty characteristic of Rooney’s protagonists to analyse sex whilst having it. What did you think of the writing style? A: I enjoyed the intensely detailed, detached sentences describing the actions of the characters, especially when those actions were juxtaposed against one another, such as when Felix is working at a warehouse while Alice is writing at home. I think this also revealed similar banalities about Eileen’s job as an editor to Felix’s in a warehouse, which centralised questions about the value of labour and the purpose of work that run throughout the novel. V: I agree; the level of detail, especially in trivialities which could be seen as too banal to be worth mentioning by other writers, brings Rooney’s characters to life in a way which seems so unique to her work. Did you like the email portions of the novel? A: I loved reading the emails, which have a reason to be overly crafted and witty and stylish, in a way that the characters’ conversation cannot quite be. It’s interesting to consider why Alice and Eileen only seem to communicate via email, despite regularly using social media platforms to interact with other people. The emails show how little they see each other (only meeting once at the end of the novel) and perhaps reflect anxieties within the friendship that aren’t immediately apparent. V: The emails were

enjoyable and thought-provoking, although I couldn’t shake the sense that they were functioning simply as a mouthpiece for Rooney’s own beliefs, like it was Rooney in dialogue with Rooney in the ‘conversations’ between Alice and Eileen. To what extent is the novel about the status of the author and their relationship with fame? V: For me the novel read overwhelmingly as Rooney’s response to her own sudden fame. Alice felt like a very transparent stand-in for Rooney herself, faced with extreme literary success which causes her to question the integrity of her own work. As Rooney is a self-professed Marxist, I believe that Beautiful World, Where Are You was very much her rebelling against this success by explicitly reinstating her own views as the characters mourn the death of the contemporary novel, beauty and art in the face of capitalism’s commodification of these things. A: While I agree to some extent, it’s dangerous to view the novel as too autobiographical. It is a work of fiction, and Alice is a created character that cannot be seen as merely a mouthpiece for the author. That’s not to say I don’t think Rooney would agree with a lot Alice had to say in the novel... What about the title? A: The lack of a question mark in the title is thought provoking. I think it seems to invite continued conversation, as it requires finishing Beautiful world, Where Are You [going?], Beautiful World, Where Are You [now?]. Or perhaps, looking at the title more bleakly, it cannot be framed as a question because a beautiful world doesn’t exist and cannot be found. V: The title reveals the book’s theme of trying to find beauty in the modern Western world due to the disaster of capitalism which places profit above people… I think Rooney finds this beautiful world in the end, and finds it in the love between the characters. And without any spoilers, what about the ending? A: I was disappointed with the final two chapters, both emails, which struck me as more cliche than I was expecting from the novel. There was an abrupt change in tone, alongside a change in time and circumstance, and I felt it was disjointed from the rest of the novel.

V: I think that although the sentimentality of the ending

may be construed as cliche if written by any other writer, by leaning into this Rooney is escaping her own cliche of pessimistic,

bittersweet endings. These final chapters that would normally seem cliche end up feeling poignant when found in Rooney’s work, which is so often bleak. It seemed like a fitting end for Rooney’s search for a beautiful world. How do you think this novel compares to her previous work? A: Beautiful World, Where Are You won’t have the same mass appeal as Normal People characters in this novel, as in Conversations With Friends, are more immoral and at times less likable than Connell and Marianne. The romances are also less compelling. Personally though, I enjoyed it more than her previous work. V: This book felt more intellectually driven that Ronney’s previous novels, with the emails particularly operating as long pieces of theoretical writing about society and its politics. Although this was extremely interesting, and Rooney certainly has many perceptive and sharp points to make, sometimes the novel’s intellectualism felt at the expense of time to develop the characters and their relationships. Any final thoughts? A: I was already inclined to like it, as an English Literature student. And I did like it. At times it felt like it was written about me or people I know, as though Rooney had successfully voiced my own thoughts better than I am capable of doing, and I devoured the book within two days. It is therefore hard to judge how much of this enjoyment was self indulgent! V: I agree in already feeling inclined to like it, as I was a big fan of Rooney’s other work and style. I loved the book, though, and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a thoughtful, accomplished contemporary novel.

24 Theatre

ISSUE 2 / 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

CULTURE

Review: HEATHERS Jay Darcy Theatre Editor

“

Photocredit: Pamela Raith

“Set in an American high school in the 80s, Heathers has three title characters (villains), the mean girls of the school. But that is essentially what the titular Heathers are: Mean Girls but deeper, darker and deadlier (oh, and deader).”

