The Founder October 2019

The Founder

VOL. XI, ISSUE II | OCTOBER 2019 |

@RHULFOUNDER

Onwards We March: Reflecting on Royal Holloway’s Suffragette Legacy oyal Holloway is an educational institution steeped in political history.

Most notably, our alumni of suffragettes who made up the first generation of students to study at Royal Holloway after its opening

by Queen Victoria in 1886.

Two key societies were set up within the College to represent and discuss the issues of women’s suffrage: An Old Students’ Women’s Suffrage Society and a current students’ Women’s Suffrage Society. The fact that there was a keen interest to keep Royal Holloway as a foundation for suffrage in the form of the Old Students’ Suffrage Society illustrates how central the College was in the fight for suffrage, balancing it out with the

Women’s Suffrage Society for current students which undoubtedly had more of a shaping and recruiting role for the younger girls.

Universities, scant as they were for girls, were breeding grounds for political awakening. Before the wars, girls would be homebound throughout their lives, shifting from their parents’ home to their husband’s, therefore severely limited in forming an independent intellectual and political voice. Universities altered this. Suddenly, a young woman was placed in a lecture hall where the content was designed solely for her intellectual development and thus, enabled them to escape the shadows of patriarchal oppression.

Royal Holloway College was such a beacon therefore

it is not surprising that it had a hand in forming activists such as Emily Wilding Davidson, who joined in January 1892.

Her feat of throwing herself in front of the King’s horse at the Epsom Derby in 1913 in name of suffrage has echoed throughout the chambers of history; however, prior to her involvement with the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), she came here, walking through the same halls of Founders as we do today. It is unfortunate that she had to leave after five months due to financial difficulty, however she still left a mark on Royal Holloway. I write this sitting in the Davidson Building, named in commemoration of the suffragette herself. It is rare to have any building on a university campus named after a woman, let alone...

Greta Thunberg p. 6

Joker [Review] p. 19

Football Transfers p.27

OLIVIA MUIR

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Portrait of Emily Davilson

Continued on p. 8

Index News..................................................................................1 Opinion And Debate..........................................................6 Features..............................................................................8 Lifestyle............................................................................10 Arts: Arts And Culture......................................................12 Arts: Literary Reviews......................................................15 Arts: Film..........................................................................18 Arts: Music........................................................................22 Sports.................................................................................26

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2 NEWS

THE FOUNDER October 2019

New Academic School Structure The Founder’s Stylebook ‘A2017-2018 Big Step for Royal Holloway’ Assures Deputy Principal We are The Founder, the Founder Staff. We don’t italicize our name.

Style Format General

dents.’ In the same briefing, composition titles the purpose and effects of the Put single quotation marks around books (except the Bible), TV restructuring were addressed: he programs, newsongs, academic and movies, but NOT reference works (dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc.) or newspaper magazine titles.

Put School single the structure school system has been or‘through quotation marks around video games but not computer programs such met with a mixed reaction and a reorganised administraas Microsoft Word. by students and faculty. The tion we will create School Adnew system was recomcapitalization Capitalize all principalministration words, including prepositions Offices and with longconjunctions longer than four letters; capitalize articles and words mended by the Academic er opening hours and which shorter than four letters if it is the first or last word in a title.

Board and this recommen- will be open over lunchtime. dation numerals was then approved School Administration teams In general, write out the numbers one through nine; use figures for the in November 2018 by the should also be able to release rest. However, write out any number that occurs at the beginning of a Collegesentence Council which has One exception: you can start or rewrite the sentence. academics’ time from some of sentences with a figure a calendar year. Some special case overseen a reform ofif it’sthe their administration work, givnumerals: academic system through ing them more time for you the dissolution of the three and the research that drives traditional faculties with six new schools formed in re- their teaching’. Furthermore, placement. Over a period of Deputy Principal admitted: ‘I consultation ending on May expect there to be elements 24th 2019, voices were out- that we need to adjust, and spoken against the restruc- we will act quickly to ensure ture with regard to the poten- we minimise any disruption’. tially ‘catastrophic’ results it This statement harks back to could have. The reform was the concerns raised by faculty put into immediate effect on during the preliminary stages August 1st but has faced op- of the school reform. position since its proposal Within the consultation and inception from con- period between November cerned faculty staff. These 2018 and May 2019, action members of faculty and was taken by opposing faclikeminded members of aca- ulty who sought to address demia have expressed their the issues of a restructuring as views that the restructuring they felt it put the relationship will have detrimental effects and communication between upon the administration of academia and student at risk. departments and its relation- Students were made aware ship with students. of the possible disadvantages In an update from Depu- of the reform and the carety Principal Professor Katie ful procedures that should be Normington published on taken alongside the faculty to June 10th 2019, she assured prevent a breakdown between that ‘the move to Schools is students and the administraa big step for Royal Hollo- tive staff should a reformation way and, I believe, a posi- take place. As a result, a letter tive one for you, our stu- of opposition was written and

HARRY MEAR

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signed by the Media Arts department which was then circulated around the university revealing the intentions of the reform, its opposition and the possible flaws a restructured system may pose.

In a letter written to the Principal, Professor Paul Layzell, many signatures were compiled with ‘the passionate support of everyone from the most senior professor to the newest technician to the department's Student Union representative’. In this letter, the representatives emphasised the importance of ‘caring administrators’ and how students would be alienated with the new school system. Within this email the prospect of administrative collapse was addressed

by Professor Townsend who stated that ‘it will remove from departments the direct, caring administrators who solve a lot of your day to day problems, and put them into a central hub, where you will be dealing with people you don’t know, and who don’t know you’.

Over this new academic year, this newspaper will be covering the reformation of university academics and the new academic school system by addressing its effects, both positive and negative, with emphasis upon the concerns raised by respected academic representatives.

The Founder Board 2019 - 2020 Editor in Chief Svilena Iotkovska editor@thefounder.co.uk

Managing Editor Rand AlMakhamreh managingeditor@thefounder.co.uk

Publishing & Creative Designer Kaja Matusik designer@thefounder.co.uk

News Editor James Neal

Illustrator Sophie Hint

news@thefounder.co.uk

illustrator@thefounder.co.uk

Features Editor Melissa Nock

Arts Editor Niamh Smith

features@thefounder.co.uk

arts@thefounder.co.uk

Opinon and Debate Editor Niamh Houston

Literary Review Editor Sophie Deaville

opinion@thefounder.co.uk

literaryreview@thefounder.co.uk

Lifestyle Editor Antonia Aluko

Music Editor Keren Tomasoa

lifestyle@thefounder.co.uk

music@thefounder.co.uk

Sports Editor Dominic Taylor

Film Editor Graciela Mae Chico

sportseditor@thefounder.co.uk

film@thefounder.co.uk

The Founder is the independent student newspaper of Royal Holloway, University of London. This means we are not affiliated to the student union or the college. We pride ourselves on our investigative journalism and aim to keep our readers up to date with news on and off campus. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Editor, particularly of opinion and debate pieces. Every effort has been made to contact the holders of copyright for any material used in this issue, and to ensure the accuracy of its stories.

To book ad space in The Founder, contact our managing editor at managingeditor@thefounder.co.uk.

THE FOUNDER is printed in Cambridge by Iliffe Print

NEWS 3

THE FOUNDER October 2019

The Founder Overviews the 2019 Annual Conference Season JAMES NEAL

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espite the wider political crises currently engulfing British politics, annual political conference season still went ahead, albeit cut short, following the reversal of the proroguing of parliament.

The Founder takes a look at the key highlights of the Conservative, Labour and Lib-Dem conferences.

The Conservative party conference was overshadowed by several scandals, with allegations in the Sunday Times published with regards to the PM’s alleged inappropriate behaviour towards a journalist in 1999, while

he was still editor of the Spectator. Additionally, the Sunday Times published allegations that while mayor of London, the PM granted favourable sponsorships and grants from a mayoral organisation to his friend and alleged lover, Jennifer Arcuri.

All this comes following the Supreme Court’s ruling that his governments prorogue of parliament was unlawful.

Besides these controversies, one clear message emerged from conference, namely that the Conservative party is committing to ‘get Brexit done’ with the PM promising ‘to answer the cry of those 17.4 million who voted for Brexit’. Alongside this, the

Source: Sky News

Conservatives committed to extensive spending increases, committing to boosts for hospital funding, raises in the National Living Wage and an extra £25bn for infrastructure projects.

The Labour party conference kicked off with an atypical factional scrap with Deputy Leader Tom Watson facing an aborted attempt by Jon Lansman to scrap the position of deputy leader, before Jeremey Corbyn intervened halting the abolishment of the post, instead commissioning a review into the position.

This move has been suggested to have further aggravated intra-party factional discord. There was also further conflict over Labour’s new Brexit strategy with pro-European activists launching a failed challenge to the party’s decision to back a second referendum, while remaining neutral during said referendum.

Despite this, Labour made a number of huge policy announcements, pledging to move towards a 32-hour working week within 10 years,

Source: PoliticsHome

introducing free personal care for over-65s, committing to scrapping prescription charges and calling for private schools to be integrated into the state sector and their assets redistributed, losing their charitable status. In his speech, John McDonnell, the Shadow Chancellor, also pledged to end the ‘modern evil’ of in-work poverty and too make public services ‘free at the point of use.’

The Liberal Democrats conference saw the debut of new Party Leader Jo Swinson, alongside several new LibDem converts, such as exlabour MPs Chukka Umunna and Luciana Berger and exTories, Phillip Lee and Sam

Gymiah.

Perhaps most importantly, the Liberal Democrats pledged to ‘cancel Brexit’ if they come to power at the next general election, promising to revoke article 50, to ‘stop Brexit altogether.’ This policy commitment, while radical, has received considerable backlash even from within the party, with Lib-Dem MP Norman Lamb, suggesting that his party was ‘playing with fire.’

All the while the country heads closer and closer towards a general election with the events of these conferences all likely to play a considerable role in its outcome.

Students Union Bans Katie Hopkins From Making Speech, Citing ‘Security Concerns’ ANNABEL DRUGAN AND JAMES NEAL

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t has been difficult over the past couple of days to scroll through Facebook without being flooded by debate from both sides regarding the choice of Royal Holloways debating society inviting Katie Hopkins to Royal Holloway in order for her to give a talk to the students here.

A very informal poll on ‘Overheard at Royal Holloway’ asked the question of whether Hopkins

should be allowed to give a speech at Royal Holloway or not. Results showed a staggering win for those who thought Hopkins should not be allowed to give a speech at the university with 343 voting this way. On the other side, those thinking she should be allowed to deliver a speech were 89 people.

Aside from the select few individuals who agree with some of the opinions Hopkins claims to hold, the primary argument of those in the ‘yes, we would like her on campus’ group is that it lies

under what they consider to be freedom of speech.

Whilst the counter argument seems to be along where the line between freedom of speech and hate speech lies.

Following the backlash, the Students’ Union cancelled Katie Hopkins’ talk citing ‘security concerns,’ in the likelihood of protests and counter-protests by the student body, suggesting that as a result of this, the event had failed security assessments. Within the statement SU President,

Jack O’Neil asserted that; ‘The views of Katie Hopkins are at odds with the values held by the Officer Team and the Students’ Union and we would never personally invite her onto campus ourselves’. The situation has not been much improved by Hopkins’ own response to the SU banning her from visiting. Eight different societies appealed to the SU for the debating society to remove Hopkins from their schedule. To this, Hopkins replied that she was ‘proud’ to be able to offend

so many societies in one go. Another tweet inflamed by the last statement from Hopkins was then launched by her where she claimed: ‘I now identify as a Latinotrans on Thursdays between 3-5pm’. Hopkins has made her living out of this kind of derogatory and deliberately provocative remarks. This has left many societies feeling like, that by allowing her to have a platform, they fuel this alleged ‘hate speech’ and indeed to some extent legitimize it.

4 NEWS

THE FOUNDER October 2019

Operation Peace Spring REBECCA THOMPSON

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against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant armed group. Now, they have left them on their own

n October 6th , President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of American forces from northernmost Syria, where the United States had been supporting their Kurdish allies in the fight against ISIL – effectively greenlighting a Turkish offensive against the Kurds. Turkish President, Erdogan claims that the offensive is intended to remove Kurdish-led forces, who the Turkish government allege support anti-Turkish terrorist activities, from the border area in order to create Source: The Times of Israel a ‘safe zone’ so some of the 3.5 million Syrian refugees to defend against Turkey. can return.

The invasion of Kurdish The decision to remove territory has spread fears U.S. troops comes as a among the international surprise to most, as the SDF community that it could lead were the U.S.’ main ally to a revival of ISIL/ISIS. A

spokesman in the SDF has said that five ISIS militants have already broken out of prison after Turkish shelling

nearby, with SDF-guarded prisons housing around 12,000 IS members. Kurdish troops that were guarding thousands of ISIL/ISIS prisoners are now fleeing due

to the conflict. Thousands of ISIS fugitives still remain free and have vowed to fight a ‘war of attrition,’ hoping to succeed in planned attacks.

Its leadership has made periodic announcements of a revival, and already in Iraq there has been IS regrouping and mounting of small-scale attacks on Iraqi government posts.

