Enter the mysterious world of blind Shamisen player Shun-kin in the startling performance

Date: 4 - 13 November 2010
Performance time: 19:45 (also 14:30 on 13 Nov)
Running time: 110mins / no interval
Venue: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
Barbican box office: 0844 243 0750
Web: www.barbican.org.uk/japan
Orgabiser: Barbican Theatre

Enter the mysterious world of blind Shamisen player Shun-kin and her devoted servant Sasuke in this startling performance based on the texts of celebrated Japanese author Jun’ichiro Tanizaki. Exploring the connections between beauty and violence, this powerful production brings to life a haunting love story.

Shun-kin returns to the Barbican following its success in 2009 and is performed by a Japanese cast, including film actress Eri Fukatsu and celebrated actor Yoshi Oida. Led by award-winning Artistic Director Simon McBurney, Complicite has created ground-breaking devised work which has toured the world since 1983.

‘A visually and physically beautiful production.’The Sunday Times

‘A multi-layered portrayal of the psychology of human relationships.’Mainichi Shimbun

‘Extraordinary staging…a sensual theatrical world steeped in shadow.’
Asahi Shimbun

Co-produced by the Barbican, Complicite and Setagaya Public Theatre, Tokyo.
Shun-kin is supported by The Japan Foundation through the Performing Arts JAPAN programme and the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

"Wu wei", an important concept of Taoism, that involves knowing when to act and when not to act

Wu wei (無爲) is an important concept of Taoism, that involves knowing when to act and when not to act. Another perspective to this is that "Wu Wei" means natural action - as planets revolve around the sun, they "do" this revolving, but without "doing" it; or as trees grow, they "do", but without "doing". Thus knowing when (and how) to act is not knowledge in the sense that one would think "now" is the right time to do "this", but rather just doing it, doing the natural thing.

Wu may be translated as not have or without; Wei may be translated as do, act, serve as, govern or effort. The literal meaning of Wu Wei is "without action" and is often included in the paradox wei wu wei: "action without action" or "effortless doing". The practice of wu wei and the efficacy of wei wu wei are fundamental tenets in Chinese thought and have been mostly emphasized by the Taoist school. The aim of wu wei is to achieve a state of perfect equilibrium, or alignment with the Tao, and, as a result, obtain an irresistible form of "soft and invisible" power.

Several chapters of the most important Taoist scripture, the Tao Te Ching, attributed to Laozi, allude to "diminishing doing" or "diminishing will" as the key aspect of the sage's success. Taoist philosophy recognizes that the Universe already works harmoniously according to its own ways; as a person exerts their will against or upon the world they disrupt the harmony that already exists. This is not to say that a person should not exert agency and will. Rather, it is how one acts in relation to the natural processes already extant. The how, the Tao of intention and motivation, that is key.

Related translation from the Tao Tê Ching by Priya Hemenway, Chapter II:

2
The Sage is occupied with the unspoken
and acts without effort.
Teaching without verbosity,
producing without possessing,
creating without regard to result,
claiming nothing,
the Sage has nothing to lose.

Wu Wei has also been translated as "creative quietude," or the art of letting-be. This does not mean a dulling of the mind; rather, it is an activity undertaken to perceive the Tao within all things and to conform oneself to its "way."

The goal for wu wei is to get out of your own way, so to speak. This is like when you are playing an instrument and if you start thinking about playing the instrument, then you will get in your own way and interfere with your own playing. It is aimless action, because if there was a goal that you need to aim at and hit, then you will develop anxiety about this goal. Zhuangzi made a point of this, where he writes about an archer who at first didn't have anything to aim at. When there was nothing to aim at, the archer was happy and content with his being. He was practicing wu wei. But, then he set up a target and "got in his own way." He was going against the Tao and the natural course of things by having to hit that goal.

A dramatic description of wu wei is found in chapter 2 of Zhuangzi:

A fully achieved person is like a spirit! The great marshes could be set on fire, but she wouldn't feel hot. The rivers in China could all freeze over, but she wouldn't feel cold. Thunder could suddenly echo through the mountains, wind could cause a tsunami in the ocean, but she wouldn't be startled. A person like that could ride through the sky on the floating clouds, straddle the sun and moon, and travel beyond the four seas. Neither death nor life can cause changes within her, and there's little reason for her to even consider benefit or harm.
This passage is metaphorical. To a Taoist, things arise dependently. The soul and body go together, because if there were no soul, there would be no body and if there were no body, there would be no soul. All these arise dependently. (This is the meaning of the Yin-Yang symbol; if there were no yin, there would be no yang and if there were no yang, there would be no yin). A person who follows the principle of wu wei thus realizes how ridiculous it is to cling to good and to obsessively stay away from evil. By realizing how things arise dependently, a Taoist is able to accept both the good and the bad. Because he is able to accept any outcome, he is then able to have no goal to aim at. When Zhuangzi is saying a fully achieved person is like a spirit, he is saying that a fully achieved person does not differentiate between good and evil, benefit and harm, and therefore is not concerned with them: his actions become one with the Tao and as such he leaves no trace of having acted, nor can the consequences of his actions affect him.

DJ Sniff meets Evan Parker, John Edwards & Mark Sanders

Date: TUESDAY 9th November 2010
Venue: Cafe OTO, 18 - 22 Ashwin street, Dalston, London E8 3DL
Door Times: 8pm
Tickets: £6 advance / £7 on the door
Email: info@cafeoto.co.uk


Experimental turntablist, dj sniff, joins Evan Parker (saxophones), John Edwards (Double Bass) and Mark Sanders (drums) for a series of short duets and an extended quartet set.

DJ SNIFFdj sniff (Takuro Mizuta Lippit) believes in the instrumental autonomy of the turntable and the musicianship of the DJ. He is a turntable musician working in the field of improvised and experimental music. His music focuses on the live reconstruction and narratization of the phonographically amplified - the music, the sound, the technology and the past. To achieve this, he uses a unique setup consisting of hand-made hardware interfaces and a custom Max/MSP software along with one turntable and DJ mixer.

He is also a concert/event curator for electronic music and a researcher of music technology.

While studying Art History and Philosophy in Tokyo, he was active as a DJ in the underground electronic music scene and formed a collective called smashTV productions which organized genre-mixing events such as anti-Gravity and bistro-Smash!. In 2002, he moved to New York to pursue graduate studies in computer music and physical computing at NYU's ITP (Interactive Telecommunications Program).

Since 2005 he has been involved with STEIM's (Studio for Electro-Instrumental Music, Amsterdam) R&D lab. From 2007 on, he is STEIM's Artistic Director, guiding the institution's creative output and representing it's activities through performing and lecturing around the world.

In 2010, he released his first solo album "the play-back" through lebanese label Annihaya.

