The Nutcracker
Most of the Nutcrackers that show up in theatres this time of year are full-scale productions that are meant to awe adults as much as to charm children. The fact is that often, in the interest of production values, the flow the story itself gets lost for kids. Lyric State adduces those issues with a more modest production of ‘The Nutcracker’ by its Children’s Theatre. The production, which is aimed at younger audiences, is also not quite as expensive as the more elaborate versions of the show.
Jose Carreras
Unsurprisingly, this one-off concert by one of the world’s most respected tenors sold out months ago. If you’re one of the lucky ones with a ticket then prepare for superb evening of music and song, with guest soprano Lisa Milne, the City of Glasgow Chorus and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
New shows at the French Institute
Several artists are represented in two simultaneous exhibitions at the French Institute. The photos and videos of artist Dominique Auerbacher focus on our contemporary environment, interiors and popular home furnishings. She finds inspiration in places like an IKEA catalogue when commenting on the functional environments we create. A parallel group exhibition includes Szilárd Cseke experiments with movement, Attila Hetesi asphalt masks and pieces by Dezso Szabo, whose work incorporates a two-metre tall DNA model.
Climax
This monthly party at Prague’s vaunted Roxy club is the place to be on Saturday night – particularly if you’re partial to E. The idea is that everyone pops a pill at the same time and the crowd has a mass simultaneous climax. Everyone is guided to these heights by the able veteran Prague DJ Chris Sadler, a Nottingham native. Joining him on the decks is a Prague native Josef Sedlon, another DJ force to be contended with and a star of local fringe radio. Dan Cooley is also on tap tonight, with chillout tracks provided in a second dance area by DJ ALI. Just mind the crumbling plaster of this former 1920s’ movie house.
Sebastião Salgado
Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado returns to Madrid with ‘Exodus’, a major exhibition of some 300 photos that cannot leave even the most hardened viewer indifferent. This time his chosen subject matter is refugees and he portrays the injustice and the desperation of those who are forced to leave their homes owing to conflict or poverty. Dramatic in the extreme, Salgado’s images still confer dignity and respect to his subjects and are a cry for solidarity in these insensitive times.
Frank
Where do you find a decent Italian meal in New York with and an unpretentious menu at unpretentious prices despite its hip clientele? Frankly, you can do no better than Frank. You may have to wait online for up to an hour, but it’s worth your trouble. It feels like you’re in someone’s East Village apartment – none of the cutlery or crockery matches – but the rustic Italian food is excellent. Delicious gnocchi, pasta and meatloaf are just the things to keep winter’s chill at bay, complemented by tasty basics such as fennel salad and exquisite mozzarella shipped in from Naples.
