Latest news with #BestoftheFest
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The Three Graces censored as Fringe show uncovers the truth of explicit art in Japan
Japanese theatre companies Theatre Group Gumbo and Book of Shadowz have 'censored' Antonio Canova's The Three Graces housed at National Galleries Scotland: National, by covering the Neoclassical sculpture with black modesty panels in a tongue-in-cheek jab at prudishness in Japan. The playful and pointed stunt was a bold teaser for their outrageous Fringe show Shunga Alert, performing at Underbelly Cowgate until August 24. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A bold, adults-only comedy-documentary, Shunga Alert dives crotch-first into Japan's sexual culture. Co-created by Gumbo and Book of Shadowz (Mochinosha Puppet Company), the show follows aspiring artist Mame and his companions - retired sex doll Pleasure and the rogue AI virtual idol Pain - on their quest to craft the ultimate erotic masterpiece. Told through absurd clowning, physical theatre, and intricate handmade shadow puppetry and projection, Shunga Alert is a visual and comedic spectacle. A filthy, hilarious, and genuinely informative show that uncovers centuries of Japan's hidden sexual art and unpacks the taboos that are still relevant today. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Translating to 'spring pictures', shunga is a form of traditional Japanese erotic art that was popular during the Edo period of Japan. Portraying explicit sexual scenes and intimate moments, shunga were a celebration of sexual expression at odds with the country's contemporary conservative values. Shunga Alert performers censor 'The Three Graces' at National Galleries Scotland: National These scenes are brought to life in Shunga Alert with the projection of intricate handmade creations in the Ukiyo-e (traditional woodblock) style, while the story is told through hilarious physical theatre and clowning as the live actors interact with the scenes on screen. Following on from a Best of the Fest performance at the San Diego Fringe Festival 2024, Shunga Alert erupts onto the Fringe stage in a riot of shadow, satire, and sex. Established in 1994, Osaka-based Theatre Group Gumbo has brought its signature grotesque comedy to over 47 cities in 13 countries, racking up accolades including Critic's Choice (Edmonton Fringe), Best of the Fest (San Diego), and Artist's Pick (Colchester Fringe). Book of Shadowz (formerly Mochinosha), is known for its dazzling shadow animation. Founded by Canadian artist Daniel Wishes and Japanese artist Seri Yanai, the group has earned global recognition, from Suginami Theatre Festival (Outstanding Production) to Orlando Fringe (Critic's Choice). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Antonio Canova, The Three Graces, 1815 – 1817. Purchased jointly with the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, with the assistance of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, J Paul Getty II, Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza, and corporate and private donations, 1994.
Scotsman
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
For a good Fringe show, Arthur Hull is top of the Flops
Arthur Hull, who has a Fringe show called Flop So it's coming up to that time of year again when I have to spend a lot of time washing sheets and pillow cases as family and friends descend upon me to take in the Festival and Fringe. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It's also when people keep asking me for recommendations, which is always a bit tricky as so often one doesn't have a clue whether any shows will be good. Last year, to begin with I kept leaving venues feeling quite distinctly meh. I began to think it was me – had I lost my sense of humour or just become a bit jaded? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Then I went to see Jack Docherty as Chief Inspector Meikleson and laughed my socks off. He's back again this year so that is one show I have told people to go and see at the Gilded Balloon's new venue at Appleton Tower. Of course, it is also a great time to catch up with people who don't visit Edinburgh at any other time of the year. Many moons ago I worked on the Best of the Fest show at the Assembly Rooms. That's when the building had some character and didn't, as one friend described it, look like an over-sized dentist's waiting room. Anyway, my cohort in that venture was a chap called Richard. He was living in Edinburgh and through the Fringe met his wife, Bex. They had a son and then decided to move back to her homeland of Australia. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad They are coming back this August with this son, Arthur Hull, who has a show called Flop. Needless to say that the title doesn't reflect the show – it's his belief that even some of the worst musicals have one good song. He sings and plays the keyboard because he is a very talented young man. Having picked up brilliant reviews and awards at Melbourne and Adelaide festivals, he is now bringing it to Edinburgh. Now, I might be biased but I reckon this is going to be a hit. Obviously Arthur's parents are hoping so as well, otherwise they may have to re-mortgage their house. Well, I suppose you have to do whateveryou must to let your children follow their dream, although I must be a bad mother as I doubt that I would put my home on the line. I should get around to reading the Fringe brochure, but in the meantime I already have one date in my diary.
