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  1. Peter and The Wolf (and Nick Young) – An Interview

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    As part of Ignite Festival 2014, Nick Young brings his touching retelling of the classic tale Peter and The Wolf to Exeter. Reflecting Nick’s childhood growing up in the dusty heat of Africa, his acclaimed production blends the familiar story with Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe and Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

    Here’s Nick, speaking about the play…

     

    Can you tell us a bit about Peter and the Wolf (and me) and your journey from the idea to the stage?

    As a child in Zimbabwe I was obsessed with our family vinyl of the story, narrated by Peter Ustinov. A couple of years ago I decided I wanted to tackle the story but not head on and after a couple of false starts that led nowhere I sat down and wrote “When I was seven I owned a record…” So now it is a story of my life, the 80s, Africa and family – told through the story of Peter and The Wolf. I have been working on it in spurts in between other projects over the past couple of years. I spent some time at Au Brana in France writing and developing the story, which has led to collaboration with them on the current production. Then the lovely Ms Emma Bettridge (Ferment Producer) invited me to develop it through Ferment and here we are.

    How, when and why did you decide to tackle this story?

    The question of what happened to Peter after the story, the effects of his actions, had been floating around my head for a while. Initially I tried to tackle a sequel to the folk tale but wasn’t having much joy. Then I tried a few minutes of what the show has become now (using the folk tale as a backdrop to my childhood in Africa) as a prototype and it felt right, so that’s what I continued with. I’m still interested in exploring the sequel idea though.

    What do you love most about creating theatre?

    Mostly it’s the sheer amount of energy present. That and the balls out fun I have, even when things are not going as planned (perhaps more so in fact). James Michener said: “The Master…simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he’s always doing both.” It’s something I aspire to.

    What has been the most memorable moment of creating Peter and the Wolf (and me)?

    Working with a brand new team. I have never worked with my current director (Kate Hannah Perry) or musician (Omer Makessa) on a show before, so it was a bit of a leap into the unknown but it’s working fantastically well. So I guess the single moment would be the first day of rehearsals when I realised this might just work. In the words of Hannibal, boss of the A-Team: “I love it when a plan comes together.”

    What part of the show has been the biggest challenge to direct/devise?

    As writer, performer and former self-director during last year’s Ferment, the biggest challenge has been bringing in a new director and then not telling her what the show should be.

    What’s next in the pipeline? What are you working on at the moment?

    Theatre-wise I’m working towards a show with local new writer Alice Nicholas, which I will direct in the summer. It came from Roughhouse Theatre’s 24-hour play project we were part of last year and is a nicely provocative juicy story. I am also in the very early stages of developing an idea for a show based on the true story of a man called John Tarrant aka, The Ghost Runner, but that’s very early days. There are also discussions about revisiting our take on the Odyssey that we did in The Ithaca Axis last year. Again, watch this space. I’m also training for a couple of marathons later in the year but that’s a whole different story. Unless you wanna race…?

    Nick Young is performing in Peter And The Wolf (And Me) at Exeter Phoenix on Mon 2 and Tue 3 June, as part of Ignite Festival of Theatre. For more information please visit the Ignite website HERE.

    This interview was provided by the Bristol Old Vic and the original can be found here.  Photo by Paul Blakemore.

     

  2. Two Short Nights Film Festival 2014: Call For Entries

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    Exeter Phoenix is excited to announce that the Two Short Nights Film Festival’s Call for Entries is now open.

    Two Short Nights celebrates and promotes short film and the people who make them. Now in its 12th year, the festival is proud to nurture new and emerging talent and offers a platform for regional, national and international short films to be seen.

    This year’s festival will take place on 11 & 12 December 2014 at Exeter Phoenix, UK. The festival will include screenings, talks and the premiere of the Exeter Phoenix Short Film Commissions and Artist Moving Image commission.

    Films of any genre and under 15 minutes are invited to submit.

    DEADLINE: Entries close Friday 18 July 2014.

    For information on how to submit a film visit the submissions page, or go to www.twoshortnights.co.uk for more information on the festival.

  3. Selection Panel Announced

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    Exeter Phoenix are pleased to announce the selection panel for this year’s Exeter Contemporary Open exhibition, which will consist of Independent Curator and Art Consultant, Ceri Hand, Turner Prize nominated artist David Shrigley and Phoenix Gallery Curator, Matt Burrows.

    The annual competition is one of the highlights of the artistic programme at Exeter Phoenix and in the South West artistic calendar. It attracts hundreds of submissions each year from both emerging and more established contemporary visual artists, each hoping to be selected for this high-profile exhibiting opportunity and to be eligible for one of several cash awards.

    Having selected some of the best new work from across the UK and beyond, the panel will announce the recipients of a £1000 Main Award and £500 Additional Award at a high profile launch event on the evening of September 11th, which is supported by HW Chartered Accountants and St Austell Brewery. A further £200 Audience Choice Award will be made at the end of the exhibition in October, as voted for by the visiting public.

    The deadline for entries is Friday 13 June. (Click HERE for more details)

    Ceri Hand has a long track record in both the public and commercial art sectors most recently at her eponymous Liverpool gallery which moved to London in 2010. She is currently an art consultant and independent exhibition curator.

    David Shrigey is best known for his humorous drawings and sculptures that make witty, wry and sometimes dark observations on everyday life, giving an insight into his work practice. His highly regarded exhibition Brain Activity at the Hayward Gallery, London in 2012 led to a nomination for the prestigious Turner Prize in 2013.

    Matt Burrows is the exhibitions curator at Exeter Phoenix and has previously worked for Spacex Gallery, Exeter and Victoria Miro Gallery, London.

  4. Any space can be a theatre, anyone can tell a story.

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    A Synagogue, a Cathedral, gardens, pubs and a parked caravan outside Central Station – theatre pops up all over the city for Ignite Festival.

    Mon 2 Jun – Sat 7 Jun.

    Ignite is a six day celebration of live performance in Exeter. Smaller than, but similar to the Edinburgh Festival, it will bring acclaimed national companies and the newest theatre-makers together to perform exciting new shows at venues all over the city.  Hundreds of performances will take place from morning ‘til night at venues including ourselves, The Bike Shed Theatre and The Cygnet as well as new ‘pop up’ spaces at Rougemont Gardens, Exeter Cathedral, Exeter Synagogue, The Guildhall Shopping Centre and even a parked postal sorting office outside Central Station.  The city will buzz with performers and audiences, comparing notes and experiencing fresh and inspiring new shows.