“

elcome to my candy store! This review contains countless spoilers. Proceed at your own peril... There seems to be so many musical adaptations of films in the West End at the moment. I recently caught The Prince of Egypt and Pretty Woman in the West End and Dirty Dancing in Manchester. Manchester is soon welcoming Grease and the debut tour of Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Based on the cult classic of the same name starring Hollywood icons Winona Ryder, Christian Slater and Shannen Doherty - Heathers finally arrived in Manchester as part of its first ever UK tour. Whilst Dirty Dancing and Pretty Woman were mainly unchanged, aside for the breaking into song, Heathers crafted something new. It was easier to do this with Heathers. It's a cult film, not a well-known classic or a household name like the other two. I knew I'd love Heathers. I just knew it. Yet, it ended up being even better than I anticipated. Along with fellow rock musical Bat Out of Hell, which I caught a few weeks back, it is one of the best musicals that I've ever seen. Even better - it makes up for the travesty that was Dirty Dancing a week prior. Set in an American high school in the 80s, Heathers has three title characters (villains), the mean girls of the school. But that is essentially what the titular Heathers are: Mean Girls but deeper, darker and deadlier (oh, and deader). As soon as the musical started, I knew it was going to be good. Rebecca Wickes was extremely likeable as the protagonist (and at times, anti-hero), Veronica. It's not easy to play a character made famous by Winona Ryder. Or even follow Annaleigh Ashford's first performance, first debuted in the US. Let alone follow none other than British musical theatre's sweetheart, Carrie Hope Fletcher! But Wickes' talent and charm enabled me to quickly forget about the famous faces to take on that role. The hellish introduction of the Heathers in the opening song was deliciously villainous. Right away, the musical wanted us to know that these are not high schoolers; they're demons in human flesh - at least that's how the other students saw them. This metaphor continued with Veronica referring to the main Heather as a "mythic bitch" and a "demon queen" - and envisioning her as a devil in her nightmare. This rock musical is jam-packed with memorable bangers. Such as the Heathers' main song, 'Candy Store', and Veronica's main solo, 'Dead Girl Walking' - which is beautifully reprised in the second act. Heathers and Les Mis could not be more different. They do have one thing in common: the show is stolen by a character who dies early on. Whilst Fantine returns towards the end of Les Mis, the character who meets a grisly fate early on in Heathers never seems to leave the stage after her death. The musical explores many social issues in the microcosm of a high school. As J.D. (Simon Gordon), the musical's male lead and Veronica's love interest, notes: high school is not a product of society; it is society. Whilst the trials and tribulations of high school test the characters' loyalty, the musical also has us, the audience, questioning our loyalties. The Heathers are cruel and calculating, but we love them - even before we know the reason why the secondary Heathers are the way that they are. J.D. is introduced as a secondary protagonist, but we soon learn that he is not the hero we thought he was. Whilst lots of genres can have you rooting for the baddie, only musical theatre can get you to love a lead character that is, essentially - BIG SPOILER - a school shooter. There's no business like showbusiness! J.D. was recently played by Jordan Luke Gage in the West End - who I interviewed prior to the world premiere of & Juliet.

A sweetheart of British theatre who first garnered recognition as the lead in Bat Out of Hell. It's not easy to step into a role that was recently performed by an actor adored by the girls (and the gays). But Gordon played J.D. to perfection. A particularly memorable moment in the show was when Heather Duke decided to take over Heather Chandler as the "Demon Queen" of Westberg High School. It was cathartic watching her steal the stage with her number 'Never Shut Up Again'. Especially after Heather Chandler told her to shut up when she attempted a solo riff in 'Candy Store'. I'm a sucker for a costume change, and Heather Duke's during this number has to be one of the best that I've ever seen. Members of the ensemble literally ripped the green off of her, revealing a red version of her outfit underneath: she has transformed into Heather Chandler. Yet, her green stockings and heels remain on her for the rest of the show. This symbolised even though she has stepped into Heather Chandler's shoes, she'll never be able to fill them; she'll always be the second Heather. Whilst Heather Chandler was a tyrant, she ensured rule and order; without her at the helm, the school erupts into chaos. Heather McNamara finally got her big moment with the solo song 'Lifeboat' - a beautiful redemption for a troubled teen and a scared little girl masquerading as a big, bad bitch. We all know a Heather McNamara - a lonely, insecure person, who

