Author Archives: Catherine Balavage

Theatre Collection present Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Posted on by

Theatre Collection present Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Adapted and directed by Victor Sobchak
 
Crime and Punishment was always going to be an ambitious undertaking, especially with limited stage space and the necessary shortening of the literary epic for the stage. However there is a great deal to like about this production.

 The story itself has always fascinated me, offering psychological insight into the nature of morality, and the many forms of punishment that exist, reaching far beyond simple incarceration. Seeing the play in 2012 also makes me question whether criminals today may be so plagued by guilt and unable to enjoy ill-gotten gains.

 We follow Raskolnikov (played with impressive intensity by Shaban Arifi) an anti hero and our central character. Pressured by the poverty surrounding him, he feels forced to kill and rob a woman who by all accounts is morally bankrupt. In the course of this crime he is interrupted by her sister, whom he also kills.

 The punishment he brings on himself for these heinous acts – despite intermittently justifying them to himself and, at times, others – is enthralling to witness. With money the motivating factor, both for himself and his mother and sister, it is symbolic that he finds himself unable to use the money at all, becoming a miserable and tortured shadow of himself.

 With these issues as the subject, set in Nineteenth Century St Petersburg, the portrayal was always going to be bleak, and while at times the intensive, tortured performances were hard to watch, they felt true to the novel. The use of space, lighting and music was particularly impressive and I really did feel swept away – albeit bleakly – in the performance.

 This won’t be a play for everyone and I wonder if people who haven’t read the novel would get as much from it as I did, but overall I would highly commend such an ambitious and largely successful undertaking.

By Meredith Ettridge

Stars Shaban Arifi and Lucia Edwards.

Women of the Revolution | Kira Cochrane Interview

Posted on by

I love Kira Cochrane’s writing, so I was very excited to interview her about the new book she has edited: Women of the Revolution: Forty Years of Feminism. Thankfully, her answers made me like her even more.


What was the idea behind the book, Women of the Revolution: Forty Years of feminism?
I was in the office between Christmas and New Year 2010, a time when
it’s always incredibly quiet at work, doing some reading for a piece I
was writing about the first ever women’s liberation conference in the
UK, which was held in 1970. It occurred to me that it would be great
to do something big to celebrate this landmark – forty years of second
wave feminism in the UK – and that we had all the resources necessary
at the Guardian to do that. So I started, that day, to put together a
book made up from our archives, featuring interviews with people like
Germaine Greer, Naomi Wolf, Oprah Winfrey, Nawal El Saadawi, Camille
Paglia and Susie Orbach, and articles on all the most important
feminist issues. Altogether I wanted it to provide an introduction to
the movement for those coming to it fresh, and brilliant, wide-ranging
material for those who have lived and campaigned through it.

How did it come together?
It proceeded with me just trawling through our archive, reading
thousands and thousands of articles until my eyes were sore. Given the
wealth of feminist material the
Guardian has published, it was a massive task, but I really enjoyed
it. (I have come to realise that I’m a total feminist geek!)

What is your favourite article/interview in the book?
Well, like any good parent, I don’t have favourites, and there’s so
much great material: Beth Ditto on how to beat street harassment,
on online sexism, Ariel Levy writing about raunch
culture, Polly Toynbee on Spare Rib magazine, Hadley Freeman on eating
disorders, Marina Hyde on pornography, to name just a few. One
I think is as relevant today as it was when it was published 41 years
ago now, is Jill Tweedie’s piece “Why nice girls finish
last”. In it she writes that women have a “continual and largely
unconscious compulsion to be nice. Nice and kind, nice and fair, nice
and tidy. Nice. Always ready to understand the other point of view.
Always careful not to give a wrong impression”. And she warns against
the feminist movement sinking into a great heaving swamp of niceness.
I think that message is still really important, at a time when women,
as much as ever, are brought up to be
accommodating and unpushy. (Have you ever heard the word pushy used
about a man? How about bossy?).