    With this in mind we’re delighted to announce our confirmed line-up for this year’s festival.  Starting on Monday 2nd June and running until Saturday 7th June, we’ll host a celebration of new live performance work.  This year will bring a record number of Ignite performances to Exeter Phoenix with a mixture of high profile shows and exciting work by the newest theatre makers.  For a full list of our shows visit our Ignite pages here.

    Some of our highlights include Major Tom by Victoria Melody a British artist who, accompanied by documentary film footage and her dog, tells the true of how an average 34-year-old woman became a beauty queen and how her pet basset hound became a championship show dog. Paper Cinema will present a unique version of the Odyssey as they manipulate pen and ink illustrations in front of a video camera and project in real-time to explore this epic tale.  A special outdoor performance by the clown troupe Le Navet Bete will take place in Rougemont Gardens and many other new pieces of theatre, comedy and dance will all be performed in just under a week of shows.

    Check out the full festival line up by visiting www.igniteexeter.org.uk.

  5. 2014 Short Film Commissions Announced

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    Exeter Phoenix Devon Short Film Commission 2014

    Exeter Phoenix Digital invited applications for the development of a short film project. The application had to be an original idea or script for a short film between 5-12 mins long. We welcomed applications for all kinds of film, including documentary, animation and of any genre.

    This commission was open to filmmakers from Devon.

    The selected films and filmmakers are…

    Site Specific

    Filmmakers: Katie Beard & Lucy Green

    The film combines site specific performance and dance. By creating this film they hope to offer opportunities for both students and the local community; casting from both sectors regardless of previous dance experience. Katie and Lucy will invite audiences to reconsider familiar locations in Exeter that are sometimes overlooked or undiscovered. These sites will be the basis of the choreography with particular emphasis on everyday pedestrian movement. In this way they hope to make dance a more accessible art form whilst exploring the possibilities of site specific performance.

    Katie-BeardAbout Katie:

    Katie has been living in Exeter for the past two years studying for a BA Drama degree at the University. She has a strong interest in performance making, and is particularly intrigued by site specific performance. Katie is very excited to explore the possibilities of site and film in this new upcoming project.

     

     

    Lucy-Green

    About Lucy:

    Lucy is a drama student from the University of Exeter, and this is her first opportunity to make a short film. Lucy has experience in a lot of aspects of theatre productions, but this is a new challenge, which she is very enthusiastic to be a part of.

     

     

     

    Seeing Red

    Filmmaker: Luke Jeffery

    Straight-laced wedding photographer Drake Dalton is prescribed an experimental new drug for his colour blindness and soon begins to experience some unexpected side effects. 

The year is 1967, the drug is LSD, and Drake’s world is about to change beyond all recognition.

    Luke_Seeing_Red

    About Luke: 

    Luke studied film at Falmouth University and since graduating last year has been involved in a variety of film and theatre projects across the South West. He currently works as a freelance writer/director and runs the Devon based production company Wandering Tiger.

    http://www.wanderingtiger.com

     

    Ashes

    Filmmaker: Nick Gordon

    Ashes is about two estranged brothers, reluctantly travelling together to their Cornish hometown to dispose of their father’s ashes. Along the way they reunite with a childhood friend and journey to the isolated village they had fled from as teenagers, slowly coming to terms with their differences and the unresolved issues in their own lives.

    The brothers slowly bond through their time together and begin to understand more about themselves and each other. By the time the film reaches its denouement the two brothers will have reflected on their relationship and their own lives, coming a step closer to dealing with their own problems.

    Nick_Gordon

    About Nick:

    Nick Gordon has worked freelance in video production and audio recording for over 10 years. Nick has directed a variety of product commercials and music videos, and also specialises in motion graphics and animation. Between projects, Nick also directs short fiction films and visual shorts.

     

     

    The Exam

    Filmmakers: Simon Lex & Chris Jones

    A huge wood panelled hall, filled with rows of single chairs and desks set up for an exam. Silent but for the ticking of a clock.

    The Exam tells the story of a woman who arrives to sit an exam, but through a series of strange events, in which the invigilator for the exam suddenly dies, and under the guise of ‘the practical’ section of the exam, eventually becomes the invigilator for another timid looking woman in an identical looking examination hall.

    the_examAbout Simon:

    Simon is relatively new to short film production. Following two successful 48 Hour Film entries to the Two Short Nights Film Festival, his interest in filmmaking led him to apply for the Exeter Phoenix commission.

     

     

     

    About Chris:

    Chris is a very experienced cinematographer, working on award winning films all over the world. In 2007 Chris was awarded a Short Film Bursary for his film Small Change, which went on to win the Two Short Nights Film Festival audience award.

    http://www.chrisjonesdop.co.uk

     

    Baby Bird

    Filmmaker: Richard Gosling

    Baby Bird is the story of eight-year-old Arthur and his attempt to nurture the abandoned bird eggs he has discovered. His efforts intend to be redemptive for numerous casual acts of cruelty toward insects during his friendship with misbehaving William. Arthur’s neighbour meanwhile, disapproving of taking birds eggs from the wild, reports him, forcing Arthur to act deceptively. Animated segments show the embryo’s in the eggs evolving with the shifting of Arthur’s attitude toward himself.  Drawings and still images show Arthur’s fantasies for the lives of the birds. We see Arthur’s world, his anxieties, and need for redemption.

    Richard_Gosling

    About Richard:

    Via numerous creative frustrations, from wanting to be a comic illustrator, a musician, a writer of screenplays, poems and songs, Richard eventually chose to study animation as a route to becoming a filmmaker. Graduating with a 1st class Degree in Animation from the Arts University Bournemouth he now makes short films.

     

     

    Exeter Phoenix Crowd Funder Short Film Commission 2014

    crowd-funder-comExeter Phoenix Digital invited applications for the development of a short film project. The application had to be an original idea or script for a short film between 5-12 mins long. We welcomed applications for all kinds of film, including documentary, animation and film ideas of any genre.

    This commission was open to filmmakers from Devon or Cornwall.

