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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2009-08-20, Page 19THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2009. PAGE 19.Entertainment Leisure& Brussels-area teen, Kyle Griffiths the sole selling artist from the 2009 Goderich Co-op Gallery’s community art show is back again for the month of August in the Gallery with his collection of work entitled, The Mixed Tape. Like making a musical tape of favourite tunes, Griffiths has corralled his most recent work, displaying a variety of different mediums. “The inspiration for my work can come from anything and everything,” he said. “I usually get my ideas watching television, listening to music, or just walking down the street and stumbling over something interesting. Once I have an idea, I build on it until I have created a blueprint for my next painting.” The modern world and its effect on surroundings is what Griffiths’ work explores. In its abstraction, Propane Nightmares he manages to marry environmental undertones with a complex and sour composition. The repeated folds and congested composition portray a highly industrialized world. Futurist painters Umberto Boccioni, Carlo Carra, and Salvador Dali are among Griffiths’ inspirations. These artists had their roots in Italy and in the first decade of the 20th century were impelled by the growing industrialization of the great cities of Northern Italy. Paintings of this nature bore crowded compositions sometimes super- imposing simultaneous images. A Cubist influence is also evident in Griffiths’ piece, Plastic People. Cubist painters, like Marcel Duchamp, reduced their images to planes and fragments creating an irresistible surge in motion. Duchamp’s Nude Descending a Staircase fragmented his figure in numerous planes, creating almost flip book image. Griffiths has experimented in this very style in his work Plastic People. “I enjoy the complexity and surreal ideas of these artists’ work and how they have pushed the envelope of what was possible in their day. I share similar motives as they do when deciding on the message of a new piece,” said Griffiths. A Detached Observer is a timely work tying in nicely with the 40th anniversary of the moon walk and space exploration, reflective not only in its theme but in this painting’s subject matter. This summer Griffiths has been working with fellow artist Kristyn Watterworth at Bayfield’s KryArt Studio. Here he has had the opportunity to explore new and exciting mediums. The exhibition, Mixed tape will show for the month of August, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Goderich Co-op Gallery, 54 Courthouse Square. A working artist is on-site every day. If you do nothing else this theatre season, go see Stratford Festival’s production of West Side Story. With its theme of youthful love amidst racism and conflict, this modern re-telling of Romeo and Juliet, a creative conception of Jerome Robbins, is as fresh today as it was when first staged in 1957. With apologies for the many superlatives to follow, it has to be said first that every winning element of the production, from the compelling story to the beautiful lyrics and music of Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein, to the dazzling athleticism of the choreography, are successfully brought to the Stratford stage, under the direction of Gary Griffin. The youthful cast of relative newcomers to Stratford bring the right mix of angst and vitality to the roles. And the chemistry between the two leads, Paul Nolan, as Tony, and Chilina Kennedy as Maria is mesmirizing. Nolan, in his third Festival season, demonstrates the qualities of first-time love perfectly, over-the-moon and over-the top. Add to this some wow-worthy acrobatics and a great set of pipes and his performance is nothing short of perfect. The lovely Kennedy is a delight, a beguiling package of sweet innocence and sultry awakening tied together with a winsome smile. In her first season here, her soaring soprano and solid performance will surely leave theatre-goers hoping for more. Never has I Feel Pretty been so entertaining. On her own Kennedy might be all that’s needed. But add to this that her moments with Nolan are magical, particularly the balcony scene which is one of the best, and you can’t help but notice the impact this type of chemistry can have on a production. Also noteable is the performance of newcomer Jennifer Rias, who brings a perfect blend of sass and sexy to the role of Anita. The design co-ordinated by Douglas Paraschuk is both set and jungle gym, emulating an urban streetscape and its back alleys, while creating opportunities for the exuberant choreography of Sergio Trujillo. Having worked on the Stratford production of West Side Story 10 years ago, Trujillo meets the demands of the thrust stage with some tweaks to the original choreography. The meshing of dance and often gravity-defying athletics exemplifies the passion and energy of youth and their city streets. Though not as challenging as others, perhaps for sheer entertainment the Jets’ Gee, Officer Krupke, is a highlight. There are many familiar songs that are part of the West Side Story score. Somewhere, Tonight, Something’s Coming, One Hand, One Heart are as much a part of this show as the text. Both lyrical and musical it’s difficult to know which one will have you humming at the end. West Side Story has been staged many times before. It will continue to be for decades to come. Stratford has staged it before with good success. However, never have I seen a full house of people leap to their feet even before the lights went up on the curtain call as they did on this night. There was no question that they had connected to this classic story. West Side Story is at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival Theatre until Oct. 31. Local featured artist at Gallery First love Chilina Kennedy and Paul Nolan star in the Stratford Shakespeare Festival Theatre production of West Side Story as ill-fated lovers Maria and Tony. The production runs until Oct. 31. (David Hou photo) Theatre reviewMake time for Stratford’s ‘West Side Story’ By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen Happy 29th Anniversary Jim and Crystal Taylor August 23rd Love Jamie, Rach, Tori, Juli, Ashley, Matt, Carson, Sydney, Brooklyn, Jenna, Jordan, Drew, Heather Celebrating 50 Years Together Wayne, Ron, Kim and Patti along with their families invite friends and family to an OPEN HOUSE on Sunday, August 30, 2~4 p.m. to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of their parents Gerald and Carol McDowell. The celebration will take place at Auburn Hall. In lieu of gifts donations to the Auburn Playground Fund will be gratefully accepted.