Redbrick Issue 1507, Vol. 84
Friday 20th September 2019
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University Station to be Redeveloped page 3
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University’s Support Staff Set to Strike
Thursday 3rd October will be the sixth day of industrial action in the dispute between the UoB and Unison, over support staff working conditions and pay John Wimperis News Editor
Striking University support staff will be holding pickets at the entrances to the University until 12 pm. At 11 am, there will be a rally outside University Station with staff, students, and activists voicing their solidarity with the strikers’ demands. This will be followed by a free lunch for all attendees. UNISON hope to see ‘as many students as possible’ at the pickets and rally. A spokesperson told Redbrick: ‘The pickets are spaces of learning and for sharing experiences about how we would like our University to become, and how we can work collectively to improve the working conditions at the University. ‘We will be equipped with placards, flags, stickers, music, whistles, flyers and letters. Student societies and individual students are very welcome to join us!’ Support staff represented by UNISON includes those working in catering, cleaning, security and student services at UoB. The demands of the strikers include the University granting a pay rise above the rate of inflation for all support staff, become a Living Wage Accredited employer, bridging the gender pay gap by 2020 and agreeing to negotiate with unions at the University on their joint report on UoB working conditions. Seven Birmingham MPs, including Selly Oak MP Steve McCabe and Edgbaston MP Preet Kaur Gill, wrote to UoB ViceChancellor David Eastwood in support of UNISON’s demands, telling him ‘there’s a moral imperative for the University to do more.’ UoB alumnus and former Greek
What TV told us about university
TV 5
Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis also voiced his support for the industrial action, tweeting that ‘the proletarianisation of University staff began during Thatcher’s reign and has now reached its apotheosis under a managerial model inimical to higher education.’ The University has matched the voluntary living wage for the past four years but has not become an Accredited Living
Wage employer. UNISON claims that this means they still need ‘to lobby the University intensively to keep members above the level of the accredited Living Wage.’ One member of the support staff, who works a 36-hour week in term time, challenged senior management staff to live on their salary. They wrote of how their monthly wages of £978 which they state
Unison
to be , ‘a little over what [Eastwood] earn[s] in four hours,’ do not cover their basic outgoings. ‘I have taken out loans to make ends meet, I have lived on my free staff dinner only so I could feed my children, I have used food banks on a regular basis. At Christmas, I rummage charity shops to look for half decent presents for my children, still being careful not to spend too much,’ the letter describes. A spokesperson for UoB told Redbrick: ‘We have met with UNISON a number of times to try to bring an end to the dispute and we remain disappointed that we have not yet been able to reach an agreement. ‘Support staff were awarded (and paid) a 2% pay increase with effect from August 2018 and were offered a 3% pay increase with effect from August 2019, significantly higher than the increases at other universities and the wider public sector. ‘We recognise that staff at the lower end of the pay spectrum may be disproportionately affected by increases in the cost of living or cuts in government funding, which is why this year is the 11th consecutive year that our support staff pay awards are in line with or above those negotiated nationally. ‘In addition, we have matched the level of the voluntary Living Wage (VLW) for the last four years and offered to commit to continue to match it for at least a further three years.’ ‘If we are unable to agree an end to the dispute, we are confident that the large majority of staff will continue working normally to ensure that our students, prospective students, and visitors are affected as little as possible by disruption.’
Exploring some cultural figures within Black History
Boris Johnson’s recent shenanigans
Taking a look at the new Tiverton Gym
Culture 6
Comment 4
Sport 8
INSIDE: Redbrick Film Explore Birmingham’s Various Cinema’s and What They Have to Offer
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Friday 20th September 2019
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Letter From the Committee: By picking up this special Freshers’ Week edition of our newspaper, you’re already one step ahead of me when I joined the University in September 2017. It took me until November to get my act together and join Redbrick, but I’m eternally grateful that I apprehensively walked into the Redbrick Office (lovingly nicknamed ‘The Dungeons’) for first time for a News meeting, two years ago. Thanks to our dedicated and talented team of editors and writers, I firmly believe that we consistently produce some of the best content of any student newspaper in the country here at Birmingham; so it really was a privilege to be named Redbrick’s 2019-20 editor back in March. I followed a remarkably similar path to my predecessor, Erin Santillo, in finding myself writing this column - we both edited the News section and managed our annual Guild Elections coverage. Occasionally, we even found time to work on our degrees... But don’t for a moment think that’s the only way to get involved, because we’re lucky to have twelve wonderful sections managed by over forty editors to help you fulfil your own, unique Redbrick experience where you can write about your own passions and experiences. In this shorter edition, you’ll be able to get a taste of what the
sections offer and find out how to get involved in our fortnightly 40page editions and on our recently revamped website. Anyone can join Redbrick, whether you’re a budding journalist or not, and I would strongly encourage you to do so, no matter what year you’re in or what subject you study. There’s no maximum or minimum amount you can contribute and you can write for as many or as few sections as you’d like. Even if you don’t view yourself as a writer, you’ll be welcomed into the society with open arms; every good newspaper needs photographers to capture vital moments, while those with a keen eye for detail make excellent Editorial Assistants to ensure every edition is ready to go to print. Whatever your workload and whatever your other commitments are, you’ll be able to tailor Redbrick to suit you. Fundamentally, we pride ourselves on being a society and a community, and the friendships I’ve made in our office or at the pub over a copy of our latest paper, are a testament to that. My Redbrick experience has truly been the best thing I’ve done in Birmingham and, in a few years’ time, you may find yourself in my position, wondering how to fill the space in the editorial. For the first time this year...