What do women still need to achieve?
Well, you can break it down into specific issues. Equal pay, economic
equality, a fair sharing of tasks in the home, affordable childcare, political
representation, an end to street harassment, to domestic violence and
rape – and, in the meantime, a higher rape conviction rate and strong
support services for women who experience violence. But I think
we also have to recognise that the problem is structural. We live in
a society where there are hierarchies based on class, race, sexuality,
disability and many other factors. Sex is a key one of those, and if
we could create a much more equal balance of power in general I think
we’d have a society that would function much more happily for everyone.

Do you think feminism is used as a weapon against women, like when a
man doesn’t give up his seat and wants to go dutch, even on the first
date? I have a friend who hates feminism because she says it has been
used to take away men being chivalrous, and we still end up doing the
housework.
I’m pretty happy to see the back of chivalry, because it
was based on the idea of women being the weaker sex. That
doesn’t mean I want doors slammed in my face by the man who’s walking
in front of me – just that whoever reaches the door first will hold it
open, whether it’s me or him. In an equal society, I think men and
women should treat each other equally well. (Also, I’m happy to go
Dutch. I think when one partner pays for everything from the start of
a relationship, unless there’s a really good reason, that sets up a
pretty dodgy power dynamic.)

What can be done to convince women that feminism is still relevant?
Well, I think a large proportion of women are already convinced, and
you can see that in all sorts of ways. There are
the feminist protests and conferences that have taken place over the
past few years, the enormous success of Caitlin Moran’s feminist book
How to be a Woman, the extent to which feminist issues are debated in
the media and online, with women really making their voices heard about
issues that make them angry. For any woman not yet convinced, I
suppose I would just put a few questions to her. Do you
want to live in a country where only one in five MPs – the people who
make the major decisions
regarding our lives – are women? Do you want to be paid
less than your male colleagues for the same work? Do you want to live
in a country where there’s a high chance of you being raped or
sexually assaulted – and a very low chance of your attacker being
convicted on those charges? If not, feminism is for you.

Do you think it is possible for a woman to ‘have it all’?
I think what’s true is that women have made huge strides in the
workplace, but still take care of the lion’s share of tasks at home. I
do think it’s possible for everyone, men and women, to ‘have it
all’, but in order to make that happen there needs to be a real shift
in attitudes towards working hours, so that workers aren’t toiling
incredibly long hours and can have a proper shared family life. That’s
easy to say, and much harder to do. At a time of economic crisis,
especially, it’s very hard for people to feel confident in taking
their foot off the accelerator at work. So I do hope these changes
will happen, but clearly it won’t be overnight.

Women are still sexually objectified to a large degree, what do you
think of Rihanna and Lady Gaga who constantly make music videos
wearing pants and a bra? Is this a bad example? Or an example of a
women being free to do what she wants?
I really don’t like the way that women in the public eye, in their
twenties, are criticised for being ‘bad role models’ for other women
in their twenties. It just seems another stick to beat women with. I
personally think that women should wear exactly what they like – so
long as it IS what they like, that they’re following their own desires
and enjoying themselves. I think if they’re doing that, they set a
great example.

What do you hope the book will achieve?
I hope the book will get people thinking about feminism – thinking
about all the women who have fought for our rights in the past, and all that
we still have to do.

How much more do women have to achieve to be equal to men?
There’s so much, but I think the important point is that we’re getting
there in the UK. There are obstacles, and really worrying issues (like
the fact that women’s unemployment is at a 25 year high), but over the
course of time we are moving forward. It’s like a friend of mine said,
a few years ago, when there had been some notable setbacks for women:
people can try to keep us down, but it’s not like we’re actually just
going to go back into the kitchen and make them a sandwich.


What is next for you?
More articles, more books, and much more feminist research! I’m really looking
forward to it.

Thank you Kira.

[The review of the book is here.]

