Culture
Antigone Theatre Review
By Ruby L
The traditional Greek tragedy ‘Antigone’ (which was written in 400 B.C.E) has many links to our modern world. Antigone regards a young protagonist - named Antigone - who violates the King’s (Creon) rules despite the fact that she is aware that there will be devastating consequences.
Antigone is portrayed by Jodie Whittaker who produces an emotional representation of the young protagonist. Antigone is a head-strong woman who believes that everyone should be treated equally, even if they have performed a controversial action.
King Creon of Thebes is played by Christopher Eccleston. Creon is the uncle of Antigone and even though they are family, he is never biased towards her niece’s beliefs. Christopher Eccleston paints Creon as a cold-hearted leader at the beginning of the play but has contrasting morals towards the end.
This performance as a whole challenges that of the audience and makes them reflect upon their own beliefs and opinions. Michael Billington from the Guardian describes the play as a ‘Stirring new production.’
wHAT IS National Theatre at Home?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect on theatres up and down the country. In sales on 17 March compared with the same day in 2019, numbers of advance tickets and income dropped by 92%. To help aid our theatres, National Theatre has introduced the all-new National Theatre at Home. This is a streaming service, allowing you to watch British Theatre; available to watch anytime, anywhere. If you do choose to subscribe to help aid the performing arts, Antigone is definitely one to watch.
eXtRACTION Film review
By Vinny R
So far in 2020 - 2021, there have been some good and popular films, some of these are:
One of my favourite movies during lockdown was Extraction. This movie is a Netflix original action thriller and it stars the actors; Chris Hemsworth and Rudhraksh Jaiswal. Although Chris Hemsworth in this movie is a very good actor, he is playing his character like Thor.
Here is a brief overview of the plot without spoiling too much. A black-market mercenary (who has nothing to lose) is hired to rescue the kidnapped son of an imprisoned international crime lord. But in the murky underworld of weapons, dealers and drug traffickers, an already deadly mission approaches the impossible.
This movie was very enjoyable to watch although personally, I think that at some points, the silence lasted for too long. Overall, this movie really hits the nail on the head for me and it deserves an 8/10.
YES DAY FILM REVIEW
By Noah M
Another new movie that arrived on Netflix recently is Yes Day. It's a comedy/family film and is about three kids. The parents always feel like they have to say "no" to their kids, Allison and Carlos (their parents) decide to give their three kids a "Yes Day," during which the kids have 24 hours to make the rules and do whatever they like. Overall I would give this movie a 7/10 as it contained the right humor along with the best actors for the roles they play. I say this because Jeniffer Garner and Edgar Ramirez effectively portray the characters in a way that makes the audience react in a desired way. Jenna Ortega, Julian Lerner and Everly Carganilla are good roles for their characters because they demonstrate how the kids are restrained from their wishes.
This film is set in Los Angeles and is like any other comedy family film and doesn't get boring. Overall I would rate Yes Day an 8/10.
How has COVID-19 affected the film industry?
By Vinny R
Scarlett Johannson as Marvel's Black Widow
The Film Industry has been negatively impacted during lockdown. Many films that the public have been looking forward to haven't had the chanced to be released; for example, the new Black Widow movie. This is a big downfall as Marvel normally releases around 4 movies a year. By missing opportunities in 2020, this means that the industry could be affected economically and it could do further damage to future movies. This has also happened to other companies as well.
Although the film industry has been impacted in a disastrous way, companies like Netflix and Amazon have made huge amounts of money because most viewers rely on those streaming platforms to upload and make more films as a method of entertainment.
Overall, the film industry has been impacted by COVID-19 and it will take a while to recover, but if we look on the bright side, there are different ways to watch our favourite movies.
Artistic Rainbows of Hope
Arty impacts of covid-19
By Curtis G
During lockdown, people have been struggling to learn, most subjects are difficult to teach online, along with the fact that there is no physical presence making it even harder. However, Art in lockdown has been thriving significantly. This is due to the fact that not only are people cooped up indoors but it is a way for people to express themselves with no-one around. This has led to a sudden spike of interest in art.
So, has lockdown helped us discover the importance of art and creativity without even realising it? Have you ever noticed all the rainbows and messages on the windows? Did you ever have a really good idea of how to redesign your room and spend hours picking wallpaper (I know my family has). This is due to the fact that it gives you something to do and bit by bit your creativity is growing. Have we unwittingly put a sudden extra value on the arts and creativity? This is very positive because people are learning and having fun without even knowing it, we’re all at our wits end with Covid and are tired of staying indoors (I know I am). But maybe there was a little good from it.
tHE DOMINATION OF DUA LIPA
By Tegan B & Keira P
Dua Lipa dominates nominations, as the award show, the Brits celebrates female artists. Recently Dua Lipa has been nominated for 3 categories in the Brits awards 2021. This year the ceremony is taking place at London O2 Arena on the 11th of May with performances by her and Griff. Her new album “future nostalgia” has had global success, also her well-known song “physical” is nominated the best in single categories and was released in the first week on lockdown.
In an interview, Dua Lipa said “I am so excited to be returning to performing for you all at the brits this year. It’s going to be truly special to be back on stage in the UK”.
THE RISE OF THE WELLERMAN
By Rowan S
Nathan Evans Sea Shanty Wellerman goes to Number 1 in the UK charts. Scottish postman turned social media sensation Nathan Evans has reached number one in the uk charts with his version of a 19th century sea shanty. Evans first found fame on TikTok by singing traditional seafaring songs, before being offered a record deal which resulted in him giving up his day job.
A pop remix of one song, wellerman, has spent seven weeks in the top three but has now reached top spot. His rise to number one comes after an appearance on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway last weekend.