tries so hard to appear strong and confident that they come across as rude and obnoxious. McNamara's ballad was rivalled with Martha's 'Kindergarten Boyfriend'. The most likeable and sympathetic character in the show - and perhaps the only one who truly deserved to be liked. It was lovely for Martha to finally get to speak (or sing) herself instead of be spoken over or spoken for. Perhaps the audience's favourite number was the one that opened the second act. I'm often a little tired by the start of the second act, so kicking it off with a big, memorable number is a clever creative decision. Following the - another BIG spoiler - murders (yes, more murder) of homophobic, rapist jocks Kurt (Liam Doyle) and Rory (Ram Sweeney). The boys' fathers address the (false) revelation that they were secret gay lovers whose affair ended in murder-suicide. Whilst Kurt's dad (Andy Brady) expresses shame and embarrassment. Ram's dad (Kurt Kansley) defends their son's against his homophobia - to woops and applause from the audience. They then perform the number 'Dead Gay Son'. I'd seen merch with that line printed on it during the interval; I presumed all would be revealed in the second act. The number ended with the revelation that the late boys' dads used to be gay lovers! This big, gay number received a stellar applause from the audience. It played with gay stereotypes in such a clever, creative (and fabulous) way, neither distasteful or offensive, as is sometimes the case. But a celebration of all things queer and a love letter, of sorts, to the many queer fans of musical theatre and the film Heathers. The ensemble number 'Shine a Light', lead by Ms. Fleming (Georgina Hagen), was a highlight of the show. The number began with Fleming revealing that she is having an affair with a member of the audience. She made the poor, shocked man stand up, called off their relationship, and joked about his hair. Hilariously, the man was bald, so she joked about him forgetting his hair or leaving it at home. I'm not sure if this was impromptu, or if she often looks for a bald man, but her timing and delivery were perfect. Whilst ostensibly very funny, this number was part of the musical's attempt to reveal the disingenuity of people when it comes to serious issues, such as mental health and suicide. This song explores how people use serious issues and tragic events to their advantage. This was especially relevant given the era of performative activism that we are currently living in (ech-hm, black squares on Instagram). The musical is very relevant with the themes it tackles, but some themes felt all the more relevant right now, such as the scene in which Kurt and Ram attempt to rape Veronica. The audience loved it when the guys stripped off into their undies, revealing washboard abs - even though we knew that they were about to commit an egregious crime. There seems to be a lot of naked, ripped men in Manchester musicals lately - Falco (Rob Fowler) in Bat Out of Hell and Johnny (Michael O'Reilly) in Dirty Dancing both treated audiences to their near-bare bodies. Some might consider that the highlight of Dirty Dancing, but let's stop with the Dirty Dancing hate... Whilst the attempted rape scene contains a lot of humour, it was a little uncomfortable to watch in the aftermath of Sarah Everard's trial - and, more broadly, in a post-Me Too society. I'm glad that the scene was not removed, or even sanitised, as is increasingly the case. This scene was never about making light of sexual assault; the musical cleverly uses dark comedy to tackle important issues. I cannot recommend Heathers enough. I'm used to being one of the youngest people in the audience, but this was possibly the youngest theatre crowd I've ever seen - and also one of the gayest! Heathers tours the UK throughout 2021.

ISSUE 2 / 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

CULTURE

Theatre 25

The Mountaintop

REVIEW

Aayush Chadha Theatre Contributer

here are two types of productions that make a reviewer’s job very hard. The first type is the banal, runof-the-mill category where the only motivation to get a review out is the fear of the editor breathing down one’s neck. The other is one where the reviewer feels a heavy weight on their shoulders, considers it sacrilegious to not write the most persuasive and most evocative account to encourage, nay, implore their readers to go out and watch what they have just witnessed. It is to the latter category that Katori Hall and R.A Weise’s The Mountaintop belongs. While the play is replete with a stellar cast, an exceptional script and powerful themes, its greatest achievement lies in its ability to not rely exclusively on any of those to deliver a symphonic performance that outshines its illustrious composers, the notes and its talented members of the orchestra. I say this despite blotting out my notebook page in an attempt to take notes but instead finding myself completely enamoured by Adetomiwa Edun’s reverberating voice channeling Dr. King and Ntombizodwa Ndlovu’s Carmae outshining the giant of the civil rights movement himself.

Most importantly though, The Mountaintop is subversive. It challenges every dearly held notion in its sight, right from using a venue that was once a hub of the transatlantic slave trade and later imperialism (Royal Exchange Theatre still has historical plaques glossing over these periods in its existence), the role of women in the civil rights movement, and even the very idea of the traits in people we take to be heroes and deify, be it MLK or Mahatma Gandhi. Yet, it does that with a light touch, never preaching virtue or sermonising. In spite of that, it succeeds in rousing a fervour through its mix of humour in the darkest moments and its incandescence of optimism in the face of great adversity. It challenges us, as an audience, to think whether we have stopped paying attention to the injustices around us, “dropped the baton” so to speak, as we hope to move towards the promised land where there is equality and freedom for all? At first, such a question makes one uncomfortable, bludgeons our own conception of “being good”. It’s exactly in this discomfort that the script of The Mountaintop comes to our rescue by showing us the very humanity, and by extension, the very fallibilities of people who can be considered the epitome of good. It does that by espousing the very

fundamental belief that great things can be achieved by having the strength to love. A strength to love even those who could never love you back. And as the end nears, it asks us what would be our legacy? Would we fail to rise against injustice and continue to walk with willowed backs? Or in the words of Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, plant seeds in a garden we cannot see? Would we realise the capacity for love and kindness in our hearts that extends far beyond the limited spheres we confine them to or would we let hatred and prejudice dictate the terms of the next half a century since MLK’s death? As the lights went out on the stage, the teary sniffles and the ensuing standing ovation of the crowd made me realise that we had all collectively reached the same questions throughout the performance and found ourselves wanting for answers. The Mountaintop runs at the Royal Exchange Theatre until Wednesday 27th of October. It's the perfect way to mark and celebrate Black History Month.

ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE, St Ann’s Square, Manchester M2 7DH

Photocredit: Marc Brenner

26 Film

CULTURE

ISSUE 2 / 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Diversity Problems: In The Heights receives backlash Hamilton writer Lin-Manuel Miranda faces backlash over In The Heights film adaption. T h e f i l m wa s a cc u s e d o f p r iv i l e g i n g b l a ck a c t o rs w it h l i g ht e r s k i n t o n e s ove r d a rke r o n e s . L i n-M a nu e l M i ra n d a re s p o n d e d by a rg u i n g t h at h e w ro t e t h e m u s i c a l t o b e s e e n a n d h e a rd . H oweve r, h e a l s o re cog n i s e d t h e b a c k l a s h a s j u s t i f i e d . He we nt o n t o a s s u re p e o p l e t h at t h e fe e d b a ck wa s b e i n g l i s t e n e d t o. P u e rto R i ca n a c t re s s , R it a M o re n o, wa s a l s o cau g ht i n t h e c ro s s f i re . S h e d e fe n d e d L i n-M a nu e l M i ra n d a o n l ive T V o n ly t o b e de s c r i b e d a s t o o d i s m i s s ive o f t h e issue. F i n a l ly, A nt h o ny Ramos, wh o p l aye d t h e l e a d i n t h e m ov i e , s u m m e d u p t h e i s s u e n i ce ly. H e s a i d t h e c r it i c i s m wa s “a go o d o p p o r t u n it y fo r u s t o h e a r p e o p l e , fo r u s a s c re at ive s , r i g ht ? ” T h e co nt rove rs y a ro u n d I n T h e He i g ht s s h o u l d b e u s e d a s a l e a r n i n g e x p e r i e n ce a n d a way t o u n d e rs t a n d h ow co lo u r i s m co nt i n u e s t o p l ay a h e av y, i f u n co n s c i o u s , ro l e i n t h e c re at ive s p h e re . He n ce , a m u s i c a l t h at wa s w r it t e n by s o m e o n e ’s q u e s t to b e s e e n , e n de d u p w it h a f l o o d o f a p o l og i e s by t h e w r ite r a n d a c t o r, b e c a u s e t h ey i n a s e n s e le f t s o m e o n e e l s e u n s e e n .

Shikhar Talwar Deputy News Editor

h e B ro a dway m u s i c a l t h at m a d e L i n- M a nu e l M i ra n d a fam o u s , h a s it s m ov i e a d apt at i o n re ce ive b a c k l a s h d u e t o l a c k o f d a rks k i n n e d c h a ra c t e r s . Ne a rly h a l f a de ca de b e fo re H a mi l to n d e b u te d , L i n -M a nu e l M i ra n d a’s n a m e wa s a l re a dy ce le b rate d fo r h i s wo rk o n t h e B ro a dway Mu s i ca l , I n T h e He i g ht s . T h e mu s i ca l d e a l s w it h t h e s t r u gg l e s o f t h e A f ro -L at i n x co m mu n it y i n M a n h at t a n , New Yo rk . T h e re fo re , l a st ye a r ’s a n n o u n ce m e nt t h at a f i l m ve rs i o n wa s h it t i n g o u r s c re e n s i n Ju n e 2 02 1 wa s m e t w it h e n o r m o u s a nt i c i p at i o n . H oweve r, u p o n it s re le a s e , t h e b r i l l i a nt a c t i n g a n d u p l i f t i n g mu s i c we re a l l ove rs h a d owe d by c r it i c i s m ove r it s ca st ’s co lo u r i s m . C r it i c s a n d fa n s a l i ke i n st a nt ly n o t i ce d t h at t h e ca st o f t h e m ov i e d id n ot re p re s e nt t h e d e m og rap h i c o f t h e o r i gi n a l p l ay. T h e re wa s o n ly o n e “d a rks k i n n e d ” a c to r i n t h e m a i n ca st , a n d t h e re st o f t h e ca st , wh i le o f A f ro -L ati n x o r i g i n s, we re rat h e r l i g ht- s k i n n e d .