From the dungeons, we salute you.
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The section for all writers, reporters and photographers, covering everything from global headlines to campus updates.
The home of debate, conversation and free speech at Redbrick. If you’re passionate about it, we are.
Reviewing the best art, theatre and performance Birmingham has to offer.
With reviews spanning from local music to international artists; club nights to arena concerts, all genres are welcome.
For those looking to see and review the very latest in cinema, be it Hollywood blockbusters or Netflix originals.
Edited by: Aneesa Ahmed, Alex Boscott, Christina Manns, John Wimperis, Rhiannon Wood
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The average person in Britain spends 10 years of their life watching TV. So why not write about it?
The latest gaming news, reviews, discussion and events, from the student perspective.
The perfect place to figure out what you’re eating tonight - or to share your latest recipes or moneysaving tips.
Home of the latest destination articles, travel tips, and more. Even if you’re not travelling anytime soon, tell us about past adventures.
Covering fashion and beauty as well as mental health and social media, Life&Style is your companion to navigating student life.
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NEWS
Friday 20th September 2019
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University Train Station Set For Major Redevelopment Aneesa Ahmed News Editor
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) have recently revealed plans to redevelop and expand University Station to help it cope with crowd levels. It is expected that the redeveloped station will open by the end of 2021 in time for the Commonwealth Games in 2022, when the University will host the hockey and squash competitions. The station is situated at the entrance of both the University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital and is used by over ‘three million passengers a year,’ according to TfWM. Authorities state that the current station, built in 1978 for an estimated 400,000 passengers per year, is unsuitable for what they predict for the future of the area and want to build a fit-for-the-future station capable of accommo-
dating up to 7.2 million passengers a year. The new building, which will be located at the opposite end of the platform of the existing facilities, will include more space and new facilities for passengers.
“The current station, built in 1978 for an estimated 400,000 passengers per year, is unsuitable” A footbridge will also be built to connect the platforms and to cross the canal to give access to the main UoB campus. TfWM say that they aim to ‘provide an outstanding passenger experience; boost the economy,
enhance heritage and connect seamlessly into the wider integrated transport network.’ They believe that, due to the significance of the area because of the University, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and other nearby health facilities, it is important to improve transport services for those who use it and ‘provide an outstanding passenger experience.’ The University has over 33,000 students and employs around 7,500 staff, while QEHB and other local healthcare facilities employ over 13,000 staff and treat over 1.5 million patients per year. In addition to the new developments to the station, West Midlands Railway’s customer experience director, Richard Brooks, explained that there is also due to be further investment into the service’s trains. Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands, commented: ‘This is about is about giving the [University of] Birmingham and
our hospitals a station to be really proud of. It’ll give much better conditions for passengers using it and the right sense of arrival when you get to this great part of the city.’ Professor Sir David Eastwood, ViceChancellor and Principal of the University of Birmingham said: ‘We are tremendously excited by the prospect of an expanded University Station. ‘With the millions of people who use the facility each year, this will be a valuable asset to the city’s transport infrastructure. ‘In 2022, the University will
Brian Clift host hockey and squash as part of the Commonwealth Games, and being able to provide a 21st Century station to competitors, organisers and many thousands of spectators is critical, as well as providing excellent facilities for staff and students of the future, and the local community.’
University Rises in World Rankings Christina Manns
University of Birmingham is News Editor hugely proud of its standing as one The University of Birmingham of the world’s leading researchhas risen to 112th in the 2020 intensive universities. Times Higher Education (THE) Our research creates solutions World University Rankings, climb- to some of the world’s biggest ing four places from last year. issues and our continued The 2020 QS World rise in THE rankings University Rankings, represents a signifiwhich are the most cant achievement commonly used glofor all our staff UoB rises bal rankings, placed and demonUoB within the top strates increas100 global universiing recognition ties at 81st. The of the global places updating rankings impact and from 141st to were released on reach of our September 11th. research.’ 112th Since the 2018 The 2020 THE World University THE World Rankings, UoB has risen University Rankings 29 places from 141st to includes almost 1,400 112th. This reflects a continuing universities across 92 counrise in the quality of teaching and tries. It measures performance the reputation of the University’s across teaching, research (volume, research. income and reputation), citations UoB Vice-Chancellor Professor (research influence), knowledge Sir David Eastwood said: ‘The transfer and international outlook
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(staff, students and research). The University of Birmingham has also fared well in other UK university rankings, rising from 19th to 16th place between 2019 and 2020 in The Guardian university league tables.