EVAN PARKER"ln The Human Province, Elias Canetti writes "lt is not enough to think, one also has to breathe. Dangerous are the thinkers who have not breathed enough." In Evan Parker's music, thought and breath are continuous, each the instrument and measure of the other." Stuart Broomer, Coda 1995

Evan Parker has been a consistently innovative presence in British free music since the 1960s. Parker played with John Stevens in the Spontaneous Music Ensemble, experimenting with new kinds of group improvisation and held a long-standing partnership with guitarist Derek Bailey. The two formed the Music Improvisation Company and later Incus Records. He also has tight associations with European free improvisations - playing on Peter Brötzmann's legendary 'Machine Gun' session (1968), with Alexander Von Schlippenbach and Paul Lovens (A trio that continues to this day), Globe Unity Orchestra, Chris McGregor's Brotherhood of Breath, and Barry Guy's London Jazz Composers Orchestra (LJCO).

Though he has worked extensively in both large and small ensembles, Parker is perhaps best known for his solo soprano saxophone music, a singular body of work that in recent years has centred around his continuing exploration of techniques such as circular breathing, split tonguing, overblowing, multiphonics and cross-pattern fingering. These are technical devices, yet Parker's use of them is, he says, less analytical than intuitive; he has likened performing his solo work to entering a kind of trance-state. The resulting music is certainly hypnotic, an uninterrupted flow of snaky, densely-textured sound that Parker has described as "the illusion of polyphony". Many listeners have indeed found it hard to credit that one man can create such intricate, complex music in real time.

JOHN EDWARDSJohn Edwards is a true virtuoso whose staggering range of techniques and boundless musical imagination have redefined the possibility of the double bass and dramatically expanded its role, whether playing solo or with others. Perpetually in demand, he has played with Evan Parker, Sunny Murray, Derek Bailey, John Wall, Joe McPhee, Lol Coxhill, and many others.

MARK SANDERS
Mark Sanders has been acclaimed as “the most exciting, original and overwhelmingly powerful drummer alive” (Steve Reynolds, Jazz Corner) and his precise and propulsive drumming has graced projects with, to name but a few, Evan Parker, Jah Wobble, Broadcast, Agusti Fernandez, John Butcher, Roswell Rudd, and Otomo Yoshihde.

"ubiquitous, diverse and constantly creative, drummer Mark Sanders always outdoes himself, whether playing with restraint or erupting like a dynamo." Bruce L Gallenter, Downtown Music Gallery. NY

"a gifted player capable of seamless movement between free-rhythms and propulsive swing" John Fordham. The Guardian

Kia introduces new Soul Flex at Brazilian Motor Show

Kia Motors is celebrating the world premiere of its new fuel efficient, ethanol-gasoline powered Soul Flex, at the 26th Salao Internacional do Automovel, in São Paulo, Brazil.

Kia’s Soul Flex is the first Korean FFV (Flexible Fuel Vehicle) which can run on an ethanol-gasoline mixture, 100% ethanol or 100% gasoline. It is especially designed for the Brazilian market, where ‘flex’ models account for more than 85% of the new car sales.

Currently, Brazil is ranked No2 in the world, in terms of ethanol production, and consequently its motorists enjoy the low cost of ethanol, which is priced at 40% less than gasoline. As well as lower fuel costs, the industrial product tax (purchase tax) on new flex vehicles is only 11%, 2% lower than gasoline models.

The newly-introduced Soul Flex, with its unique exterior design features, boasts a 44% improvement in fuel efficiency compared with the existing gasoline model and superior power (128 ps) and torque (16.5 kg-m) outputs, which are improved by 3.2% and 3.7% respectively from the original model.

Differences from the gasoline model include the newly adapted fuel injection & catalyst system as well as engine compression ratio – changes which combine to achieve enhanced fuel economy.

Changes made to accommodate the more abrasive nature of ethanol fuel include reinforcing the fuel pump, pillar cap and fuel line, and fitting a gasoline tank assistance system in order to aid engine ignition at low temperatures.

Kia Motors will begin exporting Soul Flex to Brazil this month, with the new models going on sale at Kia dealerships early next year. Kia is planning to introduce an all-new Sportage ‘Flex’ model at the end of next year, and Kia will further strengthen its presence in Brazilian market as new flex models are to be introduced in each market segment.

So far in 2010, Brazil has been one of Kia’s best performing markets, with sales increasing by 151% year-on-year, reaching 40,865 units up to the end of September.

To strengthen its current sales momentum, Kia plans to take advantage of its involvement with 2014 Brazil FIFA World Cup from the early stages, as a major sponsor of the world’s biggest sporting event.

Maximizing the impact of this sponsorship and the introduction of new models, such as Flex models and new SUVs tailored to suit local consumer demands, Kia plans to expand its sales volume in Brazil as well as Central & South American market.

Media Landscape, Zone East: An inspiring media exhibition of moving images by contemporary Asian artists who live and work across Asia and Europe

Date: 27 October – 20 November 2010
Venue: The Korean Cultural Centre, Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand, London WC2N 5BW
Contact: seungmin.kim@kccuk.org.uk
Organiser: Korean Cultural Centre UK

From 27 October to 20 November the exhibition 'MEDIA LANDSCAPE, ZONE EAST', which was first seen at the Liverpool Biennial 2010 before coming to London, highlights the aspects of Asian Media Art. Within a new installation, the same artworks from the Biennial will be shown in a different format at the Korean Cultural Centre UK.

'MEDIA LANDSCAPE, ZONE EAST' represents a group of internationally working Asian artists from Seoul, Tokyo, Beijing, Taipei, Singapore to New York, Bremen and London. The Korean Cultural Centre UK (London) and Alternative Space LOOP (Seoul) representing the Republic of Korea, have invited ten internationally working Korean artists and have nominated ten other artists to join the project. While all these artists come from Asian cultures, their stories encompass both their hometown identities and their new discoveries from across the world.

These moving images stimulate associations with the rapidly developing cities across Asia - 'Zone East'. The images change their pictorial representation every 1/24 second and force the viewer to engage in the changing scenery. This situation itself resembles Asian cities that have witnessed rapid growth. Artists originating from Asia are immune to this rapid change, and are adapted to the total visual transformation of their environment in a short period of time. When it comes to deciding means of artistic expression, it is only natural that Asian artists have no reservation about choosing media art, especially moving images. With this exhibition, viewers are able to explore the notion of a virtual reality and Asia’s rapidly developing contemporary art scene.

The exhibition is curated by Stephanie Seungmin KIM (KCCUK) and Jinsuk SUH (ASL). Other participating curators (nominators) are Eugene TANG and Leng LIN.

The Colours and Sounds of Ancient Japan

Date: 15 November 2010 from 6.30pm
Venue: The Japan Foundation, Russell Square House, 10-12 Russell Square, London WC1B 5EH
Booking: This event is free to attend but booking is essential. To reserve a place, please email your name and the title of the event you would like to attend to event@jpf.org.uk.