Turkish troops have partially surrounded the border towns of Ras alAin and Tal Abyad, where Turkish warplanes have now launched airstrikes. There have been nearly 50 civilians’ casualties on both sides of the border and, according to the United Nations, more than 100,000 people have been displaced. The Human Rights Watch have declared that thousands more are yet to be displaced. Aid agencies

have expressed distressing concern for vital services that have been compromised.

Marixie Mercado from UNICEF has affirmed that water pump stations have come under attack and claims that a single pump alone ‘provides safe water to at least 400,000 people in Hassakeh governorate, including displacement camps’.

Moreover, there have been further disturbances to other civilian infrastructures including power stations, oil fields, schools, and child protection programmes.

Doctors Without Borders have reported that a hospital which served more than 200,000 people in Tal Abyad has shut down. Thus, the UN has proclaimed that this conflict will become another humanitarian crisis.

NEWS 5

THE FOUNDER October 2019

Boris Johnson’s Proposal to the EU Faces Irish Backlash

Trump. Ukraine. Impeachment?

DOMINIC TAYLOR

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Source: PoliticsHome ANNABEL DRUGAN

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ne of the main features of Brexit talks (yes, this again) has been the question of the border in Ireland. We sat and watched Theresa May in February 2018 say that ‘no prime minister could ever agree’ to the suggestion of a NI-only backstop. Support could be heard directly behind her from none other than Johnson himself, who seemingly (and surprisingly) agreed with this statement.

The current situation on the Irish border, since the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 has been comparatively peaceful in recent years, yet Brexit, already having ruffled some feathers among the Left-Wing Sinn Fein party, looks to reawaken some of the darker parts of Irish history.

Boris Johnson’s new proposals to the European Union would leave Northern Ireland aligned with the EU’s single market, so there would be no need for regulatory checks when goods cross into the Republic of Ireland.

Northern Ireland would then leave the EU’s customs union, with the government asserting that most customs issues could be dealt with electronically, with a small number of physical customs checks done well away from the border.

This recent suggestion by

Johnson has, unsurprisingly, not gone down very well with the Arlene Foster, the head of the DUP, a political party notorious for its links with the terrorist organization, the UVF, with whom the Conservatives have joined into a coalition with. After a statement of discontent from the Unionist Party leader, Foster was told by Mary-Lou McDonald, the Sinn Fein leader, that she needed to ‘get off her high horse’ and start practicing ‘grown-up politics’.

Much of the tension this has caused between the two opposing parties is that these new proposals, allegedly, would create a border somewhere within the Irish sea rather than around Ulster, with some suggesting that this would create cause for a United Ireland. The other real issue lies in McDonald’s statement claiming that if there were no proposals which can guarantee a backstop then she would call for the ‘ultimate solution’ of Irish unity as well.

However, it is Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar who has the most important voice on the Irish issue. Being the current Prime Minister of Ireland, he entered into a three-hour discussion with Johnson and there is now a prediction that behind these closed doors a deal had been configured which could be presented.

he 45 th president of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, has recently been embroiled in yet another controversy.

Trump is the subject of an impeachment enquiry over allegations that he illegitimately sought help from Ukraine to improve his chances of re-election.

In August 2019, an anonymous intelligence official – believed to be a CIA agent – wrote a letter of concern over Trump’s call on the 25 th of July with the Ukrainian president. The letter stated they had ‘urgent concern’ that Trump had used his office and position to ‘solicit interference from a foreign country’ in the 2020 presidential election.

A similar claim that led to an investigation into his 2016 presidential victory over Hilary Clinton. This came just days after Trump had personally blocked the release of millions in US military aid to Ukraine.

Critics have accused Trump of using the aid as leverage, but the President denies this.

Amid growing criticism, Trump promised to release a ‘complete, fully declassified and unredacted transcript’

Source: Fox News

which he said would prove the call to President Zelensky had been ‘totally appropriate’. The details that had been disclosed by the White House did not live up to such promises.

Disclosed were notes of the conversation. It was not the full conversation and failed to quiet criticisms of the President. The whistleblower’s complaint was made public soon after.

A rough transcript of the call later revealed that Trump urged President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate President Joe Biden, a current frontrunner in the Democratic primaries. Trump and his supporters accuse Joe Biden of abusing his power as Vice President to Barack Obama to insert pressure on Ukraine to disengage from an investigation that would implicate his son, Hunter.

Biden had been accused of encouraging sacking the top Ukrainian prosecutor in 2015 because he had been investigating an energy company Hunter worked for at the time. No evidence has since come forth to suggest Biden took any action to directly benefit his son. Democrats argue that the transcript is evidence

that Trump broke the law by seeking foreign help to try and smear Biden ahead of the 2020 election. Trump, however, has dismissed the criticism as a ‘witch hunt’.

Democrats have launched a formal impeachment inquiry.

House Democrats demanded that five department officials – including the former US ambassador to Ukraine – to appear for depositions in October. Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, was subpoenaed for documents relating to Ukraine. Giuliani has been central in pushing the allegations against the Bidens. Impeachment is the first of a stage-political process by which Congress can remove a President from office. If the House votes to impeach the President, the Senate is forced to hold a trial. A Senate vote requires a 2/3 majority to convict.

Currently, it is unlikely to occur given that Mr Trump’s party controls the chamber. Improbable, but not impossible.

In more positive news, downloads of Nickelback’s ‘Photograph’ increased by 569% following Trump’s tweet where he deployed the highly popularised meme to jest at the expense of the Bidens.

6 OPINION AND DEBATE

THE FOUNDER October 2019

Why Does Greta Thunberg Face So Much Backlash?

Image source: Getty Images AMY GERVASIO

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ho is Greta Thunberg?

Described as a breath of fresh air in actions for climate change prevention, Greta has been humbling and inspirational to many as she protests globally calling world leaders to action. The sixteen-year-old Swedish activist began her protests with ‘Fridays for Future’ missing school each Friday in order to protest, and has since gathered a worldwide following; giving an impassioned speech at the

UN Climate Change Summit 2019, her searing words creating an international stir.

Whilst she has received support from a plethora of world leaders, celebrities and politicians, she has become a primary target of insurmountable criticism from both highly influential members of society, and the everyday-man. Jeremy Clarkson, the former Top Gear presenter, recently described Greta as a ‘Spoilt Brat’ who failed to appreciate the many things which adults had given her. Andrew Bolt,

the Australian Conservative and climate denier dismissed her as ‘deeply disturbed’, characterising her influence as ‘freakish’ in an undeniable swipe at her Asperger’s Syndrome. Even the President of the United States, Donald Trump, has mocked Greta’s concerns for future generations on his Twitter profile. With a quick google search you will be able to find floods of articles criticising her naivety and impudent nature.

Greta has faced other more palatable criticisms

regarding her personal approach to action, rather than the cause itself. Bernard Arnault, the Chairman and Chief Executive of the world’s largest Luxurygoods company, LVMH, has suggested that ‘she’s surrendering completely to catastrophism’, countering her blunt approach with more optimistic solutions for positive outcomes. Alternatively, her supporters and movement success has been accredited to her white skin colour and English-speaking skills, while other people of colour and non-English activists including Little Miss Flint and Autumn Peltier have been internationally overlooked.

Greta’s trip to America also received backlash. By gaining the endorsement of Pierre Casiraghi, she was able to travel across the Atlantic to her summit in the US in a zero-emissions sailing boat.

Whilst the clear political statement was commendable, it arguably only exhibits the elitism of going green; only with extensive wealth will the environment benefit.

Frankly, the main bulk of the backlash Greta has faced are childish insults hurled online.

Instead of attacking her ecopolitical standpoint, media

profiles critique her Pippi Longstocking hairstyle, her Asperger’s or her lack of public smiling. Very few people have genuine issue with her cause.

Climate change denialism and dismissal of Greta as naïve is a comfortable alternative in comparison with the urgency of the issue. Greta is a figurehead of the painful reminder of decades of inaction and false promises.

Whether we like it or not, Greta’s international presence is making people listen. Saleemul Huq, director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development in Bangladesh, has commented on how Greta’s efforts are finally building the momentum needed for change, when for so many years, climate change scientists have been unable to do so. Greta’s backlash only demonstrates how frightening and overwhelming the issue seems of changing our habits and making mass changes in each economy, and this is the real reason we need to listen.

Should Hate Speech Be Welcome on Campus?

NIAMH HOUSTON

recently announced Ibetthatwas Katie Hopkins would speaking at an event

held by Royal Holloway Debating Society; however, by the end of the day the Student’s Union released a statement saying that the event would not go forward due to concerns over safety. This decision was in response to an open letter of disapproval signed by twelve of the University’s societies including Woman of Colour Collective,

Islamic Society and Labour Society. The outcome sparked debate amongst students as some viewed it as censoring Hopkins’ right to free speech, whilst others felt that it was unnecessary to give a notoriously controversial woman another platform.

The question of free speech in regard to this situation is a difficult one to navigate.

Yes, Hopkins has the freedom to say whatever she wishes, but like everyone else she cannot do this without facing backlash and the potential

consequences. Not allowing Hopkins to speak on campus does not take away her ability to spread her views across multiple audiences, as due to her being a public figure, she already has a large platform of followers. It is the duty of the University and the Student’s Union to take students’ wishes seriously, and if multiple societies collaboratively comment that having her speak on campus would foster ‘an unsafe environment for our staff and students, especially ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+

individuals’ then this must be acknowledged.

Those that argue that Hopkins should be allowed to speak on campus are doing so from a position of privilege.

It is most likely the case that Hopkins has not spoken out hatefully on their religion, political position or race. It is deliberately inflammatory to invite a woman who has previously said that ‘migrants are like cockroaches’ to a University that welcomes such a diverse range of international

students.

With the knowledge that she has promoted hate speech and islamophobia, this matter should be taken seriously by not only the Student’s Union but also by the students. You should be acting as an ally for your fellow students that are targeted by the ideology that Hopkins encompasses, and ensuring that this campus remains a safe place for them to live and study.

THE FOUNDER October 2019

OPINION AND DEBATE 7

It Was The Best Of Times, It Was The Worst Of Times HARRY MEAR

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n a period of British history fraught with political instability and insecurities plaguing the government and the confidence of a nation, can something good emerge from the depths of this nigh impossible situation?

On the 23 rd of June 2016 the British voters favoured to leave the European Union in David Cameron’s Referendum with a winning majority. The Conservative government of the 2010 general election upheld their promise to hold said referendum but have yet to carry out the will of the majority through the failings and shortcomings of two Conservative Prime Ministers and the shameful blockages of democracy in Parliament. Now onto our third - and possibly last - Conservative Prime Minister in pole position to deal with possibly the greatest and most controversial national crisis of a generation, the question has to be asked. Is Boris Johnson up to the challenge? This is perhaps a question that can only be answered through the test of time and by events leading up to Boris’ hallowed exit date on October 31 st .

Rather than delve into a gridlocked situation of its own

design through political selfharm and the disgracefully gregarious anti-democratic actions of the Labour and Liberal Democrat Parties, we should try to take the few positives from this strife and civil conflict that has been raging for the past three years. The current situation of political conversation in Britain is warrant for celebration. Never has a political topic been so continually discussed and debated with such lively and aggressive vigour in modern British history. With a record turnout of protestors surrounding the now ageold argument, we are experiencing a revolution of British political interest discussed by even the most uninformed across the globe. In late 2018 one of the largest protests took place in British history with 700,000 people crowding the streets of London calling for a second referendum.

Their voices, although controversial, were certainly heard throughout the capital and across the channel where similar protests have dogged the Prime Minister in his attempts to arrange a deal in Brussels.

Brexit is Marmite. You

Image credits: Sophie Hinteregger (illustrator@thefounder.co.uk)

love it or you hate it, but you still have an opinion.

Personally I enjoy small quantities of Marmite in intervals between other spreads.

Others might prefer heaping it on daily, unfazed by its sickly nature in large quantities. You might loathe even the mere mention or sight of it, but you know it’s out there waiting at home, at work, down the pub or, just when you thought you could get away from it, included with the continental breakfast.

Albeit, conversation can become aggressive, tiresome and frankly frustrating but nevertheless, one would struggle to find an individual without an opinion or considered judgement of the Brexit predicament.

In a Britain where our policies and politicians are now under such heavy scrutiny from the general public and legal systems, who can deny that the past three years have had certain reflective benefits for the functioning of parliament, our governing bodies and, possibly, the outlook of a post-Brexit Britain?

Providing that the will of the people is instigated that is.

Socialism is Essential to Saving our Climate IZZI VAUGHAN

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n all our history, humanity has never faced an impending crisis on such a level as climate change. It is, without a doubt, the biggest threat to human life as we know it. But to tackle it we need more than reusable cups, metal straws and tote bags. We need a complete system overhaul. To change not just the way we live, but what we value and how we see our place in the world.

That is why I am arguing that capitalist society must change towards socialism, and quickly. Fundamentally, capitalism exploits whatever it can in a never-ending accumulation of profit.

Its one and only goal is to generate as much money as possible, but there is so much more to consider. I have always been taught that money is not everything, and it is something I try and live my life by every day.

There are so many more important things to value.