“The University of Birmingham has also fared well in other UK University Rankings” The Complete University Guide ranked UoB at 13th place in its 2020 league table, rising 2 places since 2019. The full list can be viewed at www.timeshighereducation.com/ world-university-rankings/
Redbrick The Official University of Birmingham Student Newspaper, est. 1936
Redbrick
WELCOME MEETING October 1st 2019 8-10pm Guild Council Chambers
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COMMENT
Friday 20th September 2019
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Making Sense of Chaos: The Tactical Failings of Boris Johnson
Culture Editor Luca Demetriou argues that Boris Johnson's first two months in office have been chaotic Luca Demetriou Culture Editor
Parliament has experienced turbulent times in the past few weeks during Boris Johnson’s reign as Prime Minister as he has bounded from tactic to tactic in an attempt to pursue his political goals.
“He has bounded from tactic to tactic in an attempt to persue his political goals” A few examples include vacant means of protecting the public, calling for an election when students are less likely to vote and proroguing parliament for five weeks. However, MPs of opposition parties have banded together in an attempt to prevent his strained attempts. Johnson has used many tactics under the guise of attempting to achieve ‘what the people voted for.’ The Operation Yellowhammer
No-Deal Brexit document has warned that fresh food shortages and medicine shortages are possible in the event of no-deal Brexit. For Johnson and his Conservatives, a no-deal Brexit is an opportunity to dramatically reshape Britain. A no-deal will thrive on uncertainty; it might favour hedge funds that prosper in that environment; investors and financiers may seek to short the pound for financial gain, and cheap property could be swept away if markets collapse. This uncertainty could enable Johnson and the Conservative Party to impose policies that wouldn’t normally be accepted but, in this time of chaos, would become justified.
“Food shortages and medicine shortages are possible in the event of a no-deal Brexit” Johnson began his governance with a crackdown on crime in an
attempt to reclaim the Conservative Party as one of law and order, a party to ‘protect the country.’ Johnson used a narrative about protecting the public in order to garner support for a possible election (that has now been blocked by MPs multiple times).
Andrew Parsons
Johnson has ignored data and evidence from the Ministry of Justice that states that ‘ploughing funding into building prisons to accommodate prison projections
is not sustainable’ as there must be an ‘investment in services to reduce the £15 billion annual cost of reoffending.’ Johnson using 35 police officers as a backdrop for his speech was criticised by Chief Constable John Robins of West Yorkshire Police, who said: ‘I was disappointed to see my police officers as a backdrop to the part of the speech that was not related to recruitment.’ This example demonstrates the way Johnson has politicised the police and a crackdown on crime, for his own political gains. This tactic was meant to attract the support of the public by gaining their confidence in his ability to protect them. This was in the hope that they would passively accept policies he and his neoliberal cabinet attempt to pass during the tentative times ahead because they have been distracted by narratives, like crime prevention. MPs of opposition parties have contested Boris Johnson’s attempts to take the UK out of the EU without a deal, by passing a law requiring Johnson to ask for a Brexit delay if MPs cannot decide on a deal. This would allow the UK to
remain in the EU until January, making Johnson’s prorogation of parliament until October the 14th futile, as MPs would have further
“The tactics that Boris Johnson and his cabinet have attempted to pass expose ulterior motives at play” time to debate Brexit deals. The tactics that Boris Johnson and his cabinet have attempted to pass expose ulterior motives at play; to take the UK out of the EU at any cost. Breaking up his own party, triggering food and medicine shortages and losing their parliamentary majority are all strained attempts at driving the UK into disorder and emergency. Putting the UK in a vulnerable position allows Johnson and his cabinet to pass policies that will have to be accepted once we attempt to navigate the implications of a no-deal Brexit.
Hong Kong: An Exemplary Case Dominic Staniforth argues that the attitude of the political protestors in Hong Kong could to applied to other international crises Dominic Staniforth Comment Writer
The Hong Kong protests should stand to all democratic people as an example of the importance of political action. Yet the political problems we face in Britain are often underplayed. No matter how minor an issue may seem, I feel it is important that we should act with the same spirit as the people of Hong Kong in all political issues.
“It is important we should act with the same spirit as the people of Hong Kong in all political issues” Whilst we may think of Hong Kong as a modern, liberal country ranking above the United States in terms of GDP per capita, protesters argue that the region is still heavily under the control of Chinese influence. Ever since the handover of
Hong Kong to China in 1997, critics of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC) have claimed that the autonomy and freedoms of Hong Kong are being slowly abolished. There seems to be the sentiment that the ‘one country, two systems’ approach to Chinese control of Hong Kong outlined in the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration has been consistently infringed upon by Chinese meddling. Disputers argue that the NPCSC have been abusing Article 158 of Hong Kong’s mini-constitution- The Basic Law. Article 158 states that ‘The power of interpretation of [the] Law shall be vested in the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.', allowing the NPCSC to have final say upon the interpretation of Hong Kong’s constitution. With Hong Kong’s chief executive being elected by what the BBC have called a 'mostly pro-Beijing body chosen by just 6% of eligible voters' and Beijing’s controversial intervention within Hong Kong’s Legislative Council, widespread protests have been anything but avoidable.