Photo: .hd.@flikr

GOLDEN OLDIES:

The Watermelon Woman A Landmark in Black Film History Re-visitng Cheryl Dunye’s landmark film The Watermelon Woman

Dominic Hayes Film Writer

redited as the first feature film ever to be directed by a black lesbian, Cheryl Dunye’s 1996 The Watermelon Woman is an important exploration of both historical and contemporary race issues in cinema. Following a woman called Cheryl, played by, and presumably based on

director Cheryl Dunye herself, the film depicts an aspiring filmmaker struggling for creativity. Upon watching some older films, she becomes fascinated by the ‘Black Mammy’ archetype found in early Hollywood. As her interest grows, the film draws attention to the lack of credit given to black actresses during the mid-20th century. The film itself is a scathing, meta critique of film academia, confronting the lack of representation in cinema as well as addressing the black-woman-shaped gaps left in the history even by supposed feminist academics. One line, when Cheryl talks about a book dismissively written by a male academic called ‘Hollywood Lesbians’, sees her say, “I wonder if he’s a lesbian.”. The quip accurately sums up tone of the film; witty and funny but without losing sight of what it sets out to address. Without feeling preachy or boring, Dunye’s direction and the various visual styles she employs, gives the film a feeling of intimacy and authenticity, which make it an endearing and easy watch. A must see in the age of BLM, the themes it addresses are just as historically significant today.

Film 27

CULTURE

ISSUE 2 / 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

No Time To Die: Too long to die Daniel Craig’s final outing as Bond is packed full of action and homages to his time in the role. Orla Mckee Film Writer

ith No Time to Die , despite being new to the Bond franchise, director Cary Joji Fukunaga has created an exquisitely shot, magical mystery tour back through this Bond’s illustrious career. The plot, though in some places slightly tenuous, catches the late onset maturity of Craig’s Bond. The film provides possibly the most frightening

threat of his tenure in what feels like an attempt to root the film in a reality that resembles this one. Though there are aspects of hilarity in previous Bonds (not always intentional), this picture took a much lighter tone in compared to the macho overtones of the other films. This creative decision pays off and provides a sound conclusion which, unlike Pierce Brosnan’s send off, gives Craig a deserved and dignified exit.

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Just a warning, all the women do stay full clothed in this one After the disappointment of Spectre’s straining plot and underwhelming climax, the addition of Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s writing talents provide a new take on Bond. A subtler, nostalgic sentiment shadowed

the character throughout, helping to move away from the passé misogyny, alcoholism and shirtlessness we have come to associate with Craig’s Bond. Just as a warning, all the women do stay fully clothed in this one. Whilst the villain has a rather predictably tedious backstory, Rami Malek does provide a genuinely unhinged performance whilst maintaining an ego that could believably produce the faults that led to his unavoidable downfall. Instead, vague, and often confusingly pointless plot detail means the film can drag. Not to mention its enormous run time of 2 hours 43 minutes. However, by humanising Bond, reclaiming locations from films-gone-by and quietly referencing past iconic scenes, No Time to Die finds its greatest successes. Though it stands as a fabulous piece of cinema on its own, a re-watch of Daniel Craig’s tenure is recommended to retrieve all the allusions and motivations of the film but not required. However, for the more emotional viewer, a box of tissues is a must.

4.5/5

The Evolution of an Emotional Bond Amid criticism, Craig’s increased vulnerability as Bond has historical foundations in the original novels. Alex Mcloughlin Film Writer This article contains spoilers for the new Bond movie. You have been warned ...

ond purists have criticised No Time To Die for its portrayal of Craig’s Bond. How can it be, they say, that Bond sleeps exclusively with one woman, or that he dedicates much of his energy to protecting a child? I argue that the emotional and paternal 007 we see in Craig’s final outing is actually one rooted in the original novels and does well to resist the macho tropes of the last films. Bond first showed his partiality for monogamy in Ian Fleming’s 1963 novel On Her Majesty’s Secret Service . Choosing to dedicate his future to Tracey di Vicenzo, her subsequent death was a landmark moment in the series because it was the first moment we see Bond distraught by loss. Fast forward a year with Fleming’s final full-length Bond novel You Only Live Twice , upon which aspects of No Time To Die are heavily based (Safin’s Garden of Death), and we realise that Bond has gotten Kissy Suzuki pregnant, just as he does with the new film’s Dr Madeleine Swan. However, we can have no doubt of Bond’s natural paternalistic instincts, highlighted through previous films in his relationship with younger women, for example Melina Havelock. In their cinematic form, Craig’s emotional Bond is often tied in with the storylines that question his role and necessity in the modern world. This

vulnerability is also a natural progression within the storyline of No Time To Die. Having retired from service, Bond’s mellowing feels very natural. However, when he does re-enter the murky world of espionage, his retired status affords his character a sense of confidence and ease previously unseen. Bond, famous for short quips, talks more than any previous film in No Time To Die, and gives us a glimpse at the person behind the secretive killer. This enables tender moments such as at the grave of one-time love Vesper Lynd and references a similar moment in For Your Eyes Only when Roger Moore visits his deceased wife Tracey. All in all, Bond’s increased vulnerability represents a positive shift in the series, but one that is not as unfounded as some purists have argued. This shift engenders a far more thoughtful film in which the losses of Bond’s previous years are finally recognised.

