2018/02: The Illumination of Ursula Flight -- Anna Marie Crowhurst

2018/02: The Illumination of Ursula Flight -- Anna Marie Crowhurst

A film of sweat broke across my back – I was not gravely ill with a lethal bleeding; I would not burst out in pulsing buboes and end the day consigned, by my elbow, to a plague-cart. Nay, it was much, much worse: I was become a woman and could now bear children! [loc. 901]

A delightful Restoration romp, which might take as its subtitle one of the chapter headings: 'HERE BE THE MOSTE SECRETE DIARY OF U. FLIGHT'. Told entirely in Ursula's voice, a mixture of journal entries, letters and play scripts, it is the story of one woman's determination to live independently.( slightly spoilery )

Monthly culture: April 2018

06APR18: Dance at the Asylum
my belated Instagram photo
Still a gorgeously decayed venue: I got to talk to more people this time round. This event was a selection of readings, music and choreography on the theme of Dance: I was especially impressed by Stravinsky's 'Rite of Spring' for four hands (perfect interaction and understanding between the two pianists).

07APR18: Coraline (Turnage), Royal Opera at the Barbican
my Instagram dailyphoto
Interesting staging and presentation of Gaiman's classic scary story, but I did not care for the music, what with it being modern and all. (Mark Anthony Turnage has apparently said he will not be writing any more opera.)
When I first read Coraline I don't recall thinking of paedophilia -- the grooming and luring of the children -- but now it's an inescapable undercurrent.

11APR18: Harry Styles, O2
my Instagram dailyphoto
I saw One Direction at the O2 a few years back (hush, I have occasional access to a corporate box) and noted then that Harry Styles was the one with the stage presence. This is his first solo tour and he definitely wants to be a rock star when he grows up. Black nailpolish, a plethora of sequins and a sense of genuine affection for his fans (who were predominantly young, female, and very very happy). He's growing into his stage persona, and this was a remarkably enjoyable concert: especially taken with 'Kiwi' and with his cover of Fleetwood Mac's 'The Chain'. There were also a couple of 1D covers (the audience knew every word) and a delightful 'rainbow' effect achieved by issuing different-colour stickers for people to put over their phone lights.

26APR18: Avengers: Infinity War
my Instagram dailyphoto
Okay, I have seen it twice (so far). No spoilers here I expected that there would be deaths of characters I cared about, but I emerged more shocked than upset. It is not a cheerful film -- despite many funny lines -- and it is very much the first part of a story that will conclude this time next year. Also, it sacrifices character interaction (and indeed character, full stop) for action sequences and ramped-up peril. Some really spectacular cinematography, some splendid acting (especially Tom Holland, RDJ) and a soundtrack that's better than the usual Marvel background music. I came out of this liking Tony Stark rather more than before, and wondering if Steve Rogers had been replaced by a pod person.