Standard authoritarian tactics provide a definite enemy and clear issue at hand. The NPCSC is making little effort to hide their interference with the democracy of Hong Kong. However, in Britain we face often-understated and seemingly unclear attacks on our democracy; the election of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister, the ambiguous Brexit referendum, and the proroguing of parliament offer themselves as other potential examples of similar cloudy definitions of democratic behaviour to the events in Hong Kong. Often, we are accused of overreacting to political events. However, it is exactly this attitude we should avoid when operating in today’s society. The issues we face today like climate change, the migrant crisis and even conflicts such as the military coup in Crimea have no easily discernible instigators or immediate effects. This often means that reactions to these emergencies are insufficient. As much as we should support the ongoing battle for Hong Kong’s democracy, we should use the spectacle to reflect on our own political process itself. Organisers of the Hong Kong protests claimed two million
Studio Incendo
attended the protests the day after Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive, backed down from the contentious extradition bill. This turnout of over 25% of the population demonstrates the power of the people when the significance of the situation is clear to see. It is therefore important that we act with the same passion and dedication of the people of
Hong Kong when facing political issues that may at first seem relatively insignificant. Fortunately, political apathy does seem to be decreasing. In light of recent parliamentary events, over one hundred thousand people applied to register to vote. This is undoubtedly a good sign for the future state of our democracy.
TELEVISION / LIFE&STYLE
Friday 20th September 2019
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What TV Told Us About University
TV Editors Catrin Osborne and Amrita Mande discuss the lessons and misconceptions about university life they gained from TV shows Catrin Osborne Television Editor
From popularity, to detention, to house parties, I’ve watched an endless amount of TV that delves into the secondary school experience. However, I had very few TV shows to inform me about university life prior to Freshers’ Week. All I had seen was the college scenes from the final seasons of Glee. To celebrate the addition of Glee to Netflix this summer, I watched the episodes again and couldn’t help but laugh at how far-fetched they were. Upon entering college, Rachel receives a makeover and is suddenly sporting designer clothes and flipping her glossy hair.
“Whilst Rachel and Kurt mention loneliness, the show brushes over the more emotionally taxing elements of leaving home”
appearance to try finding cheaper alternatives such as Depop or kilo sales. Likewise, whilst Rachel and Kurt mention loneliness, the show brushes over the more emotionally taxing elements of leaving home. The mainstream media would benefit from an honest portrayal of how daunting university can be. Although the Glee characters made very few new friends, it is beneficial for a new student to get out of their room, chat to people and try joining societies. Nonetheless, Glee didn’t get it all wrong. In the episode titled ‘The Break Up,’ the writers ended most of Glee’s central relationships. The move from school to university can be a challenging time for relationships. The same goes for friendships. Returning to their high school, plenty of the characters boast a newfound entitlement but it is essential to stay
In reality, university is a time to save money spent on one’s
grounded. Nothing could have prepared me entirely for my first year of university, but Glee was correct in portraying it as a thrilling, worthwhile experience.
Amrita Mande Televison Editor
Why aren’t more shows set at university? Stories about high school are everywhere, but where’s the love for us sleep-deprived university students working in the library until 4 am.? Do producers think we don’t have as interesting lives? Having 20-something-year-old actors play university students would definitely make some shows make more sense (Veronica is like seventeen, so why does she own a diner, Riverdale?). But getting back on topic, one show I absolutely loved w a s Community. I haven’t rewatched it in a while, but it still has a fond place in my heart. I d o n ’ t remember m u c h beyond some characters and vague plotlines, but FOX I do remember how fun
NBC and lighthearted it was, but also so real. I think it was pretty spot on in portraying university life. It had all the things you’d expect; lots of (unproductive) study sessions, plenty of banter and a surprising amount of popculture references. The characters were all from different walks of life, and at times, were at odds with their beliefs and world views, just like you do at university. Even the existential dread was spot on. One thing that stuck with me through all these years about the show is how each character grew. They grew from spending time with each other, from their shared and unique experiences. Jeff became less cocky, Troy and Abed become more confident, Annie gains a support system and Shirley learns to embrace different types of people.
“The characters were all from different walks of life, and at times came at odds with their beliefs and world views” They become more complete people, which is honestly what university is all about. Sure, get good grades and try not to fail anything, but don’t forget the bigger picture. Meet people you would have never met before and try new things. University is the perfect chance to grow and, forgive the cliché, find yourself.