As for the climate, there is nothing more valuable.

It is priceless, so there is nothing that capitalism can sell us that will ever save the environment. It is capitalism that is breaking it.

Fighting climate change must be collective.

Individuals can do what they can; living a more sustainable livelihood is of course a good decision which everyone needs to be implementing, but there is only so much which is in our power without working collectively. At conference recently, the Labour Party put forward their plans for a Green New Deal including a commitment to zero carbon emissions by 2030, nationalisation of energy suppliers and public transport, and empowering Trade Unions to lead the way on worker-led climate

activism. It might sound too radical, but ultimately, we do not have a choice. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted irreversible changes in the climate if temperatures rise by 2 degrees, which is predicted by 2030. The IPCC has also stated that ‘limiting global warming to 1.5°C would require rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society’.

Fighting climate change is not going to be easy, and we have to accept that. We have lost the luxury to be able to turn a blind eye to this. We have run out of options.

The need for socialism in tackling climate change also addresses the vast inequality regarding who will be facing the consequences of an exploited eco-system.

Those without the resources to protect themselves from changing weather patterns and increasing rates of natural disasters are the poorest in the world, and they have the most to lose.

We have the resources to support everyone, but we need to redistribute those resources to protect the world’s vulnerable populations. Their lives are at risk first, not the wealthy who have benefitted from the current capitalist system, but the people who have been left behind and are now more vulnerable than ever.

We have run out of time for greed. We cannot prioritize money anymore because it simply is not important, not in comparison to this.

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘the world has enough for everyone’s needs, but not everyone’s greed.’ It is possible to save the Climate, but we have to be radical, and it has to be now. There is no Planet B, this is all we’ve got. We need to make it work for everyone.

8 FEATURES Continued on from front page the library, the nucleus of the campus body.

Of course, Davidson is not the only suffragette to grace our halls with her name, others such as Winifred Seville and Rose Lamartine Yates passed through, each contributing to our political history in their own ways. Seville kept a diary during her time at Royal Holloway which details in particular how the suffragette movement was received at Royal Holloway. Yates wrote a touching tribute to Davidson in the commemorative issue of The Suffragette newspaper, referring to Davidson as an ‘old friend’. The two never met as they were not at the College

at the same time, however, this term does suggest the powerful kinship Royal Holloway cultivated which connected all students.

Does this legacy still remain today? Of course, we commemorate with buildings, centenaries and sports team colours (ours are the same as the WSPU’s – green, purple and white), however is that duty to spur change still instilled within the student body?

We live in an age where issues of climate change and political injustice still plague us daily.

The question is whether we have the drive as a collective to push outside of the university walls, installing reforms once we leave, having gained

THE FOUNDER October 2019

the tools needed to do so during our time here. Maybe in another hundred years, we will have another library named after a leading climate

change activist or a lecture hall commemorating a social justice revolutionary. Right now, all that matters is that we use our time here, like

our illustrious predecessors did, to equip ourselves with the strength and knowledge to fight oppression and incite change for a better world.

Emily Wilding Davidson building in Royal Holloway

Students Can Save the Environment Too MELISSA NOCK

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s a student, you may sometimes feel that there is not much you can do whilst at university to help with our current climate emergency.

However, as students, there is still a lot we can do to reduce our carbon footprints…

Here are (some of) the reasons why the world is in a climate crisis: - Our summers and winters keep getting warmer.

In 2018, the UK experienced the hottest summer since 2006 and this will become more common. But this is not just summer. On the 26th Feb 2019, a record temperature of 21.2 degrees Celsius was recorded in London’s Kew Gardens – the warmest winter day the UK has ever experienced.

- Rising sea levels.

Sea levels are rising at the fastest rate in 3,000 years, an average of 3mm a year, due to thermal expansion caused by the increase in temperature.

Furthermore, the melting of glaciers and ice sheets is increasing the water flow, causing island nations and

4. Shop politically, smart and support the right companies: Charity shops are back in. Check out the charity shops in Virginia Water and Sunningdale – I promise you will not be disappointed.

By doing this, you will be buying clothes with none of the unnecessary packaging that fast fashion comes with.

Avoid palm oil products.

Follow the green frog – choose Rainforest Alliance certified products, such as coffee, furniture, paper, chocolate, tea and more. Buy local and organic. If it was grown locally, it took less energy to refrigerate and less fuel to transport.

coastal regions to feel the impact. Earlier this year, Indonesia announced its plan to move the capital city away from Jakarta, home to over ten million people, due to parts of it sinking as much as 25cm a year.

- The extinction of species.

In 2018, 120,000 square kilometres of tropical forest were lost – the equivalent of 30 football pitches per minute. Forest areas are primarily cleared to make way for cattle or agricultural production such as palm oil or soybeans.

What we can do: 1. Recycle and reduce waste: The next time you go shopping reuse a shopping bag. Buy a life bag that you can take with you every time, so as to reduce plastic waste. When in store buy less items with unnecessary packaging. Bring your own cup to cafés. Get a water bottle that you can refill. Save paper by taking notes on your laptop, not only saving you money on notebooks and flashcards but

Image source: Rawpixel.com

helping the environment too.

A cute tip for this Christmas: wrap presents using brown paper and string. It is better for the environment and still looks nice.

2. Change your diet: Surprisingly, the production of animal products generates the majority of food-related greenhouse-gas emissions.

Yet, you do not have to go

fully vegetarian or vegan - a ‘flexitarian’ diet can be just as helpful. This diet allows you to go mainly plant-based but does not cut out meat completely: a nice compromise.

3. Walk and cycle more: Even if it is raining, get the umbrella out and walk.

Leave the car (or the Uber driver) at home.

5. Volunteer: RHUL Volunteering is a great place to begin. There are so many opportunities including Donate and Reuse, the Food recycling scheme, Love Your Garden and International kitchen. The most important thing is to do something, anything and to do it now.

FEATURES 9

THE FOUNDER October 2019

The Great Hack The Escapades and Madness OLIVER KARAM

etflix’s most important N documentary attempt to date. The title may be

misleading (they did not hack so much as steal), but as a subject matter it is deadly serious. The ability to cheat democracy is now a threatening reality.

Thankfully, we are all at least faintly aware of the terrifying prospects that our phones might one day make our darkest secrets common knowledge (for most people ‘darkest secrets’ probably involves playlists from 2010 we would rather not talk about). Or that maybe your Amazon Alexa will hear you talking about the time you stole a chocolate bar when you were six and you will end up having a rather discomforting conversation with your local constabulary. Cynical extremes admittedly, but ones that illustrate the bizarre potential of where we are heading. The sheer amount of data stored on each one of us resembles the thoroughness of a criminal suspect file, only ironically, we volunteered the information ourselves.

It is being packaged and sold at a similar frequency to supermarket bananas, only our data promises rather more lucrative returns than imported fruit, and the hazards involved are rather more alarming than ending up headfirst on the pavement after slipping on a banana skin.

The Great Hack takes an elongated and visually satisfying attempt at reminding us all that a couple of years ago a rather anonymous sounding data analysis and marketing firm (Cambridge Analytica) populated by newly graduated digital marketers, ‘hacked’ the phenomenon of the modern presidential election, and by extension modern democracy. In doing so, Cambridge Analytica (CA) has changed how we now view social privacy by zoning in on the enormous potential these simplistic yet largely unmonitored social platforms have in damaging our society.

Evidently, an enormously terrifying concept, and one that has been met with an inexcusable lack of concern and traction in the amalgamation of noise and opinion that is the modern news cycle. One can only assume the oversaturation to the point of suffocation that Brexit and the current American Administration have caused meant something so pressing has slipped past people’s awareness.

Or is it rather that the reality is people simply do not care or are not too concerned that in order to use social platforms, we all have to willingly sacrifice some of our personal identity and data - something very few people are going to be willing to confront.

Society has become heavily reliant upon these devices and this acceptance of an unsafe reality threatens this relationship. The Financial Times in April of this year estimated that by 2022, the economy for personal data will be worth roughly $200 billion, a staggering increase on estimates taken even two years ago. Alarmingly expansive and seemingly hidden from sight for social platform users, this market is continually exchanging our personal data at a rate and scale of operation that we simply do not yet comprehend, and the results can only be a cause for concern. Clearly, CA must now be treated as the guinea pig for - as described by former employee Brittany Kaiser – ‘weaponised communications technology’, and using those techniques within the frame of modern elections, and on ordinary voters. They were the first but undoubtedly more will follow. Time will only tell how much potential these concepts have to manipulate us as societies and individuals, but time will also show how quickly we decide that there is a problem that must be addressed, before the value of what we think, as human beings is worth more than we are individually.

of Elon Musk HARRY MEAR

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lon Musk is a man who needs little introduction.

His name and the energy revolution he represents is embedded within Silicon Valley and the interests of modern technology with SpaceX, Tesla and PayPal all bearing his intellectual trademarks. His innovative work in renewable energy sources, space exploration and finance has made him a significant fortune and solidified him as one of the most influential figures of the modern era. However, with this influence and great power comes great responsibility.

Like some fantastic superhero, Musk and his pioneering intellect took the world and its media by storm during his leadership as CEO and production architect at Tesla. Manufacturing the eco-friendly electric cars that our world desperately needs and launching the reusable Falcon rocket program, he has had great success at both SpaceX and Tesla. Elon Musk may seem like a made man and the perfect role model for generations to come but there is perhaps more to the tycoon than meets the eye as something sinister lurks beneath his wit and genius.

In recent years, Musk has been embroiled in numerous public relations scandals all threatening to do harm to his image, credibility and the reputation of the companies he represents.

Incidents such as smoking cannabis on The Joe Rogan Experience, a hugely popular podcast hosted by comedian and mixed martial artist Joe Rogan, significantly tarnished public opinion of Musk

and saw Tesla stocks suffer as a result. A fresh scandal erupted in recent months as the legal brawl between Musk and British caver Vernon Unsworth escalated to new extremes since their feud during the Tham Luang cave rescue in July 2018.

Unsworth, an experience caver and advisor during the rescue, aided in saving the lives of twelve members of a junior football team aged 11 to 16 and their coach who were trapped in within the cave systems of the Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

During the disaster, in which a former Thai Navy SEAL died, Musk became involved as the rescue gained international attention. His efforts in designing and manufacturing a child-sized submarine to save the youngsters proved futile and became branded as such by the media and Unsworth who regarded his contribution as a PR stunt.

With regard to Unsworth’s comment that Musk could ‘stick his submarine where it hurt’ and that his submarine had ‘no chance of working’ the business magnate took to Twitter inflicting scathing fury upon the British caver.

Photo credits: Getty Images

In a tweet, Musk brazenly lashed out stating ‘We will make one of the mini-sub/ pod go all the way to Cave 5, no problem. Sorry pedo guy, you really did ask for it.’ Musk, who is known for his inflammatory and irresponsible use of Twitter, subsequently backed down from his baseless accusations in the face of a defamatory case made against him by Unsworth. However, in recent events it has been revealed that Musk had hired and paid a private investigator to scrutinise the diver and his life in Thailand. On receiving what he believed to be accurate information regarding the diver’s false illicit activities in Thailand, Musk strengthened his unjustified claims against the diver. The once respected and reputable billionaire now faces a heavy and public lawsuit which could certainly have dire consequences for his reputation and the security of his investments and affiliations. The trial in which Mr Unsworth is seeking more than £57,000 in damages against Elon Musk will commence on the 22 nd Oct 2019.

10 LIFESTYLE Healthy Recipes Worthy of Your Time ISABELLE (ALEX) MECCANO - THOMAS

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tarting a new diet or sticking to a steady, healthy lifestyle can be daunting. The key to making a diet last is finding new recipes that taste great and make you feel like you are not missing out. Over the years, I have experienced some amazing dishes and snacks that made me feel confident that I could keep going without cookies and pizza. Here are my favourite three recipes that taste incredible:

THE FOUNDER October 2019

Being BAME at Royal Holloway ANTONIA ALUKO

I

Photo credit: Isabelle Mecanno-Thomas

1. Vegan banana bread

2. Steam-roasted salmon

Ingredients: 30g chia seeds 3 overripe bananas 200g medjool dates 1 tsp maca powder 1 tsp cinnamon 150g buckwheat flour (can use plain flour) 200g ground almonds 150ml almond milk (can use any milk alternative)

Ingredients: Ingredients: 400g broccoli 60g cashew nuts 2 cloves of garlic 60g almonds (skin on, 2 tbsp vegetable oil unsalted) 4 salmon fillets (800g 60g pumpkin or total) sunflower seeds 2 spring onions 3 tbsp soy sauce 2 ½ cm ginger 1 red chilli 1 tbsp fish sauce 4 tbsp vegetable oil 2 limes

Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C 2. Soak the chia seeds in 60ml of water until a gel forms 3. Mash 2 ½ bananas and slice the remainder (set this aside for the top) 4. Chop the dates roughly 5. Add all the ingredients except the almond milk to a bowl and mix with 60ml of water 6. Next begin to add the almond milk gradually until it is sticky but solid enough to hold its shape 7. Line a loaf tin with baking parchment and pour in the mix placing the banana slices on top 8. Bake for 45 mins and cool before slicing

Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C 2. Place the broccoli florets in a large roasting tin 3. Scatter over the garlic and sprinkle the oil and toss well 4. Place the salmon fillets into the roasting tin with the broccoli and cover the tin tightly with foil 5. Place in the oven and cook for 20-25 mins 6. Meanwhile, mix together the spring onions, ginger, chilli, fish sauce, vegetable oil and lime juice 7. Remove the salmon and broccoli from the oven and generously coat the salmon with dressing before serving immediately

3. Nuts and seeds snack

Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°c 2. Arrange the nuts and seeds on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 mins, stirring halfway through 3. As soon as you remove the baking sheet from the oven, pour the soy sauce over the nuts and seeds, mixing well to coat them 4. Allow to cool, then store in an airtight container Recipe sources: 1. Vegan banana bread – Lois Tirrell 2. Nuts and seeds snack – Amanda Hamilton’s The G Plan Diet 3. Steam-roasted salmon – Rukmini Iyer’s The Roasting Tin

think talking about race is a sensitive thing for people, even now in our contemporary era where being open or ‘woke’ is more highly prized than being aware of those people involved. Even as a person of colour, I find it hard to talk about race and I know that should be far from the case. I know I should not fear talking about my heritage in case of retribution or hate but yet I do. Even as I am writing this I fear the backlash it may bring me, the whispers it will cause and I know that I am expected to be proud and opinionated about this but coming from a background where hate is the norm this is far from the case.

