Plays: Cutting the Tightrope - The Divorce of Politics from Art

Back in London, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Cutting the Tightrope: The Divorce of Politics from Art at the Arcola - a timely topic, with funding being cut all over. It's a collection of short plays about the question of whether artists should be political.

So - far as I'm concerned, the best food around is at Nando's. Having said that, my chicken was a bit too chargrilled this evening for my taste - otherwise good, and certainly, my companion seemed to like his. The toilets were a bit of a lucky dip, mostly out of order.. happily, I got my business done, and in due course, we schlepped along to the theatre. Where the wine - I have to say - was a smaller size, more expensive, and not as refreshing..

Some guidance in finding my seat would have been nice, but I managed. And ooh, I do love a political play.. always have. Now, in brief, this show is mostly about Palestine - rather predictably. Most of the plays have a Palestinian bent - they even unfurl a Palestinian flag at the end. And the Q+A afterwards - which apparently happens after every performance - is basically a call to protest for a Free Palestine - a couple of the panellists are of Palestinian extraction.

Don't get me wrong - I'm as supportive of the cause as anyone. I just felt a bit - hijacked. Now, not all the plays are about that - there is, for example, a very good play involving a conversation between a British government official and a severed head (Indian). There is a very powerful piece where sundry plants in the audience stand up, as in the House of Commons, and try to ask questions - highlighting discrimination there, and a very important topic that is. And there is quite a realistic piece about a climate change activist having a cringeworthy dinner with her in-laws. And a running gag about a watermelon.

Palestine is never far away, though. Mind you, I do take their point about them being gagged in talking about it - which should never happen. And to be fair, it is - one of - the most important issues in the news these days. Well, good luck to them - and all those speaking out against oppression. Runs till Saturday.

Tomorrow.. ooh, looking forward to this one (more politics): I'm back with CT, who have cheap tickets for an exhibition called The Art of Banksy! Runs till 8pm, entry any time. Mind you, I see Wowcher now has even cheaper tickets, grr..

On Wednesday, The London Movie Club has their May social - back in the BFI Riverfront Bar again. 'Spose that'd be a good day to drag myself into the office..

And on Thursday, with CT again - and back with the Backyard Comedy Club! About time..

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