Photo: GlynLowe@WikimediaCommons

Photo: MohamedAhmed@WikimediaCommons

28 Film

CULTURE

ISSUE 2 / 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

The Green Knight:

Dev Patel Shines in Spectacular Medieval Adventure Benjamin Klauber-Griffiths Film Editor

hrusting audiences into a bleak and haunting vision of Middle Ages Camelot, The Green Knight is an aesthetic masterpiece that reimagines the famous Arthurian epic of Sir Gawain.

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Every shot from THE GREEN KNIGHT leaves audiences in a state of imeresed bewilderment. Following Gawain (strangely pronounced Garwen), the young nephew of the aging King Arthur, the film uses the medieval value of chivalry to comment on and question ahistorical expectations of masculinity. A young man with no epic tale to tell of his own, the clear currency of this medieval vision, is goaded into proving his valour when a strange, tree like Knight enters the castle and proposes a yuletide challenge. In keeping with the original poem’s head chopping scene, Gawain gets more than he bargained for. Forced on an epic and seemingly fatal journey into the wild, Gawain toils as he attempts to repay the strange knight and prove his honour to his ailing uncle. Every shot from The Green Knight leaves audiences in a state of immersed bewilderment. However, despite drawing on the plethora of images, moral questions and mythical scenarios from the epic, David Lowery’s vision twists many of the original’s narrative arcs. Instead, Gawain is faced with short coming after short coming. Far from witnessing his clear transformation into mythological hero, Lowery instead poses the horrifying possibility of his failure. This central theme, heightened by the disorientating camera angles and lenses, is when the film is at its most interesting. Rather than simply enjoying its stunning visuals and bold colour pallet, the thematic changes made by the writers and director force audiences to think. The expectations and responsibilities of medieval heroism translate all too well into the film’s subtextual treatment of modern gender roles. Leaving us with more questions than answers, The Green Knight echoes the Arthurian poem’s cerebral oddities whilst remaining original and immersive.

5/5

Poster@A24Films

ISSUE 2 / 11th October 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

CULTURE

In conversation with Cultureville A look into what it’s really like being a black-owned business: insight, struggles, and advice from the successful African-print brand, Cultureville Zahra Mukadam Fashion Editor

iving into the fashion industry and starting up your own brand can be very challenging, especially if you’re black. It’s been reported than black-owned businesses earn less than other ethnicities in terms of median turnover. This can be put down to issues surrounding financial access, household income and social capital to name a few. Just under 0.25% of venture capital funding was given to black-owned businesses between 2009 to 2019. However, as Cultureville has proven, you can still succeed besides the odds. Small business owners Jane and Adeola give us first-hand insight on what it’s like to be black business owners in the fashion industry today. Can you give us an overview on your company, Cultureville, and how your journey into the fashion industry began? Jane: Cultureville is an African inspired fashion brand. We are really passionate about working with local traders in West Africa and we work with a female dominated team from Ghana and Nigeria. Our business came about through Adeola and I searching for African print clothing and not being able to find it. Whenever we’d have events, we’d want to showcase our African heritage. Actually, Adeola moved to Nigeria a few years ago and she’d bring back the most beautiful dresses. All I’ve ever seen were the pieces that the aunties would bring that wouldn’t suit you and were quite ugly. It finally felt like African print could be beautiful, reflect your personality and be modern all at once. We put a few items on Depop and that’s how we started. People on Depop loved it as well. When we’d run out of a print, people demanded that print. We had orders from Italy, America, Germany, and at that point we decided we should get our own website and so we did. And the rest is history. What would you say have been the main difficulties you have faced as black fashion business owners? Adeola: Getting stocked. As in having your pieces in Selfridges or similar places. We don’t have the network and we don’t look like your typical fashion owners. We’d go into pretty big stores meeting with their buyers who usually buy the brands that come in. We’d show them some of our African print clothes and I felt like they were a lot more dismissive of us. That was a difficult thing just knowing that your average buyer or the average person who has the power to get you into a bigger store with a bigger audience is not necessarily going to appreciate what you have to bring. People also feel like they can’t wear our stuff because it’s African print. We experienced that in our Christmas markets where sometimes some people would make comments like “you don’t belong here” or “how can they be at the Christmas markets?”. Things like that are a bit off putting and frustrating, and you feel like the world has

