FESTIVAL AROUND TOWN | Previews
5 THINGS TO SEE AT . . . HENDRICK’S CARNIVAL OF KNOWLEDGE
1 Quintessential Anthology Of Gin If you’re going to have a weekend-long branded excursion into curious discussion and entertainments, you’d be better off doing it right, not to mention with a drink in hand. Among a number of events offering what we take to be a thoughtful and engaging perspective on the sponsors’ signature drink, this one stands out. Hendrick’s British Ambassador Duncan McRae (what a job title) will be offering ‘history, anecdotes and mythology’, as well as tasting samples (11 Aug, 2.30pm, £15). 2 How To Read A Story Outside the confines of the Book Festival, the Carnival of Knowledge whets our bookish appetites with some literary events presented by Granta. First we think you should learn how to promote your own, as comedian Viv Groskop, Literary Death Match’s Suzanne Azzopardi and Granta’s Saskia Vogel discuss the art of short story reading in public (9 Aug, 7.30pm, £12).
3 Alasdair Gray In Conversation The author of Lanark is, of course, one of Scotland’s greatest living novelists. What will he end up discussing with the BBC’s Head of the Arts for the UK, Jonty Claypole? His writing? His art? His nation, with the independence referendum growing ever-closer? Hopefully all of the above and more besides (10 Aug, 5pm, £12). 4 The Architecture Of Our Dreams Historian and presenter Dan Cruickshank is famed for his television shows Around the World in 80 Treasures and What the Industrial Revolution Did For Us. With his appearance inside the Carnival of Knowledge he explores, and we quote, ‘the world’s greatest cities, buildings and monuments’. All in an hour, so he’d better talk fast (10 Aug, 2.30pm, £12).
5 Literary Salon Raised in Newarthill, Lanarkshire, writer, journalist and ‘salonniere’ Damian Barr now lives in Brighton, hosts the literary salon at Shoreditch House and has written the well-received book of memoirs Maggie & Me. Here, he brings his salon experience to Edinburgh in the company of writers including Janice Galloway and Maggie O’Farrell (8 Aug, 8.30pm, £12). (Dav id Pollock)
■ Hendrick’s Carnival of Knowledge is at One Royal Circus from 8–11 Aug. See hendricksgin.com/carnivalofknowledge for more on these and other events.
94 THE LIST FESTIVAL 8–15 Aug 2013
SUMMERHALL FILM EVENTS Film performances that confront the original and mysterious
Summerhall are embracing challenging visuals, sonic landscapes and innovative filmmakers in their programme of film events for this year’s Fringe, showcasing a style of cinema a world away from the multiplex. One highlight is In Conversation with The Brothers Quay. If you’ve not heard of them, think slightly
dark, twisted stop-motion animation, in the realm of Jan Svankmajer or even Jim Henson’s The Storyteller series. This is an incredibly rare chance to hear them speak about their influences and their work, and if daring animation is your thing then you won’t want to miss it.
Speaking of dark cinema, Pumajaw’s innovative Song Noir show is another standout for film lovers.
The experimental art duo, made up of sound designer and instrumentalist John Wills and vocalist Pinkie Maclure, combine bewitching vocals and innovative arrangements of songs from across the spectrum of film noir.
Explaining how the visual elements of the show – experimental projections and visual collages that sync with the performance – combine with the music, Maclure says: ‘The films create environments and atmospheres to enhance the music. There’s no explicit narrative there, rather a theme running through them of mystery and suspense.’ Mystery and suspense – that’s as good a definition of ‘noir’ as we can get. If you want a clearer understanding, go check out the show.
Sven Werner’s Tales of Magical Realism is another blend of film and music that looks set to
mesmerise: an immersive installation based on Werner’s film Oculista, in which a lone traveller meets a beautiful mysterious girl at a train station. The show sold out during its initial run at Sonica 2012, so advance booking is a no-brainer. (Harry Harris) ■ In Conversation with The Brothers Quay, 12 Aug, 8.30pm, £10 (£8); Song Noir, until 25 Aug (not 12, 19), 9.45pm, £9 (£7); Tales of Magical Realism, 12–25 Aug (not 14, 21), times vary, £14 (£9). All events at Summerhall, 0845 874 3001.
DETOURS Intimate shows at the Art Festival
Detours is a series of intimate live performances, running as part of Edinburgh Art Festival and dipping in and out of different genres, blurring the lines between art forms for both artist and audience. ‘I think the opportunity to experience visual art alongside other art forms will inevitably open up different perspectives,’ says Sorcha Carey, director of Edinburgh Art Festival. Exploring how different genres can both conflict and complement, highlights include Billy Letford – poet and roofer – performing in the Conde Nast Coming Into Fashion show at City Art Centre. Meanwhile, Roddy Woomble’s (pictured) set at the Dovecot Studios’ Following a Thread exhibition showcases two very different art forms – folk music and contemporary art – coming together in an unexpected place.
‘I hope the audiences will come away feeling that they have been opened up to something new,’ adds Carey, ‘having experienced the gallery spaces in a way they don’t normally see.’ (Kirstyn Smith) ■ Festival Detours, until 29 Aug. See edinburghartfestival.com for more information.
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