A virtual bank comes out of its shell to sponsor real-life events.
Heather Neill reports
Tate and Egg live
Egg is an online bank, but the series of events it is sponsoring is anything but virtual. Performances of all kinds, combining music, dance and drama with visual art, will take place in London’s Tate Britain and Tate Modern until September. For example, sculptor Anish Kapoor, composer Arvo PArt and opera director Peter Sellars will invent a work around Kapoor’s vast Marsyas sculpture in Tate Modern on February 7 and 8. A spectacular firework dragon will set the series off by zipping along the Thames and up the chimney of Tate Modern at dusk on January 31.
Information: www.tateandegglive.com.
Stones in his Pockets: special offer
What can theatre do that film can’t do better? One answer is provided in Marie Jones’s successful, long-running two-hander, Stones in his Pockets (Duke of York’s Theatre, London). “Extras” Charlie and Jake become involved in a film shoot in rural Ireland. But these two actors, with a swift turn or a deft change of stance, offer a galaxy of other characters, including Caroline, the self-absorbed leading lady, Aisling, the ambitious production assistant, and Old Mickey, a crusty local famous for being the last surviving extra in The Quiet Man. The result is a funny, imagination-stretching play that deals with the cult of celebrity and the value of friendship while displaying dazzling acting technique. Teachers have discovered the play’s value and have been bringing students. There is an education programme of workshops and Qamp;A sessions for groups at special rates, and a teacher’s pack. Treat yourself and test Stones in his Pockets as a resource. Tickets may be purchased by individuals at the school rate, pound;13.50 (instead of pound;32.50), on Monday to Thursday evenings until March 31. Tel: 020 7369 1717 and quote “Times Ed”.
Travelling dance
RJC Dance - the initials stand for reggae, jazz and contemporary - is touring Lancashire and Yorkshire until February, with further dates to be added in March and April. The new piece for four dancers, Soma, is described as “lyrical and atmosphericI the perfect antidote to the impossible pace of modern life”. Elements of “body sculpture” are incorporated to make a work that artistic director Edward Lynch describes as a milestone in the company’s 10-year history.
Information: 0113 239 2040.
Nureyev remembered
One of the most glamorous dance heroes of the 20th century is remembered in a special exhibition at the Theatre Museum in London from January 28. Rudolf Nureyev died 10 years ago. This celebration of his career shows three original costumes and one of the dancer’s favourite black leather caps as well as set and costume designs, photographs and other memorabilia. Information: 020 7943 4700.
Big-hearted
Heart’n Soul is an organisation that provides creative opportunities for people with learning disabilities. Its group of 11 performers, the Original Company, will show their devised musical theatre show, which promises to be an “exuberant collection of stories and songs that lay bare experience and give space to dreams”. At Liverpool Playhouse on February 6. Tickets: 0151 709 4776. Information about Heart’n Soul: 020 8694 1632; www.heartnsoul.co.uk.
