A change of a Blog Address like changing a hairstyle

And a change was needed. It could be a Gemini thing, or just another reason to calm the hyperactivity, but from now on I will be THERE -----> click

Interview with the British documentary filmmaker Edward Mirzoeff

How the industry is structured today and quintessential advice for the young documentary filmmakers (do "always be patient to those who give it").
  Interview with Edward Mirzoeff  by  Katarina Petrovic

From the University of Exeter data base:

"Edward Mirzoeff had directed and produced many individual film documentaries for BBC1 and BBC2. One strand of his work has been to portray, behind the scenes, some of the major institutions of Britain. He was granted unique access to make "Elizabeth R", a 110 minute portrait of the life of the monarch, to mark the 40th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. This film achieved the highest audience until then for a factual programme.

He made the first documentary ever shot inside Scotland Yard, and a film about a leading Regiment, the Royal Green Jackets. He produced a portrait of a public school, Westminster, and produced and directed "The Ritz", a BAFTA award-winning documentary filmed front-of-house and behind the scenes in London's exclusive luxury hotel. The most recent films he has directed have been "Torvill and Dean: Facing the Music" (which achieved another huge audience) and "Treasures in Trust"- marking the centenary of the National Trust. Read more about him...

FEATURE: Part time job in “the world’s oldest profession” (Sex work in the UK)

If you call an escort agency and inquire about the escorting job, a pleasant, mature male voice will guide you through basic questions - how old you are, what are your interests, hobbies, do you drink or smoke, do you like sports and arts and is there anything else you would like to say about yourself.

“Sex work is where sex, money, gender and power all come together,” says Catherine Stephens after ten years of experience in the sex industry.

So if you are still making this call, you might feel a sudden adrenaline rush and unexpected explosion of your awoken sensuality will suddenly become impatient to flaunt itself. 

It will sound like you have phoned up a Barbie Doll shop that sells only Kens. They are all wealthy and for only 3 hours of your time they will pay 390 pounds upfront, upon your arrival at the meeting place. It will be the rich Ken of your choice of the age of your choice, who will take you to an event of your choice. The events will range from an evening at the theatre to a sport event (horse racing for example – it sounds like Pretty Woman meets My Fair Lady). Or just a dinner “and maybe a bit of dancing afterwards”, says George from the escorts agency on the other side of the phone. 

The clients are all regular customers who have been checked by the police, and though the security is not guaranteed, “in their five years of work in the UK they have never had such incidents.”

Then he will ask you what you look like, and you will be one step closer. 

Secrets, sex and stigma

The first part of the job is the ‘having sex for money’ part. “That is something that most people find relatively easy to deal with,” says Catherine Stephens who is also the spokeswoman for the International Union of Sex Workers.

“The second part of the job is the stigmatization that comes with doing this and people have to deal with exclusion and the fear exposure. That is separate from the having sex for the money part, in the same way that social attitude towards homosexuality is not the same as actually being gay.”  

As a result of the social attitude, we can come to the third part which is secrecy. “If I had children, I would not be having this conversation with you now.”

Pleasure saturated generation

What is driving young people into the sex industry? Money. In any of the world’s populations which are poor, there are people going into the sex industry as a means to survival.

·         A recent study by Suzanne Jenkins found that the average age of entry into the industry for UK women is about 23 and for migrants 22.

·         Social background varies. There is a big correlation between low education achievements and drug use amongst the women working on the street.

·         Study shows that men had slightly higher levels of academic qualifications. Overall, 33% of the people working indoors have bachelor degrees, over 18% have postgraduate qualification and only 6% has no educational qualification.

·         38% used sex work to fund their education.

According to a study by Dr Ron Roberts, students in the UK have become a very indebted population. People graduating this year are leaving with an average of over £20 000 of a debt.

“The society has become more sexualized, says Dr Roberts. Sociologists say it has become a ‘pleasures saturated culture’, and sex and sexual services has become a commodity. Many towns and cities have lap dance and striptease clubs in the high streets. So it’s become much more acceptable than it ever used to be.

And on top of that, as a kind of social trend, we’ve got middle classes moving into the sex work. That’s been happening outside the student population, so people are responding to the same kind of trends and pressures in society.”