In celebration of the 1300th anniversary of Heijokyo, Japan’s first fully-fledged capital city founded in the Nara period (710-784 AD), the Japan Foundation will present a fascinating insight into the culture of this time by inviting Sachio Yoshioka, master dyer and textile historian, and Taiin Murakami, assisting head priest at Yakushiji Temple in Nara (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site), to recreate the sensory experiences of this pivotal period of Japan’s history.

During this event, Yoshioka, who is reviving the use of the organic dyes from the Nara period, will explore the colours and aesthetics of the time. Showcasing some dyed works, he will also explain the dyeing techniques used in the period which he describes as being “the pinnacle of the Japanese art of dyeing”.

Also taking part in this event is Taiin Murakami, who will introduce something of the sounds of the Nara period by demonstrating Shomyo, a style of Buddhist chant which flourished during this time, together with a brief introduction of Yakushiji, - one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan.

Suga Shikao Japan-UK circuit 2010

Date: 14 November 2010
Venue: O2 Academy Islington, N1 Centre, 16 Parkfield Street, London N1 0PS
Box Office: 0844 477 2000
Web: www.ticketweb.co.uk
Organiser: Senshukai Co., Ltd.
Addmission: £18.00

J-pop megastar Suga Shikao hits the UK with his glitterball blend of influences including disco, Motown, psychedelia, house and brassy funk.

Suga Shikao is one of the major singer-songwriters in Japan. Since his debut in 1997, he has released 13 albums so far, all of which have featured in the TOP 10 in the music charts. His music which is mainly influenced by funk and soul music with edgy lyrics has a huge reputation.

This concert at the O2 Academy Islington will be held as his 2nd live performance in London following the successful sold-out gig at the ICA last year. His unique act is usually performed in big venues such as Budokan where The Beatles first played in Japan. This will be undoubtedly a great opportunity for a UK audience to see Japan’s most popular music artist play at this intimate venue.

Phtography Exhibition 'Okinawa Soul' by Mao Ishikawa

Date: 28 October - 3 November 2010
Venue: East Gallery, 214 Brick Lane, London E1 6SA
E-mail: naoko.uchima@gmail.com
Organiser: Okinawa Association UK

Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture in Japan and is formerly known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. Okinawa has its own unique culture, lifestyle and history. Japanese influential artists, such as Daido Moriyama, Shomei Tomatsu, Nobuyoshi Araki and many others were attracted by Okinawa as their subject.

'Okinawa Soul' features three decades of photographs by Ishikawa, who has focused her lens on the lives of various people and subjects connected with Okinawa. Ishikawa’s wide range of subjects include series of Hot Days in Camp Hansen (1982), Phillipines (1989), A Port Town Elegy (1990), The Story of Nakada Sachiko’s Theatrical Company (1991), Fences Okinawa (2010), Hinomaru-Here’s What the Japanese Flag Means to Me and Self Portraits. Through the images, discovering the real life expands from the small island and it demonstrates Okinawan Soul (Spirits) which may answer to the question of why Okinawa was attracted by people.

The exhibition will include a talk from the artist on the opening night and presenting the documentary film of the artist’s work produced by Takayuki Higuchi during the exhibition. Her work will also be displayed which includes the recent book 'Life in Philly'.

Mao Ishikawa was born in 1953 in Ohgimi Village, Northern part of Okinawa. She lives and works in Tomigusuku City, Okinawa, Japan. She studied at Shomei Tomatsu’s Photographic Workshop Tokyo in 1973. Mao Ishikawa returned to her native Okinawa and focussed photographing Okinawa and its people. In showing the true personality and internal feelings of her subjects just the way they are, her photographs express the strength of spirit that belies her somewhat soft and adaptable character. In her self-portraits she reveals herself without artifice. Not only is she well-known for her photographs but she also writes and lectures.

She has had solo exhibitions in major cities in Japan such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nara, Nagoya and at Cornell University in New York (2006). Group exhibitions were including together with Yoko Ono 'Into the Atomic Sunshine' at Okinawa prefectural Art museum (2009), The National Museum of Mordern Art in Tokyo (2008), 'Okinawa Soul' at Brown University in U.S.A. (2005), 'The perpetual moment – Visions from within Okinawa and Korea' at P.S.1 Comtemporary Art Center (MoMA - Museum of Mordern Art) in New York (2004), 'Non-sect radical' at Yokohama Art Museum, Kanagawa (2004), 'Keep in Touch: Positions in Japanese Photography' Graz, Austria (2003).

The works of Mao Ishikawa were acquired by Okinawa Prefecture Art Museum and Yokohama Museum of Art.

The London Korean Film Festival 2010

Now in its fifth year, the London Korean Film Festival is to bring an exciting range of Korean films to one of London's most prestigious venues, The ICA. The festival looks to promote the most essential contemporary cinema that Korea has to offer, covering a wide spectrum of subjects and genres including war, action, period drama and children‟s entertainment. The LKFF will feature 21 screenings at 3 different venues in London including a talk chaired by the Sight & Sound, East Asian cinema critic Tony Rayns with some surprise guests.

The festival will also premiere Korea's biggest films, The Man From Nowhere and I Saw The Devil for it's opening Gala at the Odeon Westend, Leicester Sq as well as celebrating one of the country‟s best contemporary directors, Jang Jin, with a four film retrospective featuring an appearance from the director at the Apollo Cinema, Piccadilly.

Venue: Odeon Westend, Leicester Sq London Piccadilly Circus, London The Mall, London

Date: 5th November 2010 - 6th November 2010

(Opening Gala)
"The Man From Nowhere" plus 
a Q&A with Director Lee Jeong-beom

Friday 5 Nov, 6.30pm

The London Korean Film Festival kicks off its fifth year in style with an Opening Gala film at the Odeon Westend, Leicester Sq The Man From Nowhere: Tae-sik (Won Bin) is a former highly trained agent and convict who, attempting to live with what he has done in the past has shut himself off from the world. But, somehow, a young girl, So-mi, who lives next door manages to breakthrough his defences and the two quickly bond as if brother and sister. Things are not all sweetness and light for long as So-mi's Mother, a hopeless addict who slings dope for a local gang, decides to steal some of the product she sells and entrusts Tae-sik with it. Her bosses find out and kidnap So-mi and her Mother. Tae-sik must come to terms with who he is to be able to save the only person that has ever cared for him.

Featuring a young but talented cast with Won Bin, recently seen in the beautiful Mother, and Kim Sae-ron, from the award winning A Brand New Life. The Man From Nowhere is a revenge story that only Korea can produce. Much like its brothers in arms, Oldboy and A Bittersweet Life, The Man From Nowhere is more than an action film discussing ideas of human trafficking, organ harvesting and drug smuggling but still, even with all the dark and gruesome underworld surroundings the characters find themselves in, at the heart is a touching story of the bond between a man and girl.

