e u g o l aga
m2015 July
Image: The Mahotella Queens
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A LIVELY July
July brings homegrown talent, family fun, quick-fire rap poetry and eclectic dance miniatures... not to mention international music and Salisbury’s biggest youth arts festival. From The Mahotella Queens’ potent mix of South African music to The Spooky Men’s Chorale with their hair-raising harmonies, it’s a lively and vibrant month of summer treats for all ages. Find out more with interviews and video trailers galore inside. Happy Reading!
BIG News Autumn season on sale Monday 27 July There’s still plenty of entertainment to come this summer but we couldn’t help sharing a taste of the autumn with you as well. The autumn season will go on sale from Monday 27 July at www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk and Tuesday 28 July through the Box Office. Take your pick from surreal and downright silly theatre, celebrations of inspiring women, BBC Folk Award-winning music and comedy from the likes of Jenny Eclair and Sean Hughes. There’ll be dance from some of the UK’s finest companies, including Lila Dance, and plenty of great shows for families and children too. Look out for your autumn brochure in your inbox from Monday 27 July.
View all autumn events here from Monday 27 July>>>
Images: Lila Dance ‘The Deluge’, Jenny Eclair, New Old Friends ‘The Falcon’s Malteser, Sean Hughes
Homegrown Performance: Wednesday 1 July Exhibition until 8 August
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e showcase a wide range of performers, artists and theatre makers from across the globe. But you may not have experienced the innovative and diverse work produced right here, by our very own workshop leaders and participants. Throughout July (and into August) you’ll be able to change all that by visiting our Homegrown exhibition, a collaborative presentation of works and performances created by workshop participants within our building. We found out more from two of the people responsible for bringing this event together.
“It’s a very different kind of challenge,” she says, “because workshop participants are often creating alongside other commitments and working at different paces, so it can take longer for it all to come together. I never know exactly what we’re going to be displaying until relatively late in the process, so it’s very exciting!” An observation echoed by Feltmaking leader Suzie Gutteridge, who says it’s this free expression and assortment of styles that makes Homegrown so inspiring: “I will give a demonstration of a particular technique, and although everyone begins in the same way, each participant’s piece becomes very individual and different. Everyone learns and is inspired by the results.”
As Visual Arts and Exhibitions Manager, Fiona Cassidy is responsible for bringing all things artwork to our gallery walls (and floor, and rafters!) and has already enlivened our spaces with papercut creations, Sudoku-dictated paintings and a 360 degree video installation. So how does Homegrown differ from our regular exhibition programme?
So what will there be to see? Lots, according to Fiona: “We’ll have a performance on 1 July at 7pm, featuring participants from all three dance courses, including for the first time Adult Contemporary Dance. The dancers have taken inspiration from work produced on Angela Street’s Scriptwriter’s course, particularly
Images: Felt Hares by Sarah Thomas and Sue Juty
Tom Roberts’ poem ‘Things Worth Fighting For’ displayed just outside the performance area. There are also ceramic tiles, felted creatures, an interactive iPad app made by participants from Zone Club, and contributions from Link Up Arts and Craft Club. We’re also very pleased to be hosting part of Two Destination Language’s installation piece Landed, which invites visitors to ‘Write or Draw Your Love’ and attach it to our wall to become part of the exhibition.” This year’s Magna Carta inspired ‘Worth Fighting For?’ theme has also proved a changeable provocation, with participants’ focus often shifting
from global affairs to concerns closer to home. “It’s become clear to many of our participants that art and creative opportunities are worth fighting for in themselves,” says Fiona, “Homegrown is a chance to showcase what goes on in the building all year round, with exhibiting being a vital part of the process for budding artists. I hope visitors will feel inspired to express their own creativity, and come on down to the Arts Centre to give something a go!”
Film
July films bring Oscar-winning stars, moving themes and outstanding performances.
Love is Strange (15): Thursday 2 July 7.30pm Love is Strange is a story of love, friendship and intergenerational tensions set to a delicate Chopin score. After decades together Ben and George finally tie the knot but, when Images: Love is Strange and Still Alice
George loses his job soon after, the couple must live apart until they can find an affordable new home. George moves in with two cops downstairs while Ben ends up sharing a bunk bed with a temperamental teenager at his nephew’s house. Book your tickets now>>>
Still Alice (12A): Sunday 26 July 7.30pm Still Alice is a heartfelt drama starring Julianne Moore in her Oscar winning role.
