Author: Adam Affandy
As part of its Art of Storytelling campaign, Playmobil spent the recent summer surveying 2,000 parents and 2,000 children aged 4–9. The findings tell an intriguing story. It found that children were also more than twice as likely to reach for a screen when they’re bored as to make up a game or story. This is supported by how 27% of parents say their children spend three to four hours a day on screens during the holidays while they’re working. Perhaps this is linked to the other finding of one in five parents (21%) running out of ideas for imaginative…
On 12th October, the Variety Disability Sports Awards were hosted at Soho Place in West End London. The evening shed the spotlight on notable achievements and wins in the world of disability sport. From elite athletes competing on the world stage, to the individuals and organisations breaking down barriers for more inclusive opportunities across the UK, the ceremony celebrated the importance of accessibility and the life-changing impact that sport can have. Variety, the Children’s Charity, aids one of the UK’s most vulnerable youth groups. Disabled young people from low-income households can be deeply isolated from receiving fair opportunities to sports. By fostering…
“Lying of any kind is ugly. Its abusive” ‘The Misanthrope’ is the new adaptation of Molière’s classic 1666 comedy of the same name, now translated for a contemporary audience. We follow Alice, a fierce and high-minded novelist played by award-winner Sandra Oh. She dares to speak the unpopular, showing zero tolerance towards encouraging disingenuous behaviour. And yet, that exact integrity is what prevents her from being truly understood by others. Indhu Rubasingham’s latest play wastes no time establishing this mission statement. During the first few minutes, we catch Alice berating her playwright best friend John (Paul Chahidi) over their opposing…
Photo Unsplash – Elina Jiang
What does it take to keep ‘the moment’ alive? The Moment is a mockumentary following the weeks leading up to Charli XCX’s accompanying tour for her studio album BRAT. In our world, the album’s promotional cycle was a global sensation. From the internet trend of having a ‘Brat Summer’ to its Grammy-winning status, Charli’s musical career definitely paid off. This film however imagines an alternate reality where Charli succumbs to the pressures of stardom in exchange for a safer commercial route. A simple premise that offers an insightful commentary on the “authentic” and “manufactured” in pop music terms. Director Aidan…
Anyone in the zeitgeist would be aware of Emerald Fennell’s recent film adaptation of the beloved Emily Brontë novel, “Wuthering Heights”. There is something about the choices Fennell has made here. From Heathcliff being a 6 ‘5 tall Jacob Elordi instead of a person of colour, the villainisation of Nelly, removing Cathy’s ghost, to even the changed ages of the characters. It is an interesting, or maybe questionable, choice of adaptation. But neither Fennell’s accuracy to the novel nor the quality of the film personally interests me here. I am more concerned with understanding the existence of “Wuthering Heights” as…
There has been a pattern in recent Hollywood dramas. Hamnet frames playwriting as a vessel to endure the weight of a mother’s grief. Is This Thing On? imagines stand-up comedy as a cathartic path of rediscovery for its protagonist. Or take Netflix’s newest film Jay Kelly; an aging actor who engages with the craft of acting to reconcile with regret. The clear pattern here is their observations on the intersection between art and emotions. The reckoning of one’s identity through creative means. Whether it be acting in front of a crowd, or being a member of the audience, art serves…
The nominations for the 98th Oscars were announced on January 22nd. As with the usual tradition of awards season, there were some notable snubs and surprises. The biggest surprise was seeing one of the Best Picture nominees break history as the most nominated film of all time at the Oscars. That achievement belongs to none other than Ryan Coogler’s Sinners. The film is incredibly rich with symbolism and commentary; how cultural preservation comes at the cost of freedom being forcefully taken by oppressive forces. It is also a fascinating genre-blend of period drama and horror. Not only does it explore…
Severance is currently the best show on television. Created by Dan Erikson and Ben Stiller, the Emmy award winning show from Apple TV+ is a gripping experience that balances elements of dark comedy and thriller. It is led by notable actors such as Adam Scott, Britt Lower, John Tuturro, and many more. In a current landscape of diverse and quality television, what makes Severance stand out? To put it simply, Severance is about a group of workers who experience a separation between their work lives and personal lives. Our main characters are employees on the severed floor of the company,…
On February 9th, the Super Bowl had its first ever solo hip-hop performer as their headliner. The event was a monumental display of live entertainment by transcending the norms of musical performances. The act served as a vehicle for profound commentary regarding the current societal and political state of America. This led to extensive discourse being ignited across internet platforms. The artist responsible was none other than twenty-two-time Grammy Award winner Kendrick Lamar. Lamar’s entrance was marked by his appearance on top of a black Buick GNX car, serving as a nod to the album cover of his recent 2024…