"I Saw the Devil" Includes Director KIM Jee-won Q&A
Saturday 6 Nov, 6.00pm

The LKFF is to preview a very special screening of the controversial film, I Saw The Devil. The screening includes a Q&A with the Director, Kim Jee-woon

Kyung-chul (Choi Min-shik) works as a school bus driver during the day and at night he is one of the most dangerous and sadistic killer that Korean has ever known. One day he targets a young woman who he brutally murders. Her boyfriend (Lee Byung-hun) is destroyed by his lover's death and vows to inflict the same ordeal that his girlfriend experienced on the monster responsible for her death.

Proving why they are the two biggest acting powers in Korean cinema today this film is a bloody but brilliant portrayal of two deeply disturbed individuals.

“A film like I Saw the Devil makes quality filmmakers stand out like a sore thumb. As cliché as the thriller is, it was captivating from start to finish, and features some of the most brilliantly directed sequences of the year.” Brad Miska – Bloody Disgusting

"Kim's pic is so beautifully filmed, carefully structured and viscerally engaging." Rob Nelson - Variety

Venue: Apollo Cinema,Piccadilly Circus, London
Date: 8th November 2010 - 9th November 2010

(The Jang Jin Retrospective)
"Guns & Talk" (Killerdeului suda) plus a Q&A with Dir Jang Jin
Monday 8 Nov, 6.00pm

The story of a group of professional assassins for hire: Sang-yun is the cool-headed leader of the group, Jung-woo the specialist in custom-made bombs, Jae-young the unmatched sniper, and Ha-yun the computer whiz. They're not your typical wise guys, but run a private business where people from all walks of life can seek their services.

After they meet their clients and discuss the time, place and method by which they want their targets to be eliminated, they sign a formal contract. They even have a discount rate for students.

Then, one day, they leave a trail behind on a big job, and Inspector Cho, a cop who has had the quartet in his sights for some time, hunts them down. While he is hot on their trail, Sang-yun meets a client and is confronted with a dangerous order he can't turn down.

The client wants someone killed in the middle of a sold-out performance of 'Hamlet' which will be attended by high-profile businessmen, politicians and law officials.

Inspector Cho learns of this, and sends the whole police force to catch them in the act. Still undaunted by the risks, Sang-yun leads his group in what could be their last mission.

"Good Morning President" plus an Introduction from Dir Jang Jin
Monday 8 Nov, 8.45pm

Three successive presidents of South Korea face political and personal issues including special pardon for an ex-president, diplomatic tension and a marriage crisis.

Kim Jeong-ho is an elderly President with 6 months left in his term. Dubbed the 'President of the People,' the veteran politician has led a life of integrity and devoted himself for democratization and integration of the country. His enjoyment of life consists of watching TV dramas and occasional drinking soju. One day, he places an entry in a new sports lottery at its launch event promising to donate the money in the unlikely chance that he might win. As his luck would have it he later learns that he hit the jackpot of 24.4 billion Won (equivalent to 13 million British pounds). He agonizes over whether to donate his winnings for a good cause as promised, against his desire to secure a comfortable life for his later days.

Korea's youngest president-elect and a single father, Cha Ji-wook is a charismatic new leader with firm principles. He is strong-lined when it comes to politics and diplomacy, but he is a shy man around his childhood sweetheart, the former President's daughter, E-yeon. Only a year into his tenure, the young President's career hangs in the balance with all-time low popularity ratings and a straining political situation. He is attacked by a mysterious young man during a visit to a market and is faced with a serious dilemma about his attacker's request.

Han Kyung-ja steadily rose up the political ladder, serving as the minister of Justice and head of the opposition before becoming the first female President in history. An ambitious leader with a soft charm, she dedicates herself to bringing changes to the country. However, her outgoing husband, Choi Chang-myun has a hard time adjusting to his role as a presidential spouse. His love for drinking and hanging out with friends gives rise to all kinds of trouble which eventually leads to the biggest crisis in the President's career – as the first President to face a divorce during the term.

"Someone Special" (A neun Yeo ja) plus a Q&A with Dir Jang Jin

Tuesday 9 Nov, 6.00pm

Despite having dated a number of women, professional baseball player Dong Chi-sung has never been in love and has never been loved. Sure enough, his latest girlfriend dumps him, and on the same day, he goes to the doctor and finds out he has a malignant tumour, with only three months to live. With his mind in a tailspin, he goes to a friend's bar to drink away his pain.

Not a heavy drinker, Chi-sung quickly passes out and wakes up to find himself in a hotel room with the strange female bartender that had been serving him all night. She is a rather quirky woman that he has mostly ignored until now. Confused about the strange room he finds himself in, with the strange woman and the possible strange things she might have done to him. He asks how she managed to bring him to the hotel room and she tells him she folded him up and carried him in a box. He quickly makes his exit.

The next day he goes to baseball practice, completely unable to concentrate. On his way home, he hears an oddly familiar story being told on a radio program devoted to 'confessional love stories.' Someone calling herself "Writing Princess" is talking about carrying a man in a box to a hotel room, and talking to him there.

Chi-sung angrily confronts Yi-yeon about the radio incident, but provides her with an opportunity. One radio station sends her a free mobile phone as a gift. Chi-sung has recently lost his, so she stops by his home to give it to him. Another radio station sends her free movie tickets, so she takes him along. More and more opportunities present themselves for her to spend time with Chi-sung forcing him to look passed her strange behaviour and asking himself if this could be 'someone special'?

"Murder Take One" plus an Introduction from Dir Jang Jin
Tuesday 9 Nov 8.45pm

A homicide investigation concerning the death of a famous copywriter, Jung Yoo-jung is aired 'live' on TV. Prosecutor Choi Yeon-kee interrogates a suspect, the only suspect, Kim Young-hoon who is quickly arrested, but something about the case just doesn't sit well with Yeon-kee. One by one, Yeon-kee starts to put the pieces together, and finally awaits the moment of truth. Just as the culprit is about to be revealed, the producer at the TV station suggests a shamanic ritual to summon the copywriter's soul - a showcase to boost TV ratings. Yet, this proves to be pivotal as crucial information is revealed by the summoned soul.

An intense thriller and also satirical jab at the current media obsession with reality television, director Jang Jin accomplishes what he does best with taking tried and tested film scenarios and adding a unique and fresh take on the subject.

Venue: ICA, The Mall, London

Date: 10th November 2010 - 14th November 2010

Harmony (Ha-mo-ni)
Wednesday 10 Nov, 6.16pm

Jeong Hye (Kim Yoon Jin) is handed a ten-year sentence after accidentally killing her abusive husband. In prison, she gives birth to a beautiful baby boy who brings light into not only her life but also those of her cellmates, all of whom have unfortunate stories of their own. Jeong Hye is only allowed to keep her baby for a short period of time, and the days are counting down quickly. To earn the chance to be allowed a day out with her son, Jeong Hye decides to start a prison choir, despite not being able to hold a tune herself. Resistance is high and singing talent low among the inmates, but the tone-deaf choir slowly find their groove and their sense of self as they come together. But the day that Jeong Hye proves herself with the choir is also the day she has to give up her son.