The big surprise is even on our campus where people come from a huge variety of backgrounds and experiences, bigotry and discrimination is not hard to find. Being a part of multiple marginalised groups myself I do not have

to walk far into the streets of Surrey before I witness the stares and whispers, the elderly women hushing as I walk by and the ladies with pushchairs side stepping me telling their children not to look. Similarly, it is hard to ignore the retail security following me around the shop to make sure that I pay for all the items I have picked up.

It is black history month so here are some helpful tips: - Be mindful that hair can be cultural - Do not ask the person with a name from their culture, language, et cetera, if it is okay to be called something else before even trying to pronounce it.

- Be considerate. Be kind.

Be aware.

I want to round off by saying that this all stems from my own personal experience and is not meant to offend or take away from any other experience felt whilst at university. This article is to inform others of the struggles some of your peers may be experiencing.

Photo of Antonia Aluko and Alex (Isabelle) Mecanno-Thomas

LIFESTYLE 11

THE FOUNDER October 2019

Legend of the Polar Bear

SIMRAN GREWAL

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s soon as I stepped foot on the university campus many an older student had whispered tales of the haunted polar bear picture located in the Founders Picture Gallery (Man Proposes, God Disposes

by Edwin Landseer) to my lowly first year ears. The legend of the painting feels oddly like when you become old enough for your parents to finally trust you with the details some juicy family secret, and so I feel I must play my part in continuing to hand down the tale to the next batch of Freshers.

According to the story, the painting has been the cause of at least two student suicides. In one account a student looked into the eyes of the polar bears during their exam in the Picture Gallery and instead of finishing the paper, they wrote ‘the polar bears made me do it’ before killing themselves in a bathroom in the Founders

Man Proposes, God Disposes by Edwin Landseer

building. I know I have had bad exams before but that is some pretty heavy business.

So heavy in fact, that the polar bear painting is covered whenever there is an exam in the Picture Gallery.

The other account is that another student heard about the rumour, decided to stare the polar bear in the eyes before mocking it and was later found dead. A little less grizzly (pardon the bear

pun) than the other story thankfully.

Upon finding out about the story my flatmates and I decided to find out for ourselves whether or not the painting is truly as haunted as it had been advertised.

We were young, reckless Freshers; untouchable and invincible to threat – after all,we had just slogged it through A-levels – what was this polar bear going

to do to us? Add to our list of academia-related mental health problems? Laughable.

You absolutely know that we stared into the eyes of that polar bear and mocked it while we did.

I would like to put a disclaimer here. I have seen horror films. I know this is how they start. Mocking the haunted painting that I would be sharing a campus with for the duration of my

university life? A horrible decision. I pride myself on not angering whatever ghouls or heaven forbid demons that might be lurking about – I have seen Buzzfeed Unsolved, I am no idiot. But alas, mock the painting we did. And just like that ...absolutely nothing happened.

That is a lie actually, I am pretty sure our flat was haunted but that is a story for another day I think.

Either way I would really recommend having a look at the Founders Picture Gallery if you have the chance to do so before you get busy. I will not lie to you, if you are new to the university you will probably end up getting lost on your way there Founders sometimes feels like a living, breathing maze; but it honestly is a fun bonding day out for you and your new university mates. Just watch out for the polar bear painting though, you know, just in case.

Top Autumnal Activities to Do in Or Around Egham COURTNEY MCLAVEN

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hile summer is over, that does not mean the end of enjoying the outdoors and having exciting day trips to look forward to. Egham itself is a beautifully quaint town, especially within the autumn months; however, many surrounding towns offer different activities to suit everyone. This article will give you a guide of days out and things to do as the leaves turn golden and the weather gets crisp.

Virginia Water is a stunning lake and a perfect autumnal day out for nature lovers. Wrap up in a cosy coat and scarf and stroll around

the nature reserves and take in the beauty of the falling leaves with your housemates, or find yourself a cosy spot to catch up on some reading at a stunningly peaceful location. At the entrance to the park, you will see a little coffee shop which sells hot drinks and snacks, so you can grab yourself a coffee or hot chocolate to keep your hands and insides warm as you journey around the lakes.

While the weather is cooling, this is still a wonderful day to enjoy in the months of October or November.

Similarly, if peaceful walks are your idea of fun yet you do not want to travel to Virginia Water, the

woodlands on campus give the same effect. Whilst on a smaller scale, the area holds a paved trail to follow and view the seasonal changes with the Founders building creeping over the top of the trees, a perfect sight to destress and recharge, or simply fill up time between lectures.

Thorpe Park has Fright Night, what better way to enter the spooky season than a thrill filled day of rides and sinister live mazes? This is a day out which will certainly make you feel as though Halloween is upon us. This year, there are themes such as The Blair Witch, The Walking Dead and a cinema showing customers an array

of terrifying short films alongside renowned rides such as Saw and Stealth.

Situated in Chertsey, this day of horrors is only a short drive or bus journey away and even better than that, through Student Beans you can gain a large student discount.

Pushing towards the end of Autumn, bonfire night is an annual event to look forward to. While there are no fireworks displays in Egham, just a short while away is Windsor Racecourse.

This year, they are putting on a spectacular evening with the theme of The Greatest Showman, meaning the vibrant spectacle will be combined with themed

music, a funfair and reallife circus performers.

With free parking and tickets for just £12, this is a wonderful evening out with your housemates which is affordable for everyone.

Whether you are a fan of the movie or not, this display is not one to miss.

Whether you are a thrill seeker or a fan of the outdoors, there are many things to do to make the most of the change in season. So, while the weather gets colder and we descend into shorter days and darker nights, why not plan some trips to mix things up and get in the mood for autumn?

12 ARTS & CULTURE

THE FOUNDER October 2019

Collective Memory: The Paintings of Antonio D'Amico

A Quale Prezzo, 2014 KAJA MATUSIK

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ntonio D’Amico, born and based in Rossano, Calabria, Italy, has been heralded by art critics as one of the most memorable and inspirational painters of the 21 st century. His varied artworks, including imaginary landscapes (Costoni, 2019) and contemporary urban reality (A quale prezzo, 2014) evoke diverse emotions and feelings within their spectators. Not known internationally, the artist - in an exclusive for The Founder – has agreed to give an insight into the techniques and methods that influence his paintings.

As the artist admits

Antonio D'Amico with his newest painting Costoni, 2019

himself, his paintings must be ‘Experimental and Spectacular’, as this is the key to being understood and discussed as an artist.

Relying on different styles of painting (such as the oil and texture technique), he tries to experiment with methods and ways of showing a particular imaginary vision.

His imagination is strongly connected to collective memory, mainly through respect and admiration towards the historical background, civilization and culture of his hometown Rossano: ‘For me, an art is an exaltation of how we can read what surrounds us, through our expressive capacity’. As an example of this, D’Amico’s textured

painting Ulivo a Lampa Bucita (2015) contains a secular olive tree as its main object – naturally growing and almost protruding out of the picture. The symbolic meaning of the artwork is connected to the depiction of the ‘sweetness of Rossano’, as a Calabrian land with lush meadows and olive trees universally surrounding its citizens.

In contrast to soft green and blue tints emerging from nature, the painter is not scared of presenting a different vision of Calabria as well. As a new pictorial production linked to the damage caused by modern industrial indecency, his recent artwork A quale prezzo (2014) goes beyond

Ulivo a Lampa Bucita, 2015

the scheme of beauty and, through dark colors and shades, presents the urban town overloaded with factories. Compared to Ulivo a Lampa Bucita, A quale prezzo shows radical changes between the idyll of life and contemporary reality, focused on work and obtaining material goods. The Expressionist aspects, such as vibrant dark shades, as well as the distorted outlines of the buildings prompt a variety of emotions and thoughts, which, as the artist points out himself, are crucial in order to interpret the art.

The interest of painting both visions of idyllic landscapes and urban surroundings was instilled

by his father, Luca D’Amico (1925-1991), who was also a painter and inspired his son to create artworks reflecting own imagination and feelings, depicting reality in a variety of unconventional ways. The younger D’Amico is not resting on his laurels and constantly develops his artistic career by participating at many Italian exhibitions and displays, such as Libera Ispirazione (Naples) or La Via Dell’olio Della Valle Del Trionto A Expo Milano (Milan). Who knows - maybe one day his artworks will get the global recognition they deserve?

If you are interested in Antonio D’Amico’s artworks, visit the webpage pittoreantoniodamico.blogspot.com

for more information.

ARTS & CULTURE 13

THE FOUNDER October 2019

1,000 Words: Vincent van Gogh, Almond Blossom, 1890

Rembrandt at 350: A Beginner’s Guide to the Dutch Master NIAMH SMITH

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Almond Blossom (1890) - Vincent van Gogh SVILENA IOTKOVSKA

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ne of the most famous paintings of all time, Vincent van Gogh’s Almond Blossom is unique in its beauty and the sense of serenity which it instils in its viewers. Completed in February 1890, Almond Blossom was Van Gogh’s gift to his new-born nephew and namesake Vincent Willem van Gogh Jr., who later founded the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, where this painting now resides.

Both thematically as well as stylistically, Almond Blossom is atypical of Van Gogh’s other works of art. This painting can be seen as a representation and celebration of Spring, rebirth and new life – it is easy to see why Van Gogh chose this painting for the occasion of the birth of his nephew. Looking at the style and technique employed, one must make note of the narrow colour palette and the use of a steady hand.

This differs greatly from the

artist’s other artworks which usually contain a bold use of primary colours and frantic brushstrokes. In addition, the perspective which Van Gogh has used in this artwork differs from that used in his previous works, as here the viewers are given the sense that they are looking upwards at the tree and towards the blue sky.

However, like other paintings by the artist, Almond Blossom reflects the inspiration which Van Gogh has drawn from Japanese prints. In this artwork, this is evident through the dark outlines and the focus on nature.

It is commonly believed that Van Gogh suffered from multiple mental illnesses and that this is generally reflected in his paintings; however, Almond Blossom does not evoke any sense of sadness.

On the contrary, it evokes a sense of serenity and peace in the viewer.Nonetheless, this beautiful painting which symbolises rebirth and new life was ironically painted only a few months before Van Gogh’s tragic death in the summer of 1890.

n the 4 th October 1669, the Dutch Golden Age painter Rembrandt van Rjin died at the age of 63. Over the past 350 years, he has become one of the most famous painters in Western art history. But who was Rembrandt and why has his work persisted over the centuries?

Rembrandt van Rjin was born in 1606 in the Dutch city of Leiden. His father was a miller and, consequently, Rembrandt received a good education, being accepted into the prestigious University of Leiden at the age of 14. However, he dropped out a few months later to become an apprentice to a local painter. Excluding a brief sojourn in Amsterdam, Rembrandt remained in Leiden during these early years of his career. When many other Dutch painters of the time went to Italy to refine their craft, it was extremely unusual that Rembrandt never left the Netherlands during his life.

Rembrandt became known for his paintings of historical and biblical subjects, such as Judas Repentant, Returning the Thirty Pieces of Silver, painted in 1629, which was praised for the emotionally nuanced way that its subject was represented. In 1631, his reputation enabled him to move permanently to Amsterdam, where he found many more opportunities, working for powerful families and groups within

the city, even Frederick Henry, the Prince of Orange.

He also married his landlord’s cousin, Saskia, in 1634.

However, their marriage, whilst loving, was to be marked by tragedy. Only one of their four children lived past infancy and Saskia later died at the age of 30, probably from tuberculosis.

Throughout these years, Rembrandt lived a comfortable life, enjoying his position as one of the most respected artists in Amsterdam. He was an avid collector of art and antiquities, which often led him into problems of debt. These were usually resolved by Saskia’s large

number in various formats.

Two of the most famous examples can be seen in London, at Kenwood House and the National Gallery.

