A major Italian bistro contender has popped up in the otherwise bleak semi-industrial Prague district of Holesovice. Puccelini, adorned throughout with music scores and lamps hidden inside trumpets, serves up fine pizzas from a traditional wood-fired brick oven. But its starters, such as baked, stuffed aborigines and mozzarella potato thyme soup are just as impressive. Linguine with calamari is a typical entrée, a thoughtful wine list includes a delectable Barolo and the tiramisu is a generous handmade wonder.
March 3, 2010
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Bruce Lee meets Jane Austen in Ang ‘Sense And Sensibility’ Lee’s astonishingly beautiful martial arts romance – it’s still the film of the year.
February 28, 2010
Brett Leveridge
Award-winning humorist and occasional NPR commentator Brett Leveridge makes the leap to the printed page with this first book ‘Men My Mother Dated and Other Mostly True Tales’, a combination of essays, anecdotes and tall tales of his mother’s dating days in 1950s Oklahoma. Merging work from his website Brettnews.com with excerpts from his long-running column in ‘Might’ magazine, the book also boasts ten never previously published instalments of his Mom’s romantic adventures and his own New York City dating traumas. Don’t miss Leveridge’s Philadelphia appearance – a reading and signing of this hilariously touching and clever book.
February 25, 2010
Basketball: Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Lakers
Shaq is in the house! The world-champion Los Angeles Lakers face the Miami Heat tonight. Last season these superstars rolled over every team in the league. Coached by Phil Jackson, who helped Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls win six championship rings, the Lakers are captained by the Eighth Wonder of the World, Shaquille O’Neal, and his spry little buddy Kobe Bryant. The Miami Heat may not stand much of a chance, but at least the crowd will get to see these two greats.
February 22, 2010
Guided Tours in English
Visitors to Rome have never had it so good. Museums have been restored, opening times extended and squares, bridges and ancient ruins expertly illuminated. Now free guided walks have been laid on in English for those who want something a little off the beaten track. There are tours of the churches and parks of the Aventine hill (Nov 12), a walk which takes in Caravaggio’s Roman masterpieces (Nov 18) and another one which uncovers the secrets of the ancient Jewish ghetto (Dec 10). Definitely worth the trek.
February 20, 2010
Unidentified Human Remains and the True Nature of Love
The juxtaposed title can be taken literally. This contemporary play combines the suspenseful tale of a serial killer on the loose with an exploration of friendship and sexual identities. Up-front and graphic in both its language and its physical portrayal of sex, the work is both provocative and comic, although overall the play is scarcely a comedy. Translated into Catalan for this production, ‘Human Remains’ has been an international hit and has helped to establish its Canadian writer Brad Fraser as one of the more interesting dramatists of his generation.
February 9, 2010
Another Dream
German writer and director Raimund Hoghe evokes the 1960s in his latest play to be performed at the intimate surroundings of the Kaaitheater Studio. ‘Another Dream’ forms a trilogy along with ‘Meinwärts’ (1994) and ‘Chambre séparée’ (1997) which were set in the 1930s and late-1940s respectively. Hoghe remembers the death of Marilyn Monroe, JFK’s assassination and the Beatles’ visit to the Maharashi. All accompanied by the songs of Joan Baez, The Mamas & the Papas and Mahalia Jackson, among others.
February 8, 2010
Dangerous Curves: Art of the Guitar
Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, usually the domain of Picassos, Renoirs and Monets, will become temporary home to Gibsons and Fenders as it presents ‘Dangerous Curves: Art of the Guitar’. The exhibition focuses on the instrument as an object d’art in itself and features 130 unique guitars from museums and private collections around the world, including one once owned by Jimi Hendrix. Arriving in a purple haze is optional
February 4, 2010
The Department
Eight female visual artists examine femininity and its traditional role in an exhibition featuring work by Clara Ursitte, Claudine Hartzel, Sally Chapman and Anne-Marie Copestake.
February 3, 2010
Drumming Workshop for Beginners
Rid yourself of this year’s accumulated stresses by learning the ancient art of rhythmic drumming. Drum Africa’s musicians will teach you drumming techniques and basic rhythms on the djembe drums of West Africa. It is a chance to experience a form of music-making that cultures around the world have practised for thousands of years – to raise energies, put people on the same wavelength during community rituals and induce a state of mind that facilitates a spiritual experience.