 Whether forced upon us, or part of our nature, a sense of morality raises the question about the barrier that needs to be crossed in order to enter the sex work. “For some people, and I stress only for some, they’ll have prior vulnerability, they might have been abused when they were younger, they might have drug habits and it has become so normalized that people simply see the sex work as a way of earning money.”

Some people are quite open and they say they’re enjoying it.

“In a sense, the women in the west are being encouraged to imitate male behaviour and some of the worst aspects of it,” says Dr Roberts. So for some people it’s not a great barrier to go over or it is not an interminable one. They can earn a reasonable amount of money (or some of them a lot of money) in a short period of time, as opposed to working long hours in a fast food joint for a very little pay. They are rewarded for the money, they are rewarded for the time and some get sexual pleasures out of it as well.

“These are very strong factors that maintain a pattern of behaviour, from a psychological point of view,” explained Dr Roberts.

“Even the culture in the UK for the past 10 – 15 years has changed dramatically. So people are growing up into that and they don’t have the sensibilities of people from other generations. The television is full of ‘go out, get drunk, have lots of sex’.”

Young people seem to not be getting a good sense of the messages about growing up and sexual relationships. They are getting this in the face, and on top of that they have the thousands pounds in debt to get off their cases. The university fees and the student living expenses are so high now that even the middle class parents cannot afford to support their children through education. It is just the recipe for raising curiosity really.

Catherine’s story

 “It can be very intimate and very powerful job, says Catherine. There were occasions when having sex was with somebody who has been diagnosed and told that he will die; or having sex with somebody who had a major surgery and received a pint of blood transfusion, though it’s kind of scary.” 

“But it’s a privilege to be part of people’s sexual fantasies that have been nurtured for 20 or 30 years.”

In the popular “Belle de Jour” blog, one of the things Belle talks about are clients who are being quite timid and anxious to find out what her boundaries are, and stay within them. Apparently there is a lot more to it then taking your clothes and lying down. The academic studies show that men are not just paying for sex. They are often paying for somebody that will interact with them in a way that seems open and honest and that feels true for them.

“Clients want to know about what you’re comfortable doing. Sex work is that it is a very clear and explicit negotiation. It is not like a one night stand when you ask yourself at what point do you say ‘no, I actually like it when you touch me differently, this is the way that I like to be touched’?  All those things are very difficult for a lot of people, where as with sex work the negotiation is open and upfront.”

Violence and threat

Politically active, Catherine called for prostitution to be decriminalised to protect women who work in the sex industry.  Study says that one in 3 women have experienced sexual violence. “I am not saying that every day at work is a sensual feast, but I have been very lucky and if such thing were ever to happen to me, I have thousands and thousands of positive experiences to set against it.”

“Whoever does this job for the first time, hates it, goes home and cries feeling really awful; spends an hour in a shower washing themselves because they feel dirty – that is a sign that they should get another job. Having sex for money is not for you.”

Bournemouth Diaries

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, 
DJ Gabriel Prokofiev & DJ Danny Rampling


Better quality @ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy1LYVJ0LcM

Earth(quake) Diaries

Today something like a millionth part of second may not seem as much, but in years to come, this makes me question how much will 1.26 microseconds add up to? And will this day will be remembered in history as the day that time was manipulated for the first time according to modern technology?

How many more earthquakes have done the same but we were not aware? And is the length of the day really the length as we know it?

"The Earth is not a perfect sphere. It is pinched in slightly at the poles and bulges at the equator. As such, it rotates with a wobble just like a spinning top. However, changes in the distribution of mass can affect this spin."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8547955.stm

Bournemouth Diaries

Burlesque of Sherborne

A mum of three just might be giving Sherborne their very own "Calendar girls" as she begins teaching her first Burlesque lessons.

The classes are being held by Jo Freestone, 44, award - winning actress of the Amateur Players of Sherborne, and a granddaughter of a professional Shakespearian actor.

"In holding burlesque classes I believe that there are women of all ages, shapes and sizes who feel that they would like to do something a little more risqué in their spare time, to push themselves that little bit extra and have a right laugh because it is really good fun after all," said Ms Freestone.

