THE LETTERS
TYRED OUT
Re: Speed merchant (issue 414)
Mike Wilson wants to know ‘what WI” it
take for Edinburgh to become New
Amsterdam in terms of the Velo-CIty aims. Yes. 500 Cycle-maniac conference
delegates Will help. but so might fewer
hills . . .
Kirsty Regan
Via e-rnail
YOUNG AT ART
Re: The full picture (issue 414)
A big thumbs up to John Fardell for pointing Out how undervalued the work of children's book illustrators is by the mainstream media. The same goes for the work of authors who write for children (the Harry Potter phenomenon excepted). The Edinburgh International Book Festival programme this year features over 250 events for children and a special focus on the work of children's picture book illustrators.
The assumption is that because the art/writing is ‘for children‘. it isn't newsworthy or intellectualIy/artistically sound. The ignorance and short-termism of this view never ceases to amaze me.
Like John. I don't want to deny the importance of contemporary art and writing for adults. but when we begin to compare the utilitarian and social value of the two sectors it's difficult not to conclude that the media have got it seriously wrong.
Of course the larger point is that Our attitudes toward children generally need serious revision. Let’s face it. we're British. and not exactly famous for being child- friendly.
Marc Lambert
Assistant director (Children & Education)
Edinburgh International Book Festival
HOLD ON
Phoning The List
The music that is played when you phone up The List and are put on hold is very loud. Please turn it down.
Tim Abrahams
Via e-mai'l
TRAGIC FLAW
Re: Woyzeck (issue 413)
I enjoyed KTC's Woyzeck and it was an extremely thought-provoking night. I felt depressed afterwards as I thought it was an accurate portrayal of a descent into madness. showing just what an awful world it is we seem to be creating for the next generation.
Alana Student
It's been pretty fabulous but not as good as when Green Day were here last.
Steve Cramer's rewew of L/Voyzeck was interesting With regard to his views on the 'pomt of tragedy' being that however awful your own life is it cannot be as bad as that portrayed on the stage. He claims that the dark. depressmg world that is lived in by Woyzeck can lead to an uplifting in the soul of an empathetic audience whose own Situation must surely be radiant in comparison.
Certainly the black bin bag set deSIgn was likely to invoke a feeling of foreboding and gloom. However I have to take issue With him on this.
I firstly do not agree that tragedy is defined as depicting a situation worse than one's own. but more whether the audience is moved to feel the pain of what is happening on the stage. This then depends on the ability to open up the emotions to the head and heart. Only a fine piece of dramatic writing can achieve this and only when the indivrduals in the audience are open to suggestion. In other words what is defined by a tragedy by one person may not necessarily be the same as someone else.
Judy McCulloch Via e-mail
THE FINAL CUT Re: Film listings (issue 414) I have just opened your magazine. which I receive on subscription. to check out what was going on locally (in Stirling area) this weekend. particularly film-wise. only to find that out-of-town film listings have been omitted altogether.
Is this an error. or did you have too much copy to fit it in? Please could you explain.
The List Is so useful as reference. but not if it cannot be relied on to include same venues conSIstently.
Diana Hand
vra e-mail
Sorry. space got the better of us last issue. although we are revrewmg the number of Cinemas we list outSide the Cities. We It’d/ii to keep Stirling and Paisley. for example. but what others? Let us know: Ed.
NORTHERN EXPOSURE
The Kilmorack Gallery
One of my favourite Scottish art galleries is never listed in your magazine. For me this is a shame. because often I am down south and want to check quickly what their current exhibition is. to see if I should VlSIi on my travels through the Highlands.
It is called the Kilmorack Gallery. it is near Beauly in lnvernesshire and it always features some of Scotland's best artists. including Gerald Laing and James Hawkins. I think the website is www.kilmorackgallerycouk Kate Storm we email It is not our policy to cover events beyond the central belt: Ed.
FISHY BUSINESS
Re: Trip Fontaine review, T Break Heats (issue 414)
Thanks for the constructive criticism. I'd like to take this opportunity to point out that I never wrote any anthems to cod (nor any other type of fish as far as I'm aware) during the 608.
Trip Fontaine
via e-mail
Neil McKinven played Woyzeck, but was it tragedy?
Trevor Paul Karen
First Aid Student Student
Dude Its way too I didn't think it
The skate- hot in the was ever
boarding is SECC. why sunny In
CruCial! isn't this in a Scotland. I
field? happily came
all the way from
Newcastle for this. It's great.
EVENTS m CONTRIBUTORS
Publisher &
General Editor H ‘t‘ r‘ Ham»! Editor Ma'k l an." EDITORIAL
Deputy Editor
Brian Donaldson
Assistant Editors
Miles Fielder, louisa Pearsa". Mark Rt‘l‘ertrwn
Research
Helen Monaohan iArt; hell. Apter iClat;r;i\‘al. [\lni‘e c‘. Theatre». louisa i’eairw'i (Folk). Maureen E_ lli:; it‘nt‘. lite. Commity i“. Kidsi. Henry Northmoie li‘ilm. .la.'.' 3’. Rock. SALES AND MARKETING
Sales & Sponsorship Director Mino Hui‘nu) Sales & Marketing Manager Amanda Munoall Snr Sales & Sponsorship Executive Justine Watt Sales 8: Sponsorship Executive Emma l awuon Sales & Promotions Executive Daniel l’ollitt Circulation Serge DlVliH
PRODUCTION
Art Director
Krista Kegel-[hxon Production Manager Simon Armin Production Assistants Lucy Reeves.
Leanne Roulston
DTP Nikki Turner
ADMINISTRATION Accounts Manager Georgette Henwck Accounts Assistant Manager Donna Taylor Operations Director Jacqueline Garry Reception Anna Millar Edinburgh Office
Pippa Wright
Glasgow Office
Jane Hamilton
New Projects Director Mhairi Mackenzie Robinson SECTION EDITORS Art Helen Monaghan Books Brian Donaldson City Life Maureen Ellis, Jane Hamilton
Clubs Catherine Bromley. Jack Mottram
Comedy Maureen Ellis Comics Miles Fielder Dance Steve Cramer Film Miles Fielder
Food Barry Shelby Games lain DaVidson Internet Steve Blair
Kids Maureen Ellis
Music Mark Robertson (with NOrman Chalmers. Carol Main. Kenny Mathieson 8 Fiona Shepherd) Shopping Lowsa Pearson Television Brian DonalrlSOn Theatre Steve Cramer Travel LOUisa Pearson Video/DVD Miles Fielder
Printed by ScottiSh Oeurity Press. Bonnyrigg Midlothian
7—21 Jun 2001 THE LIST 9