Antarctica Encore: The work of Frances Hatch

Think of the most beautiful thing you have ever seen and then imagine the music to describe that image. What do you hear? A sweet little ditty or an amalgamation of sound, creating ambient noise that precisely matches the image in your head?

Antarctica Encore is a ‘cross modal improvisation’ by Artist, Frances Hatch and Musicians, Cathy Stevens and Udo Dzierzanowski. The collaboration of images and music to create and discover artwork in a new form is an entirely improvised and a captivating exploration of the world of art and the emotions behind images.

The performance took place Thursday 18^th February at Bournemouth University’s, Talbot House at 12.30pm. The improvisation was a fascinating insight into one of the world’s most remarkable sights through the mind of a passionate artist.

Frances Hatch was born in born in the Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire in 1955 and enjoys the discovery of new art forms and nature. “I do lots of different things but there is a running theme throughout my life,” she said. “Even as a child I tended to like working outside with my dog, I just love meeting new landscapes”.

The artist’s most recent project involved her ‘bewildering’ and ‘very long’ trip to Antarctica. The images which were displayed in the university’s Atrium gallery represent Frances’ journey from the anticipation of waiting to embark on her adventure to the reflection of the journey behind her. “Because the gallery is located in a university I was able to put up works in progress that are not necessarily saleable” she said. “I was able to show the progression of a project and I like working like that.”

Originally, Frances trip was intended as a solitary venture, but after a group called ‘extreme’ got in touch with her, she agreed to be lead artist on the open exhibition.

Antarctic Encore began with an explanation of the Antarctic landscape. Various facts were thrown at the audience to help them envisage the vast space and lack of dimension which the Antarctic holds. “There is no way to define the scale of an ice berg or an albatross,” Frances said.

Before the performance the artists took time to enjoy a minute of meditation and prepare the audience for the adventure. The performance was delivered in four, ten minute movements to represent Frances journey.

‘Anticipation’ involved purely sounds from various percussion instruments and art materials from sand paper to socks with bells on. The peaceful noise created a real chill, sending shivers down the spines of the audience as the musicians moved fluidly around the floor.

‘Journey’ enabled Frances to demonstrate the clever use of materials as she scribbled away at her artwork. Seeming aimless at first, the beauty of her haphazard work became noticeable within a few moments, reflecting the vast space and colours of the Antarctic landscape.

The beautiful translucent sound of the violectra – a six string, electronic viola – washed over the entranced audience as Frances painted over the mishmash of colourful paper which she used as her canvas.

The materials Frances used were quirky to say the least; from branches to polystyrene blocks it was amazing how she manipulated the materials in to creating something so striking. As the music became frenzied, so did her painting. The artist began to use dark colours, blacks and blues and painting quickly as though frustrated with the landscape and mimicking its unpredictable existence.

‘On Location’ turned the audience’s attention to a power point which displayed images from the Antarctic alongside the artwork Frances produced amongst the glaciers. Accompanied with the sound of jerky strings, clashes, bangs and the impression of howling wind, the third movement enabled the audience to appreciate the intimidating side of the beautiful landscape. As the images appeared on screen it was easier to understand the lack of scale she spoke of at the beginning of the venture.

Beginning with a quote from Jenny Diski’s, Skating to Antarctica, the final movement, ‘On Reflection’ returned Frances to the makeshift canvas. She went on to add colour to the previously bleak landscape, tearing paper dramatically to the beautiful sound of the Violectra. “It is not white and it is not silent” she said.

Mesmerizing, does not touch on the way that the three minds of Udo, Cathy and Frances work together to create such artistic genius. From penguins to glaciers, Frances’ project covers every corner of the Antarctic world she visited, great or small, and the astounding emotion behind her art becomes apparent when watching her at work.

New Talent: The Alternative Performance Society, Cause Célèbre

Bournemouth University’s Alternative Performance society are not only alternative by name but by nature as well. The quirky bunch is mostly made up of 1^st and 2^nd year Script writers who “wanted to get involved in something other than West Side Story”. The society was set up last year, when Simon Lay, President and Director of their latest spectacle, realised there was no society for students to write and perform their own plays.

This year the group has unfortunately seen a sketch show fall through. So determined to make their latest venture ‘Cause Célèbre’ a success, Simon has booked out the Lighthouse in Poole for a night, fitting the bill alongside the likes of John Buchan’s, ‘The 39 Steps’ and Eve Ensler’s, ‘The Vagina Monologues’. Although the play was blind cast and is still, in reality, work in progress, Simon is sure that it will be ready in time for the opening night.

With possibility of acquiring the likes of Colin Baker and film critic and Culture Show presenter, Mark Kermode for guest appearances the ticket sales have rocketed. Another performance is being considered at the University’s Allsbrook Lecture Theatre.

