WHAT'S ON

The AgendaMARCH'S HOTTEST HAPPENINGS

EXHIBITION

Postwar Modern

BARBICAN . 3 MARCH - 22 JUNE

The 20 years following World War II was a time of profound crisis and the Barbican’s newest exhibition explores how British artists attempted to understand and refl ect on a world that had been torn apart by confl ict. Around 200 works, ranging from paintings and sculpture to photography, chronicle the post-war art scene and a landscape of devastation and reconstruction.

THEATRE

Persuasion

Until 19 March ROSE THEATRE The soundtrack to this modern reimagining of the Jane Austen classic is less Chopin and more Cardi B. Written for the stage by Je James and James Yeatman, this new production of Persuasion switches out ballrooms for dance fl oors but retains all the wit and salaciousness of the much-loved original novel. rosetheatre.org

THEATRE

Hamlet

Until 9 April SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE Forget spotlights, the Globe’s newest production of Hamlet will take place under candlelight. The court of Elsinore has a new home in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, where audiences will be able to witness the Prince of Denmark’s descent into madness from an intensely intimate perspective. shakespearesglobe.com

THEATRE

WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Until 19 March LYTTELTON THEATRE Critically acclaimed writer and director Emma Rice injected her trademark theatrical extravagances into the National Theatre’s new adaptation of Wuthering Heights. The production tells the story of the doomed lovers through the mediums of song, dance, puppetry and occasionally slapstick comedy, but fans of the Brontë classic needn’t worry, plenty of brooding and heartache remains. nationaltheatre.org.uk

ART

Surrealism beyond borders

Until 29 August TATE MODERN This new exhibition searches beyond the confi nes of the western perspective to o er a broadened understanding of Surrealism’s infl uence, one that has spanned over 80 years and 50 countries. Over 150 works of international Surrealist art will be displayed in mediums as diverse as the cultures they originated from. tate.org.uk

This Month’s Must See

BURNING QUESTIONS

SOUTHBANK CENTRE; 24 MARCH

Margaret Atwood will be taking to the stage in celebration of her book of essays by the same name. This UKexclusive Q&A event is sure to be an unmissable opportunity to watch one of literature’s keenest minds answer life’s burning questions, tackling subjects from feminism to zombies. For those unable to make it in person, fear not tickets are also available for the live stream. southbankcentre.co.uk

ART

TO WATCH

A spotlight on some of the emerging art shows to check out this month

COLIN HUTTON

Photographer Colin Hutton’s solo exhibition Formats opens at the JM Gallery in Portobello Road. Portraits of fi gures with elaborate head pieces created from nostalgic recording formats including original audio cassettes, VHS, polaroid and vinyl, shot using today’s digital technology. 2-6 March, huttonimages.com

COLIN HUTTON, BAD GIRLS, 2021

THE OTHER ART FAIR

The Other Art Fair returns to The Old Truman Brewery, showcasing 150 independent artists. The fair continues its mission to re-frame art, and how it is experienced; o ering an art fair experience that is evocative, inclusive, and inspiring. In celebration of March’s International Women’s Day, this edition of the leading artist-led fair is focused on championing women in art and alternative practices. 17-21 March, theotherartfair.com

TIM FISHLOCK

Over at Hang-Up Gallery, artist Tim Fishlock presents Paradise Version, a love letter to music and a celebration of independent record shops. Through his text-based paintings, Fishlock explores the esoteric world of record collecting. From 24 March, hanguppictures.com

“Visual messaging encouraged women to join the workforce” POSTER POWER

A new exhibition of posters focuses on the role of women in WW2. Absolutely has a preview

By EVE HERBERT

AntikBar, the original vintage poster specialist, will be holding an exhibition focusing on the role of women during World War Two featuring posters issued by both Allied and Axis powers, in particular the UK, USA, USSR and some Nazi-occupied countries. Fighting On All Fronts: Women At War will be held at their gallery in Chelsea from International Women’s Day to Victory Day (8 March to 9 May).

Labour shortages on the home front during WWII led to dramatic changes to the role of women in society. Jobs in factories, agriculture, nursing and other vital military and civilian industries that were previously seen as occupations mainly for men were now opened up to women. Posters played a big part in the publicity campaigns, using patriotic appeal to encourage women to help win the war and secure victory by joining the workforce. This exhibition shows how poster design and visual messaging varied in di erent countries depending on the impact of war on the population and the roles of women in the conflict. Although they replaced men in the war production in all countries, women’s day-to-day realities were very di erent. Britain su ered extensive bombing during the Blitz, as well as food shortages and rationing. The duties of women concentrated on providing support to the troops, handling war logistics and health and safety measures. The poster designs are often stylish and glamorous, elevating participation in the war e ort.

WOMEN AT WAR

AntikBar, 404 King’s Road, SW10 0LJ antikbar.co.uk