Life&Style: Chance Encounters
As UoB prepares to welcome new arrivals, students reflect on how forming friendships at university has no formula Josie Hart
five, you clearly haven’t settled in properly. The reality is it may take When you arrived at the time. It will be tiring, and it University of Birmingham, mak- won’t happen in the exact same ing friends almost certainly way for any two people. Maybe played heavily on your mind. you’ll click with your flatmates Everyone probably told you not the second you arrive or maybe to worry about it, and you probmonths - or even years - into ably worried anyway. How university life, you’ll do I know that? Because somehow come it’s the same story for across that person everyone. or group you know There are Moving to a you’re going to new place and not be great friends more than knowing what to with. expect is unavoidEventually, ably daunting. you’ll be able to However, it’s look back and people at UoB important to realise remember the that whilst everyone weird and wonwill be worrying derful ways that about making new you met different friends, everyone will have people throughout your a different story to tell in terms of university experience. how they came to do this. There are more than 30,000 It seems there’s this myth people at The University of that if you don’t get along with Birmingham, so you will defithe people you live with and the nitely find your people at some people on your course, or that if point. It just may take time. you don’t know who your best Proof of this and the fact that friends are at the end of week there's no time pressure, formula Travel Editor
30,000
or correct method for doing so, are in the stories of how other UoB students came to meet their closest friends at University.
“You will definitely find your people at some point” From the obscure to the ordinary, the variation and these anecdotes show that whilst it may still be easier said than done, the people telling you not to worry about meeting people at university were right.
“I was in a Facebook group chat for UoB law students so I just messaged someone who’d been speaking on the group. From there we got to know each other and we’re still friends now!” “I didn’t have any friends on my course until around half way through second year when I bumped into some people from my course at a pre drinks. We’re now all really close and they’re some of my closest friends at uni.” “I met a girl in the boys’ toilet at Fab because the queue for the girls was too long. Turned out we did the same course. She’s one of my closest course friends now” “In Freshers’ Week, I decided to go on a courseled campus tour. It was raining so the group of us on the tour spent the whole time complaining about the English weather. We made a group chat at the end and still walk to every lecture together”
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CULTURE
06
Friday 20th September 2019
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Preview: BASS Festival Culture Editor Emily Breeds discusses what you can expect at the upcoming BASS Festival celebrating Black History Month Emily Breeds Culture Editor
1st October 2019 marks the beginning of Black History Month in the UK. Black History Month was first celebrated in the UK in 1987 and was organised by Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, though the movement has its roots in 1920s America. Black History Month is still incredibly important, as there is no denying the racial disparity within British history. Black History Month aims to recognise and celebrate the achievements of Black people throughout time.
“Black History Month is still... important” Black History Month is to be celebrated in Birmingham with BASS Festival, which will be celebrating Black creative arts from 22nd - 27th October. BASS is curated by two of Birmingham’s brightest young Black creatives: Aliyah Hasinah and RTkal. The festival, now in its 13th year, aims to support Black artists and Black excellence, spotlight Black voices within the community and challenge audience members’ world views. The focus of this year’s festival is ‘The Future,’ which
contrasts well with Black History Month. Not only are we remembering important historical Black figures, but we are also ensuring Black voices are heard for the rest of time.
“The focus of this year’s festival is ‘The Future’” The first BASS event taking place is the launch of an exhibition at Arch 21, Digbeth, on 22nd October. The exhibition will feature exciting new work from multimedia artists Emmanuel Unaji and Najma Abdulle, and photographer Adama Jalloh, who will also be in conversation with Aliyah Hasinah. The following day, a mural dedicated to the ‘Future Faces of Birmingham’ will be unveiled at a secret Digbeth location. The specially-commissioned mural will showcase Birmingham’s scene leaders and influencers in Black music and culture.
“A mural... will be unveiled at a secret Digbeth location” 24th October features two workshops. At The Vault, Eventbrite will be leading a work-
shop on how to run your own events. Then at Arch 21, you can enjoy a special screening of The 8 Club, an online series in which men discuss masculinity and societal pressures. After the screening, the producers and stars will hold a panel discussing the future of masculinity in 2019. This year, Black History Month UK is ‘celebrating the many inspiring women since the Windrush whose commitment to society and future generations has proved invaluable to the UK.’
The futuristic beats will continue throughout the weekend. BASS Weekender, with two days of live music, will feature performances by Naomi Cowan, Big Zeeks, Jevon, Randy Valentine, Aleighcia Scott, Cali P, Italo Skarcha and Jazwad; plus DJ sets by Jamie Rodigan, Immortal Sound System, and more. Finally, TRP.HSE on 26th October promises a ‘futuris-
tic club invasion’ at The Mill, Digbeth. BASS Festival is set to be an amazing six days. As long as erasure, racism and prejudice exists, we will always need Black History Month and events like BASS Festival. Not only to uplift today’s and tomorrow’s Black voices, but also to solidify their extremely important place in British history.
Other Events Taking Place
“The producers and stars will hold a panel”
25th September - 2nd November
BASS Festival will similarly be celebrating the achievements of Black and Brown womxn during ‘Heaux Noire,’ held at the Medicine Bakery on 25th October. This event will showcase performances from Black and Brown womxn such as Layfullstop, Anaïs & KMu x Ru and resident DJ M-PRESS, sharing their stories through poetry and music. Futuristic beats and baking will unite on 26th October, with GBBO’s Liam Charles, rapper/DJ Weyland McKenzie, and Team GB athlete Reuben Arthur joining forces for a conceptual conversationalist music show. There will also be a ‘no-holds-barred’ Q&A.