The Servant (Bang-ja-jeon)
Wednesday 10 Nov 2010, 8.45pm

A historically based, erotic comedy from the writer of Untold Scandal sees Bang-ja a servant of a noble man, Mong-lyong, fall in love with a woman named Choon-hyang. The problem is Mong-lyong also falls in love with her and orders Bang-ja to arrange an encounter between them. Bang-ja seeks out the advice of his elderly roommate Ma who teaches him the art of seduction. Bang-ja does win over Choon-hyang but with one condition, he has to help her marry Mong-lyong.

Bedevilled (Gim-bok-nam Sa-rin-sa-geo-nui Jeon-mal)
Thursday 11 Nov 2010, 8.45pm

Arriving she finds her childhood friend Bok-nam (SEO Young-hee). Ecstatic to see her old friend, Bok-nam begs her to help her and her child escape from the island. Perplexed Hae-won ignores her pleas but is shocked to witness the horrific torment that Bok-nam endures every day. Each woman is stretched to their limits and it is only a matter of time before one finally and gruesomely snaps.

Secret Reunion (Ui-hyeong-je)

Friday 12 Nov 2010 6.15pm

A young undercover North Korean agent, Song Ji-won (Kang Dong-won), assists a deadly assassin to kill North Korean defectors. But when faced with the task of killing a young child he refuses to carry out his orders just when a group of South Korean special agents led by Lee Han-kyu (Song Kang-ho) burst in and begin a deadly gun battle.
Six years later both Ji-won and Han-kyu have been unceremoniously fired and shamed with Ji-won banished to South Korea, separated from his wife and child. Han-kyu, now a private detective specialising in runaway mail order brides, stumbles across Ji-won and they form an uneasy alliance, each hoping to use the other to regain their honour.

Bestseller (Be-seu-teu-sel-leo)
Friday 12 Nov 2010 8.45pm

For the last decade Hee-soo (Uhm Jung-hwa) has been a bestselling author but at her peak of fame she is accused of plagiarism and overnight her career and life are in ruins. She dives into a deep depression for two years but with help from her friend and publisher she builds the courage to write again. Hee-soo drives to a remote cottage in a small town with her daughter, Yun-hee and begins to experience strange goings on. Yun-hee talks to a mysterious and unidentified figure, telling her strange and unusual stories. Desperate for ideas Hee-soo writes down these tales from the imaginary friend and turns them into her comeback bestseller.

Green Days plus a Q&A with Dir An Jae-hoon & Hye-Jin Han
Saturday 13 Nov 2010, 1.00pm

Described as a Korean cousin to Studio Ghibli in style, Green Days uniquely illustrates the universal themes of the highs and lows of adolescence. Arang, a young competitive relay runner who dreams of becoming a professional athlete, orchestrates a collapse in the middle of a relay race rather than crossing the finish line in second place. At the same time, Soo-min transfers in from Seoul and meets Cheol-soo, who dreams of becoming a scientist, quickly forming a special bond. They are all young and believe that they will become what they all dream about but with life and insecurities confronting them at every turn will they be able overcome these and turn their dreams into reality?

In this warm-hearted animation the directors, Han Hye Jin and An Jae Hoon, vividly bring to life the dreams and fantasy of adolescence through the encounters between the impossibly aspiring kids. Set in the '80s and '90s, the dreamy world and youthful imagination reminds its audience of our lost past and dreams. The film has a beautiful and unique way of evoking the childhood 'dreams' that we have lost through old age.

A Little Pond (Ja-geun-yeon-mot)

Saturday 13 Nov 2010, 4.00pm

Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning article revealing that in the summer of 1950, during the Korean War one of the worst massacres occurred at the No Gun Ri Bridge. Under orders, American soldiers gunned down 300 refugees believing that North Korean spies were hidden among them. With very little known of this tragedy, even in its native country, this true story has proved to be highly controversial, subsequently receiving an incredibly limited release in Korea due to the content. A Little Pond finally clears up some of the mysterious circumstances that surround these horrific killings.

Paju
Saturday 13 Nov 2010, 6.00pm

It is rare when a film like this comes around, not just because it is helmed by one of the very few female Korean filmmakers Park Chan-ok (not to be confused with Oldboy's Park Chan-wook) but also because of its deeply rich and layered narrative. With a style which has only been seen in a small amount of work by Korean directors such as Hong Sangsoo.

An activist in 1996, Joong-shik (Lee Seon-gyun), accidently causes a horrifying injury to his lover‟s infant son and flees from the police to Paju, a small developing town north of Seoul. He lays low but eventually falls in love and marries Eunsoo (Shim Yi-young) who lives with her younger sister, Eunmo (Seo woo). Sadly Eunsoo dies in an explosion which causes her sister to runaway to India.
Eunmo returns in 2003 to find Joong-sik now a leader of squatters who violently battle against the demolition of an apartment complex. Reuniting with her brother-in-law stirs up all the mixed emotions of hate, resentment, envy, love that she had for him which become even more complex when she begins to believe that Joong-sik might be responsible for the death of her sister.

Moss

Saturday 13 Nov 2010, 8.30pm

Based on the popular internet comic of the same name, Moss, sees Ryu Hae-guk attending his father‟s funeral in a remote village. With suspicious circumstances around his father‟s death he decides to investigate but soon uncovers a vast, diabolical conspiracy that the villagers are willing to kill to keep hidden.The internet comic has been heralded as a great thriller with its layers and layers of character depth and story structure. The director, Kang Woo-suk is best known for his Public Enemy Trilogy dealing with conspiracies and political corruption was an inspired choice to helm this project and has attracted a talented roster including Park Hae-il from Bong Joon-ho's The Host and Memories of Murder to bring this slightly different comic adaptation to life. The film and talent behind this project definitely show that there is more to comic books than muscles and capes.

71 – Into the Fire
Sunday 14 Nov 2010, 1.30pm

At the beginning of the Korean War the North's army were raging through the South and in retaliation every able bodied man was quickly enlisted. With the war progressing so quickly there was little time to give proper military training to the new recruits leading many to the slaughter. The film deals with the real events and people involved when 71 students found themselves fighting back numerous waves of North Korean soldiers and how they dealt with the overwhelming situations they found themselves in.

Blades of Blood (Gu-reu-meul Beo-seo-nan Dal-cheo-reom)

Sunday 14 Nov 2010, 4.00pm

(Closing Gala)
"The Housemaid" includes Director IM Sang-soo Q&A
Sunday 14 Nov 2010, 6.30pm

Im Sang-soo's remake of the classic Korean 1960‟s film of the same name was a huge hit at this year‟s Cannes Festival and a worthy successor of the original. It follows Lee Eun-yi (Jeon Do-yeon, Secret Sunshine) a naive and innocent young woman who takes up the position of junior housemaid in an overly luxurious mansion. She tends after the two owners, Hoon and Hae-ra, as well as their creepily perfect daughter Nami. She soon becomes embroiled in a deeply erotic affair with Hoon unleashing the hidden desires Eun-yi never knew existed. The consequences of this affair soon catch up with the maid, falling pregnant and victim to the viciously jealous wife.