come so far, but then you still hear these comments, and it can just be like oh my god, we’re not as far as you think. Jane: People also have an unwillingness to engage with our products. They’re trying to be culturally sensitive, but in doing that, they just choose not to interact with African print. They say it’s beautiful but not for me, and inadvertently what they do is that they reduce the market share for us because they’re just not willing to take the risk and educate themselves on cultural appropriation versus appreciation. That disadvantages African brands, or people who work with African print as you’re essentially denying them a segment of the market. People do that because they don’t want to offend but also, I think it can sometimes be a bit lazy, and it does impact black-owned brands. Adeola: And if you think about Italian clothes, we don’t reserve that just for Italians, right? Like I know a Caucasian male working in corporate company would wear an Italian suit and not feel weird at all. I think people are a lot more sensitive about [anything black related] and then that impacts our ability to make money from our business which impacts the communities that we support as well. Also, there’s difficulty in getting funding sometimes. We were applying for funding from a company and I remember the person who was assisting us was like “oh this is so straightforward, no one ever has a problem”. But when it came to the final stage, they ended up asking us a lot more questions than usual. We’d send the application and they’d send it back. The person was like “I’ve never seen a thing like this, it’s never taken this long. I don’t know why your application is having to go through so many hoops”. In an organisation you face racism and that encourages you to build your own brand. You think I’ve got my own business, I shouldn’t have to face racism now. Then you still face it from these external organisations and people who provide finance for businesses. A lot of black-owned businesses are smaller and it’s because they don’t get the funding from the banks or other lenders. Especially black women. What advice would you give to those who encounter racial bias on their fashion journey? Jane: Being willing to call it out, educate and actually be like: “What you’re doing is inadvertently racist and you might have the best intentions, but this is the impact”. I’d also say surround yourself with people who will hype you up. They’ve been times where, when the whole thing happened with the funding, we were really upset about it because we knew it was because we were a Nigerian brand. We were just really upset and having each other to encourage ourselves really helped. In terms of racial bias, just look for organisations who understand you. There’s services available for black owned brands to help improve your business progress. Are there any particular companies, initiatives or platforms that have helped

your company excel? Adeola: Black pound day is the first Saturday of every month, and it’s a day to encourage you to actually make a conscious effort to go out of your way to shop from a black owned business. They also have a lot of resources. Another is BOB Expo. It’s Manchester based and they mainly highlight black businesses. They do an exhibition once or twice a year, where all the black owned businesses come together and then people can come in and actually shop on black owned businesses. Other initiatives which aren’t necessarily black, include Manchester Youth Market, The Prince’s Trust, The Young Entrepreneurs of England and Enterprise Nation. What are your favourite black-owned fashion and beauty businesses? Journey by Jarissa – clay jewellery Omolola Jewellery – West-African inspired jewellery Spectacular Beauty Artist – makeup artist What does black history month mean to you? Adeola: Consciously celebrating our history, and to get to know more about what you don’t know. A lot of TV stations and magazines make an effort to highlight black content in Black History Month, so it’s a time to be exposed to that and to just celebrate what black people have contributed to society today. Jane: To anybody who wanted to start a business or a black person who’s going through it, don’t let anything hold you back. Sometimes we look for permissions to start and actually you don’t need it. A lot of times you can start by yourself. So rather than waiting for an organisation to rubber stamp you or people to give you permission to start what you want to start, go for it. Once you start doing [what you’re good at] and people see that you’re good, they will come. As a black person, a lot of the times you experience the negatives like all the things that you don’t get to do because you’re black. But I would never give up my blackness. I love us. I love black humour, black food and everything else that is black. Black History Month is a chance to shine upon all the good things but also all the hurdles we’ve climbed and just revel in the celebration of it all. Is there anything else you feel is important to share to our audience? Jane: To anybody who wanted to start a business or a black person who’s going through it, don’t let anything hold you back. Sometimes we look for permissions to start and you actually don’t need it. A lot of times you can start by yourself. So rather than waiting for an organisation to rubber stamp you or people to give you permission to start what you want to start, go for it. If you would like to follow Cultureville’s journey, check them out on their Instagram or on their website, and make sure to use the discount code: FORTHECULTURE !

Fashion 29

Horoscopes 11.10.21 - 25.10.21 Fortnightly Astrological Prophecies from Catherine Shatwell (charlatan in training)

Sagittarius (23.11 - 21.12) Optimistic, adventurous and fun-loving. You

Give up on your creative outlets such as art and

Capricorn (22.12 - 19.01)

Aquarius (20.01 - 19.02)

probably used to sit at the back of the class,

music - accept that you’ll probably be working a

but drop it and focus on something more real-

drooling and eating Pritt Stick.

9to5 desk job for the rest of your life.

istic

Pisces (20.02 - 20.03)

Aries (21.03 - 20.04)

Taurus (21.04 - 20.05)

That business idea you have, it might be good,

Hard-working and focused, you were the kid

Aries tend to have a buoyancy and zest in life.