Rembrandt died, almost penniless, in 1669 and was buried in an unmarked grave.

However, despite the way his life ended, his works are now sold for millions of pounds and he is among the most beloved of the Dutch Golden Age painters. One of the main reasons why Rembrandt is still so revered among audiences and critics alike is the humanity behind his portraits. He takes ordinary scenes that most painters would disregard, and transforms them into

Self Portrait at the Age of 63 by Rembrandt van Rijn

inheritance, but in the 1650s, the Netherlands faced a massive economic recession.

Rembrandt avoided imprisonment, but was forced to sell a great deal of his collection and move to a poorer part of the city. During this time, his painting began to centre on self-portraits, of which he made a great

moving and vibrant scenes that provoke an emotional response in the viewer, regardless of who they are.

With several exhibitions taking place in London during the next few months, there has never been a better time to get acquainted with Rembrandt and his work.

14 ARTS & CULTURE

Blood Wedding: Tribes and Tribulations

The Bride (Aoife Duffin) in the Young Vic's production of Blood Wedding.

ABEL FENWICK

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here is something to be said about the partisan element of weddings.

Despite marriages being ceremonies designed to bring two families together, in most ceremonies the bride and groom’s parties are seated separately, sat with their own kin at dinners or divided into pews on either side of an aisle. Any witnesses to divorce proceedings can confirm that two tribes go to war. Cue Blood Wedding.

Yaël Farber, directing, brings Marina Carr’s translation to life in a production that functions as a masterclass in immersion.

From the scent design to the play’s cold open in the Mother’s kitchen, the audience are plunged headfirst into a conflict that has been inflaming both families since ‘the time of the ark’. The cast are solid across the board, and it is delightful to see three large and important roles played by older women, alongside some truly innovative physical theatre at work within the minimalist set.

Before praising the play’s

younger trio however, I must emphasise that Romeo and Juliet, this is not.

Yes, there are a pair of illicit lovers, one of whom is engaged to a man she does not love. Yes, the play involves a generations long feud. There is no affection, however, between Leonardo and the Bride; if it can be described as a love triangle, it is one of vicious, possessive and jagged angles.

The play is about tribes.

Aoife Duffin’s Bride protests against being manhandled by the Mother, declaring she is not a ‘cow at a market’.

Throughout the course of the play however, she is described in such terms, a ‘heiffer’ with hips for the ‘job at hand’. David Walmsley’s Groom (by turns impressively sympathetic, comical and entirely dislikeable) is similarly described as a bull, instructed to get as many sons out of his new wife as possible to expand their family’s depleted numbers. The rival Leonardo should then be an understandable escape route, a way of fleeing a life she has been forced into to cement loyalties between families; a

lover she chose. That is not the case, however: Leonardo is possessive and impulsive, already married to her cousin in an act of spite.

The play is set in-theround, with characters in perpetual motion displaying great feats of strength.

Because of this, and the circling of Leonardo and the Groom at several points during the play, the audience feels like spectators at a gladiatorial pit. This choice lends weight to the Bride’s cry that Leonardo never wanted her, just the blood of the Mother’s ‘fine son’: this is entirely the point.

Between monologues exploring tension between races and the broad Irish accents used in the play, it’s impossible to leave Blood Wedding without reflecting on the futility of conflicts based on arbitrary characteristics. Lorca’s play was written in 1930s Spain, pre-empting the rise of a fascist leader; Ireland is still scarred by the Troubles.

Given the increasingly divided state of the world in 2019, Blood Wedding is a timely arrival to the Young Vic’s church.

THE FOUNDER October 2019

Artistic Applications NIAMH SMITH

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elow, I have compiled a list of five free applications that are musthaves for any art lover.

Whether you enjoy visiting exhibitions, want to learn more about art history or just be kept in the loop with the latest news, these are definitely worth checking out.

ArtFund Guide (iOS, Android and Windows) Out of all the applications in this article, ArtFund Guide is by far the least technologically advanced.

However, despite frequent crashes and glitches, it is still worth downloading, as it covers nearly every exhibition in the UK. This is extremely useful for keeping track of exhibitions that you want to see, as well as learning what there is to see at certain museums and galleries more generally.

For those with a Student Art Pass, the various discounts available are clearly displayed, and there is a feature for planning a day trip to several attractions.

Daily Art (iOS and Android) Every day, Daily Art contains a short essay about a particular work of art.

Its user-friendly interface, combined with the simple, well-written text, make the application perfect for those who want to educate themselves about art history. The application is also extremely diverse in its choices, including art of all types and nationalities, meaning that even those who know a lot about art will learn something new.

Google Arts and Culture (iOS and Android) Probably the best cultural application currently available, Google Arts and Culture is both extremely informative and very fun.

The application affords the opportunity to have a close look at the collections of some of the world’s greatest museums, galleries and heritage sites.

This is supplemented by several excellently written articles, interesting videos and a feature where you can see which paintings your face resembles.

Go With Yamo (iOS and Android) Go With Yamo is a relatively new application, but one that has been embraced by the museum community in the UK. When visiting an exhibition, you can earn points (called Yamos) that then contribute towards products in the store.

These include complimentary tickets to exhibitions and art fairs, as well as artworks by up-and-coming artists. For regular visitors to cultural exhibitions, Go With Yamo is a must-have application.

Smartify (iOS and Android) Available at Royal Holloway’s very own Picture Gallery, Smartify is revolutionising museum displays. Used by the National Gallery, Tate and several other London galleries, the application identifies paintings using your smartphone’s camera and gives information about the work and its artist. For those who want to find out more about the artworks hanging in the Picture Gallery, as well as those at other galleries, Smartify is an accessible, but authoritative way to learn.

THE FOUNDER October 2019

LITERARY REVIEW 15

Disobedience: A novel on a bisexual Orthodox Jewish woman SOPHIE DEAVILLE

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isobedience is a book that I would have never picked up for myself, and I read it purely as a recommendation from my mother (she is forever trying to get me to widen my book choices to more than crime fiction). Despite nearly 40 years between us, my mother’s open-mindedness with books has rubbed off on me over the past 20 years, resulting in some glorious reads like Disobedience.

Naomi Alderman tells the story of Ronit, a bisexual, outcasted English Orthodox Jewish woman who resides in New York. Ronit returns home to London when she receives news of her father’s death. Whilst back in London, she deals with several issues from her past, including her ex-girlfriend, Esti, the Orthodox Jewish community who resent Ronit’s provocative and outlandish ways, and her unresolved issues with her father. Alderman uses Ronit’s return home to explore and write about her own community in a creative and engaging way, yet in interviews Alderman makes it clear that her writing is not an autobiography, despite having some similarities to Ronit’s life.

The structure of Disobedience is laid out in an apt way, with each chapter having a quote from a Jewish

text, a Jewish teaching, a third-person point of view centring on Dovid and Esti, and then Ronit’s firstperson view. This means that with every chapter, the reader is fully immersed in the Jewish religion before the plot has taken hold of the chapter, which really engaged me as I found myself reflecting on every quote and teaching in the chapters.

Alderman shows a real variety of characters, from the morally questionable protagonist Ronit, to the bitter and manipulative Hartog, to the quiet Esti and the community server Dovid. Within Disobedience, Alderman has developed these characters to become relatable to someone in the reader’s life.

Throughout the novel, Ronit’s quest to find her father’s missing silver candlesticks becomes a place for the reader to root for our protagonist as we delve deeper into her familial relationships whilst she searches for her memorabilia.

Overall, Disobedience gives an absorbing insight into the Orthodox Jewish community whilst also being an engaging read.

Things Fall Apart: A Thrilling Glimpse into African History RUXANDRA VRABIE

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ne of the most widely read novels in modern African literature, Things Fall Apart by Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe is a realistic novel that manages to convey a close and deep insight into the African culture and traditions.

Achebe craftily describes, in a simplistic and yet descriptive language, the everyday lives of the African society before and after colonialism. This introduces the reader to a wonderful story filled with tradition, magic and sacrifices, whilst also giving us a better understanding and valuable

Image Source: Flickr

insight into the depths of African culture.

The book captures the life of a stubborn and proud, but highly respected, clan leader from Umuofia named Okonkwo. He oversees the everyday ordinary life of hardworking farmers who live in a patriarchal society.

However, their lives are turned upside-down by the arrival of the Europeans and the new changes they forcefully want to implement.

Through constantly switching between the past and the present, Achebe underlines the significant changes that the Europeans are making into the lives of

African people.

However, this is not all that Achebe does as he also manages to contour a thrilling story about the novel’s protagonist, Okonkwo.

Okonkwo’ s stubbornness and strong belief in absolute power and a patriarchal society led him to his ultimate downfall.

His general hatred towards weakness contributed to both his rise and decline. The resentment he has towards his father, who was considered to be weak by the people in their village, made him ambitious enough to own his own farm, build a barn and become an esteemed member within their clan. Contrastingly, the same hatred made him a dreaded leader in his community, which ultimately caused his exile from the tribe.

The constant shift between stories, although confusing at a first glance, offers the reader a better understanding of the text as a whole.

Things Fall Apart offers an interesting insight into the lives of African people and their ancient and wonderful traditions, whilst also providing a truthful angle upon the impact of the postcolonialism of Africa.

16 LITERARY REVIEW

THE FOUNDER October 2019

Othello: The doomed protagonist

Othello and Desdemona (upper image); Othello (bottom image) MATTHEW SMITH

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he Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice is a truly remarkable play. It stands out as an early work of English Literature in which Shakespeare confronts race, alongside the destructive power of psychological manipulation.

Othello is a ‘Moorish’ general in the Venetian military respected for his successes. Iago is a subordinate to Othello and claims to despise him for promoting Cassio, a charming officer, above himself. Roderigo is

a young Venetian gentleman who refuses to stop pursuing Desdemona, who has married Othello.

The play starts as Iago tells Roderigo of Othello’s marriage to Desdemona. Iago encourages him to inform Brabantio, Desdemona’s father. Feeling betrayed, Brabantio confronts Othello in front of the Venetian senate and Othello defends himself with the tale of an honest courtship.

Desdemona further testifies that she married Othello not because of some trick or spell, but because she was in love. As the play progresses, Iago plants the idea in Othello’s mind that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio.

The intricacy of this is a significant literary triumph as it is dependent upon various conditions which were created by Iago.

While the play is tragically compelling due to Iago’s collection of circumstantial evidence, what makes this story stay with you is that Othello descends from a figure of calm authority to one of brutish jealousy. Every time Iago says something to incriminate Desdemona, he adopts a pained tone as if he is desperate not to say what has happened, but is bound by his honesty and so, perversely, he becomes the only man Othello can

trust.

Shakespeare’s depiction of Othello is complex. Early in the play, Brabantio looks foolish and inconsiderate for his racism towards Othello, yet, by the end of the play, Othello has become the very beast that Brabantio imagined. Despite this, Shakespeare seems mostly sympathetic towards Othello.

Ultimately, Iago is the monster who purposefully sets out to ruin lives. Othello is simply controlled and so it could be concluded that Shakespeare sought to demonstrate the power of expectations. Venetian society expected Othello to behave like a beast because they refused to accept him as one of their own.

They respected him in a military capacity, but the uproar caused by his marriage demonstrates how excluded he really was.

I would tentatively conclude that Shakespeare wanted us to realize that Othello was so easy to manipulate because he saw himself as lesser. The idea that his Venetian wife was having an affair with a Venetian man seemed entirely plausible, because despite all his military successes he was simply not a Venetian.

Americanah – A new perspective MERCEDES-GEORGIA MAYES

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he first time I encountered the work of Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche was while watching her 2009 TED talk entitled The Danger of a Single Story. The talk struck me. It made me consider for the first time just how important the shared perspectives of narratives are in shaping a reader’s capacity for understanding and empathy.

Adiche’s 2013 novel Americanah did no less. It is the story of a Nigerian woman named Ifemelu and her journey through life.

The novel parades itself as a love story, but this set up acts as a stage on which Adiche explores the experience of Ifemelu and her love, Obinze, when they leave their home country to pursue higher education in America and the United Kingdom respectively.

Within this, the subtle nuances of racial attitudes towards different social classes and genders, all played out between three countries, is dissected by the author.

The closest look we get of this is through Ifemelu herself. Introduced to her as a grown woman, we are thrown back to her youth and steadily handed the building blocks of

her outlook and personality, the fortunes she receives swallowed by the swathes of setbacks that follow a black woman in America. She is strong willed, straightforward and airs her opinion somewhat too readily for those around her, with a tempered cynicism that questions the hypocrisy of the worlds that Ifemelu inhabits, as well as the people she encounters.

Overall, Americanah is not a book to be missed. It is a fast paced but intricately detailed look at society through the lens of race and opens up just one of the many stories that Adiche intimately

Image source: Flickr

understands the importance of.

For a woman whose university reading is painfully Eurocentric and largely penned by white

men, Americanah was a welcome breath of fresh air after drowning in tales of similitude.