With universal themes that transcend the original setting to one much more contemporary, director Im Sang-soo has created a masterfully sensual film that surpasses his past erotic thriller film A Good Lawyer's Wife.

"a 'Housemaid' highlights the human being's most basic, essential desires…always with a smile on her face, a character who looks empty-headed and naive…but what is it that she couldn't endure for the life of her?" (IM Sang-soo)

Featuring an all star cast and the director of the biggest Korean box office film The King & Clown, Lee Joon-ik‟s Blades of Blood is a stylish adaptation of the 1994 graphic novel, Like the Moon Escaping from the Clouds. In 1591 the Japanese are moments away from landing on the Korean shores looking to conquer its people all the while the King‟s court is embroiled in internal struggles between the East and West Councils. A young and rebellious politician, Lee Mong-hak (Cha Seung-won) tires of the bickering and creates a new faction that unites the East and West to run Mong-hak out of the court for treason.

Exiled, Mong-hak raises an army to overthrow the government to bring order to the land and fend off the impending Japanese invasion. But even with the most noble of intentions Mong-hak loses sight of his goal and leaves a wake of blood and betrayal on his journey to the King. One of those betrayed friends, Hwang (Hwang Jung-min), a blind swordsman, decides that Mong-hak needs to be stopped and quickly hunts his old friend down.

A film with excruciating suspense leading to a gore leaden whirlwind of violence starts with Hae-won (JI Sung-won), a middle management woman who with the increasing pressures of work and home situation decides to take a break from it all and return to the pleasant, remote island where she spent happy summers with her grandparents.

Barley Notice: An Exhibition by Bommsoon Lee & Chong Boon Pok

Date: current ~ 30th Oct (12pm - 6pm)
Venue: RSP Planet Design Studio, 17 Dorset Square, London LW1 6QB
Web: http://www.barelynotice.blogspot.com/
Contact: Chong Boon (+44 (0)7979 558818 / barelynotice@gmail.com)

Barely Notice embarked on the mutual interest of two emerging contemporary artists – Bommsoon Lee (South Korean) and Chong Boon Pok (Malaysian). The exhibition examines the commonplace: objects, spaces and situations that most people take no notice or show their lack of interest. The artists respond to both positive and negative spaces of RSP Planet Design studios. The work operates within the concepts of time and space, and recalls a sense of ‘Nothingness’.

Bommsoon and Chong Boon’s work are both inspired by and physically derived from the objects, spaces and situations that are evident in their immediate environment. They reclaim the potential of the less attended and transform them into artistic forms for re-examination and contemplation.

Barely Notice consists of both artists’ existing work and new works. The work interact s with and assimilates the things and the structure of the space that concealed in the horizon of the everyday most of us barely notice.

Bommsoon Lee“Working in a range of media including drawing, object-making, installation, lens-based media and writing, my practice, at its heart, questions the relation between self-knowledge and knowledge of the world external to oneself.”

Attentiveness plays the central role in Bommsoon’s art practice, which to seemingly invalid fragments of objects, spaces and situations of everyday, and that enters selected tradition, ideological premise, or institutionalized orthodoxy for analysis. However the body of her work emphasises the indeterminacy or potentiality, often drawing from the line of the absurd and humour and remains within those moments where a decision or resolution has not yet been reached.
In this show, she presents site-specific installation, narrative sound and video and drawings inviting viewers to the less attended.
Bommsoon completed her MA in Fine Art from Nottingham Trent University in 2008. She has been selected for AA2A Artist in Residence 2010-2011 at Chelsea College of Art.

Arist website: http://www.bommsoonlee.info/

Chong Boon Pok“Devoting attentiveness to the everyday is central to my studio practice. The everyday that I refer to is the commonplace and trivial: objects and activities that for most people, maintain no great significance. I am interested in the artefacts and processes neglected or taken for granted.”
Chong Boon is interested in the as‐it‐is‐ness and impermanence of things: the interconnectedness between objects and people and how these things recall memories, mindfulness, and ideas surrounding the self. His work aims to reify the trivial and discarded, providing opportunities for the viewer to re‐approach these (often overlooked, and) reinvigorated contemporary cultural tomes.

Chong Boon is currently undertaking a practice‐led PhD in Fine Art at London Metropolitan University.

Come and Play Korean Samulnori (Drums & Percussion)

Date: Saturday, November 6th, 5.00pm-6.00pm
Venue: St Marks Church, Myddelton Square, London EC1R 1XX
Fee: £5 (all instrumens provided)
Contact: Jeung Hyun Choi (07981 298 638 / jeunghyunk40@gmail.com or Lennie Charles (07534 736 806 / lennie.charles@googlemail.com)

Samul nori is a genre of traditional percussion music originating in Korea. The word samul means "four objects" and nori means "play"; samul nori is performed with four traditional Korean musical instruments:

* Kkwaenggwari (a small gong)
* Jing (a larger gong)
* Janggu (an hourglass-shaped drum)
* Buk (a barrel drum similar to the bass drum)

The traditional Korean instruments are called pungmul.

Samul nori has its roots in nong-ak (literally "farmers' music"), a Korean folk genre comprising music, acrobatics, folk dance, and rituals, which was traditionally performed in rice farming villages in order to ensure and to celebrate good harvests. Specifically, samul nori music derives from utdari pungmul (the gut, or shaman ceremony rhythm of the Gyeonggi-do and Chungcheong provinces of South Korea), as well as the genres of Yeongnam folk music and Honam udo gut, combined with more contemporary improvisations, elaborations, and compositions. Such nong-ak is steeped in traditional animism and shamanism, but also shows influences from Korean Buddhism. While nong-ak often features the use of wind instruments, samul nori only features the aforementioned four percussion instruments.

Each of the four instruments represents a different weather condition: the janggu represents rain, the kkwaenggwari thunder, the jing the sounds of the wind, and the buk clouds. The idea of yin and yang is also reflected in these instruments: the buk and janggu (leather) represent the sounds of the earth, while the jing and kkwaenggwari (metal) represent sounds of the heavens. Although generally performed indoors, as a staged genre, samul nori depicts the traditional Korean culture, an agricultural society rooted in the natural environment.

Samul nori is characterized by strong, accented rhythms, vibrant body movements, and an energetic spirit.

Samul nori has gained international popularity, with many samul nori bands and camps worldwide. Since the 1980s in South Korea, there has been a marked increase in the amount of fusion music, combining samul nori and Western instruments

Jeung-Hyun Choi is a Korean traditional percussion player and currently working as managing director of DULSORI, the Korean traditional music group. She has taught Korean traditional percussions and songs for over 20 years. Shae has led many international workshops in Korea and abroad, including SOAS World Music Summer School 2008.