    The selected film and filmmakers are…

     

     

     

    Penny For Them

    Filmmakers: Paul & Tanya Morel of Oddbodies

    Penny For Them is Oddbodies’ latest project in collaboration with Exeter Phoenix.  An uptight English businessman is troubled by reoccurring nightmares of endlessly running for his life. Distraught and exhausted, he goes to see a Scandinavian psychiatrist specialising in sleep problems.  She hypnotises him in an attempt to get to the root of these anxieties. What she discovers takes them both on a journey of unexpected consequence.

    A darkly comic psychological thriller with a twist in the tale, Penny For Them will bear all the hallmarks of their previous work  – a compelling story shot in an intriguing setting, beautifully drawn characters, imaginative art direction and scrupulous attention to detail, all brought together with a highly distinctive and originally composed soundtrack…

    Tanya_Morel

    About Paul & Tanya:

    Paul and Tanya Morel are two of the founder members of Oddbodies, an independent production company specialising in creating original and compelling new work for film, theatre and visual arts. Renowned for their physical invention and visual ingenuity, Oddbodies’ acclaimed theatre work has been seen all over the UK, in Europe, Canada and the USA.

     

    Paul-Morel

    More recently, Oddbodies have begun to make darkly comic and beautifully colourful award winning films that have been screened at International Film Festivals both in the UK and in Europe.  Past bursary films include the wryly melancholic Fat Lady Dances On The Head Of A Pin and the fabulously grotesque Mrs Lustleigh’s Fancies.

     

     

    Visit our Digital pages for more information on filmmaking news and opportunities.

     

     

  6. Devon’s only national open contemporary art competition returns

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    Exeter Contemporary Open is one of the highlights of the South West’s arts calendar. Now in its ninth year, it provides an important national platform for contemporary visual art with an emphasis on supporting new and emerging talent alongside more established artists.

    The submission process is now open and artists working across a variety of disciplines are invited to submit work that will be considered by a panel of industry experts. The shortlisted works will be exhibited as part of the Exeter Contemporary Open exhibition at Exeter Phoenix. The Overall Award winner, announced on 11 September, will receive a £1000 prize and an Additional Award winner will receive £500. Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite work and the Audience Choice Award winner will receive £200.

    Previous winners of the Exeter Contemporary Open include Charlie Tweed, who’s work has since been exhibited at Whitechapel Arts Gallery; Matt Chivers, who created a site specific artwork for the National Trust in Dorset; and Henny Acloque, who had a solo exhibition at Liverpool’s Ceri Hand Gallery.

    Artists wishing to enter the competition should click here for information about how to apply. The deadline for submissions is Friday 13 June 2014.

     

    This year’s Exeter Contemporary Open is kindly supported by Haines Watts.

     

     

     

  7. Q & A with poet, comedian and (sometimes) rap artist Mark Grist

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    Mark Grist’s show Rogue Teacher is at Exeter Phoenix this May.

     

    In your own words, give us a short biog on yourself.

    Crumbs…Well, I’m Mark. I’m an educator, poet, comedian and the probably the world’s most unlikely battle rapper. I like to make work that’s exciting, entertaining and that makes people laugh, or think, or just enjoy poetry a little bit more than they thought they would. I create a lot of work online, which has led to me being called a ‘YouTube sensation’ (The Sun) and an ‘unlikely heartthrob’ (The Guardian). That last one is the one that cracks my friends up the most.

    What encouraged you to resign from teaching mid-recession and take on spoken word full time?

    I’d been teaching for 5 years, and whilst I loved working with teenagers and doing stuff in the classroom, I was becoming more and more frustrated with other adults that I was with in the world of education. My annoyance was dominating my writing. It was pretty much all I was writing about, to be honest, and I knew I had to do something about it. I decided to take a year out, at first, to complete an MA in Creative Writing, and develop my writing. YouTube changed all of that, though. It turned into the craziest year of my life, to be honest, and it’s what my show ‘Rogue Teacher’ is all about – how a guy in a sensible, rewarding job made the dumbest (and somehow best) decision he ever made in his life.

    What inspires your poetry?

    I’m normally inspired by something I see, or hear that sticks with me – either because it makes me angry, or amused, or surprised or even just guilty in some way. I try to write about that moment in time in a way that other people could experience it for the first time. I use humour a lot in my work, and I also enjoy writing pieces sometimes just to make people laugh or smile- I think it’s great that poetry can do that.

    What makes you stand out from other poets?

    Good question – I think that I’m not really what people expect when they picture a poet, and that’s something I like. My work is really a mixture of comedy, poetry and storytelling, that’s meant to be engaging and entertaining and (hopefully) will make you rethink poetry in some way.

    You’ve previously toured as part of Dead Poets with MC Mixy, how did that partnership form?

    I first met Mixy at a poetry gig – he leaned back whilst watching the act on stage and set his hoodie on fire where it pressed against a candle. Someone ended up chucking coke over him – it was hilarious. I’d heard a lot about him, locally, and the whole thing with the candle made it pretty easy to go over and chat to him. That’s what got me started on the perilous road to hip hop and rap battling.

    You’ve also defeated one of the Internet’s favourite MCs (Blizzard) in a rap battle and the video has now reached over 4m views. What impact has that had on your life?

    It’s totally changed it, to be honest. Whether it’s people stopping me in pubs, shops or just at the bus stop, I get a lot of people asking if I’m ‘the rapping teacher’. I’ve had a fair few people want to get autographs, which is flattering, but I find it pretty weird, to be honest. There’s been some truly life changing changes, though. I’ve got agents now. I get to work on TV and film projects and I get to head off on this national tour – which has all really come about because people saw me in that video.

    When you’re not touring, what else do you do in your spare time?

    I spend a lot of my time freaking out about the inconsistency of my job – it’s very different to the (financial) routine of teaching. I’m normally hatching schemes to develop new projects and ideas over the coming six months. Aside from that, I have a puppy – a pug, called Boo, who I spend a lot of time with, and I love cooking. If I weren’t a poet, I’d definitely be happy as a chef. I find it really relaxing.

    What would you like to change about the way poetry is perceived?

