Spoleto
Cheeky Monkey
Monday, June 2nd, 2008
Went to see Monkey - Journey to the West this weekend at Spoleto and was really impressed with the mix of music, acrobatics and opera that combined with video animation.
It’s an old Chinese tale that’s been put in a contemporary setting on a stage. It’s not quite an opera, musical or circus; but more of a blend of opera, pop, acrobatics, martial arts and animation. Sort of a modern day opera. The story is lead by a monkey who, after he is hatched from a stone egg, begins his journey for immortality and magical power.
Apparently, the show first premiered in the UK at the Manchester International Festival to rave reviews last Summer, and now Stateside at the Spoleto festival.
The man behind the music is Daman Albarn, lead singer of former Britpop band Blur, and the creative concept and animation by Jamie Hewlett, co-creator of cartoon band Gorillaz.
The blend of old and new, the mix of traditional music with modern day pop and the combination of stage and animation works really well.
Topics: Spoleto | No Comments »
McMahan’s Mini Museum
Sunday, May 18th, 2008
While the fancy culture high season doesn’t officially start until Friday with the launch of Spoleto, this weekend we did attend the opening of world’s largest collection of the greatest works of art…in miniature form. Richard McMahan has spent the past 18 years producing over 1,100 tiny replicas of cave paintings, Greek and Roman art, Cubist masterpieces, art nouveau furniture, etc. He’s never been to the Louvre or Prado, but he has studied all the works through books in his local library in Jacksonville.
It’s a pretty incredible site…and journey through the history of art. The display itself is worth the visit, as students from the Clemson Architecture Center in Charleston developed a unique and fitting exhibition space located within the College of Charleston library.
Check it out online…and then head over for a visit.
Topics: Fandango, Spoleto | No Comments »
PFE Is Watching You
Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007There’s something about this year’s Spoleto poster that’s oddly familiar. Take a look for yourself….here’s a larger than life version covering the side of the Gaillard.
We couldn’t quite put our finger on it until TJ cracked the riddle. The face in the poster is indeed the face of PFE. Or at least these two were separated at birth. You be the judge through the magic of the airbrush:
Topics: Fandango, Spoleto | 2 Comments »