Japan Underground Launch Party Hitting London 17 November

Date: 17th November, 7pm-2am
Venue: King Pin Suite, Lower Level, Tavistock Hotel, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EU
Organiser: Japan Underground

Japan Underground, a new club night devoted to Japanese music, is hitting London on Wednesday 17 November, boasting live bands, cosplay, and the very finest tunes from gaming, J-rock/pop and visual kei!

Taking place from 7pm-2am at the sexy King Pin Suite in Bloomsbury (a two minute walk from Russell Square Station). Japan Underground hopes to tap in to the UK’s Japanese music following and expand it through club nights across the country.

The opening party will be themed on the upcoming feudal brawler Sengoku Basara, featuring music from the game throughout the night and episodes of the anime being screened at the venue’s private cinema courtesy of Manga Entertainment. Other gaming music on the playlist includes tracks and remixes from Star Ocean, Street Fighter and Final Fantasy, and will be accompanied by music DJed from Retro Gamer columnist and Absolute Radio star Iain Lee, NEO Magazine’s contributing Japanese music editor Tom Smith, plus live music from:

10 (“The zaniest experimental music in Asia” – TimeOut) boy/girl Japanese/Korean experimental electro couple playing their debut UK show, and:

A rare show by Cosmic Shenngy (“An ambassador for the Chinese avant-garde” – TIME) one time 'Hang the Box' drummer (China's first punk rock band who signed to Cherry Red) and daughter of a Cosmonaught!

A select number of tickets are available for £5 in advance from:

http://www.wegottickets.com/event/92888
Tickets will also be available for £6 on the door - Cosplayers and flyer-holders get in for £5. All tickets purchased online for the event will be entered into a prizedraw to win a copy of visual kei giants The GazettE’s FILM BUG II DVD, collating 10 of the band’s latest music videos.

The venue also has bowling, private karaoke rooms, pinball, arcade machines, nachos and serves super dry Japanese lager Asahi.

Come along and rock London, Japanese style!!

FIRST Kimono de Jack UK

Date: 23 October 2010
Venue: Trafalgar Square, London
Email: Kimono_de_jack_uk@hotmail.com
Web: http://kimonodejackuk.blogspot.com/
Organiser: Kimono de Jack UK

The original Kimono de Jack was held in Kyoto by 11 kimono enthusiasts who thought that there were not enough reasons to wear kimono. They decided to create a reason for people to come together and enjoy wearing kimono and called this event Kimono de Jack. For the first meeting, 40 people came together, but for the second over 100 people showed up. Kimono de Jack quickly became very popular around Japan, with many prefectures creating their own events. The event is free, and there is no rules. Attendees can come and go as they please, and the only things that are required of them are to wear kimono and have fun.

But Japan is not the only one country that could have de Jack, after all the essence of Kimono de Jack is to create more reasons to wear kimono for kimono lovers.

The very first Kimono de Jack in United Kingdom will be held on October 23rd in London. There are no rules and no obligation to stay. It is encouraged to wear a kimono to the meet up, after all, the event was created as a reason to wear kimono. But if you don't have one, do not despair. Come anyway and enjoy the day.

Silhak, a Confucian social reform movement in late Joseon Dynasty Korea

Silhak was a Confucian social reform movement in late Joseon Dynasty Korea. Sil means "actual" or "practical," and hak means "studies" or "learning." It developed in response to the increasingly metaphysical nature of Neo-Confucianism (성리학) that seemed disconnected from the rapid agricultural, industrial, and political changes occurring in Korea between the late 17th and early 19th centuries.

Silhak was designed to counter the "uncritical" following of Confucian teachings and the strict adherence to "formalism" and "ritual" by neo-Confucians.

Most of the Silhak scholars were from factions excluded from power and other disaffected scholars calling for reform. They advocated an empirical Confucianism deeply concerned with human society at the practical level.

In a broad sense, the beginning of Silhak can be traced to the aftermath of the Seven Year War, the devastating 16th century invasion by Japan. After the Manchu invasions in the 17th century, Korean art and science continued under the Silhak scholars. Additionally, the discontent of the people was expressed in writings and dramas of the period made by these scholars. Generally, the term "Silhak" refers to the reform-minded scholarship within the Confucian framework, rather than the more nationalistic peasant movements, or the later non- or anti-Confucian modernization schools. Many of the scholars in the Silhak school can also be found in the Seohak ("Western Learning") movement.

Its proponents generally argued for reforming the rigid Confucian social structure, land reforms to relieve the plight of peasant farmers, redefining the traditionally submissive relationship with China, promoting Korea's independent national identity and culture, encouraging the study of science, and advocating technology exchange with foreign countries. Silhak scholars wanted to use realistic and experimental approaches to social problems with the consideration of the welfare of the people. Silhak scholars encouraged human equality and moved toward a more Korean-centric view of Korean history. The Silhak school is credited with helping to create a modern Korea.

A new firmware upgrade adds further operating refinements to the NEX-5/NEX-3 compact system cameras from Sony

Available now for download with versions available for Windows and Mac OS2, the free upgrade adds several performance enhancements. Autofocus is now supported when using the NEX-5/NEX-3 with 14 lenses from the full range of A-mount optics by Sony and Carl Zeiss that includes telephotos, primes and zooms. Aperture settings can be maintained during HD movie recording, and system menu operation has been streamlined alongside other usability improvements. Registered NEX-5/NEX-3 owners will be advised of the free update via email.

Autofocus with A-mount lensesSingle-shot autofocus is supported with 14 optional A-mount SAM and SSM lens models3 when used with the optional LA-EA1 Mount Adaptor. Single-shot AF is also possible while in movie recording mode by pressing the shutter button halfway down. Support for AF operation with A-mount lenses also requires a separate firmware upgrade for the LA-EA1.

Aperture priority with video recordingHD video can be shot while maintaining constant aperture, either in A (aperture priority) mode or in iAuto mode with background defocus activated. This aids the simple creation of beautiful background defocus effects during movie recording.

Soft key settingsIt’s possible to customise functions of two of the three soft keys on the camera’s rear panel. Functions that can be assigned include Shooting Mode, Shooting Tips, Precision Digital Zoom, ISO, White Balance, Metering Mode, Flash Compensation, DRO, Auto HDR, Creative Style, MF Assist and AF Area.

Menu startWhen ‘Menu’ is selected, there’s now the option to display either the main menu screen or the last parameter set. This simplifies quick readjustment of recently-selected functions and settings.

MF AssistAn enlarged image portion can be displayed on screen with user-selectable duration while in MF (Manual Focus) Assist mode. MF Assist operation has also been improved. The previously-chosen magnified image portion can now be maintained when MF Assist is re-selected, making repeated checks of fine focus quicker and more convenient.