Simon comes across as a passionate director and never fails to make you smile with his extravagant gestures and witty one-liners. He started the group a year ago under the name of ‘The Multifarious Spectacle of Surrogate Ideas’ but thinking this was a bit of a mouthful, changed it to ‘The Alternative Performance Society’ to attract a larger cast.The performers receive their funding from the University, but at only £700, this barely covers the cost of hiring out the Lighthouse. The cost to the production currently stands at over a grand, leaving the society hopeful of breaking even with ticket sales.

But is it money that they are after, or just recognition? “I want to show people that the University has some really talented performers and writers and I chose the Lighthouse as a new, bright and shiny theatre which will showcase this talent,” said Simon.

The script writers started Cause Célèbre back in September and with the first draft finished in November the show promises a slightly twisted jaunt into the lives of fairytale characters. This show is certainly not for the easily offended and where there is space for innuendo, it never fails to satisfy. With characters such as Widow Wanky and The Fugly Sisters, this hilarious panto-esque tale really is, as the script states, a “Drama school’s living incarnation of hell!”

Antarctica Encore

Think of the most beautiful thing you have ever seen and then imagine the music to describe that image. What do you hear? A sweet little ditty or an amalgamation of sound, creating ambient noise that precisely matches the image in your head?

Antarctica Encore is a ‘cross modal improvisation’ by Artist, Frances Hatch and Musicians, Cathy Stevens and Udo Dzierzanowski. The collaboration of images and music to create and discover artwork in a new form is an entirely improvised and a captivating exploration of the world of art and the emotions behind images.

The performance took place Thursday 18^th February at Bournemouth University’s, Talbot House at 12.30pm. The improvisation was a fascinating insight into one of the world’s most remarkable sights through the mind of a passionate artist.

Frances Hatch was born in born in the Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire in 1955 and enjoys the discovery of new art forms and nature. “I do lots of different things but there is a running theme throughout my life,” she said. “Even as a child I tended to like working outside with my dog, I just love meeting new landscapes”.

The artist’s most recent project involved her ‘bewildering’ and ‘very long’ trip to Antarctica. The images which were displayed in the university’s Atrium gallery represent Frances’ journey from the anticipation of waiting to embark on her adventure to the reflection of the journey behind her. “Because the gallery is located in a university I was able to put up works in progress that are not necessarily saleable” she said. “I was able to show the progression of a project and I like working like that.”

Originally, Frances trip was intended as a solitary venture, but after a group called ‘extreme’ got in touch with her, she agreed to be lead artist on the open exhibition.

Antarctic Encore began with an explanation of the Antarctic landscape. Various facts were thrown at the audience to help them envisage the vast space and lack of dimension which the Antarctic holds. “There is no way to define the scale of an ice berg or an albatross,” Frances said.

Before the performance the artists took time to enjoy a minute of meditation and prepare the audience for the adventure. The performance was delivered in four, ten minute movements to represent Frances journey.

‘Anticipation’ involved purely sounds from various percussion instruments and art materials from sand paper to socks with bells on. The peaceful noise created a real chill, sending shivers down the spines of the audience as the musicians moved fluidly around the floor.

‘Journey’ enabled Frances to demonstrate the clever use of materials as she scribbled away at her artwork. Seeming aimless at first, the beauty of her haphazard work became noticeable within a few moments, reflecting the vast space and colours of the Antarctic landscape.

The beautiful translucent sound of the violectra – a six string, electronic viola – washed over the entranced audience as Frances painted over the mishmash of colourful paper which she used as her canvas.

The materials Frances used were quirky to say the least; from branches to polystyrene blocks it was amazing how she manipulated the materials in to creating something so striking. As the music became frenzied, so did her painting. The artist began to use dark colours, blacks and blues and painting quickly as though frustrated with the landscape and mimicking its unpredictable existence.

‘On Location’ turned the audience’s attention to a power point which displayed images from the Antarctic alongside the artwork Frances produced amongst the glaciers. Accompanied with the sound of jerky strings, clashes, bangs and the impression of howling wind, the third movement enabled the audience to appreciate the intimidating side of the beautiful landscape. As the images appeared on screen it was easier to understand the lack of scale she spoke of at the beginning of the venture.

Beginning with a quote from Jenny Diski’s, Skating to Antarctica, the final movement, ‘On Reflection’ returned Frances to the makeshift canvas. She went on to add colour to the previously bleak landscape, tearing paper dramatically to the beautiful sound of the Violectra. “It is not white and it is not silent” she said.

Mesmerizing, does not touch on the way that the three minds of Udo, Cathy and Frances work together to create such artistic genius. From penguins to glaciers, Frances’ project covers every corner of the Antarctic world she visited, great or small, and the astounding emotion behind her art becomes apparent when watching her at work.

This Is A Rather Hefty Backlog.

