Category: Articles
The first thing that struck me about the otherwise excellent programme notes was the absence of any direct comment about the thrust of the 1927 German film as an anti-capitalist document.
The notes suggest that the scenes of forced labour foreshadowed the concentration camps. That seems a misleading remark, considering NAZI taking power was still six years away, while exploitation of industrial workers had characterized most industrial enterprises since the... read more
Crude narcissism smothers TV doco on NZSO tour
I found the TV film on the NZSO’s 2010 Europe tour a total embarrassment.
Some may think that the only way to make a watchable documentary is to lace it with sex and crudeness. I differ.
Today’s permissive climate, when it isn’t cool to harbour behaviour standards known in former times as decent, cultivated or civilized, makes it hard for anyone to... read more
Wallowing in International Art while staying at home
Musings and a review by Peter Coates.
This week has been a very exciting one for me. Last Sunday I saw a performance of Wushu martial arts by twenty-four Chinese visiting experts. This was spectacular, colourful and beautifully choreographed and performed in front of an appeciative audience at the Wellington Town Hall. Modern dance choreographers in Wellington should have been along to witness it.
This was followed by another Chinese delight... read more