THE FOUNDER October 2019

LITERARY REVIEW 17

When Dimple Met Rishi [Review] SIMRAN GREWAL

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t first glance, When Dimple Met Rishi seems to be merely another young adult love story, with the classic plot of enemies to friends to lovers. However, as my old English Literature teacher would point out, Sandhya Menon’s novel is packed with content familiar to readers hailing from South Asian backgrounds. The book also focuses on the dual identity lives that many second or third generation children are familiar with in a modern way that still leaves room for discussion and debate.

The story follows the titular character Dimple, who is on her way to take part in a summer internship coding camp at MIT and ready to

start her future with a spring in her step whilst proving herself to everyone she can along the way. I find that most modern authors do not tend to romanticise STEM based careers, yet Menon does this in such an incredible manner.

Even if you dropped maths or science at an early age, you become so invested in the academic competition that Dimple is a part of that you get excited by the coding terminology scattered throughout the book as you see things come together for her.

Careers aside, the book also features an almost typical Bollywood romcom storyline that I am especially familiar with (having grown up with them as a household staple) which I feel offers a new vibrancy to young adult

Image source: Goodreads

fiction. When it comes to Asian communities and arranged marriage, it can be a topic that many other cultures find difficult to grasp or understand – just look at Bend

it Like Beckham (though that is significantly outdated today).

Menon manages to combine more traditional ideals with the more secular backgrounds of new-age young Americans and many other young people living with dual identities today and I am a massive fan of her early 2000’s Bollywood movie references which are dotted through the pages. The courting period of Dimple and Rishi is a sweet but uncertain thing throughout the book, which does not quite end as you would expect it to.

Despite this, the romance is a truly masterful piece of art to engage with as a reader.

All in all, there are two main attitudes that I have towards this book. The first one is that it is refreshing to see a young adult romance centred

around South Asians (I find that there is a severe lack of representation for South Asians in much of literature). In addition to this, I found that the romance is more of a subplot to the protagonist trying to grapple with being a young Asian woman in the tech industry. The second attitude that I have towards this book is the way that it deals with relationships in the South Asian community, specifically around the arranged marriage aspects that can be found in the novel.

But besides that, I found When Dimple Met Rishi to be a lovely, light-hearted read over the summer.

Tiny Sunbirds Far Away by Christie Watson ALEX MECCANO-THOMAS strange unknown, the same unrest and felt like that young that Watson had put herself (BIRTH NAME ISABELLE way any reader who is not girl watching the world open out there to tell this story. She MECCANO-THOMAS)

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iny Sunbirds Far Away is a beautiful novel by Christie Watson which follows the journey of Blessing, a 12-year-old girl who is ripped from her home in Lagos and forced into a compound in Niger Delta. Full of colour and volume, this text latches onto your imagination and weaves a heart-breaking journey before your eyes. The constant stream of narrative is easy to follow as it winds around your mind and tells the story of a Nigerian family uprooted from their native culture and thrown into the

familiar with Nigerian culture is exposed to the raw imagery and power of Blessing’s words.

Blessing finds herself facing challenges that many of us have never even considered facing. As we travel with her from page to page, we get a glimpse of her thoughts, her fears and her reality. I could not put this book down. I was transfixed by her view of the world. Her childish innocence evolves into a mature understanding over the course of the story, and we are pulled on that path with her. I had no preconceptions or knowledge of the Niger Delta political

up to her and shrinking back in fear at the unknown. I had to force myself to take a break, as the house with the crumbling veranda and the hot, heavy, Nigerian air encompassed me.

When approaching this book, I was wary of how a white woman from Britain could accurately portray the struggles of a black, Nigerian family. But when I looked into it, I found that Watson had researched the Niger Delta and its political unrest, extensively. She detailed the men and women she spoke to and the organisations who helped her. And it struck me

had addressed serious issues, such as the polarised class difference, the split within the country over Christianity and Islam, and the significant cultural attitudes in the Nigerian homes. When I finished this book, I had tears in my eyes, reading about the hardship and injustice in their country. Watson had a voice and she used it for the Nigerian men, women and children who could not speak.

This book is not for the faint hearted. It is a narrative filled with pain and tragic situations that no child should face. But if you have the courage to read it, I can assure

Image source: The Book Trail

you it will open your eyes to the realities of being a 21 st century girl in the Niger Delta.

18 ARTS: FILM

THE FOUNDER October 2019

Goldfinch For Sama [REVIEW] The - A Lost Masterpiece or a SOHAILA FERRIER

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ince the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011, there have been many films and documentaries about Syria, in a multitude of formats and from a variety of different perspectives. What sets For Sama out from all the rest is its humanisation of the war. For so long, all that has been reported has been from outsiders looking in on the situation, but this film invites you to see the war from the perspective of the Syrian people. For Sama is filmed inside the war; there is no camera crew, no visual effects, no actors, this is a documentary film like no other because it is real life.

Waad-al Kateab is the filmmaker that takes us into the heart of the war.

Waad humanises the war by providing a personal and intimate narrative as the film's perspective is from her point of view. The reason why it is so personal is that the film is a letter for Waad’s daughter, Sama. A love letter, an explanation, an apology: a history. Waad tries to explain to her daughter why

A still from the film

she risked everything to stay in Syria and to fight for freedom.

The film provides a parallel between the life of the war and the life of Waad. We follow her as she attends Aleppo University where the first springs of uprising happened, and rebelling students start to get arrested and assaulted by the government. Waad started filming by using her camera phone and then a film camera, capturing moments such as students peppering the walls of their university during the fledgeling uprising to explosions from the next street over. We also watch Waad laughing with her friends, we see her friendship with Hamza, a doctor, blossom into a relationship, we are invited to watch her get married in a stolen intimate moment, and we see her pregnant with her first child. She takes us through her entire experience, we see bodies washing up in the river, bombs going off a few streets away, hospitals ripped apart, family and friends dying — they lived side by side with

the war. The children of Syria grow up quickly, there is no censorship to what is shown in the film.

Fellow director Edward Watts and editors, Chloe Lambourne and Simon McMahon, do an incredible job of knitting together the film out of the hundreds of hours of footage that Waad managed to bring from Syria.

The film’s score, by Nainita Desai, is phenomenal and effectively carries us through the film’s moving, emotional journey.

During a post-screening Q&A, attended by Waad, Hamza and Edward Watts, many audience members tearily hugged Waaf and Hamza. They thanked her for documenting that shared experience for everyone else to see, to grieve with her, to thank her for giving them a voice and they thanked Hamza for his sacrifices and being brave enough to look after the people of Aleppo and trying to keep everyone alive, no matter what.

It’s hard to catch the attention of the public’s fleeting eye but this film captures your whole heart.

The film comes to an end, but you are reminded that the war is not over. Waad and Hamza are still fighting for their people, their friends and families, every day. For Sama is an unforgettable, truthful, and heartbreaking film that everyone needs to see.

Casualty of Aesthetics?

Ansel Elgort (left) and Nicole Kidman (right) in a still from the film ERIN LEONARD

he Goldfinch has Tproclaimed been overwhelmingly as the big

disappointment of the film festival season. John Crowley tried to make the movie into a great many things that it was never destined to be and it has backfired on him; had the attempt been earnest and low-budget, it might have been received better in the critical community, but the vast support behind the production throughout the pre-release phase set everyone’s expectations just a little too high.

Roger Deakin is known for visual masterpieces such as Sicario and Unbroken, and he fails to disappoint with the glorious simplicity of the film. Adaptations struggle most to transfer the essence of a book from the page to the screen and through the power of cinematography, Deakin succeeds. If The Goldfinch were to be considered primarily as visual art, the reviews would be far more generous, it is in the substance of the thing that it falls short.

Aneurin Barnard is the standout performance in this movie; the actor has made a name for himself in television but has only recently bridged the gap to the big screen.

Boris Pavlikovsky is the character that fans of the book were most concerned with the depiction of, and it was easily the best decision the casting director could have made.

Other standouts were Nicole

Kidman and Sarah Paulson in their smaller roles, it was perhaps the lacklustre depiction of Theo that pulled the film down in its general reception.

So, if the film had all this greatness to it, why are all the biggest critics calling it a disappointment?

You can try to squeeze 800 pages of Donna Tartt’s highstrung literature into a twoand-a-half-hour film and it might turn into something wonderful, but it might also feel like you have tried to wolf down a five-course meal in the space of five minutes without taking a moment to breathe. The entire film felt rushed, some of the most wonderful scenes from the novel were cut, and there is a sense of dramatisation that does not suit the characters well; things were changed too.

It is hard to find the line between loyal adaptation and effective filmmaking. To have followed the novel from word to word would have made a subpar film, but to deviate from the plot in any great way makes a subpar adaptation. The critics have been unforgiving in their judgment in a fashion that the general audience is unlikely to be. The film will likely win no Oscars but that does nothing to infringe upon its enjoyability, and it is only against the high expectations that it disappoints, by all other measures, it was a quality film which proved a testament to the cast and crew behind it.

ARTS: FILM 19

THE FOUNDER October 2019

Joker [REVIEW]

Twisted, Tragic and Remorseless: A Timely Portrayal of Turmoil and Social Ostracism HARRY MEAR

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oker is by no means in affiliation with the superhero film and it is certainly not a depiction of an illustrious vigilante of which you may have been expecting.

Should you leave the film in some state of irrational support for Joaquin Phoenix’s character then you may want to reconsider your values as director Todd Phillips leads us down a rabbit hole scarily familiar to the derangement of current unhinged social cultures and their grotesque actions. Arthur Fleck, or Joker to his audience, may represent justice for some as he takes revenge for the wrongs made against him and the people he represents, but his character is as sickeningly pitiful as it is vindictive and malicious. It is somewhat obvious that as the film unravels so does the society of Gotham City drenched in universal suffering where the rich live like kings and refer to the impoverished citizens as clowns. As terror envelops the city, the titular character sinks into his dark abyss dragging down anyone to have encountered him into his nightmarish existence, including the audience.

Director Todd Phillips certainly succeeds in crafting a very well shot film. Joker is visually stunning and does a remarkable job in displaying the seedy environment of the violent urban city whilst simultaneously excelling at illustrating the attractive delusions and dreamy mentality of Fleck. The film

A still from the film; Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker

takes little time in displaying the unhinged tendencies and remorseless nature of the character before his ultimate transformation into the infamous super-villain and it does so with precision and an intelligible narrative.

Unapologetically inspired by the works of Martin Scorsese (who was linked to the films production as executive producer for a time), specifically the cult classic Taxi Driver, the film uses the same themes of social isolation, mental illness and street warfare of which the director of The Wolf of Wall Street and The King of Comedy is a master in crafting. Joker uses these themes as its foundation as

does the Joker who embraces his individualism to further his ultimate goal and dream to be ‘seen’. Both Fleck and Phoenix achieve this in twisted and terrifying fashion with copious bloodshed and one particularly disturbing scene amongst many in which the bare skeletal form of the character twists and writhes in a haunting dance. One must give Fleck credit where credit is due however as he certainly takes the words of Thomas Wayne on board and strives to make something more of himself than a clown.

The performances are, as predicted, captivating and charismatic. Phoenix appears disturbed as ever with this maniacal cackling

performance perhaps finally outdoing his portrayal of the deranged emperor in Gladiator and Robert De Niro succeeds as a self-satisfied talk show host in his typical fashion.

Overall the performances shine from every leading member of the cast which is refreshing and would save the film should it fall short in narrative and visuals, which it doesn’t.

It is not evident that the director, the cast and those involved sought out to glorify the distasteful nature of social ostracism or incel culture, criticise mass public opinion or condemn the hierarchal and merciless nature of capitalist structure

and ideology. But ultimately there will be those that see Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker as a shepherd amongst sheep and are as misguided and frustratingly disillusioned as the character itself. So, with this film in the hearts and minds of such people it becomes dangerous and, in the mind of this cautious viewer, should come with a warning and an 18-age rating rather than the meagre 15 rating which it has been given.

This lack of censorship allows families to flock to screenings with innocent expectations. Joker does not tread lightly but as viewers we should.

20 ARTS: FILM

THE FOUNDER October 2019

Spotlight on the Royal Holloway Alumni at the 63rd BFI London Film Festival GRACIELA MAE CHICO

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mongst the 229 feature films at this year’s edition of the London Film Festival are an incredible number of short films, thoughtfully placed within a diverse selection of programmes; from moving documentaries to the boundary-pushing experimental films.

Included in the list of trailblazers are three former

Royal Holloway students, all showcasing films which vastly differ from one another. Included in the ‘My Life, Whose Rules?’ programme is Tomisin Adepeju’s Appreciation, under ‘In An Age of Consent’ is Spring Fever by Anna Snowball, and third alum is Josef Bates with ‘Joy to the World’ selection, Tic. Visit The Founder’s website to read our interviews with the filmmakers!

Appreciation TOMISIN ADEPEJU

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ritten and directed by one of the rising new voices in British cinema, Appreciation is a drama that poignantly explores an African Pentecostal pastor’s navigation of grief and cultural identity following a personal tragedy. Filmed in London, the film flaunts striking visuals and Adepeju’s flourishing distinct directorial style. Aside from Appreciation’s selection in the programme, Adepeju is also one of the twelve filmmakers selected for the BFI NETWORK@LFF cohort of 2019. Adepeju is currently working on the feature-length adaptation of his multi-award-winning film, The Good Son.

