All the art I managed to consume in January 2019. Enjoy 🙂
Very impressed that I managed to read three books, watch three theatre productions, one tv show and one film. Yeah boo!
- The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up
If you’ve spent any time on social media lately (especially twitter), you’ll notice that everyone’s been going crazy about Marie Kondo’s decluttering show on Netflix. Let’s just say that I have VERY strong opinions on this, and that the Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up (which I read in December but I’m including it in January’s wrap up) was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I haven’t seen the Netflix version but I’m very frustrated to hear the controversy surrounding it, caused by people who (in my opinion) have completely misinterpreted Marie Kondo’s views on decluttering. The book completely changed my mindset, helping me to declutter my space, think clearer and be far more organised, intentional and joy-seeking. I 100% recommend this book, even if(maybe especially) if you don’t like tidying up. This has revolutionised the game, I tell you.
2. Bandersnatch
I mean, it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t chat about Bandersnatch right?! The eagerly anticipated Black Mirror episode. I looooove Black Mirror. Bandersnatch is an interactive show on Netflix, which allows you to choose what the characters did next. It was so smoothly done and well shot. And there were so many different plots you could follow, that lots of people who watched it got a different outcome. It’s great – an individualised experience that should pave the way for a new way of storytelling. The form matched the content really well. The one downside was that the story itself (and yes, I know there were many possible stories) wasn’t that interesting to me, and the episode skated mainly upon the really cool interactive element. Far from being gimmicky, it was slick and exciting but still…I wish there had been more plot. It must have been hard to create a plot with so many possible gateways, exits and threads, but I really did wish there was more action. With a more exciting plot, the whole thing would be…well, even more of a masterpiece.
3. You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
This was another game changing book. It’s all about changing your money mindset i.e. confronting all the negative and often subconscious attitudes towards money that you harbour that could be keeping you back from living a life of abundance. Yes, it might sound totally cheesy from the premise but I’m telling you I’ve had a real mindset shift. The author, Jen Sincero, is also one funny, straight-talking gal. Definitely pick it up. I actually read this twice in one month.
The author also has a book entitled ‘You are a badass’ which is a general motivational book aimed at, I think, getting your life together. I haven’t read that but if it’s anything like this one. I recommend it and will probably pick it up at some point.
4. Bird Box
Everyone was raving about it, so I had to check out this Netflix thriller starring Sandra Bullock. I actually really enjoyed this! The premise is actually quite terrifying — there’s this monster/evil being, which causes you to die once you look into its eyes. But here’s the terrifying part – people kill themselves, rather than this evil presence killing them. People jump into burning cars, jump out of windows, do anything until they’re dead.
There was a lot of tension, as you might expect, and I could see where they were going with never showing the ‘monster’ on screen, preferring instead to show the results of it.
I did think the film suffered from the ‘just because’ factor. Where did the evil beast come from? No one knows. Why does it cause you to commit suicide? Just because. Okay but are we ever gonna resolve anything? Nahhhhh.
There’s an ending which is…well, totally obvious but one that I didn’t even consider. The characters were well fleshed out (although of course, the Black, Asian and LGBT+ characters all died) and there are some really touching moments. All in all, I did enjoy the film and thought it was well worth the watch — if only to understand what everyone was talking about!
5. Stop and Search
Saw this at the Arcola. A new play by Gabriel Gbadamosi. It’s all about how we police each other in a world of constant surveillance, paranoia and xenophobia. It contained a topical exploration of what it means to seek refuge and experience hostility and prejudice. Whilst this wasn’t my favourite show, I absolutely LOVE The Arcola and will obviously continue to see many more of the shows they put on.
6. Lola – VAULT Festival
A very strong piece of new writing by Hannah Nixon and presented by Papercut Theatre. I’ve just found out that this is Hannah Nixon’s DEBUT play?! Whaaaat? It’s very, very good. Great acting (especially from whoever plays the male teacher — alas I can’t remember his name, but honestly they were all strong performers). It was a pleasure to watch this show. Keep an eye out for where they go next. The show explores female objectification, gender stereotyping, mental health as well as complex relationships between teachers and students (the latter of which I found the most interesting).
7. The 4 Hour Work Week
A really insightful book by Timothy Ferris, teaching sound business practice, the art of increasing productivity, managing others and living a life which gives you the freedom of mobility. Basically it shows you how to manage work (whether you’re a boss or an employer) in a way that frees up your time for more travel, autonomy and joy. If you’re self-employed/freelance, or just a boss of a corporation, it also shows you how to work ON your business, rather than WITHIN it, which…if you don’t know that concept already, I think will blow your mind because it’s such a necessary thing. What’s great is that the book is so very practical, so there are steps you can follow to live a life of financial abundance. Everyone should read it.
8. Lion King – West End
Caught The Lion King. Okay, obviously it was good. The costumes are fantastic and there’s such amazing use of puppetry. And there’s all the lovable characters like Timon and Simba. Nala was consistently fantastic – from the little girl who played her to the woman who plays her when she’s older. But…wow, I never thought before about what a darn good story it is?! Like…this dad who wants to do his best to raise a strong and powerful king, but must also love his son as…a child. Whose evil brother murders him and then takes over the kingdom, causing a huge amount of complex grief and unresolved guilt (a huge burden on a small kid/cub such as Simba), who is then brought up in an unfamiliar environment away from his own kind but by loving adoptive parents Timon and Pumba, who must eventually return for both love and throne and…amazingly, find in him some forgiveness for his father’s murderer. And the whole thing is underpinned with the spirituality of African faith systems, embodied by Rafiki. Honestly, WHAT A STORY. And seeing it on stage (as an adult) really made me focus on the story more.
Oh, and Rafiki was great.
That’s it! Thanks for reading. Have a great February and I’ll have another wrap up at the end of this month!
anartisttravels x
anartisttravels 