Event: White, Koko Brown Where: MAC
Event: Our Lady of Kibeho, Katori Hall Where: The Theatre Royal Stratford East
1st October
2nd - 3rd October Event: An evening with Verse Writer Where: Warwick Arts Centre
15th - 16th October Event: Giselle, Dada Masilo Where: Hippodrome
15th - 16th November Event: Burgerz, Travis Alabanza Where: Wawrick Arts Centre
Black History Month: Key Figures
Culture Editor Luca Demetriou identifies key cultural figures within Black History Luca Demetriou Culture Editor
Basquiat 1960-1988 Notable works: Untitled (Boxer), Riding With Death, Untitled (1981/2) Known for his primitive style, Basquiat was a neo-expressionist painter in the 1980s whose paintings electrified the elite art scene. Using social commentary, Basquiat’s work often focused on dichotomies such as inner versus outer experience, wealth versus poverty and integration versus segregation. Propelling his notoriety, Warhol collaborated with Basquiat resulting in a show of their work that featured a series of corporate logos and cartoon characters. After struggling with drug addiction, Basquiat died at 27. His paintings are now worth hundreds of millions.
Toni Morrison 1931-2019 Notable works: Beloved, The Bluest Eyes, Sula
Toni Morrison, the Nobel Laureate in literature, wrote into existence essential aspects of American reality through heartbreaking, luminous prose that transcends boundaries and genre. Foregrounding the experiences of black women, Morrison’s novels are often nonlinear and trancelike, the characters traversing temporal boundaries as if the entire weight of history is carried out within their every act. A seminal cultural figure for Black History Month, Toni Morrison should be on everyone’s reading list.
Travis Albanza 1996 - present Notable works: Burgerz, Before I Step Outside (You Love Me) One of the most prominent emerging queer artists in our time, Travis Alabanza is an immutable force- shaking up performance art, theatre-making and poetry. Having had a half-eaten burger hurled at them on Waterloo Bridge, while bystanders continue on idly, Travis turned this experience into an exhibit of theatre itself: Burgerz. Exploring gender, street harassment and colonialism, Alabanza constructs a burger on stage with the help of an audi-
ence member. One to watch, this artist disrupts the art scene with comedic flair and colour-blocking looks.
Alvin Ailey 1931-1989 Notable works: Revelations (1960), The River (1970), Cry (1971), Memories and Visions (1974) Alvin Ailey was a dancer, director, choreographer and activist who founded one of the most successful dance companies in the world – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Creating a haven for nurturing black artists, Ailey’s dance fused a range of styles from ballet, modern, jazz, black vernacular and theatre. Ailey and his company continue to bring black experience to the foreground, staging timeless pieces that are still performed today.
James Baldwin was a prolific writer of the 20th century, regarded highly for nuanced observations about American racial strife before, during and after the Civil Rights Movement, in which Baldwin’s fame grew. An essayist, novelist and poet, Baldwin navigated the unhappy consequences of American racism as he shed light onto black aspirations, disappointments, and coping strategies in a hostile s o c i e t y. With a prose style that is pas-
James Baldwin 1924-1987 Notable works: Giovanni’s Room, Go Tell it on the Mountain, Dark Days
Tullio Saba
sionately poetic, yet holds crystallike clarity, Baldwin’s cultural impact was monumental. In times of adversity, we must look to figures such as Baldwin, an enduring light to guide us through hardships. His legacy will live on forever.
FOOD&DRINK / FILM
Friday 20th September 2019
@redbrickfood / @redbrickfilm
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For Starters: Best Food Spots in Brum Food Editors Harriet Laban, Beth Sadler and Gabrielle Taylor-Dowson take us through the key places to eat in and around Birmingham, no matter what your budget is Campus
Harriet Laban Food&Drink Editor
Coffee shops and cafes: £ You really don’t have to go far to experience some great places to eat in Birmingham, and the University’s campus is the perfect starting point. There are several Costa outlets and a Starbucks and cafés in nearly every main building which is very helpful for grabbing a sandwich on the way to lectures. The library café is also a lovely place to stop and eat. It serves fresh soup, paninis, and a selection of cakes daily. Joe's Bar: £ £ If you fancy something more substantial but want to keep things chilled, the Guild’s newly-renovated Joe’s Bar has a wide variety of meals, offering everything from battered halloumi to pizza. Brook’s Sports Bar at Bournbrook Pavilion is also a great option; watch the football with a pint, whilst tucking into a bacon and avocado burger, or even a vegan hummus platter.
Cuore: £ £ £ At the top end of campus’ food outlets is Cuore, the Green Heart’s tapas restaurant. The food here is wonderfully fresh and there are dishes to suit every dietary requirement. Although a little pricier than other places on campus, it is reasonable for the quantity and quality of food, certainly making it worth a try! A final thing to note for all the freshers on meal plan is that you can use credit on most of the campus outlets. This is a great way to explore what there is on offer, be it a lunch from Wok Fresh, a hot chocolate in the library, or a plate of curly fries in Joe's after a long day of lectures. Campus has no shortage of affordable eats!
