My local creative ‘scene’ is the Southbank in central London. Its is a busy part of London life and appeals to many types of artistic people with there being something for everyone and incorporating all tastes of art. Southbank is the stretch along the side of the River Thames at the heart of Central London; it follows the river from Lambeth to Blackfriars bridges. The Southbank offers inspirational places to all ages with it being packed with art, theatre, music, film and free events. It is a proud London beauty and touristic attraction.
The South Bank has a range of creative and media activity such as:
Art and Photography:- Tate Modern and The Hayward Gallery
Performing Arts (Theatre):- The Globe
Film:- IMAX and British Film Institue (BFI)
Music:- Royal Festival Hall
Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is a national gallery that displays international modern and contemporary art. It is one of the four in the family of Tate galleries displaying selections from the Tate Collection. It was created in the year 2000 from a disused power station in the heart of London. Tate Modern displays the national collection of international modern art. The Tate Modern is one of the most interesting museums in the world, it is a must see due to its location – along the River Thames in an inoperative power plant – and the art exhibitions it is home to. It is free to enter the wonderful structure and you can purchase some memorabilia at not too expensive a price in the museum shops.
There are many events going on here for example, from 16th October – 19th October 2010 there is a performance entitled “Trisha Brown Company: Early Works”. This is celebrating Trisha Brown Company's 40th anniversary, Tate Modern presents Brown's Early Works created between 1968 and 1975. Originally produced as a performance for outside a conventional dance context, the Company performs this selection of first pieces for the first time inside a UK gallery.
There is also an exhibition from 3rd March – 31st December 2010 called “Martin Karlsson: London – An Imagery”. To celebrate the beginning of the works for Tate Modern’s new building, Swedish artist Karlsson has created a project on the 100-metre hoarding that encloses the works.
The Hayward Gallery
From the mere look of the building you may not think much of it but it is home to many successful programmes and events of visual and performing arts. It has constantly has various interesting exhibitions, mostly related to design and architecture but you can find other types of exhibitions. There are never any fixed workshops/exhibits, so changes through a few each year. The focus of the Hayward Gallery is to showcase unconventional pieces that are usually interactive.
Some of these events happening at the Hayward Gallery are:
“Move: Choreographing You” is starting on 13th October 2010 – 9th January 2011. This exhibition invites the audience to become a participant and sometimes even a dancer in installations and sculptures by internationally renowned visual artists and choreographers from the last 50 years.
Another event is “Ron Terada: Who I Think I Am”, this is on from 28th September – 7th November 2010. It is the Canadian artists London debut, he is presenting a series of works that explore the ideas of creative aspiration and stardom from the recent histories or art and popular music.
The Globe
The Globe Theatre pays homage to the brilliant writer that was William Shakespeare.
The theatre was built in 1599 by Shakespeare’s playing company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, it sadly burnt down in 1963 but was then rebuilt in 1614 on the same site. This second Globe closed in 1642. However a modern reconstruction of the Globe opened in 1997 about 230 metres from the original site. This Globe was named “Shakespeare’s Globe”. The theatre forms the heart of an extensive exhibition about Shakespeare and the theatre of his time.
Until the 9th October 2010 there will be a production of Shakespeare’s “Henry IV” Part 1 and Part 2. Showcasing just two of the many plays written by Shakespeare.
There is also a new play by Nell Leyshon showcasing at the theatre until 1st October 2010 entitled “Bedlam”. It is set during 18th-century London and is written by the 2005 Evening Standard Most Promising Playwright Award winner. Leyshon is the first female playwright to be performed at Shakespeare’s Globe.
British Film Institute (BFI)
Although it may not look like much from the outside, inside is an amazing homage to classic film and is not what would be expected of a touristic venue, it isn’t that expensive and inside there is a very chilled and relaxed atmosphere which encourages movie lovers and tourists alike to enjoy a movie archive/library without feeling out of place or stressed. Leaving any visitor with a smile on their face and greater knowledge of known and foreign cinema, festival and film.
Playing at the BFI Southbank from 18th-27th November 2010 there is “American Madness”. This film showcases the earlier era of cinema showing how wide the audience for the BFI is; this particular film is a fast-paced drama from 1932.
The BFI has diverse showings, from this black and white film to a more recent classic, such as “The Shining”. This psychological thriller from 1980 contrasts with the earlier example I mentioned being shown at the BFI Southbank, which truly captures the essence that is the south bank by appealing to various audiences in order to keep its touristic appeal live and kicking.
The BFI also has the IMAX as a part of it, the BFI IMAX is host to some of the greatest 3D films you can find, it is a very modern type of cinema and is located in the centre of the Southbank with only one underground entrance setting an adventurous mood for the viewer from the get-go. Once inside there is a sophisticated setting, but not intimidating in the least. I went there on the 15th October 2010 with my class to watch the newest 3D film, which was ‘Despicable Me’. When we were there we were introduced to what the IMAX was and some information about it, Miss Charlie Roberts – the school and group bookings manager told us that the screen was the equivalent height to fiver double-decker London buses; setting a truly unique and inexplicable experience. Visiting the IMAX is something to do if you’re ever in the mood for an amazing cinematic outing, as there is only one screen you are sure to catch the movie of the moment in amazing HD clarity and feel as if you are so close to the action that you can literally jump into the midst of it all. If there is ever any doubt of what the IMAX has to offer, there is no need to worry because there is no way to compete with the one and only IMAX experience!
Royal Festival Hall
Once inside the venue you can find a variety of art; there is music, paintings and models, every piece as interesting as the next, with the entire building having a calm and relaxed atmosphere to it. The building has many floors where each serves its own purpose; the ground floor is used mainly as a performance area, some floors are used as a lounge area whereas others are more for business and conferences. The venue also allows a view at the Hayward Gallery and as well as that, it supplies an amazingly spectacular view of the River Thames and what is essentially London.
Some events taking place at the Hall are:
The “Celebration of Life Concert” on 22nd October 2010, returns with reggae legends, jazz, and groove. It is supporting Revival, the anti-violence campaign, which focuses on the need to cherish and respect all life.
As well as performances, talks and debates also take place in the Hall, such as “Taking Stock” on 14th October 2010. It is a chance to hear a famed director and founder speaking in his only public UK appearance this year. The participants will be discussing policies adopted around the world, focusing on the UK in particular.
The Royal Festival Hall offers the enjoyment of all types of art be it music, art or other performances.
The Southbank is a very diverse and interesting area of London offering a wide creative scene for this unit. There is a variety of actual venues showcasing creativity, however you can also find people who want to express their creative sides along the river side some people are busking, others are doing it just for the joy and thrill of being able to do what the enjoy while showing as much people as they can what it is they want to do. You can also find that some of these people do it to spread happiness to other people.
Examples of this are street performers who play music for commuters and tourists to keep them upbeat during the typical London weather. The capital itself is diverse and rich in creativity but it is certainly concentrated into the Southbank where you are sure to find the craziest and most imaginative street performances out there.
Here are some examples of the various types of street performances and acts you can find in the Southbank:
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