Burlesque, the art of theatrical striptease, dates back to the 19th Century. In 20th century America the form became associated with a variety show in which striptease was the leading attraction. Performers such as Dita Von Teese and Immodesty Blaize brought a sophisticated note to an opportunity for the modern day woman to learn the old art of seduction.

Ms Freestone remembers: "I think I first became interested in burlesque performance when I was 12 years old. I watched the film musical 'Gypsy' by Jules Styne and Stephen Sondheim and I was transfixed with the fact that you could bewitch an audience with the promise of what only may happen."

One of 15 brave women that attended the first workshop, said: "I am thankful for a great time at the burlesque class because it is amazing how we all grew in confidence in just two hours. We learned loads and will practise like mad for weeks to come."

Bournemouth Diaries

"Classical clubbing" bringing youth to art

An innovative genre of music, combining DJ sets with classics by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, will explode in Bournemouth's "Late Night of Classical Clubbing".

Lead by the young conductor Kirill Karabits, BSO will be joined by DJ's Gabriel Prokofiev and Danny Rampling in the event that will take place at the Bournemouth International Centre, on Saturday night.

"This idea is to combine classical music with something that's closer to younger people who are regularly going out to nightclubs," said the conductor Kirill Karabits who is setting out to break the rigid reputation of classical forms.

The event will begin with the music of the Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev's grandson Gabriel Prokofiev, who is known for promoting classical music in an unconventional way - in nightclubs.

With the idea to revive the classical music concert, Karabits will then conduct the orchestra into the repertoire of classical and contemporary music, followed by Danny Rampling's two-hour long DJ set.

Bournemouth's arts development officer Adam Gent commented on the issue of young people's involvement in arts: "Often having two universities arrive at a doorstep of a town can offer the chance to expand its counter offer, because you've got a huge bunch of relatively affluent, educated young people and they're up for some exciting stuff."

"But I think that that isn't the connection that Bournemouth has made with the higher education institutions and, likewise, not a connection those HEI's have made back to it," he continued.

Determined to get younger audiences involved, Kirill Karabits said: "I didn't grow up in the UK and I want to see what the younger people are interested in and how I can contribute."

This one is for me...

When I was 17... I bought a notebook with blood red velvet covers, and it was for my thoughts. Not a diary, but a diary. On the first page I wrote "Just like my Phoenix, I am born and I die over and again...". I don't remember the rest, the book is in my house in snow covered Belgrade.

No, this won't work here. I need my absolute privacy that can be exposed only to those living in my most guarded depths where skin is white as stone, by a waterfall of my teenage romance, where the cheek is cold and rough, where the phone rings for unbearable amounts of time and the sweet tiny voice is on the other end, where we are on top of a narrow tall brick building swaying to the sides and I am trying to protect you from yourself, where we are on an uncomfortable bed in the lightest embrace, indescribable in words, on a blog, where you are all reading...

It was good.

Bournemouth Diaries

Bournemouth Islamic community angry with the French face veil ban

 
Tama Bouguerrache, Head Teacher at the Bournemouth Islamic Centre

Bournemouth Islamic community is infuriated after the French Government approved a draft law forbidding women to wear a face veil.

Members are now concerned that Britain may follow suit, said Bournemouth Islamic community relations spokesman, Tariq K. Palmer.

"It appears that the French Government are hell-bent on generating mayhem in their country," he said.

"Only a short while ago, they banned the use of the Hijjab (scarf) in schools and universities; now they want to go one step further and make a general ban."

The suggestion includes a €750 fine for anyone found on the street with a covered or masked face. According to Jean-François Copé, President of the UMP Party in the French National Assembley, the law will contain exceptions so that it does not include people dressed for carnivals or masked balls

The law contradicts the aims of President Nicolas Sarkozy to try suppress the anti-Islamic views of the country.

"It is a great shame that people like Sarkozy wish to ignite more unrest amongst his population. As far as the Muslim community here in Bournemouth is concerned, we share a common interest in tolerance and understanding and justice in our country."