Read an interview with a volunteer from the Alzheimer’s Society on the next page.
Alice Howland is a wife, a mother and Book your tickets now>>> renowned linguistics professor who starts to forget words. Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease, Alice’s struggle to stay connected with her family and the person she once was is heartbreaking and inspiring. Post-show Q&A in association with The Alzheimer Society
Click the images above to watch trailers of upcoming films. View all Summer 2015 films and book your tickets now >>>
Meaningful Associations
Still Alice ● Sunday 26 July 7.30pm ● Book now>>>
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his month we’re delighted to be presenting Still Alice in association with the Alzheimer’s Society. This heartfelt portrait of a respected linguistics professor and her struggle with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease, gained admiration from audiences and critics alike on its release earlier this year. We caught up with our own Box Office Assistant Martin Plimsoll, a volunteer with Alzheimer’s Society and advocate for dementia care, ahead of this month’s screening and his postshow Q&A.
When did you first become involved with Alzheimer’s Society? Can you tell us a bit more about the kind of work you do with them? My contact with the Alzheimer’s Society started in 1996 when my mother first displayed symptoms of dementia, and the Society was our source of information at the time. I have been the Chairman of the Salisbury branch, and now speak on its behalf as well as
coordinating a Men’s Group for those in the early stages of dementia. We give them the opportunity to socialise and do manly things in manly company! Has anything surprised you about the disease, or the people you’ve met through the Society? From the beginning, it is all a surprise. Every person’s dementia is different; it affects people from all backgrounds and of all abilities. People with the disease retain unpredictable skills and should never be underestimated. How can films like Still Alice help the public to understand Alzheimer’s and dementia? It is very useful to see one person’s story represented on film, as it is vital we increase awareness of the effects of dementia, and understand how we can help people to live better with the condition. We can only do this through greater awareness which a film like Still Alice provides.
Many reviewers have praised Julianne Moore’s understated performance and the film’s “powerfully low-key” tone. Do you think it’s useful to tell this kind of story through small, everyday events? It’s a very effective narrative device, and works well for the subject, but we do have to remember it is one person’s story and someone else’s experience will be very different. We must retain the ability to see the individual rather than the disease. How can people find out more about the issues raised in the film? Stay after the film for a post-screening Q&A with Alzheimer’s Society, or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk to download factsheets on many aspects of dementia. Come into the Society office at 29a Brown Street and talk to our Dementia Advisers, or become a Dementia Friend by visiting www.dementiafriends.org.uk.
Image: Still Alice
A Real Mermaid’s Tale Saturday 4 July ● Book now>>>
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ollowing rave reviews for A Real Fairy Story in 2013, we’re bringing back Ripstop Theatre this summer for more Amelia Buttersnap adventures. Performer Zannie Fraser told us more.
What can audiences expect from A Real Mermaid’s Tale? Well, Amelia Buttersnap is back... but on a different quest. This time in search of hidden and mythical creatures under the sea. She has her camera with her, of course, as she wants to keep a video diary of the adventures. And, her Great Uncle Bertram has given her a magical mermaid map with a note attached warning her not to let the map fall into the hands of pirates! How do you go about making work that is both enjoyable for children and adults? We make work that we enjoy ourselves so hopefully adults and children alike will enjoy the show. We’ve worked hard to make this a good adventure story with lots of plot and intrigue so there is always something new happening. I also take great care that my work is visually
interesting with a simple but ingenious set and beautiful shadow puppetry. For those who haven’t experienced shadow puppetry before, what makes this medium so effective? It’s a wonderful way of entering into another world. Right before you eyes, I can dive down into the depths of the sea and swim among exotic fish, mermaids and even sea monsters! The glowing light makes it a very magical experience and contrary to what you might expect, these shadow puppets are very colourful. What would you like the audience to take away from the show? The feeling that you have been told a really good story, that you too have been on an adventure with the characters and that you’ve been transported to another world and all told with the simplest of effect… no cinematic SFX here! Amelia Buttersnap is journeying on the open sea so let’s end with what’s your favourite sea creature and why? Lets just say she’s called ‘Nelly’… come along and find out what kind of creature she is!