West Australian
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
WIN a double pass to see Perth Comedy Festival's Best of the Fest
SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE We're offering you the chance to see a surprise line up of the biggest local and international comedic stars with a double pass to Perth Comedy Festival's Best of the Fest showcase ! Best of the Fest is swinging into the Rechabite Fridays and Saturdays in May, and you could win tickets for either the May 9 or May 10 show. Find out more about what the Perth Comedy Festival has on offer here . For your chance to win, enter your details below. Entries close on Sunday 4 May at 11:59 pm. All entrants may only enter once. All entrants found to have entered more than once per entry form will have their subsequent entries disqualified. T&Cs apply .
Associated Press
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
From Tombs to Triumph: ‘Tombstone Pillow' Wins Best of Fest at Girls Inc. Chicago Film Festival
'I think now film-making has an even more important role than ever in uplifting society, and that is what Tombstone Pillow is all about,' — Daniel Lir LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, January 28, 2025 / / -- Tombstone Pillow, a short film directed by Daniel Lir and Bayou Bennett, has been awarded the Best of the Fest honor at the first-ever Girls Inc. of Chicago ICFilm Festival. The award recognizes the film for its impactful storytelling and thought-provoking narrative, which explores the realities of poverty and the true meaning of wealth. The film tells the story of a 9-year-old girl who guides a wealthy widow through a Manila cemetery where thousands of impoverished families live among the tombs. It is a poignant exploration of materialism, generosity, and the resilience of the human spirit. Inspired by a life-changing trip to the Philippines, Lir and Bennett were deeply moved by the living conditions of over 6,000 families who make their homes in the cemetery. 'There are thousands of families living in cemeteries, sleeping on tombs. Human beings deserve better, and film-making is the most powerful voice we know to create change and awareness around these issues,' said Bennett. Sharry Flaherty of Samera Entertainment, who helped distribute the film, added, 'Being born and growing up in the Philippines where my mom is from, I am incredibly excited about 'Tombstone Pillow.' It resonates deeply with me to see stories from my homeland highlighted on such a platform. Congratulations to the dream team for this well-deserved award!' The film's production posed unique challenges. Despite being unable to travel to the Philippines due to childcare commitments, Bennett remained deeply involved in the film's creation, offering direction remotely through Facebook Live. With technology as her bridge, Bennett worked alongside her co-director, Lir, and an exceptional cast and crew to bring the story to life. The film's success of 35 awards to date is a reflection of the dedication of its team, and its profound social impact message. At the festival, Tombstone Pillow captivated a youth audience, many of whom shared their emotional reactions to the story. One young viewer, Maya, remarked, 'The movie made me feel like I was there, in that cemetery. I saw that people were kind and generous even though they had so little.' Another noted, 'I liked the way the girl Maria smiled at the end, like she knew things would be better for everyone.' For Lir and Bennett, the festival provided an opportunity for young women to engage directly with filmmakers and participate in meaningful conversations about social issues. 'I think now film-making has an even more important role than ever in uplifting society, and that is what Tombstone Pillow is all about,' said Lir. The Tombstone Pillow team hopes the film can continue to serve as a conversation starter about poverty and inequality, especially for communities who are often unseen. Through the power of cinema, Lir and Bennett aim to shine a light on those who are too often forgotten. About the Film: Tombstone Pillow was inspired by a visit to a Manila cemetery, where Bayou and Daniel Lir encountered families living among the tombs of the deceased. The filmmakers, alongside Mumbai-based collaborator Fraser Scott, crafted the story to bring global awareness to the lives of those living in such harsh conditions. It is a film that aims to challenge perceptions of wealth and invite viewers to consider what truly matters in life. About the Girls Inc. of Chicago ICFilm Festival: The Girls Inc. of Chicago ICFilm Festival is a platform that empowers young women through film by showcasing global stories, promoting diversity, and fostering meaningful dialogue. The festival aims to engage young audiences in thought-provoking content while providing opportunities to interact with filmmakers and industry professionals. Sharry Flaherty +1 702-756-3527
