GORDON PARSONS is bowled over by a skilfully stripped down and powerfully relevant production of Hamlet
Netflix new ‘asteroid to hit Earth’ offering misses the point
PETE STEVENSON compares Don’t Look Up, the most recent offering by the network, to Armageddon classics and finds it wanting on several counts
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DON’T LOOK UP directed by Adam McKay is a disappointing science fiction film with a powerful message, presented as an analogy of the dangers of climate change.
An asteroid is heading for Earth that, on contact, will kill us all. Two scientists played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence struggle to convince the US president (a female version of Donald Trump) to act — well trodden Hollywood territory (Deep Impact, Armageddon, etc).
The urgency of the situation is initially ignored and the scientists are treated with contempt. Eventually the president agrees to take action because she sees it as electorally advantageous, and Nasa launches a rocket to zap it in space before it arrives.
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As part of the recently re-formed Exeter Stop the War Coalition, PETE STEVENSON explains how talented artist Becca Edwards engaged young people in a collaborative painting for Palestine
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PETE STEVENSON tells a positive story of a community who fought back after a homophobic and misogynist hate crime in the harbour town of Watchet
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PETE STEVENSON is concerned that children have an extraordinary capacity to innovate, but they are encouraged by teachers and parents to grow out of creativity, to leave it behind to the detriment of society as a whole
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Speaking to Ben Chacko, CND’s new leader SOPHIE BOLT outlines her organisation’s ambitious plans, from peace camps to base blockades to mass mobilisation, to fight the rising nuclear madness our politicians ignore
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ALAN McGUIRE recommends an autobiography that is an intriguing mix of short stories and personal sketches
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Artist JOHN MARC ALLEN talks to Andy Hedgecock about his exhibition inspired by Dr Strangelove and the Atomic Age