    I think that poetry as an art form can struggle to find it’s audience and, in the most part, it’s down to us poets. A lot of poets write for their peers, for academic recognition or for appreciation from those who already buy poetry. That’s great and all, but I decided early on that I’d take the opposite route. My aim has always been to write poems for people who don’t like poetry. I guess that’s turning out to be successful because it’s a much larger demographic than those who do.

    What does the future hold for Mark Grist?

    You’ll be seeing me on TV in the coming months, as a teacher and educator (I still miss it so much). I’m also developing a new show – ‘Dead Poets Deathmatch’ with Mixy. We’re looking to head up to Edinburgh this summer to spend a month basting ourselves in cider and anxiety. Come and check us out if you’re up there. I promise you, you’ve never seen a show like it.

    For more information on Mark’s show in May, or to buy tickets, click here >>

  8. Hungarian Rhapsody

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    The polymath virtuoso Tcha Limberger is the king of gypsy music

    by Garth Cartwright (The Sunday Times)

    Tcha Limberger, at first glance, might appear just another Gypsy fiddler. A handsome man with a thin moustache and sharp suit who, when he strikes bow to violin, is obviously a virtuoso. Then he stops playing and speaks and I realize that the 37-year old Belgian is a musician of uncommon intelligence. Limberger speaks eight languages fluently while being a master of flamenco guitar, jazz clarinet and Hungarian violin. As he sets out to lead his Budapest Gypsy Orchestra on a comprehensive UK tour he delivers a mission statement of sorts.

    “I’m frustrated that people think Gypsy music’s defined by loud brass bands or ridiculous DJs and rock bands pretending to be Gypsies. I come from a musical family where tradition and skill is valued. And this is what I aim to continue.”

    I then ask how Limberger defines Gypsy music today, considering it appears to encompass everything from East European waltz to Andalucian flamenco to Django Reinhardt-style jazz. And beyond.

    “Let me start by saying for me Gypsy music does not really exist. Serbian Gypsies will play Serbian music – they want to make money so they know not to play Croatian music. Same in Romania etc, etc. Maybe the Gypsies bring a melody from one place to another and so make a melody popular in a place that didn’t know this before. Gypsies bring a certain flavor to music they play but not a new music.” He pauses then says, “something to do with daring, courage, commitment – maybe that’s it. Daring and a kind of search for freedom in the way you make interpretations different every time you play it. But only in the style. You don’t change the style. Gypsy musicians want to earn a living so they know in Serbia to play Serbian music and not Croatian. Same in Romania. Same everywhere. Play what people like.”

    Ironically, Limberger tends not to play “what people like” (ie rock and pop) but specific vernacular music forms he values. And what is a Brussels-based musician doing leading a Hungarian band? Limberger explains how, as a teenager, he fell in love with a Hungarian music form called Magyar nota and not only shifted to Budapest to learn the music but set about learning the Hungarians’ incredibly difficult language too. But let’s get to that later. I first asked Tcha to tell his life story.

    “I was born in Bruge. My mother is Flemish and my father a Manouche Gypsy guitar player. The Manouche are a splinter division of the Sinti. The Roma who now arrive from Eastern Europe speak a very different dialect of Romani from that which we speak in Belgium. Aged six I started learning how to play flamenco guitar. Aged 13 I joined my uncle’s band playing clarinet and we played Gypsy jazz – which borrows a lot from New Orleans – and some Hungarian music too. In my teens I got very interested in Hungarian music. My father and I went to Budapest to play. It felt like sitting in a hot bath – it just felt so good! I knew then – at 19 – this is what I wanted to do. The Budapest style Hungarian music uses a classical basis which is contrary to other Gypsy music styles.”

    Tcha became so immersed in Hungarian music he began learning Hungarian (via braille and a tutor) then shifted to Budapest. With his Budapest Gypsy Orchestra Tcha has reawakened interest in a music form that was almost extinct. The Budapest Gypsy Orchestra’s album Bura Termett Ido (Lejazzetal) is a beautiful document of an eloquent East European music full of moods and shadows. That a Belgian shows such passion for a music form now dying in its birthplace is, Limberger understands, seen as a little odd by many Hungarians.

    ‘The end of communism has seen a rush across Eastern Europe to discard what they have had for many generations and replace it with glossy Western entertainment. While I understand this desire to be like everyone else I don’t endorse it. Instead I call it ‘a corruption of the mind’. The folk music is still strong in Transylvania as it has not been as corrupted there as in many other places. Budapest is horrible now. People are swayed by drugs and money and all this nonsense.”

    Hungarian politics has, in recent years, become extremely nationalistic with rival political parties endorsing WW2 era fascists and promoting anti-Semetic and anti-Roma policies. This, I’m guessing, has also had an adverse effect on music making, considering the nation’s long history of Gypsy musicians?

    Limberger visibly flinches then replies, “it’s just awful. The extremists are setting the agenda. People are scared and there’s no money.” He then adds that he is not a politician and has no wish to become embroiled in any of the disputes underway. Instead, he would rather talk about music.

    “The music still lives every time we play – just as it once did in the ballrooms of Budapest. Come and hear us!”

    Tcha Limberger’s Budapest Gypsy Orchestra tour the UK March 12-29 http://www.lejazzetal.com/web/content/tour.php?artist_id=16

    Buy tickets for their Exeter concert here: https://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/events/tcha-limbergers-budapest-gypsy-orchestra/

     

  9. Our April-June Playlist: A Taste of Live Music to Come…

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    Following the near biblical deluge of this winter, Exeter Phoenix is excited to welcome in springtime with it’s new season of gigs. So get your wellies off and put on your dancing shoes on as Exeter Phoenix reintroduces sunshine back into our lives with a rip-roaring series of live music events.

    This thrilling music season starts in April with none other than Bristol-based seven piece band the Dub Mafia, followed by duo Winter Mountain and the ever amazing blues band The Hoax.

    Bridie Jackson and The Arbour will bring her hauntingly beautiful music to our stage later in the month, along with unique acts Emily Portman, Joan as Policewoman and Krystle Warren.

    Get up and go with legendary Beatles parody The Rutles in May, followed by the fierce live experience promised by punk rockers Jon Spencer Blues Explosion.

    Moving vocals from Eska, sultry and diverse foot-stomping Molotov Jukebox, and acclaimed Jazz Funk fusion DJ & producer Quantic will welcome Exeter Phoenix into the summer.