TRANSWORLD TO PUBLISH McFLY MEMOIR

Posted on by

Some music news now…

Transworld Publishers have announced the acquisition of world rights for the first official book by McFly, to be published in autumn this year.

In what promises to be a frank, funny and original insight into the lives of one of the UK’s best-loved bands, readers will get to know the men behind McFly in a way they never thought they would.

From their early days sharing a house in Finchley to becoming the youngest band ever to have a debut album reach the number one spot, this book will give the inside track on their meteoric rise. It will include surprising tales of growing up in the limelight and the euphoric highs and desperate lows along the way. This book will be essential reading for McFly fans everywhere but, more than that, it will shine a light on what it takes to make it to the top and stay there for nine years, all told in their unique and inimitable style.

Think you know McFly? Think again.

Michelle Signore, Editorial Director at Transworld Publishers, says:

‘I am absolutely thrilled that Dougie, Harry, Danny and Tom have chosen to publish their book with Transworld this autumn. After nearly a decade together, the time feels right for McFly to tell their story and it promises to be candid, fun – and surprising!’

Faiza Seth: Businesswomen, Socialite and Charity Founder.

Posted on by

Frost has interviewed the glamourous businesswomen, Socalite and Charity Founder Faiza Seth. She has worked in the city, set up charities and started her own business. Definitely an inspiration women. The charity she founded is called Soham for Kids.

 

Faiza founded the Soham for Kids School in Hyderabad, India in 2010 because she believes that educating the impoverished is a long-term solution to alleviating poverty. This strategy requires self-enabling individuals to permanently break the cycle of poverty and eventually provide for themselves and their families. Faiza developed the holistic concept of establishing this completely free school that not only delivers a well rounded education, but also provides food, clothing and healthcare to 100 children across four grades ranging from pre-school, lower kindergarten, upper kindergarten to first grade. The charity aims to expand the school one grade each year. Soham for Kids is one of a few charitable schools in India that is non-denominational promoting a culture of acceptance and open-mindedness.

What can people do to help? People can donate or if they do have teaching experience, volunteer. There is always a need for clothes, blankets, books and toys, so people can donate these for the Soham for Kids students as well.

You used to work in the city, but now have your own business, was the transition scary? It is always scary to start your own business, because this has greater risk associated with it, and less job security. However, starting small and adding overheads slowly as business grows is a way to mitigate the risk.

Tell us about Casa Forma

Casa Forma Limited, a London-based architectural and interior design company specialising in creating bespoke luxury, turn-key properties. Casa Forma was founded in 2007 to develop properties in super prime locations of London and also offers its interior and architectural design services to third parties. Since inception, Casa Forma has successfully completed over 60 luxury residential and commercial projects in London as well as internationally. Our international practice provides a comprehensive interior design and architectural design service for residential, commercial and hospitality properties.

Our award-winning team of over 15 interiors designers, several of whom are qualified architects, can help you turn a space into a bespoke luxury living environment of impeccable quality by improving the functionality of a space thereby improving the value of a property both intrinsically and commercially. Casa Forma’s experienced team of interior designers and architects is led by world-class experts from the fields of decorative and structural design place absolute importance on understanding the particular needs and wishes of their clients for a professional service delivered to an uncompromisingly high standard. We are firm believers that the home is an extension of the homeowners’ personality, personal style, lifestyle, and tastes.


What is big in interior design right now? Currently, art deco, handmade products, and Asian influenced decor seem to be the prevalent trends in interior design.

Do you think women can “have it all”? Women can have it all, but not at the same time. There are only 24 hours in a day, and women can only balance so much. Sometimes work, family, or other commitments take different priority at different stages in a woman’s life.

How do you relax? I relax by watching TV, watching movies, getting a massage, spending time in nature, and yoga. Also just spending time with my Yorkies Dopey and Fizz automatically makes me smile and relax.

