This book by Adam Hochschild blew my mind. I am a little fickle when it comes to reading and to be perfectly frank just like to get my teeth into a good story and if I learn something then all the better. The lovely boy on the other hand has a library full of informative and educational material that he is constantly stuffing into his brain, and good luck to him say I as I reach for another Maeve Binchy or whatever other piece of trash I am wasting my time on! However this book is different.
It informs the reader in a very accessible and attention grabbing way of the history of the establishment and development of the Belgian colony in the Congo region of Africa. Prior to picking this book up I was aware the Congo was a Belgian colony, had briefly wondered how little Belgium could have been able to be a colonial power and then promptly forgot about it. Shame on me.
This book outlines the destruction of this territory, of its people and its natural resources by one man (who never set foot in Africa) hell bent on becoming very rich at whatever the cost. It is a tale of human tragedy and mass murder on a scale that made me at time gasp out loud. It is a shameful indictment of human nature and the depths of deprivity that people are capable of stooping to.
Overall I would whole heartedly recommend this book to anyone and would be very surprised if you didn't find it unputdownable.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
A Cry From Heaven
The Abbey Theatre in Dublin is currently showing Vincent Wood's A Cry From Heaven and I went to view it last night.
The story is based on the Irish mythology Deirdre of the Sorrows - which as a child was one of my favourite storys and always made me cry. I even had a crush on Naoise and wanted him to rescue me too. (If you want my version of the story just ask!)
The Abbey's production which is directed by Olivier Py is breathtaking.
The costumes and scenery are modern with the scenery being moved around and created into different locations by the cast as the play progresses. There is a huge reliance on sound and tones which succeeds in creating an air of confusion and almost puts pressure on the audience as the atmosphere builds on stage.
Its a hugely powerful story and although the theatre was by no means full on Monday night the audience seemed to be held in the powerful grip that was wrought by the players. So much so that it took about 15-20 seconds for anyone to react once the final curtain fell.
The story is based on the Irish mythology Deirdre of the Sorrows - which as a child was one of my favourite storys and always made me cry. I even had a crush on Naoise and wanted him to rescue me too. (If you want my version of the story just ask!)
The Abbey's production which is directed by Olivier Py is breathtaking.
The costumes and scenery are modern with the scenery being moved around and created into different locations by the cast as the play progresses. There is a huge reliance on sound and tones which succeeds in creating an air of confusion and almost puts pressure on the audience as the atmosphere builds on stage.
Its a hugely powerful story and although the theatre was by no means full on Monday night the audience seemed to be held in the powerful grip that was wrought by the players. So much so that it took about 15-20 seconds for anyone to react once the final curtain fell.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Sin City
I was eagerly awaiting this Robert Rodriguez offering for the past few months. Any trailers I had seen had definately whetted my appetite and I was looking forward to a movie with a different edge and direction.
I wasn't disappointed. The adaption from the comic book format to the silver screen was very impressive and I really enjoyed what this movie had to offer. From the sublime to the ridiculous this movie has a good smattering of entertainment value, but it may not be everyones cup of tea!
I wasn't disappointed. The adaption from the comic book format to the silver screen was very impressive and I really enjoyed what this movie had to offer. From the sublime to the ridiculous this movie has a good smattering of entertainment value, but it may not be everyones cup of tea!
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