Selly Oak Beth Sadler
Food&Drink Editor
Falafel Munch: £ Vegetarian and meat-eating students alike know of the infamous vegan takeout that is Falafel Munch. For just three pounds, you can grab a huge falafel wrap that is not only seriously tasty but also very healthy. Dilshad Restau: £ £ It’s a friend’s birthday and you want to celebrate, but no one wants to splash the cash? Dilshad is a bring your own booze curry house on Bristol Road, only a fifteen-minute walk away from the Vale. Go classic with a Chicken Tikka Masala (and rice) for only £8.95, or hit the heat with a Vegetable Balti Jalfrezi for £6.95. What’s more, Dilshad offers a family-sized naan that is perfect for sharing amongst friends.
pint totalling £10.45. However, their £5.75 full English breakfast is a must, particularly after a night out. If you like the vibe but not the prices, head over on a Wednesday for 25p wings (chicken or cauliflower) to save money without skipping on flavour.
City Centre Gabrielle TaylorDowson Food&Drink Editor
Grand Central Kitchen: £ Just around the corner from New Street Station, this spot is the pinnacle of good quality, cheap eats. Offering Subway-style meals including baguettes, sandwiches, paninis, hot wraps and jacket potatoes, it’s the perfect place to go for a catch-up. The staff are friendly, the dark-wood interior is cosy – and you can get an English breakfast for under a tenner.
The Bristol Pear: £ £ £ Whilst relatively speaking it isn’t expensive, The Bristol Pear isn’t the cheapest place to go in Selly Oak, with a burger and a
Warehouse Café: £ £ Birmingham’s oldest vegetarian and vegan café (and bar!) can be found on Allison Street in Digbeth, just outside the Bullring, and it's so good even meat lovers will want to try it. The space it occupies is large and simple, with canteen-style chairs and tables, but the hearty and flavourful food more than makes up for what it lacks in interior design. The standouts on their menu are their range of burgers which can be made with either of their patties, the Original Bean Patty or No-Moo ‘Beef’ Patty – both are just as delicious. Tattu: £ £ £ Tattu delivers contemporary Chinese cuisine, fusing traditional flavours with modern cooking methods and exquisite presentation. While a splurge, their ‘Taste of Tattu’ menu - which offers two courses for £24 or three courses for £28 between 12 pm - 4:45 pm Monday to Friday, and 12 pm - 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday makes this dining experience achievable. Despite being a chain, each Tattu is decorated differently, so you can be assured it’ll be both a unique and memorable experience.
Film's Top Picks: The Best Cinemas in Birmingham
Film Editors Todd Waugh Ambridge, Amy O'Neil, Sam Zucca and Matt Taylor discuss some of their favourite places to catch a film in Birmingham Todd's Pick: The Electric Cinema The Electric is the UK's oldest working cinema. If that isn't enough, the rest of this may be lost on you. Across two screens, The Electric showcases a mixed bag of new releases, indie/art films and foreign language pieces; as well as playing host to a variety of events, anniversary screenings and film festivals. A tour of the building - which is held occasionally throughout the year - will find you exploring the narrow venue, including its projection room that still utilises a traditional film projector for special screenings. Whether you choose to be seated in traditional red flip-down theatre seats or, for a premium, sofas at the front or back of the screen rooms, there will always be something worth watching at The Electric. They have a great range of food and drink, including their 'Electric Ale' and their signature popcorn flavoured 'Poptail'. This is easily the most iconic cinema in Birmingham and with good student rates and only a minute walk from New Street Station, located conveniently on Station Street - there is always a reason to keep coming back to The Electric.
Amy's Pick: The Everyman Cinema If you're looking for a more luxurious cinema experience, make sure to check out the Everyman Cinema. Nestled at the back of Birmingham's luxury shopping destination The Mailbox, the Everyman is the perfect cinema for romantic dates, birthday celebrations, or even just treating yourself to a more VIP cinema experience. The Everyman shows many of the latest releases over three screens, as well as National Theatre Live shows, Royal Opera House screenings, and even previews of new releases for members. However, its selling point is definitely its comfy armchairs and excellent waiter service who could resist trying the amusingly-named 'Spielburger' whilst enjoying a film? All of this does come at a higher price point to other cinemas in Birmingham, at £8.95 for a student ticket, but it is a bit of a different option from other chains such as
the Odeon and one of my favourites for a special occasion!
Some of my favourite cinematic experiences have been at the Mockingbird in the past year. Even with as much choice as Sam's Pick: Birmingham offers, it’s one I frequent, mainly due to its versatiliThe Mockingbird ty. The cinema only has one modCinema and Kitchen erately sized screen, and only shows a few films each day, but there’s always a lot to look forward to in the kind of events they offer. There are regular movie marathons, brunch screenings (as the place also has a decent kitchen attached), re-releases, kid-friendly and dogfriendly screenings. On an average visit you might see people walking out from a Mamma Mia Prosecco-rave as you go in to bite your nails for two hours with Ridley Scott’s Alien. You may have to wait a few weeks after release to see most films, but one of the best reasons to visit the Mockingbird is to go see an old classic on the big screen. A lot of the tickets are £3 - £5, so it’s defiTony Hisgett nitely worth the short
walk to Digbeth to check out.
