Going back to the basics with photography

Went along to see one of the workshops in which youngsters from Newport are working with professional photographers from Brazil to discover the joys of making their own pinhole cameras and taking and developing photos. Ironic that when I came to snap them with their very basic cameras my fancy digital SLR died on me and refused to work! I had to borrow someone else's camera to take these photos.

The workshops were part of A Brush with Light, an innovative series of film and photographic works produced in collaboration between Newport's University and partner institutions in Brazil. Professional photographer Miguel Chikaoka (seen below looking at the photos produced by Clara Mitchell and Muz Abbas Hussain) has travelled to Newport to run workshops in traditional photographic techniques such as basic pin-hole cameras at the city’s Riverfront Arts Centre. Full story on: http://ow.ly/1yfQR

Newport Lecturer Nominated for 2 Bafta Cymru awards

Peter Watkins-Hughes, who lectures at the International Film School Wales at Newport's University, has received two nominations for the forthcoming Bafta Cymru awards. One is for his film 'A Bit Of Tom Jones?' which was filmed in Tredegar and stars Gavin & Stacey’s Margaret John, Loose Woman Denise Welch, soul singer Geno Washington and The Mighty Boosh’s Matt Berry. It received a London premiere after it proved to be so popular when it was screened in local venues - even outperforming some Hollywood blockbusters.

Peter is also nominated for a Bafta Cymru award for Best Short Film for 'Cow', his hard-hitting piece on the dangers of texting and driving which caused a sensation when it received millions of hits on YouTube.

Check out 'A Brush With Light'

This looks very interesting for anyone interested in the creative arts - particularly photography and film. A Brush with Light will showcase collaborative work between the University of Wales, Newport and partner institutions in Brazil. This will include collaborative films - many screened for the first time  - as well as community based photographic projects from Newport and South America.

As part of A Brush with Light, there will be a programme of artist’s talks and presentations. These aim to set the exhibited works in context, and provide an invaluable opportunity to hear artists and other practitioners from both Wales and Brazil explaining their creative responses to the environments and communities around them. To find out more, visit: http://www.abrushwithlight.com/

Audiences will love Opal!

THIS month, Newport Playgoers presents the quirky comedy, ‘Everybody Loves Opal’ by John Patrick. The plot revolves around Opal Kronkie, a middle-aged recluse who lives in a tumbledown mansion. Into her rather strange world come three con artists on the run from the police.

Hiding out in Opal’s house, they decide to bump her off to claim on the insurance. But their plotting never goes according to plan...

Pictured is Julian Powell as crooked Sol Bozo trying in vain to kill ever optimistic Opal Kronkie (Ann Harrison). (Photo by Phil Mansell)

For more details check out http://www.dolmantheatre.co.uk/ or phone 01633 263670 to book tickets.

Newport Playgoer in Death of a Salesman

One of the leading lights of Newport Playgoers Society, Alex Wilson, is taking the lead role in Arthur Miller's classic 'Death of a Salesman' at the Chapter Arts Theatre in Cardiff this week. Alex, who is a salesman in real life, will soon be seen in Playgoers' production of Moliere's 'The Prodigious Snob' at the Dolman Theatre in June.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/showbiz-and-lifestyle/showbiz/2010/03/22/salesman-alex-takes-on-lead-role-in-a-classic-tale-91466-26080228/

Newport Film Graduate Scoops Award

Congratulations to International Film School Wales graduate, Emma Pratt, whose short film ‘Brennan’s Sacrament’ was voted Best Student Film at the British Independent Film Awards.

Emma’s success comes as Kathryn Bigelow scooped the best director Oscar for The Hurt Locker - becoming the first woman to receive an Academy Award in the category - and Emma said, “Hopefully this means other women in the industry will be getting recognised for their achievements as well.”
Click here for full story: http://www.penarthtimes.co.uk/news/latestnews/5066408.Award_winning_film_director_thinks_big/

Budding Playwrights can take Centre Stage!

To celebrate Newport hosting the Ryder Cup 2010, Newport Playgoers Society, which owns and runs the city’s 400-seater Dolman Theatre, is holding a competition aimed at encouraging the writing of plays for amateur theatre.

To enter the competition, budding playwrights are invited to submit one act plays on the theme of ‘golf’. Plays should be between 20 - 30 minutes in length using a cast of 2 - 5 actors. In addition to a cash prize, the three best plays will be performed in the Dolman Studio Theatre for three nights culminating in a gala evening when prizes will be officially presented.

An Adjudication Panel appointed by Newport Playgoers Society will read and consider the plays entered in the competition and, in addition to arranging production of the plays at the Dolman Studio Theatre, will award the following prizes:
1st Prize - £100 plus trophy; 2nd Prize - £50; 3rd Prize - £25.

To download an application form, go to www.dolmantheatre.co.uk.