Try actually apologising for your actions rather

who reminded the teacher they forgot to give

You might think this lights up any room you’re

than saying “I’m sorry that you overreacted....”

out homework. Nerd.

in. It doesn’t. It’s annoying.

you passive-aggressive spanner.

Gemini (21.05 - 20.06)

Cancer (21.06 - 22.07)

Leo (23.07 - 22.08)

You are a poetic dreamer and thinker - the time

The 5th house deals with relationships and ro-

The natural confidence imbued by this sign

has come to get out of bed and do some actual

mance but is out of balance for you - no wonder

means that you consider yourself a born leader.

work.

you have trouble committing to anyone.

Others think you are a moron.

Virgo (23.08 - 22.09)

Libra (23.09 - 22.10)

Scorpio (23.10 - 22.11)

They Know.

You might be described as a social butterfly

There has never been a Scorpio of great impor-

with a wide social circle - the truth is you’re a

tance. Quit while you’re ahead.

social moth. You have no friends.

Wordsearch Gianna Stanely Puzzle Creator Goldeneye Casino Royale No Time To Die Spectre Bond Goldfinger Sean Connery Skyfall License to Kill Spy Moonraker Daniel Craig

CULTURE

ISSUE 1 / 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Games 31 Photo: StanderTV @ Wikimedia Commons

Has Assassin’s Creed forgotten its Origins? A shift to the live service model causes upset amongst Assassin’s Creed fans

Richard Noronha Games Writer

or fourteen years Assassin’s Creed has been immersing fans in historical locations, ranging from Classical Greece to Victorian London, establishing itself as one of gaming’s most recognisable and successful franchises. Throughout its lifespan, the series has witnessed many shifts in direction and tone, with some changes more well-received than others. However, the latest news on the future of Assassin’s Creed from developer Ubisoft has been met with scepticism and concern from fans and critics alike. Earlier this summer Ubisoft announced plans for Assassin’s Creed Infinity, the next instalment in their most popular franchise. Infinity plans to adopt an evolving, live service model, featuring multiple historical settings with room for further expansions to follow. These features may seem attractive on the surface, however they consolidate a transformation of Assassin’s Creed away from its roots, conforming instead to some of the gaming industry’s most exploitative and anti-consumer trends. The live service model, which has surged in popularity over the last five years, sees developers continually add content to games after their release, greatly extending

the game’s lifecycle. This appears inviting to players, however, in practice, this approach has encouraged developers to release unfinished games. Offering the promised additional content for extra fees, and implement predatory microtransactions and loot box mechanics into their games. Several high profile games including Marvel’s Avengers, Anthem, and Star Wars: Battlefront II received scathing criticism for utilising these practices, culminating in the Belgian Gaming Commission’s banning of loot boxes in 2018. The negative attention live service based games have generated has prompted a gradual decline in developers adopting such an approach in the last few years, making Ubisoft’s Infinity announcement all the more alarming. In a typically tone-deaf fashion, Ubisoft has instead spent the previous year doubling down on its live service offerings. Released in October last year, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla received criticism at launch for prioritising its in-game store and microtransactions over the numerous bugs and issues present in the game. Despite being a high budget, single-player, narrative-driven game, Valhalla’s regularly updated in-game store and paid downloadable content (DLC) are more characteristic of a free-to-play mobile app’s monetisation methods. Assassin’s Creed adoption of a live service revenue model is not the only drastic

change the series has undergone in recent years. Earlier games focused on the ideological clash between the Assassin and Templar orders throughout history, focusing on stealth mechanics and linear storytelling. However, in the wake of the popularity of sprawling open-world, action role player games (RPGs) such as Skyrim and The Witcher, Ubisoft followed suit producing 2017’s Assassin’s Creed Origins, a game almost unrecognisable to any of its predecessors. Although franchises need to evolve and modernise gradually over time, the only element Origins shared with the rest of the series was its title. The absence of Assassins, Templars and the lack of stealth unsurprisingly generated much controversy. Origins’ loss of the Assassin’s Creed identity cemented the perception of Ubisoft as desperate to remain relevant, even at the cost of its most beloved franchise’s core DNA. Interestingly, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla gave Ubisoft its best-ever financial result, earning over $1.2bn in 2020. Despite being almost unrecognisable from its beginnings, and even with its exploitative mechanics, Assassin’s Creed has never been as popular as it is today. Although Infinity exemplifies many predominant issues within the gaming industry, it is likely to become another financial success for Ubisoft, drifting further from the franchises’ roots and what made Assassin’s Creed an instant classic in 2007.

Artwork designed by Mariam Hussain: @mariam.hussain.17 on instagram

From the best plant shops in Manchester, to the Tory Conference protests, Issue 2 of the Mancunion