    But don’t just take our word for it, listen to our playlist yourself and get a taste for some of the live music to come…

  10. New Season Announced

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    Spring 2014 brings another exciting season to Exeter Phoenix.

    We’ll be welcoming popular music acts such as the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Joan As Police Woman and the 2013 Glastonbury Emerging Talent winners Bridie Jackson & The Arbour.

    The new season brings performances from well-known comedians such as Norman Lovett (Red Dwarf) and dance by EDge the hugely talented performance company of London Contemporary Dance School.

    In addition to exhibitions we also have a not to be missed talk by the Turner Prize nominated artist David Shrigley. If that wasn’t enough, applications for this year’s Exeter Contemporary Open are now open for artists to enter this prestigious competition.

    This season’s film includes many cinematic gems that have received rave reviews and we are also holding a special screening of the documentary With Gilbert & George that accompanies the RAMM Artists Rooms On Tour Gilbert & George exhibition.

    Our learning programme is continually growing and we are delighted to be running more courses than ever. Subjects range from art techniques and theatre design to digital production.

    Finally, keep an eye out for announcements of the line-up for this year’s Ignite Theatre Festival. Taking place in early June it features a feast of theatre that includes national companies and the newest theatre makers.

    Oh and don’t forget, our Café Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a snack, meal or just sample some of the best coffee in town.

    We look forward to seeing you soon!

    All at Exeter Phoenix

  11. Vibraphonic Festival 2014

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    VIBRAPHONIC FESTIVAL IS BACK!

    Vibraphonic returns to Exeter this March to celebrate all things diverse and progressive in reggae, jazz, hip hop, dub step, soul, funk, blues, drum ‘n’ bass, electronica and urban music.

    The lineup for Exeter Phoenix is bigger and better than ever, with names like Craig Charles, Lee Scratch Perry, The Electroswing Circus, Dreadzone, Salsa Celtica and many more.

    We hope you can come and join us!

    Browse and buy tickets for Vibraphonic events at Exeter Phoenix >>

    Check out the full festival line-up here >>

     

  12. Coming soon: Marie von Heyl

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    Berlin-based artist Marie von Heyl will have a solo exhibition in our Phoenix Gallery later this year, but in the meantime you can catch a glimpse of some of her work at the Jerwood Drawing Prize exhibition at Plymouth Arts Centre and Plymouth College of Art.

    As an associated event, Marie will be talking about her work and the Jerwood Prize on Wed 26 Feb, full details below.

    2013-09-10_JerwoodWinners2

    Marie von Heyl – Jerwood Talk

    Wed 26 Feb, 6pm, free
    Plymouth Arts Centre

    Marie von Heyl was awarded second prize in the Jerwood Drawing Prize in 2013 for her work titled Interior (Utopia). She works with film, drawing, collage and installation and will be talking about her practice with a focus on drawing as performance. An interest in interiors and mundane objects is central to her practice and her work is an attempt to catch them in the act of transcending their original context – when tables start moving and heirlooms assume a life of their own. Her work playfully dances around things, pointing at the unexpectedly beautiful, tracing the uncanny and tapping into the absurd.

    Advance booking is recommended on 01752 206114. More information about Plymouth Arts Centre at www.plymouthartscentre.org.

    Marie’s talk is part of the Jerwood Drawing Prize exhibition at Plymouth Arts Centre from 13 February – 9 March and the Gallery at Plymouth College of Art from 10 February – 8 March.

  13. Interview with Theatre Alibi Artistic Director Nikki Sved

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    At the end of February, Theatre Alibi are back at Exeter Phoenix with their new production, Hammer & Tongs. For anyone who’s ever craved the last word, Hammer & Tongs is a very human comedy about arguing.

    Read what Nikki Sved, Artistic Director of Theatre Alibi has to say about the play, among other things…

    Tell us more about your background – where are you from? Where did you study etc.?

    I grew up in Harrow but both my parents are Hungarian. They came over to Britain after the Hungarian Uprising in 1956. My parents passed on to me a love of theatre and after I left school I went on to study at Exeter University Drama Department.

    How and when did you become involved with Theatre Alibi?

    After University I went to teach Drama at Bangor University for a while but had always wanted to work in theatre. So I jumped at the chance to work as a performer with Theatre Alibi, whose work I knew from being a student in Exeter. I worked with the company for two years and it was a tremendous apprenticeship. Alongside performing in lots of shows we also travelled to Poland to train with the acclaimed physical theatre company, Gardzienice, who produce extraordinary work. I went with the three other performers who were the Alibi ensemble at the time, two of whom Daniel Jamieson (now Theatre Alibi’s Associate Writer and the writer of Hammer & Tongs) and Emma Rice (Kneehigh’s Artistic Director) I worked with later on many projects. When I was offered the opportunity to direct at Theatre Alibi I seized it with both hands. My time as a performer had given me good experience of what directing entailed and I was really keen to try it. I went on to direct Birthday, a show about Marc and Bella Chagall, written by Daniel Jamieson and performed by him and Emma Rice. The show went down a storm. Daniel’s script was nominated for a Fringe First, and with Theatre Alibi’s support Birthday toured nationally the following year. When Alison Hodge and Tim Spicer, who had set up Theatre Alibi, left the company, Daniel and I were appointed as Joint Artistic Directors and I haven’t looked back. I’m now Theatre Alibi’s sole Artistic Director, as Daniel decided to go freelance to concentrate on his writing career after a few years and is now Theatre Alibi’s Associate Writer.

    Describe what your role as Artistic Director involves.

    The best bit, of course, is dreaming up and creating shows. But I also find immensely satisfying, the whole business of keeping a theatre company on its feet day to day, making sure we have the resources to do what we want to do. I’m lucky in that I manage the company jointly with two other people which means you get to share the responsibility for running the company. I know we make better decisions because there are three heads on it with three hats, artistic, financial and marketing.

    What do you enjoy most about your job?