Spring Fever ANNA SNOWBALL

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ocumentary filmmaker Anna Snowball highlights a class so refreshing, and frankly a flicker of hope amidst the current cultural climate, all the way from the Netherlands. Spring Fever documents a group of pre-teens in a sex education class that is free from guilt and shame, the children are encouraged to ask the genuine questions that abound coming of age — what starts as a class on menstruation evolves to candid queries about masturbation and sex. An absolutely vital and entertaining watch. Spring Fever, as well as Snowball’s other film #TradWives, will be screening at the London Short Film Festival on January 2020.

Tic JOSEF BATES

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Mostly’ based on a true story, Tic is a dark comedy about Dave’s (Will Merrick) struggles during a date with Jess (Emma Mackey). Bates revitalises the well-worn ‘date gone wrong’ narrative by incorporating his Tourette syndrome diagnosis through Merrick’s character. As with his prior film Meat, Dave’s struggles with Tourette’s — more specifically, the aggressive tic in his left arm — leads to bloody, black comedy. Anchoring the whimsical use of gore is a heartfelt and personal story told in a bold and original way. Tic will be screening at the 2020 London Short Film Festival, Bates is also developing the film into a series for Channel 4.

ARTS: FILM 21

THE FOUNDER October 2019

63rd BFI LONDON FILM FESTIVAL: Last Black Man in San Francisco [REVIEW]

A City Condensed into a Refined Squat LUKE HETHERINGTON

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he Last Black Man in San Francisco opens with a young African-American girl interacting with a Hazmatsuited man as he cleans up the titular city’s bay. There is no overt animosity, instead, there is quiet indignation about the treatment of African-Americans.

The social commentary and quiet indignation the film strives towards is set, before the introduction of a series of characters ranging from sadly believable to quirkily exaggerated. These individuals revolve around the world of Jimmie Fails – the semi-autobiographical version of actor Jimmie Fails – and his best friend

Montgomery (Jonathan Majors).

Fails and Mont travel throughout the city, from the humble house belonging to the latter’s Grandpa (Danny Glover) where Fails is crashing at to the richer neighbourhood. While Fails lovingly tends to the exterior of a Victorian house, painting over the chipped wood and lamenting that the white, upper-middle-class owners do not take care of it, Mont sketches and writes. Fails is told – not for the first time – to leave. He attends the house because his grandfather apparently built the house, only to lose it in the 1990s, no doubt due to San Francisco housing prices rising to coincide

A still from the film

with the DotCom boom. The plot (such as it is) is simply these two men ambling around the area, engaging with the classiest squatting ever seen. Co-writer and director Joe Talbort uses the thin narrative to spread across a wide surface of themes; gentrification, class and racial identity, and the social fabrics specific to San Francisco.

Artistic Mont, with his tweed jacket and affected accent, is contrasted sharply by the gang members they grew up with and have a jovial love and hate repertoire with. Mont’s fascination with them and his theatrical skirting between cultural backgrounds allow Majors to deliver a multifaceted

performance, almost taking on different identities as he appears to undergo an identity crisis. Fails, however, is the heart of the film of course.

As Fails, the co-writeractor gives us a soaring, determined hero, intent on preserving a legacy. The most enjoyable scene sees him correcting a passing tour guide, describing the house’s features, including the gate to “keep y’all f*ckers out”.

The most bittersweet sees him correct.

Not that the film is without flaws. The pacing is rather languid and the denouement may divide people.

However, the impact is certainly sombre and carries subtextual weight. Aside from these doubts, Talbort,

Fails et al have created a vision of San Francisco that displays tremendous reverence for history, location and its inhabitants, casting city natives including Glover and utilising singer Mike Marshall to deliver an unspeakably moving cover of the song San Francisco.

Even though this film will be viewed in this country – no doubt only in the metropolitan area by the kino kids – over 5,000 miles from the city it pays tribute to, its power to touch will not waver as it reaches across the Atlantic.

The Last Black Man in San Francisco will be out in the UK from October 25, 2019.

22 ARTS: MUSIC Softly Spoken: Soot Sprite - Sharp Tongue EP: A review typical, crashingly reverbheavy breakdown. ost would consider it Unlike some of their a negative mark on a noisier predecessors, the record to say it was difficult band knows how to pace their to pay attention long enough music, allowing the listener to write a review for; not so to be slowly drawn into their for Exeter-based shoegaze world and infiltrating their band Soot Sprite. With each mind instead of drowning it successively entrancing out with a wall of sound and track, Sharp Tongue draws distortion. This is especially the listener into a hypnagogic showcased on ‘Dust’, a dream that elevates the track that breaks away stresses of being trapped from genre-naming guitar in toxic friendships and an conventions and features inability to keep up with your a quieter piece, centered own self-loathing, making the around an interplay of EP feel like a five-track trip piano and vocals against an into your own subconscious. occasional tab. While ‘Cool The band retains a Cadaver’ is the perfect senddistinctly melancholic and off for the album, striking a sorrowful tone across hazy middle point between the instrumentals and vocals that quiet and the raucous that will reverberate around your will have you weeping as heart, definitely owning their you headbang, the opener is self-appointed ‘sadgaze’ label by far a personal favourite; leaning on their bedroom rock stylings, ‘Bleed’ will effortlessly tear you apart with every listen, making you want to dance and sway even as its sombre lyricism swells inside your very soul. While Image source: Bootcamp many songs as their sounds meld into have been put to paper in more upbeat tracks like ‘Day the name of dream pop, Job’ to evoke a bittersweet none have managed to longing for a dream that make them a reality exactly might never come true. Their like Soot Sprite has, and greatest strength is evident in it is whichever form of tracks like ‘Vs. Self ’ where they balance appropriately Morpheus being woven into refined and understated this EP which makes it worth verses with a more genre- listening to extensively.

YUJI AOYAMA

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THE FOUNDER October 2019

Lana Del Rey’s Norman F*cking Rockwell!: A Review TAU NELL

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ana Del Rey is best known for the starryeyed scenes she paints using her sultry contralto voice of an America that was, and one that could have been.

Her misadventures have led her to sing of Bel Air lovers, of speeding along the California coast, and of being the enchanting arm candy of leather-clad bikers. Her work thus far has remained in familiar territory: themes of Hollywood glamour, doomed romance, and celebrity ennui permeate virtually every track on each of her previous albums. While we have seen glimpses of character development in tracks such as Love, where Del Rey shifts her source of validation from her undeserving beaus to herself and her fans, her persona and sound have never undergone a dramatic transformation until 2019’s Norman F*cking Rockwell!

(NFR).

Where before she wept ‘I’m nothing without you’, Lana now declares ‘I’m the bolt, the lightning the thunder’. But she does not keep this new-found exuberance to herself; she assures fans ‘You lose your way, just take my hand / You’re lost at sea, then I'll command your boat to me again’ in the nautical ballad Mariner’s Apartment Complex. In the reflective How to Disappear, she promises ‘I'm always going to be right here / No one's going anywhere’.

Even with its soothing lyrics and serene instrumentals, NFR is a force of nature. This is the

Image source: Pitchfork

album of an empowered artist who knows her own mind. Lana has discarded her characteristic cinematic overtures, favouring piano and electric guitar, exposing an intense emotionality which before was lost in looming orchestral soundscapes. In NFR, this emotionality is not always one characterised by Del Rey’s signature melancholia - she is quite the comedian in her refreshing bluntness.

In the title track, Lana expresses exasperation at her current lover, dubbing him ‘goddamn man-child’ and ‘Laurel Canyon know-it-all’.

She cheerfully justifies her choice by asking ‘why wait for the best when I could have you?’.

Del Rey proves to us throughout this album that she is the master of her own destiny. While seasoned fans rejoice at this rare opportunity to get to know the enigmatic star, casual

listeners may tire of nineminute epics such as Venice B*tch, or be mystified by reference- heavy sagas such as Bartender. NFR is not for everyone. It is less accessible than Del Rey’s more popinfluenced albums, but what it lacks in accessibility and headbanger tracks it makes up for in lyrical substance and musical authenticity.

NFR is a testament to the times. On the album’s title, Del Rey told Pitchfork: ’This is where we’re at Norman f*cking Rockwell.

We’re going to go to Mars, and Trump is president’.

Indeed, we find ourselves in a strange and surreal era - NFR’s cover art reflects this perfectly: California burns in the distance as Lana and her companion gaze helplessly from their sailing boat, unable to do anything but watch the chaos unfold.

But amid all the uncertainty, Lana Del Rey reaches out to take us with her for the ride.

ARTS: MUSIC 23

THE FOUNDER October 2019

Top 3 Most Anticipated Releases 2. White Reaper – You Deserve Love (18/10/19)

SONNY ETCHELL

Rex Orange County, Twitter

1. Rex Orange County - Pony (25/10/19) New music from the Surrey singer-songwriter Alex O’Conner aka Rex Orange County is just around the corner, with his third studio album Pony being released on October 25th. We’ve already had a taster of it with his new single ‘10/10’, a soulful, irresistibly catchy little song that showcases Rex’s improved voice as well as heartfelt lyrics and cleaner production.

As an artist who is still in the very early stages of his career, the best is still to come for Rex Orange County. At 21, he has two albums under his belt and is selling out UK shows including three upcoming dates at London’s Brixton Academy. For an artist of such a young age he also has such a strong stage presence proven at Glastonbury earlier this year.

You don’t get many bands like White Reaper anymore. They make straightforward poprock but where other bands might lack identity and a defined sound, White Reaper have mastered the formula of great songwriting, catchy melodies and refrains while having a sound that is recognisable as theirs. Inspired by the likes of Weezer and The Strokes, White Reaper are a group that know exactly what kind of music they want to make and do it expertly. Their last album, fittingly titled The World’s Best American Band is the perfect starting point for any newcomer to the band.

At only half an hour long, it is a short and sweet collection of consistently catchy, sweet and uplifting rock songs with a raw, lo-fi edge to the production.

Perhaps the main reason they stand out in the saturated world of rock is the brilliant voice of the vocalist Tony Espocito, whose growling voice gives every song such passion that wouldn’t be achieved with a more conventional singing voice. White Reaper are a wholly underrated band that should be playing arenas worldwide.

Grimes, Twitter

3. Grimes –Miss_Anthropocene (release date unknown) It has been four years since her last album Art Angel and fans have been anticipating new music ever since. Grimes has released a couple of singles recently which suggests that if an album is not out by the end of the year, we should get it next year.

The experimental ‘We Appreciate Power’ was released earlier this year and blended Grimes’ dreamy, futuristic sound with grungy, industrial metal guitars and drums.

Her latest single ‘Violence’, complete with a badass music video with women dancing with samurai swords and crossbows in front of an interpretation of a temple, is Grimes returning to her brand of synth pop, with a driving beat and dreamy, ethereal vocals. Grimes is truly an artist of the future and if these singles are anything to go by, her new record will be her best music yet.

Hozier at the London Palladium AMELIA MORRIS

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n Thursday 3 rd October, due to fortunate circumstances and a hefty helping of good karma, I was able to attend Hozier’s third sold out night at the London Palladium. At 7pm, Argyle Street was dark and rainy as the audience queued all

the way up to Oxford Street tube station and down to the iconic Liberty’s building.

The Palladium has had only a few standing concerts during the spring of 2019 during a standing run prior to Hozier’s five-night run but the theatre, best-known for its history in comedy, made an ornate but intimate setting for the night.

The opening act, Irish singer/ songwriter David Keenan, cast a spell over the audience with his voice, guitar, and his guitar case with hand cut letters spelling out his name.

His lyrics are almost like poetry and the combination of his clear love of language and music with boyish arrogance and a beautiful

voice set the tone for what was to come.

At 9:05, the lights dimmed and the crowd grew silent.

There was no sudden appearance, no surging forwards of the standing crowd. Hozier simply walked out with his band and began plucking the opening notes of ‘As It Was’ from his latest

album, Wasteland, Baby!, showcasing his vocal talents before launching into the triumphant ‘What Would I.’ ‘Nina Cried Power’ changed the feeling within the crowd to something desperate and empowered akin to a protest as images and videos from past demonstrations showed on the screen at the back

24 ARTS: MUSIC of the stage and during the first chorus, an audience member threw a transgender flag, perfectly timed with the song, which Hozier held aloft and placed on his mic stand.

The flag later migrated to the platform below the drum kit and remained there for the remainder of the concert.

Crowd-favourites ‘Almost

(Sweet Music)’ and ‘Jackie and Wilson’ were placed thoughtfully between the more mellow and poetic tracks such as ‘Shrike’ and ‘From Eden.’ ‘Shrike’ was punctuated by a beautiful solo from the talented violinist (who also played the guitar and sang backing vocals) and in ‘Almost (Sweet

Music)’, each band member showed off with improvised riffs before the final chorus.

Although the best-known – and arguably over-played – Hozier song, ‘Take Me to Church’ felt surprisingly fresh; the first verse was sung almost entirely by the crowd and was accompanied by black and white images from

THE FOUNDER October 2019 the music video, given more power by the blue, pink and white flag that was centrestage on the drums’ platform.