Matt's Pick Chain Cinemas Chain cinemas are fairly reliable, and Birmingham has two of the best ones around. A simple train journey to Five Ways puts you within walking distance of both of them: Cineworld Broad Street and Odeon Luxe Broadway Plaza. If you’ve been to an Odeon Luxe before you’ll know what to expect from this luxury, top-of-the-range cinema. With tickets ranging from £8 - 10 it’s a little pricier than most cinemas around, but the recliner seating and state-of-the-art screens and surround sound more than make up for it. Just five minutes’ walk away is Cineworld Broad Street, which boasts slightly cheaper tickets and occasionally a better range of films, as well as a fully-certified IMAX screen (a must for the biggest blockbusters). At the end of the day, which cinema you choose is personal preference, but - based on my experiences over the last two years - you won’t go far wrong with either.
SPORT
Redbrick
20.09.2019
Tiverton Gym: A Viable Alternative to the Sport and Fitness Centre? Sport Editor Kit Shepard assesses the new University-owned Tiverton Road facility Kit Shepard Sport Editor
Emily Calder With more students than ever keen to live a healthy lifestyle and stay in shape, it is little surprise that UoB Sport and Fitness has been immensely popular since its arrival on campus in 2017. However, the University’s recent re-opening of the Tiverton Gym offers an alternative workout option. The new facility is a re-development of the Tiverton Pool and Fitness Centre, located just a few minutes’ walk from campus on Tiverton Road in Selly Oak, where the majority of UoB students live. Previously, UoB Sport and Fitness was the only convenient fitness centre. Its proximity to lecture theatres, the library and the Green Heart made it possible to fit in valuable exercise around the most hectic of schedules. With the Tiverton Gym now in operation, many have an option even closer to their accommodation. A gym in Selly Oak sounds ideal in theory, but is it all too good to be true? There is no denying that the University’s campus-based gym, although more expensive, has far superior equipment and opportunities for those seeking to be active this academic year. Of course, the Tiverton facility pos-
sesses more than enough apparatus for an excellent session. Its free weights room includes lifting platforms, benches and a medicine ball-throwing wall. Meanwhile, there is a floor containing a variety of cardio and resistance machines. There will also be an area for stretching and a cable room. However, it is hard to overlook the advantages of the campus gym. It boasts a wider range of equipment in larger quantities than at Tiverton, including 100 cardiovascular machines, a more spacious free weights area and interactive screens on some equipment. Likewise, its personal training programmes and muscle and weight analysis will not be available in Selly Oak.
“A gym in Selly Oak sounds ideal in theory, but is it too good to be true?” Moreover, the UoB centre offers a plethora of memberships, allowing customers to prioritise the gym, swimming, squash or a combination of all three to create their preferred fitness plan. There are also several different fitness classes to try, from Aqua Fit to Zumba. For students searching for workouts outside a traditional gym environment, this is undoubtedly the better option. Early birds are likely to lean towards the campus gym; it opens at 6 am on weekdays and 7 am on weekends. The Tiverton Road facility, in contrast, opens at 9:30 am every day. However, as touched upon earlier, the campus gym’s premium features do come at a cost. A peak gym membership, which does not cover swimming, squash or classes, costs £93 more than the Tiverton
equivalent. Another factor to consider is the availability of machines and workout space in both facilities.
“The campus gym’s premium features do come at a cost” The University’s main gym gets very crowded in the evenings, although members can avoid this by going earlier in the day when possible. At this stage, it is difficult to predict how popular the Tiverton centre will be but, if it is a hit with Selly Oak residents, its smaller size could lead to similar, if not worse, issues. Overall, if you are a dedicated gymgoer who would like to use all the latest state-of-the-art equipment, receive expert advice and mix up your workouts, UoB Sport and Fitness is the solution, particularly if you do not live in Selly Oak. On the other hand, if you are willing to sacrifice space and variety to save some money and go somewhere closer to home, Tiverton may be the right choice for you. Nevertheless, either centre will be worth the fee if you are willing to adapt a little to your chosen gym, allowing you to reap the physical and mental benefits of exercise. Elliott Brown
Membership Prices 2019-20: Sport and Fitness Centre Peak Memberships: Inclusive: £454 Gym & Swim: £338 Gym: £273 Five Day Peak Gym: £190
Sport and Fitness Centre Off-Peak Memberships: Inclusive: £319 Gym & Swim: £227 Gym: £178 Swim Saver: £81 Gym Saver: £99 Off-Peak Hours can be found online
Tiverton Gym: 167 Tiverton Road, Selly Oak Peak Gym: £180 Five-Day Peak Gym: £125 Off-Peak Gym: £110 For the full list of membership options, visit www.sportandfitness.bham.ac.uk