    I love working with a strong team to create a show – it’s like going on an adventure every time, even when it’s a bit of a white knuckle ride! I enjoy the puzzle to be solved in figuring out how to best tell a good yarn – and sometimes even getting a chair on and off stage can be a teaser that takes a lot of time and thought. I get a huge amount from working with actors. They often offer up more than you could ever have imagined when you’re staring a script before rehearsals and it’s also hugely rewarding and moving, helping performers find their feet in a role and watching their development. At the core of the company’s work is a determination to use the ‘liveness’ of theatre to the hilt. We never ignore the fact that we’re storytellers and that our audience is with us in the room. Our actors tend to remain on stage throughout and we make visible many aspects of theatre making that are often hidden, creating sound effects live on stage for example. This means it’s possible to make all sorts of things, even things of quite an epic nature, happen because you’ve already conscripted the audiences’ imagination through being open with them. So… why not make a piece of theatre where a supermarket burns to the ground or a beached narwhal is returned to the sea or a dastardly villain comes to the stickiest of ends in a car crusher. You can bring any image to life with a good dose of skill and invention. Another thing that’s special is the way in which we tightly integrate art forms like live music, puppetry, animation, photography and film. One of our recent shows, Goucher’s War, about a vicar, who is co-opted into the dirty tricks brigade (otherwise known as the SOE) during the Second World War included brilliant animation by Forkbeard Fantasy’s Tim Britton. Another thing I really enjoy about my job is the end of rehearsals, when you first see a show in front of an audiences. It’s nerve wracking, of course, but also exciting – the final part of the jigsaw. Audiences are always different, interesting and surprising. No two performances are ever the same because of that special chemistry between performers and audience. For me it’s the thing that’s most magical about theatre – how a show can at its best engage an audience emotionally and intellectually so completely.

    What was the inspiration behind Hammer & Tongs?

    Daniel Jamieson and I work very closely together on Theatre Alibi shows. Daniel came to me with the idea of a show about arguing. Our first show together as Artistic Directors was about lying – it was called Little White Lies and was nominated for a Fringe First. So I guess we’re interested in bad behaviour, along with most people. Other people’s bad behaviour and pratfalls can be hugely entertaining, that’s why it’s the basis of most comedy. Just how far will people go to prove they’re right and sometimes, just how low are they prepared to sink. We’re calling Hammer & Tongs “a human comedy” and it’s a series of stories that together form a kind of “riff” on arguing. It’s very funny, very off-the-wall and really wrestles, sometimes quite literally, with the idiocy that constitutes most arguments. Even the musician and the stage manager get dragged into it… But there’s a dark side too, of course, when you’re pitching one soul against another and the show doesn’t shirk away from that, with moments that are both moving and poignant.

    What can audiences expect from the show?

    I think everyone in the audience , whether they like a good argument or not, will recognise something of themselves in there and I think they will have a really enjoyable time with the show. It’s a bit like Father Ted in tone – the four characters are way over the top at times. It’s got everything – some quite extraordinary visual surprises that I shouldn’t reveal before people see the show, great live music from boogie to blues and there’s even a hilarious contemporary dance sequence.

    How much of the show was based on personal experiences?

    Well, when Daniel first started work on Hammer & Tongs, he asked people to tell him stories of their biggest and best arguments. Some of those stories have made their way into the show. One of my favourites is the wedding disco from hell, where the worst DJ in the world tries to make the bridegroom lead the first dance, in spite of being categorically told that the bridegroom, like many men, didn’t, and wouldn’t dance… Without it being a spoiler, let’s just say that the disco degenerates into the mother of all barneys to the rhythm of the Cha Cha Slide… There are some very moving bits too, one of which is a love story that always brings a lump to my throat.

    How long have you worked with Daniel Jamieson and what other projects have you worked on together?

    I’ve known Daniel since we both studied at Exeter University Drama Department and then, as I said before, we worked at Theatre Alibi together as performers for a couple of years before going on to make Birthday. We’ve worked together on many shows since, including Shelf Life, Caught, Cobbo, Goucher’s War and most recently Curiosity Shop, a contemporary make-over of Dickens’s classic novel. Daniel has also adapted books for the company including Michael Morpurgo’s I Believe in Unicorns, Michael Frayn’s Spies, Graham Greene’s The Ministry of Fear and Dick King-Smith’s The Crowstarver. Theatre Alibi makes work for children too, and Daniel has written lots of children’s shows for us, including next year’s Mucky Pup for five to eleven year olds.

    What do you think are the key ingredients for a successful argument?

    In truth, many arguments are pretty destructive and farcical, even if they are entertaining and enlightening viewed from outside. They can certainly be an important form of emotional release, though. I’m not sure there’s really such a thing as a “successful” argument. More often you win the argument, but lose the battle.

    What’s next for Theatre Alibi?

    We’ve got two new projects in our sights. The first is a retour of a children’s show. Last autumn we adapted Michael Morpurgo’s I Believe in Unicorns. It proved to be a huge success, both artistically and with audiences, selling out everywhere and so we’re touring that to big theatres around the UK and internationally in 2015. We’re also commissioning a new show for adults from Daniel called Dad Dancing, a piece about the relationship between fathers and daughters and the uniting qualities of a good boogie. That sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to it.

    To book your seat for the upcoming run of Hammer & Tongs at Exeter Phoenix, click here >>

     

  14. Three Nights of Top Comedy for £30

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    Now in its fourth year, the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Festival is back between 25 Jan and 7 Feb for another groundbreaking, non-stop chortling comedy filled time!

    Shows at Exeter Phoenix range from £12 – £15 per ticket, but with our LOL Multibuy Offer, you can book three nights of top comedy for just £30 (£24).

    The offer is valid for the following performances, and the discount will automatically be applied to your basket:

    Paul Sinha

    paul-sinha-1You might know him as ‘The Sinnerman’, from ITV’s The Chase. You might also know him if you’ve visited a London doctor’s surgery. Paul Sinha is a quiz geek, doctor, Gemini, sports fanatic, and first and foremost, a stand-up comedian. A great stand-up comedian.

    ‘Well on the way to earning himself a place in the pantheon of comedy greats.’
    THE SCOTSMAN

    BUY TICKETS >>

     

    Mitch Benn – Mitch Benn Is the 37th Beatle

    mitch-benn-1Mitch Benn’s new show combines his Scouse upbringing with his love of music and a lifelong obsession with Liverpool’s most famous sons. Expect satirical twists, music and laughter.