What is the best piece of business advice you ever had? ‘Think different, think Smarter. Otherwise, if you’re trying to be like someone else, the best you’ll ever be is second best.’ which was given by my husband Pallak Seth.

What’s next for you? I want to expand Casa Forma into the hospitality and commercial sectors. I also want to expand Casa Forma geographically into the emerging markets. I want to increase the class size of Soham for Kids so I can help some more impoverished and underprivileged children.

Girlie question now; what is your favourite beauty product? I love MAC Smoulder eyeliner. The eyes are the most expressive and beautiful feature on ones face and I think eyeliner really is the one product that can impact your look most.

Cheaply Does It.

Posted on by

With the recession kicking in people are looking for ways to save money, or make some more. Of course the best way to save money is not to spend any, but that is not convenient or realistic sometimes. At the moment inflation is kicking our butts and it costs a bomb just to go to work. If you are lucky enough to have a job.

So, what to do? There are a lot of coupon sites now. You can check for a leapfrog coupon so you can save money on little fun things, or just things you need. If you save money then you save time. So combine things that are educational and entertaining at the same time. Buy any kids or nephews/nieces you have an educational fun toy or products for their birthdays.

Entertainment can be done cheaply. DVDs can be bought cheap and cheap tickets can be found last-minute.

Another way to save is to buy in bulk. The more you buy the cheaper it usually is. If you don’t buy a lot of stuff on your own then you can go shopping with friends and then it will be cheaper for you all.

Only shopping in sales is a good way to save. Never waste your money by buying something full price. You just don’t need to nowadays. Shop online and compare prices. Also make do and mend with the things you have.

Another good way of saving is to buy expensive stuff. No, really, that old adage that if you buy cheap you buy dear is true. Buying expensive stuff will last longer and work out cheaper in the long run. Buying an expensive pair of shoes and getting them resoled regularly and polishing them yourself will make any outfit look great. You will never look literally down at heel. Also, when you buy expensive shoes you can wear high street clothes and still look stylish and well dressed.

Libraries are incredibly underused, dust off your library card if you have not used yours recently. There are tons of books, but also DVDs and CDs.

Scour charity shops for clothes, books, CDs, things for your home. Or do a swap shop. If you need to see a chiropractor then maybe think of doing a skills exchange with someone else. Everyone has something to offer someone else. Whether that is something you do as a profession or as a hobby.

First Anniversary of Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

Posted on by


Japan mourned today as the first anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami brought Tokyo to a halt.

Today marks a year since the magnitude-9.0 earthquake struck at 2.46pm local time (5.46am GMT) , people all across Japan bowed their heads and observed a minute’s silence. Millions mourned and sirens were sounded in dozens of coastal communities were 15,800 people have been confirmed dead and there are still 3,300 others missing.

The earthquake devastated the country’s north-east coast and also sparked the world’s worst nuclear disaster for 25 years.

The Prime Minister said that Japan would be “reborn as an even better place”. “Our predecessors who brought prosperity to have repeatedly risen up from crises, every time becoming stronger,” he said. “We will stand by the people from the disaster-hit areas and join hands to achieve the historic task of rebuilding.”

Japanese taxpayers are facing an expected cost of $230bn (£145bn) over the next ten years to rebuild cities, towns and villages.

The emperor, empress, prime minister, foreign dignitaries attended a ceremony at the capital’s national theatre alongside hundreds of survivors.

Britons are prouder of their history, NHS and army than of the Royals.

Posted on by

While 2012 celebrates the Diamond Jubilee and London hosting the Olympics, it is history that makes people most proud to be British.

A survey commissioned by Channel 4 from Ipsos MORI found that more people (45%) are proud to be British due to the country’s history than they are because of the Royal Family (28%). And more people cite the NHS (37%) and the armed forces (36%) as a source of pride than they do the Royals. British sports teams come in at a lowly 10%. Bringing up the bottom of the table is British business, with only 4%.