Highbury Youth rock their way into 2009

As Highbury Youth Theatre’s annual sketch show returns to its original slot before Christmas, the festive atmosphere is getting Highbury Theatre Centre’s youth performers ready to present ‘Highbury Rocks at Christmas’. After years of success, Jane Mason (Director) is yet again working hard to produce a witty, playful and enjoyable experience for all ages. This year the youth theatre have written and included a mixture of short scenes including comedy sketches, dances, singing and fantastic acts from ‘Shakin’ Stevens’ to ‘Leonard Cohen’. The show marks the end of Director Jane Mason’s 10th year with Highbury Theatre Centre in which she has also seen great success in her summer production of ‘Their scarves were red’ by Darren Vallier and Robert Sweetman. Each member of the youth theatre brings a fresh and exciting perspective to the show and this is reflected in the diversity of the sketches within the performance which runs from 11^th-13^th December. If you wish to see something fun and care free this Christmas, this festive frolic encapsulates the talents of the local youth performers and the admirable perseverance of Director Jane, Choreographer Sarah and Musical Director Sufia.

If you fancy taking part in the Youth theatre’s next production or wish to make a general enquiry, ring 0121 378 1851. Tickets for the show are available from the Highbury Theatre Centre box office, for more details visit www.highburytheatre.co.uk.

When You Have No Room Left On Your Computer... Upload to the Internet.

As the summer holidays come to an end, The ‘The Ronin Theatre Company’ will come into the limelight in their debut performance of Shakespeare’s, ‘A midsummer Nights Dream’.

The Sutton based drama society has been formed by university students, Matt Ager (Director), Alex Sweetnam (Producer) and Kate McMahon (Co-Producer), who have been joined by others from various universities and schools across Britain. Many of the players are involved with Highbury Theatre Centre, Sutton Coldfield and the company have used the theatre once a week to prepare, fitting in more rehearsals where possible, practising in car parks, gardens and members kitchens.

The young actors and actresses will be presenting the show on Saturday 29^th August, 7.30pm at The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham. The show promises an innovative account of Shakespeare’s words and is brought to life by youthful humour entwined with mature wit.

Director Matt Ager is confident that the play will be a success and he is already planning next summer’s run of ‘The Merchant of Venice’.

The Tickets for the show can be booked on 0121 200 1892 or at the box office itself which is open Monday - Friday 11am - 5pm and from 2pm on Saturday. However, tickets are limited to the theatre’s 80 seats.

Fancy Another?

Ok, so we all know that most students can’t say no to a cheap and cheerful night on the town, but is this really a cause for concern? Or are we all so caught up in this concept of ‘dangerous drinking’ that we have forgotten to have fun?

Experts across Britain have been hinting that Binge drinking is getting out of control and with the challenges that University brings, does this behaviour need to be prevented or embraced in order to alleviate the stress of assignments?

First we need to achieve a definition of binge drinking as the line is somewhat hazy amongst most members of the public. For example, government reports have regarded binging as 'the consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol within a limited time period’. The problem here is what counts as a ‘limited time period’. How can we prevent dangerous behaviour if we don’t know at which point it becomes dangerous? However, a general definition of Binge drinking can be described basically as ‘boozing simply to get drunk’.

Many believe that the main cause for concern is young people in Britain. Even eight-year-old children are being exposed to excessive alcohol consumption and are coming into school hung over! The problem spreads to one in four adults in Britain and 44% of 18 to 24-year-olds have been quantified regular binge drinkers causing the UK to be rated Europe's heaviest alcohol consumer.

The onslaught of criticism towards Britain’s ‘binge drinking culture’ is huge, due to the sheer amount of alcohol induced accidents that occur across the nation. It is estimated that alcohol plays a part in 20-30% of accidents and statistics have found that when completely smashed you are more likely to injure yourself falling into a bush or stepping out into moving traffic. This said, is it necessary to abolish this culture completely? Plenty of students are able to have a good night out, drink copious amounts of alcohol and still get home safely! Yes, it is true that they will probably be ‘hangin’ in the morning, but is there any real damage to their bodies?

This excessive use of alcohol can be the cause of many teenage skin complaints, dehydrating your body and causing a lack of vital nutrients. It can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure which although may not trouble you now, in years to come your heart could be in grave danger! A common problem related to alcohol abuse is liver damage and the disease cirrhosis which turns your liver into scar tissue.

Undoubtedly, these physical problems are bad enough, but binge drinkers need to consider the social problems attached to alcohol consumption. On a small scale, slurring your words doesn’t seem like such a problem, but what happens when you get up in the morning, you can’t remember where you are, where you have been, or why you are in a stranger’s bed? Some might regard this as an achievement, but statistics have shown that one in five binge drinkers who do pull regret it afterwards.

Although it is tempting to go out every night of the week and pull as many people as you want, Deals of £1 entry, £1drinks floating around to lure you in, it is clear that binge drinking is a problem and the amount of lectures missed due to the following hangover is immense. The culture has spread over the past five years and it is necessary for people, especially students, to be aware of what damage it is doing to their bodies before it is too late.