    ‘Anyone who likes music, hates Simon Cowell and likes learning new things will love it.’ * * * *
    CHORTLE

    BUY TICKETS >>

     

    Alex Horne – Lies

    alex-horne1Multi-Bafta award-winning stand up and platinum-selling R&B artist Alex Horne is back with a show full of observations, impressions and lies. Best known for his mind-blowing Power Points or live music, this show has neither; just Alex, a panda, some jokes and some lies.

    ‘A beguiling blend of the smart and the stupid, a real delight.’
    SUNDAY TIMES

    BUY TICKETS >>

     

    Visit lolexeter.com for the full festival lineup.

    Please note that this offer is subject to availability and is only valid when tickets for the three events are purchased during a single transaction.

  15. See BAFTA Nominated Films here on the Big Screen

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    Following the announcement of this year’s BAFTA nominees, we’re very pleased to hear that a number of our carefully selected upcoming films have been nominated for awards.

    Book your tickets now to see these outstanding pieces of cinema on the big screen for just £5.50 (£4.50).

    *The Selfish Giant – Nominated for Outstanding British Film
    Screening here on Mon 13 Jan. BUY TICKETS >>

    *Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom – Nominated for Outstanding British Film
    Screening here on Mon 24 Mar. BUY TICKETS >>

    *Blue Is The Warmest Colour – Nominated for Best Film Not In The English Language
    Screening here on Mon 17 Mar. BUY TICKETS >>

    *The Great Beauty – Nominated for Best Film Not In The English Language
    Screening here on Mon 27 Jan. BUY TICKETS >>

    To see the full list of films we have coming up for our independent cinema nights, visit the film category of our website.

    bafta

  16. Short Film & Artist Moving Image Commissions Announced

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    ‘The training and professional support throughout the filmmaking process has been invaluable.’
    Carrie Hill, director of Old, Grey & Fast

    Exeter Phoenix has announced that it will commission 5 new short films in 2014 as well as a new £1000 Artists’ Moving Image project. The application process is now open and the deadline for submissions is Monday 17th February 2014. All of the commissions are only available to people who live in the South West and in particular four of the commissions are exclusive to Devon based filmmakers.

    commissions

    This year’s commissions are split into the Devon Short Film, Crowdfunder Short Film and Artists’ Moving Image categories. The Devon Short Film commission offers the chance to four Devon based filmmakers or aspiring filmmakers to develop an original idea. The Crowdfunder Short Film commission requires the selected filmmaker to raise matched funding for their film through the online funding platform www.crowdfunder.co.uk.

    Claire Horrocks the Exeter Phoenix Digital Coordinator & Film Programmer said, ‘We are looking for original, inspiring and brave ideas. The commissions offer training and support from experts in the industry, including Colourburn, and bespoke script development opportunities. We are not expecting applicants to have expert filmmaking knowledge, but passion for short film is essential and some knowledge of the regional short film scene would benefit.’

    A new Artists’ Moving Image commission this year provides a South West based artist a £1000 opportunity to create and show a moving image artwork for screen, installation or online. Exeter Phoenix is looking for an artist to present an original and engaging idea that could be narrative, abstract, experimental, or conceptual. Matt Burrows thePhoenix Gallery curator said, ‘It could be a development of an existing moving image practice or a new direction for an artist, stepping out of their usual discipline. Above all, we are looking for a sense of potential that can be realised with our support.’

    As in other years the film commissions will premiere at the 2014 Two Short Nights Film Festival. The winner of the Best Short Film Commission at the 2013 festival was Old, Grey and Fast directed by Carrie Hill. She described her experience of having a film commissioned by ExeterPhoenix Digital. ‘As a first time director, being selected for a short film commission gave me the opportunity to turn my idea into the best film I can. The training and professional support throughout the filmmaking process has been invaluable but it’s also the encouragement of Claire and Jonas at Exeter Phoenix Digital that makes the difference. Watching my film on the big screen at the Two Short Nights festival was fantastic and I know the exposure I’ve received, new skills I’ve learnt and contacts made will be vital to my filmmaking career in the future.’

    Exeter Phoenix Digital has been commissioning short film projects for 12 years. Inthis time nearly 80 Short Films have been funded and/or supported and developed. Also a provider of training and support to the filmmaking community, Exeter Phoenix Digital aims to nurture local emerging film talent by providing opportunities to create and developideas and skills.

    Anyone interested in submitting an application for the commissions can visit the Exeter Phoenix website to download an application form and guidance notes. For the Artists’ Moving Image opportunity visit www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/art/commissions or go to www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/film/commissons for the short film commissions.

  17. Winners Announced – Two Short Nights Film Festival 2013

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    ‘There really is a lot of amazing local talent.’
    DAMO CROSS, COLOURBURN

    The winners have been announced for Exeter Phoenix’s Two Short Nights Film Festival 2013. Only five award categories and almost 60 short films screened in two days created a difficult task to for anyone to separate work that had such an eclectic range of styles, themes and approaches.

    award-ceremony

    The Best Film in Screening award went to Host Familie directed by Tom Austin. The film, about a German undergraduate who lodges with an English family, was the first short to be commissioned by Exeter Phoenix Digital on the proviso that it achieved matched fundraising through crowdfunding. Tom Austin said, ‘I’m surprised and grateful. Exeter Phoenix has been really supportive. I feel like I’ve won on penalties. I’m thankful to everyone who helped make the film.’

    Best Short Film Commission went to director Carrie Hill for Old, Grey and Fast. Her documentary film tells the story of the ex-professional cyclist Colin Lewis who lives in Devon and at the age of 71 is still riding competitively.

    The 48 Hour Film Challenge saw a host of teams write, shoot and edit films in only two days. Team Get Me Rex Krammer won the Best 48 Hour Film award for GSOH, a film directed by Nick Gordon, that explored the challenges of internet dating. Exeter Phoenix Digital and Film Programmer Claire Horrocks said, ‘This year’s 48 Hour Film Challenge has definitely seen the strongest line-up of films we have ever had.’

    An incredible 400 short films were submitted for this year’s International Shorts Screenings meaning there was three separate showing comprising over thirty short films. Competition for the International Open Award was high but ultimately Iceberg, a film about a female 22-year-old Chinese drummer, was chosen from a plethora of possible worthy winners.

    The final, and much sought after, award was the Audience Choice. Voted for by the public this year’s winner was The Grendel Toots directed by Liam O’Hara and Will Shutt.