‘Simply Korean’ at The Language Show 2010

Date: 15th ~ 17th October
Venue: Earls Court, Warwick Road, London SW5 9TA

The Korean Cultural Centre UK with 'Simply Korean' will be participating in 'The Language Show 2010' at Earl's Court from 15th ~17th October (15th and 16th 10am 6pm, 17th 10am 5pm) to promote 'Hangeul', the Korean alphabet.

The Korean Cultural Centre UK (KCCUK)'s 'Simply Korean' will promote various aspects of the Korean language, including its history and formation, as well as providing the visitors with the opportunity to experience and interact with the Korean alphabet.
People who would like to try new languages, improve their linguistic skills or are keen to inspire their teaching methods will very much enjoy the Language Show 2010. The KCCUK with 'Simply Korean' will demonstrate Hangeul, revealing how this language is arguably the easiest alphabet, one that can be learnt in a day or even a few hours. Unlike otherAsian languages, Korean has a scientific simplicity which means that it is easy to master.

Experience Korean
The 'Simply Korean' experience will also include a variety of events, suchas "Write your name in Korean". There will also be Smartphones made by Samsung which show how Hangeul is implemented in the digital world. A sample of Korean language teaching materials will also be on display.

Hangeul in the world
A variety of clips will be shown for the duration of 'Simply Korean' at 'The Language Show', including the documentary made by the Korea Broadcasting System, "We use Hangeul" - which details the journey of Indonesia's Cia Cia Tribe as they begin to use the Korean alphabet as their script. Information on theKing Sejong Literacy Prize - awarded to those who have contributed to the battle against illiteracy - as well as the science of Hangeul, will be available at the show. Visitors will also have access to information on employment opportunities in Korea and Korean language certificates, such as EPIK (English Program in Korea) and TOPIK (Test of Proficiency Korean).

‘BIG TITS ZOMBIE’ IS ELEVATED TO MONTHLY CULT SCREENING STATUS AT THE LEGENDARY PRINCE CHARLES CINEMA

Date: 16th October (doors at 8.30pm)
Venue: The Prince Charles Cinema, 7 Leicester Place, London, WC2H 7BY

The day after WORLD ZOMBIE DAY, Terracotta Distribution announces that the legendary cult cinema venue The Prince Charles Cinema, London, plans to screen Terracotta’s latest release ‘BIG TITS ZOMBIE’ on a monthly basis.

In the past, The Prince Charles Cinema has been well known for it’s screenings of ‘THE SING-A-LONG SOUND OF MUSIC’ as well as ‘THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW’ where audience members dress as members of the cast of the respective films.

Following in these grand traditions, ‘BIG TITS ZOMBIE’ audience members dressed as a ‘big tits zombies’ get in for free! (Tickets need to be purchased in advance and those in costume on the night can get their ticket refunded at the box office; offer ends half hour before the film starts and limited to first 50 zombies!). All usual Terms and Conditions apply and Duty Managers decision on the night is final.

Toyota Highlander Crossover Gets Major Revision for 2011

Toyota has significantly revised its popular Highlander and Highlander Hybrid crossover sport utility vehicles for 2011, giving them enhanced styling, additional standard amenities and new user technology.

The 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, which was available only in the Highlander Base grade model for 2010, is now also offered in the SE, the most popular grade (2WD only). The Highlander Hybrid debuts a more powerful and advanced 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, along with a standard Tech Audio Package and unique exterior design elements.

The 2011 Highlander is available in Base, SE and Limited grades in both two-wheel (2WD) and full-time four-wheel-drive (4WD). A 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 is standard on the Limited grade and available for the others. All Highlander Hybrid models are equipped with four-wheel-drive with intelligence and available in Base and Limited grades.

The first-generation Highlander pioneered the midsize crossover utility vehicle segment, ushering in car-like performance, comfort and fuel efficiency yet with SUV-like roominess and versatility. The second-generation Highlander amplifies those attributes and is among the leaders in the segment in standard active and passive safety features.

The Highlander gets a sophisticated design update for 2011 featuring a new front fascia, hood and fenders, with the profile freshened by black rockers with chrome accents (gas models only). The headlights and tail lamps are also redesigned, as are the 17-inch alloy wheels. The Limited Grade offers stylish 19-inch wheels and also features silver roof rails. The SE grade gains a power liftgate.

The 2011 Highlander Hybrid is more easily distinguished from the gasoline model by its own unique grille and bumper design. It shares the new fenders and hood with the gas Highlander but features color-keyed rockers with chrome accents, plus vertically stacked fog lamps. The projector beam headlights and redesigned taillights feature blue lens covers. Daytime running lamps are now standard on all Highlander models.

LEE JAEHYO SOLO EXHIBITION 2010: (THE FORCE OF WILL : THE FORCE OF NATURE)

Date: 15 October - 6 November 2010
Venue: 49 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4JR
Tel : 020 7499 1616
Web: http://www.albemarlegallery.com/

Jae-Hyo Lee’s passion is his Art. It is the work of his life, a reason for being, working with and of nature, creating beauty, inspiring others. But this is no wild, unruly passion. It is instead a passion of the heart and the head. Jae-Hyo’s sculptures and his artistic passion are based on firm foundations of serious thought and, dare we say it, intellectual analysis. It is also both “of” and “at one with” nature; a reflection of the natural world, but touched intelligently by the hand of man. It is an approach that makes Jae-Hyo a wonderful artist for any designer to work with.

As architects and designers, we at tonychi and associates are in continuous negotiations with nature to achieve balance between the natural world and man’s imprint on that world. No building lives outside its surroundings-natural or manmade; no interior design work lives apart from the building it inhabits. Jae-Hyo has shown in the entire body of his work to date that he has a deep understanding of nature and man’s place in the natural world. His philosophy and ours are therefore close.

Throughout my own years as a designer I have worked with many artists and I have been touched and inspired by many collaborators, but perhaps none more so than Jae-Hyo. His use of natural materials, his understanding of nature’s rhythms, his sense of scale, his artistic abilities all come together in his work to produce something outstanding. Sometimes, in the presence of his work, I feel like earth and heaven have truly collided. There is a true earthiness mixed with a sense of the divine.

Above all else, Jae-Hyo’s work celebrates life and nature. His use of natural materials, such as timber, stone and metals in a bold architectural format are unique. His juxtaposition of these materials to produce dynamic formations and often exaggerated geometrical shapes make his works stunning and engaging. Just as an architect-designer seeks to create a unique ambience in each and every design. Jae-Hyo’s works add that special something to any space.

As a sculptor of unbounded ideas and wonderful skills, Jae-Hyo plans his works with a purity of spirit and executes them in an inspired fashion. Whether contemplated alone or in a crowded public place Jae-Hyo’s works prod the senses and provide enormous pleasure. His innovative and intelligent use of natural materials-the celebrative transformation of falling leaves perhaps or the suggestive loneliness of an abandoned log-can awaken long suppressed emotions. He truly exhibits life in his art.

Riviewed by Tony Chi