Urbanism 6 November 2008
The Little Dog Laughed
You know those dodgy forwards you get sent with NSFW stamped all over them? This play should’ve been emblazoned NSFGP. I had the happy opportunity to go to The Little Dog Laughed last week, and no play has ever made me laugh so hard. The grandparents sitting in the front row, though? Another story entirely. I felt a tad sorry for the 80+ year-old man sitting stage left, mere metres away from the two naked men going at it like a couple of teenagers. While this caused a communal cheer from (most of) the audience, he watched on stony-faced. This is not a play for the fainthearted. Centred on four characters – the actor, the agent, the rent boy and the girlfriend – The Little Dog Laughed’s writer obviously wasn’t listening when someone declared ‘less is more’. The play’s a fabulous slice of the Hollywood scene, big personalities, big hair and big…egos. On until 15 November at the Herald Theatre, Auckland.
>>Visit www.the-edge.co.nz
Walter’s Prize
The Walter’s Prize has been embroiled in controversy from its inception in 2002. The announcement of this year’s winner, Peter Robinson, on 31 October at the Auckland Maritime Museum was no different. While the well-dressed crowd of art patrons, gallery owners, and artists clapped when the second-time nominee’s name was read out, many murmuring, ‘yes, he deserved it…’ there was one guest who stormed off to the toilets to splash water on his face, such was his disappointment and amazement in the choice. Robinson’s project, ACK, is an overgrown garden of slithering white forms carved from Styrofoam. He has won $50,000 and a trip to New York to exhibit his work at Saatchi and Saatchi’s headquarters.
>>Visit www.aucklandartgallery.govt.nz
Wrest by John Pusateri
Both sketcher and subject, artist and athlete, John Pusateri, in his new exhibition Wrest, draws movement and musculature with near photographic accuracy. In a series of works depicting a sinewed and muscular young man and woman in explosive yet graceful combat, Pusateri’s forms come alive within the frame. Wrestling is historically symbolic of masculine power, but in each of these scenarios, the female opponent looks to have overwhelmed her male counterpart. Not unlike a Clark/Brash battle of three years ago, though this weekend’s bout might not be so clear-cut. On until 23 November at Seed Gallery, Auckland.
>>Visit www.seedgallery.co.nz
The Music is Bond
If you, along with the teenage male world, have James Bond fever, what better way to herald the next installment (Quantum of Solace) than with a retrospective of the best Bond theme songs from 1962 to 2008? A timeless list of songs that spans the generations, from the James Bond theme song to Goldfinger, From Russia With Love, Live and Let Die, For Your Eyes Only and The Spy Who Loved Me. The show will have its own Bond girls in the form of local singers Tina Cross, Caitlin Smith, Rebecca Wright and Taisha along with the show’s producer Tim Beveridge and a 20-piece orchestra. 22 November at the ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre.
>>Visit www.the-edge.co.nz
Architecture Uncooked
You know the sweet smell of summer is in the air when coffee table books on the good old Kiwi bach start rolling off the press. Architecture Uncooked sees award-winning architect Pip Cheshire teaming up with celebrated photographer Patrick Reynolds in an exploration of seven classic holiday homes. From the beach house to the alpine crib, Cheshire’s keen architect’s eye doesn’t miss a beat as he guides the reader through all aspects of the baches, from history to renovations, environment and existing features. On sale from 14 November, Random House New Zealand.
>>Visit www.randomhouse.co.nz
Subscribe to the latest design news delivered directly to your inbox every month...