    The physical awards presented to the winners brought their own theatricality. They were created by the imaginative designer Ben Huggins who made special moulds and then made the awards out of ice. Festival sponsors Colourburn, a creative film and marketing agency, were behind the production of these special awards and their co-founder Damo Cross was on hand to present them. He said, ‘There is such a diverse content inthe films at this year’s festival and there really is a lot of amazing local talent. We are really glad to be involved. The culture of Colourburn is very much about collaborative working, so for us this is a great opportunity to connect with great film makers and story tellers.’

    Returning for its 12th year, the Two Short Nights Festival is an event that enjoys strong support from local film enthusiasts. The different screenings, commissions and seminars provide vital opportunities to local filmmakers. Jonas Hawkins, Exeter Phoenix Digital Media Manager said, ‘The festival is all about inspiring and providing opportunities to filmmakers, especially local talent. I believe we continue to achieve that.’

     

  18. Treasure Island Gallery

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    With the schools’ performance week for Quirk Theatre’s production of Treasure Island well underway, we thought we’d share some tantalising photos.

    Public performances begin on Wed 18 Dec and run through until Sat 4 Jan. Tickets for many of the performances are still available, and we’re offering a special discount for families. Click here to buy tickets or find out more about the show >>

    Quirk Theatre are a South West based theatre company known for their inventive and innovative approach to live theatre. Previous performances have wowed audiences with their use of projection, shadow puppetry, multifunctional props and creative set design.  Essentially simple, but beautifully effective, Quirk Theatre deliver a magical experience for all.

    [nggallery id=23]

  19. Check out our New Season Playlist

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    Exeter Phoenix New Season Playlist

    Every season brings its own joys. This coming season Exeter Phoenix proudly presents our very own music playlist for the coming December-March season. We’ve got a smorgasbord of bands, singers and DJs to delight your auditory senses.

    Unlike Shakespeare, here at Exeter Phoenix, all’s well that starts well. The New Year’s Eve Spectacula Fantastica will welcome Exeter into 2014 in awe-inspiring fashion, hosting a circus/cabaret/1920’s style themed party with a wide variety of acts and attractions.

    In January the talented Texan singer-songwriter Roni Bryant will be performing new material and old favourites. Later in the month four local bands (The Beacons, Moscow Magazine, The Rotten Apple Orchestra and Lion The Weak) will be hosting a charity event for the Rufiji area of East Africa.

    As the winter months begin to recede, we will set the mellow mood for some sunshine with the Bob Marley Celebration, featuring non other than acclaimed reggae artists Cornell Campbell and afro-beat makers The Soothsayers. When the birds chirp and spring dawns, joins us for a cup of tea with world renowned jazz, electro and hip hop maestro Mr.Scruff.

    The hustle and bustle of spring will arrive at Exeter Phoenix in full force and the month of March promises to be jam-packed with events. Blues and roots balladeer Martin Harley is back performing his solo material. Award-winning electronic musician Solarference will amaze us with score for 1920’s silent film Jekyll & Hyde. We are also joined by 65daysofstatic – the post-rock band is setting the tone for the summer with atmospheric, distinctively gritty instrumental electronica from their recent released Wild Light Album.

    Ohhh! You thought that was it! Accompanying our new season of music, Vibraphonic Festival is back to unite one city under a groove with the likes of Dreadzone, Lee Scratch Perry, Craig Charles and Salsa Celtica all playing here at Exeter Phoenix.

  20. New gigs, performances, workshops and much more

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    Spring 2014 – A New Season for A New Year

    It will be a new year and another exciting new season for Exeter Phoenix. As always, there is a programme packed full of music, performances, art, learning and film. We’re known for providing a diverse and eclectic mix of the arts and this season is no different.

    The fantastic Laugh Out Loud Comedy Festival is back at the end of January/start of February and boasts an impressive line-up that includes well-known comics such as Sean Hughes, Miles Jupp and Alex Horne. Other performance highlights include the premiere of Theatre Alibi’s new show Hammer & Tongs and a performance by the hugely popular standup poet Murray Lachlan Young.

    The Vibraphonic Festival also returns with a host of music to bring one city under a groove. Featuring Craig Charles’ Funk and Soul Show and the reggae icon Lee Scratch Perry it promises to be an amazing celebration of world music. Other big name acts include The Feeling and the ever-popular Mad Dog McRea.

    An excellent line-up of Monday film screenings includes Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman starring together in The Railway Man and the new Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom biopic. There is also a special screening of the director’s cut version of Cinema Paradiso, a film often listed in the Top 100 Films of All Time.

    Exciting opportunities are available for artists and filmmakers in the new season as Exeter Phoenix Digital’s Short Film Commission will be open to filmmakers with any exciting ideas for projects. A new opportunity is the Artists’ Moving Image Commission for South West based artists interested in creating a moving image artwork.

    Exciting art will include Outrageous Fortune: Artists Remake the Tarot, a Hayward Touring/Focal Point Gallery exhibition, curated by Andrew Hunt and showcasing a number of artists’ interpretations of the classic Tarot de Marsielle deck of cards. There will also be a new exhibition by S Mark Gubb called History Is Written By The Winners as well as more work by various artists and groups in our other galleries.

    Finally Family Sundays have now become Family Saturdays and as part of the change there is a new mix of brilliant workshops and art activities for families to enjoy together. This is in addition to all of the courses and workshops regularly running.

    It promises to be an exciting season, one that we hope you will share.

    new-season-launch

  21. Searching For Tattoo Talent

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    Exeter Phoenix are looking for a self-employed tattoo artist, based in the Exeter area, to set up a pop-up tattoo studio as part of an upcoming art exhibition.

    The studio will operate both as a functioning commercial business, and also as a work of art in its own right. Cardiff based visual artist S Mark Gubb is bringing his project to Exeter Phoenix as part of an exhibition called History is Written By the Winners in early 2014.

    ‘I am keen that this pop-up opportunity helps a tattooist without a regular shop or studio to develop their business while benefiting from the profile and busy city-centre footfall at Exeter Phoenix,’ said the artist this week.

    The project is inspired both by the politics of the pop-up economy and by tattooing as a form of communication.

    Interested ink-ers should contact art@exeterphoenix.org.uk to find out more.