Hozier gathered the flag into his hand and sang the repeated ‘Amen’s before the final chorus with the flag held aloft right at the front of the stage, solidifying his status as a long-time ally of the

LGBT+ community.

Hozier ended the night with a beautiful performance of ‘Cherry Wine’ as an encore, along with similarly stunning ‘Work Song’. The lights came up and illuminated the London Palladium once again, the perfect venue for an amazing concert.

A Playlist for Procrastination KEREN TOMASOA

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he exchange from summer to autumn has never been easy, especially coming from hot rays and glinting sunlight to layering and getting caught in the rain: below is a list of songs that have helped me in this seasonal transition:

Sunburn Modern - Baio Christopher Baio, bassist of indie darlings Vampire Weekend, also moonlights as a producer under his surname, Baio. In this track, you find that downtempo electronica has always been a staple for soundtracks by the beach, and Sunburn Modern showcases this through the trilling of the synths, soft cries akin to the sound of marimbas, and a groovy bassline that will have your feet kicking.

Dancing On My Own Robyn A dance-pop ballad that tells the tale of being heartbroken in the club, Robyn agonises over an all-too-familiar feeling through this homage to her favourite ‘sad, gay,

disco anthems’. There is nothing quite like returning to university a year older and a little bit more jaded and tired, and as such, the hammering synths describing a woman’s sadness -- ‘I’m in the corner / Watching you kiss her’ while she triumphantly dances on her own. Perhaps the transition of the seasons is about nervous ballads that result in self-acceptance.

up.’ Matt Berninger of The Nationals sings somberly in baritone, reminding us of the past and how he reminisces bitterly -- ‘I never thought about love / When I thought about home’. Its inclusion in this playlist serves as a juxtaposition to the other tracks, reminding us of a future which is wrought and ridden with anxiety. People still theorise about the track’s

Seventeen Sharon van Etten Continuing this playlist’s theme of unease and growth, Seventeen by Sharon van Etten is a perfect, melancholic way of reflecting upon something you have come to be familiar with and instead realising that you have outgrown your previous perspectives. Seventeen is fuzzy and fraught -- ‘You’re just seventeen / So much like me’. We never truly outgrow our past selves, and Sharon tells us that it is okay.

Bloodbuzz Ohio The Nationals ‘Stand up straight at the foot Images source: Genius.com of your love / I lift my shirt

lyrical vagueness hidden underneath a beautiful indie rock soundscape -- a person’s trip to prison? -- and Matt has hinted at the possibility that going home is always riddled with a past that we try to cover. Whatever the interpretation, this song accompanies late night library sessions and the buzz of coffee that accompanies it.

Saint Claude - Christine and the Queens Released both in French and English, Christine describes her experience of seeing a queer youth being bullied and her regretting that she did not act upon it, instead reflecting as she reaches her station. ‘We are so lonely’, Christine wails at the end, and her choice of using a collective pronoun makes us culpable as well.

THE FOUNDER October 2019

ARTS: MUSIC 25

Ginger Baker Obituary O

Artist Spotlight: OUTLYA

found their own sound amidst the saturation of the current UTLYA may be a music scene. For me, ‘The band with a seemingly Light’ and ‘Volcano’ are the small following, but they songs that convey this, with have heaps of potential. powerful electric guitar riffs Although they only have and drumbeats over mighty 3,500 Instagram followers vocals creating an overall and almost 4,000 on Twitter, euphoric sound. The anthemvocalist and keyboardist Will like choruses in these two Bloomfield, guitarist Willem songs are very characteristic Olenski and drummer Henry of the band and are enough Kilmister have graced the to get any audience singing stages of the Reading, Leeds along on a first listen, which and Latitude festivals. Fans is something OUTLYA of Bastille, Imagine Dragons, frequently get their audiences and Coldplay should keep an to do. eye out for OUTLYA. Since Volcano - which The London-based indiewas highly praised by pop trio have also been The Telegraph and DIY an opening act for various Magazine - the band sold artists including James Bay out their Camden Assembly and George Ezra. I remember show and headlined their seeing them perform back in own short UK tour last year.

2017 as the supporting act for Although their song-writing singer/songwriter Frances process may seem slower at the Shepherd’s Bush O2 than that of the average chart Empire in London. Even artist, their latest tracks have though the band got together clearly been constructed three months prior to the gig and produced with immense – as Bloomfield announced care and attention. “White at the end of their set – they Light” is an upbeat, groovy completely captured the song about holding on to audience’s attention with the hope in times of trouble amount of passion and energy and has the potential to they channelled throughout be a hit single, whilst the their performance. I was more dream-like quality completely hooked, and of “Lost” is emphasised after Bloomfield gave me

by Bloomfield’s mellow an iron-on patch with the vocals and is reminiscent of band’s name on it, which I Chris Martin’s vocal style in immediately stitched to my Coldplay’s ballads. jacket when I got home.

OUTLYA are a hidden Their first EP, Volcano, gem that have yet to break now has over one million into the charts and release streams on Spotify and since a debut album, but with its release in 2017, OUTLYA their upcoming show at The have been gradually gaining Lexington in London this more recognition. Volcano is December, 2020 could be the made up of four incredible year that they break out into songs that undoubtedly the mainstream. showcase a band that has RENÉE LEWIS

debut album in 1966 which contained one of the earliest examples of a drum solo, as Baker adapted his earlier composition ‘Camels and Elephants’ from the Graham Bond Organisation. They released three more albums which include memorable songs such as “‘Strange Brew’, ‘Sunshine Of Your Love’, and ‘White Room’”.

As the band progressed, tensions between Bruce and Baker grew, eventually leading to its dissolution in Image source: Flickr 1968.

Baker joined another GUY PEARCE time performing in London’s supergroup, Blind Faith, and jazz clubs was recommended then proceeded onto creating he drummer of a band by future Rolling Stones Ginger Baker’s Air Force, is often viewed as the drummer, Charlie Watts, for a jazz-rock fusion project ‘quiet one at the back of a position in Alexis Korner’s in 1970. Its initial success the stage’ whose job is to Blues Incorporated, where faded overtime and after a keep rhythm and tempo. he first met Jack Bruce. near-fatal cocaine overdose, However, Peter Edward Baker and Bruce continued Baker moved to Nigeria and ‘Ginger’ Baker was one to work together as rhythm immersed himself in African of the leading pioneers partners in the Graham music, which heavily to challenge this with Bond Organisation in the influenced his drumming his ostentatious playing early 1960s. Despite their style. style. He characterised the frequent encounters, they Baker found himself back drummer as an ‘animated’ often disagreed with one in London before moving and expressive member of another, leading to a volatile to Italy where he worked Cream, where he almost relationship that included on- as an olive farmer. He then instantly became famous stage fights and the breaking moved to the US where from his work. With the of one another’s instruments. he participated as a jazz short lifespan of a mere two Baker eventually fired Bruce drummer in a series of bands years (July 1966 - November from the band - however Bruce but later returned to Africa, 1968), Cream became one continued attending gigs, and finally London, to form of the most influential leading to Baker threatening Jazz Confusion. psychedelic bands in British Bruce at knifepoint which Sadly, Baker died at history. The group consisted ultimately turned Bruce away. 80 years old on October 6 By the mid-1960s, Baker th 2019. He left not only of Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton, took a hiatus from the band and and Ginger Baker. his three children, but an Despite finding global proceeded to join Clapton’s incredible legacy of jazzsuccess in the rock and roll then unnamed band, on the rock infused drumming. industry, Baker’s drumming condition that Bruce would be emerged from a jazz blues brought into the band as well, He is a large inspiration background. In 1962, the a band that is widely regarded to drummers and will be young aspiring drummer as the first supergroup: Cream. thoroughly missed, but not Cream released their forgotten. who spent vast amounts of

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26 SPORTS

THE FOUNDER October 2019

The Founder Introduces: RHUL MMA

EMILY ROMABILES, RHUL MMA Social Secretary

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ew sports can seem as daunting and technically elusive as martial arts, but RHUL’s Mixed Martial Arts club provides an accessible, integrated atmosphere in which to learn and train. With four weekly classes in Thai boxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and the eponymous style of MMA, members can receive comprehensive combat sport instruction whether they hold black belts or have never stepped foot on the mats. Of particular interest to the latter group is often what each style entails; in answer to this, Thai boxing comprises close-range striking, making use of traditional punches as well as kicks, clinches, and elbow- and kneestrikes, while Brazilian jiujitsu focuses on submission grappling, including joint locks and leverage- based movements. MMA draws elements from both of these

and then some, allowing a full- circle fighting experience of both standup and groundwork. (The committee appreciates that such fighting jargon may not be universally understood and encourages the reader to find out what these terms mean at training!)

Inclusivity is at the heart of the club, and everyone with an interest is welcome. Students have come from an eclectic variety of backgrounds, a matter well represented by the committee itself.

Second-year president Tasia Marsh and third-year treasurer Harshdeep Singh have developed most of their skills since starting university, while other members have previously delved into such styles as kickboxing, Japanese jiu-jitsu, kali, grappling, and JKD. The combined fighting knowledge and understanding of the club’s ethos make for a dedicated

group eager to share their sport, as well as some newly implemented changes. Semiprofessional coaches based at NFM Windsor, frequent and varied social activities, and a weekly ‘open mat’ session for sparring and free drilling are just some examples of what’s in store for the club.

Furthermore, competition has been of special interest to many members and thus there are plans to promote both external and intra-club opportunities to compete, one of which being the university’s own Fight Night (arguably one of the coolest events on campus for the fighter walkouts alone!). Of course, there is no pressure to compete and some members enjoy the club simply for the excellent fitness it offers.

With two-hour sessions and a fair amount of cardio, a killer workout is almost a guarantee. Though training has just gotten underway, there has already been much enthusiasm evidenced by

the sheer size of recent turnouts and energy during training. Every class thus far has seen at least twenty people in attendance, most of whom have zealously thrown themselves (quite literally at times) into exercises and drilling. This group is not one easily fazed by the unfamiliar,

Clipart credits: Pinterest.com

and in fact has demonstrated the open-mindedness, grit, and positivity that make a team of fighters. The club’s role? Simply to bridge the gap between these existing qualities and the combat knowledge that will take everyone further. If that sounds enticing, the club welcomes you, too.

SPORTS 27

THE FOUNDER October 2019

The PL Big Six Summer Transfer Window Analysis ZAFIR ZAFIROV

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ith the Premier League rapidly approaching game week 7, and now that the summer transfer madness has long finished, it is a good time to turn our attention and evaluate the top teams transfer business. More specifically, focus on what signings the big teams have

Next on the list is Chelsea.

The Blues endured a transfer ban so signed only Matteo Kovacic who is a key part of the side. As a bonus, the arrival of loanees such as Pulisic and the in-form Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori have been all very positive for Chelsea despite their rocky start. Safe to say, Frank Lampard has some pretty good cards in his hands.

Liverpool decided to focus on keeping their ChampionsLeague-winning squad rather than focus on signings.

Klopp brought in a couple

made, how some of those players have performed so far, and, lastly, rate their respective summer in terms of transfers.

We start with Arsenal. The Gunners managed to sign 6 players, with Nicolas Pepe being the biggest of them all. However, despite his indisputable talent, the Ivory Coast international has yet to show his impressive stats from last season at Lille. On top of that, David Luiz, who was brought in because of his experience, has looked shaky at best. With Chambers’ recent comments though, we can see he is making quite the impression amongst the team off the pitch. Moreover, signings Ceballos, Tierney and Martinelli have all impressed when called upon with Saliba shining whilst Image source: The Independent on-loan at St-Ettiene.

of youngers, and veteran goalie Adrian, who has performed his role as second choice goalkeeper admirably thus far. Even though the Reds are marching for the title, on the transfer side, things have been very poor.

The PL Champions, City, spent more than 130 million to bring in not only high-profiles such as Rodri and João Cancelo but also some very promising talents. Doubtless to say, Porro, left-Angeliño, and Steffen have been bought for the future. These

signings have been promising but it is obvious to see that not signing a replacement for outgoing legend Kompany may jeopardise their title challenge.

Tottenham have been an interesting case as Spurs have not been up to par, despite securing players like Ndombele, wunderkind Ryan Sessegnon, Lo Celso, and even the promising Jack Clarke from Leeds. On paper, this is a transfer work done right, but they have not replaced outgoing players like Trippier and Llorente and it has shown in their performances this

season.

Lastly, there is Manchester United. Even though the Red Devils are currently under- performing in the league, they have done some thrilling transfers.

Harry Maguire, definitely being the high note. If that is not enough, Daniel James and Wan-Bissaka, also freshly arrived, have already shined at the Theatre of Dreams. With this in mind, it will not be wrong to argue that United have had a fantastic Summer transfer window.

The long, lazy days of summer are over and term time has begun.

Welcome to all students old and new!

At Danehurst, we have spent the last ten years developing purpose-built accommodation for students at RHUL, the very first in the area. Through our previous developments, The Pad and Podium on Egham Hill, hundreds of fellow students have enjoyed unbeatable facilities, all set in a stylish, stress-free, safe and fun environment.

We are very proud of our previous schemes and feel excited about what’s to come‌..watch this space!

Enjoy the coming term from all of us at Danehurst.

www.danehurst.com