ARTS NOTES: King’s Speech screens for free, Fish plans AGA shindig
The immediate reaction is to assume that Hollywood has finally produced something useful, but the truth is, the King’s Speech is another great British period piece.
No matter. Rule Britannia and up the Union Jack, because the Oscar-winning film’s central message, about overcoming disabilities, is educational enough that the Alberta government is willing to pay your ticket to see it.
You heard that right: showtime is on the taxpayer on Nov. 3, at the Garneau Theatre as part of Metro Cinema’s ongoing series. From the release: “The King’s Speech follows George the 6th of England as he unexpectedly becomes King following the death of his father, and the abdication of the throne by his older brother. Challenged by a speech disorder for most of his life, George the 6th must seek treatment and overcome his stutter in order to lead the nation which is on the brink of World War II.”
But this is no vote sop aimed at cinephiles: Alberta Innovates is also providing an expert, Dr. Marilyn Langevin from the U of A, to discuss the latest in diagnosing and treating speech disorders. Langevin is director of research at the Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research.
The free showing includes popcorn! Showtime is 6:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, tickets go on sale to the general public for the AGA’s next fundraising Refinery party on Oct. 31. This edition is a creative director debut for noted local auteur (and Gig City contributor) Fish Griwkowsky, who is stirring up a northern lumberjack formal-themed night that melds in dance, myth and monsters.
Says the AGA’s Alison Bulloch: “The night will also include a screening of the top ten entries of the Turn it Up North contest in the Gallery’s Ledcor Theatre. This contest calls for submissions of one mi-nute videos of performances (singing, playing music, dancing, acting, telling jokes, etc.) taking place in the wild. The submission with the most public votes by November 14, 2011 will receive two tickets to the AGA’s Refinery late night art party and a $600 prize package courtesy of Camper’s Village. Full details and contest rules can be found at youraga.ca/turnitupnorth. Participants must be 18 years or older to enter.”
Tickets are $20 for AGA Members; $10 for AGA Ultra Members and $25 for the general public, and can be purchased online at youraga.ca or in person at the AGA. The event is adults only.