Overall, which two or three of the following, would you say makes you most proud to be British?

1. Our history (45%)

2. The NHS (37%)

3. British Army / armed forces (36%)

4. The Royal Family (28%)

5. Our culture and arts (24%)

6. Our system of democracy (22%)

7. Having a free press / media (15%)

8. British sports teams (10%)

9. Our position in the world (5%)

10. British business (4%)

Timed to coincide with, Make Bradford British, a documentary series exploring what it means to be British, the survey also found that a ‘good sense of humour’ (45%) topped the poll when people were asked what are the best characteristics of British people, followed by friendly (34%) and tolerant to all sections of society (30%).

But while being funny may be the best British characteristic, of those surveyed, half (50%) said the worst was drinking too much. Ignorance of other cultures (33%) and complaining too much (23%) were also cited. And a fifth of respondents thought the worst characteristic was being lazy (20%).

Tea topped the poll not only as people’s favourite drink (38%) but also what they thought was the country’s national drink (65%) proving that we are a nation of tea lovers.

While fish and chips is seen as the national dish by four in ten Britons (41%) just one in ten (9%) say it is their favourite food. Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding tops the poll as the nation’s favourite dish (33%).

And while 15% enjoy a curry as their meal of choice, only 8% think it’s the national dish.

Make Bradford British continues on Thursday 8 March at 9pm on Channel 4

Lauren Laverne, Jo Whiley, Claudia Winkleman, at Lauren's Oxfam Get Together

Posted on by

Lauren Laverne, Jo Whiley, Claudia Winkleman, Dee Koppang at Lauren’s Oxfam Get Together event for International Women’s Day,

Lauren Laverne gathered together a host of celebrity friends to support Oxfam’s Get Together campaign for International Women’s Day this week, raising funds for women around the world.

Guests at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party included Jo Whiley, Claudia Winkleman, India Knight, Sali Hughes, Grace Dent, Gizzi Erskine, Mary-Kate Trevaskis, Dee Koppang, Hemmo, Polly Samson, Sophie Heawood, and Donna Grant.

Lauren who is an ambassador for Oxfam’s Get Together Campaign, joins over 3,000 women around the UK who have registered to hold their own events to mark International Women’s Day. At her tea party, she served guests multi coloured sandwiches, and praline ice cream lollipops which exploded with a single bite.

 

Lauren said: ‘Such a pleasure and a privilege to host a Get Together for IWD today. My friends are all busy mums and/or working women, but they were all so keen to make a donation and to take the time to come together on behalf of the campaign. It was inspiring and surprising and a lot of fun. We’re already making plans for something even bigger and better next year!’

Claudia Winkleman tweeted: tea with amazing women for #oxfamIWD Have a look at http://www.oxfam.org.uk/women’sday.

Zoe Ball will be celebrating International Women’s Day for Oxfam this evening with a Get Together frock swap with her friends – last year she hosted a tea party for International Women’s Day. Zoe tweeted: Shout for all dames hosting a #gettogether with girls for International Women’s Day

Other celebrity ladies holding Get Together events for Oxfam include Miquita Oliver, who held a women-themed quiz night. And a dazzling array of celebrities put on a glamorous Get Together jumble sale, with stalls organised by Dawn Porter, Gemma Cairney, Caroline Flack, Chris O’Dowd, Kate Nash, Sara Cox, Cherry Healey, Gizzi Erskine, Grace Woodward, Harry Potter actress Jessie Cave, singer Brigitte Aphrodite and TV presenter and stand-up comic Jeffrey Leach. The ‘Rumble in the Jumble’ raised £7,000 for Oxfam.

Oxfam’s Chief Executive Barbara Stocking said: ‘We are so grateful for the support of everyone who is holding an Oxfam Get Together event for International Women’s Day. There are 1.3 billion people living in poverty worldwide – and the great majority are women and girls. Oxfam is working hard to change this through all of our programme work.’