Image: A Real Mermaid’s Tale
Live Lunches Saturdays 4 & 25 July 12noon - 2pm
These events are free but donations are much appreciated
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uly brings another delightful menu of Live Lunches, dished up free of charge in the cafe from 12noon - 2pm:
Sophie Curtis - Saturday 4 July Sophie Curtis is a seventeen-year-old singer songwriter from Stratton on the Fosse. Her deep heartfelt songs turn heads wherever she performs.
Tom Clements - Saturday 25 July Tom Clements’ influences include Mark Knopfler, Seth Lakeman and Paul Weller. He has opened shows for Robbie McIntosh, Dave McPherson and Gaz Brookfield and reached the Quarter Finals of the Dorset Music Awards.
View the full summer Live Lunch programme>>>
Image: Tom Clements
Integrate
Saturday 11 July 1 - 4pm ● Book a free ticket>>>
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xploring diversity, disability and different perspectives through collaboration is a key part of the Arts Centre’s mission. This month we’re hosting a free afternoon of miniature performances from disabled and non-disabled artists, focusing on disability arts and the future of integrated performance. So who can you expect to see? Rowan James A performance artist, poet, and MC, Rowan takes his inspiration from hiphop and beatboxing, as well as his own experiences with a specific learning difficulty and speech impediment. In his words, he is “often disabled by other people’s perceptions”, and explores social labels and self-identity in his work. Described as a “skilled performer” with “refreshing honesty” by The Public Reviews Southeast, we’re looking forward to hearing this dynamic Punk Poet’s beats! Alongside this event we’re also crowdfunding for Rowan’s new show Easy for You to Say. Click here to help Rowan James achieve his touring ambitions>>>
Stopgap Dance We make no secret of our love for this integrated dance company, whose work sees disabled and nondisabled performers collaborating on extraordinary pieces. Following 2014’s mesmerising Artificial Things and charming mini-show Bill & Bobby at this year’s International Arts Festival, Stopgap returns to us with a performance and free workshop. All are welcome but space is limited so please call Box Office on 01722 321744 to be sure of your spot! SG2 Stopgap’s Emerging Artists Company SG2 is an exciting offshoot from the main company, employing and training disabled and non-disabled dancers to develop their collaboration and performance skills. The troupe has already performed a collection of dance shorts at the Guildford International Music Festival, London’s Rich Mix and Let’s Dance International Frontiers 2015. We can’t wait to see them here! The Point, Eastleigh will also be hosting a day-long event on Friday 10 July, with discussion chaired by Jo Verrent and performances. Tickets are £15 and can be purchased from The Point on 023 8065 2333.
Presented by Disability Arts Online, The Point, Stopgap Dance Company, with support from Integrated Fringe Platform.
Image: Stopgap Dance Company
The Mahotella Queens Thursday 23 July 8pm ● Book now>>>
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e cannot think of a better soundtrack to summer than the sunshine sounds of The Mahotella Queens.
The Mahotella Queens are celebrating 50 years on stage this year and, with their vibrant and energetic blend of
South African and imported styles, we will certainly be celebrating their arrival too. Expect a show full of dance, joy and energy that’s bound to get you smiling, wiggling and maybe even dancing like nobody’s watching!
Free Youth Arts Festival
Friday 24 July 11am - 6pm â—? This event is free
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ijack All Dayer returns this year with a day packed full of workshops, live music and activities for young people aged 13 - 18 years: Try your hand at tie-dye with Lulu Sparre or pottery with Mirka GoldenHann, join music jam sessions with Adam Varney, listen to local bands or just chillout. Hijack All Dayer is a great opportunity to spend time with friends, chillout and have a go at all kinds of arts activities without it costing a penny. If you’re aged 13 - 18 and would like to get more involved in the event, please contact Mel by email at melanie@salisburyarts.co.uk or call 01722 343020.
Image: Hijack All Dayer
The Spooky Men’s Chorale Saturday 25 July 8pm ● Book now>>>
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ollowing hot on the heels of The Mahotella Queens, we welcome The Spooky Men’s Chorale direct from The Blue Mountains of Australia. If you’re yet to encounter the bearded phenomenon that has taken the festival world by storm then we thoroughly recommend watching this YouTube video!
The Spooky Men promise an evening of hair-raising harmonies, extreme silliness and immaculate musical sensibility. Prepare to be entertained as they perform massive Georgian harmonies, ballads and vaudevillian nonsense!
Image: The Spooky Men’s Chorale