Mr Palmer called PM Sarcozy a "racist Islamophobe who tends to forget how the substantial Muslim population contributes to the wealth and well-being of France."

He added: "He is, in fact, providing ammunition for the French equivalent of the British National Party. Talking of which, I would advise them not to go down that road."

Bournemouth Diaries

Are Parents Obstructing the Betterment of Shocking Child Poverty?

As reported by the independent children's charity Save the Children, over 100,000 children in the South West are living in severe poverty, deprived of the basic essentials such as warm clothes and food.


According to them living in severe poverty means living on less than £12,220 a year leaving families £113 a week short of what they need for everyday essentials such as food and clothing.

The latest report “Measuring Severe Child Poverty in the UK”, commissioned from the New Policy Institute, reveals that 1.7 million children across the UK live in severe poverty. That is around 13% of all UK children.

Save the Children Director of UK programmes, Fergus Drake, said: “The Government has failed to focus its attention on the children who need help the most. We need support on a radically bigger scale to be targeted at those living in severe poverty so they can get back into work. Without that focus the government will continue to tread water on tackling the unacceptably high numbers of children living in families whose lives are being destroyed by poverty."

In Bournemouth, high poverty only appears to be hidden by it being a predominantly rich area with tourism and developed industry. It is said that the latest figures published by HM Revenue and Customs show that 20.8 per cent of all children living in Bournemouth are living in poverty.

Bournemouth Council works in partnership with seven children centres and children's information service, covering a wide range of areas.

Stokewood Children’s Centre, which covers Moordown and East Winton, is run by Barnado’s, a British charity founded by the Irish Doctor Thomas John Barnardo in 1866. It provides a broad offer of activities aiming to advise and teach families in need how to reach progress.

However, the crucial problem is getting the families interested to participate and be helped. The Centre’s main challenge is finding and reaching the poverty stricken parents.

“We are not meeting targets for the neediest families, because you have to know where they are, and you can’t force people to come and register,” says Family Support and Outreach worker at Stokewood Children’s Centre, Janet Chaproniere.

The centre operates relying on their links with other local communities and partnerships with health and education authorities and social services. They receive referrals from these organisations, but there are children who are not meeting the thresholds for getting help. Local Social worker quoted that there are 136 children in need who are waiting to be allocated to a social worker.

Parents with mental health issues are another increasing problem amongst many causes of child poverty.

“A parent who really wants to help their child out of this situation would put their child first, but when a parent suffers from depression they’re not able to do this. They live in their own world, they cannot move away from themselves, and the child suffers for it. Depression, clinical or imaginary, is what inhibits them from doing anything positive and a lot of people sometimes haven’t got the strength to help their families, so getting them here is the first step,” said Mrs Chaproniere.

Jane Portman, Executive Director for Children and Families Services in Bournemouth, admits that fighting child poverty is not something the Council can do alone and, with the support of partners, the priority of their work is to help the local families with the necessary support.

“Our work includes providing advice on health and wellbeing, offering education and learning opportunities, assisting with childcare and giving employment advice and help. Our welfare team also helps families to access the financial help they are entitled to," stated Jane Portman.

Stokewood Children’s Centre feels that many of their problems would be eased if the government should put more money into social housing. Damp is an immense problem for the children’s health and causes frequent instances of children with respiratory problems, asthma and reoccurring infections.

Mrs Chaproniere continues: “Even though it was the government’s initiative to change the law with Every Child Matters and by this they included the child centres’ agenda into the British everyday life, we would like to be certain that this would remain a long term commitment for them and, even if the government changes, they will carry on with children centres.”

Bournemouth Diaries

Opening Night of "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune" with Kelly McGillis and Rolf Saxon

“1987, New York City. Frankie’s one room apartment in a walk-up tenement in the west 50’s. It is the early hours of a Sunday morning in March,” as last night’s premiere of Terrence McNally’s provocative play begins at the Lighthouse Theatre. 

Based on 1987 Off-Broadway hit, the play captures the gloomy realism of McNally’s dark romantic comedy about Frankie (Kelly McGillis) and Johnny (Rolf Saxon), two lonely middle aged people whose lives have passed them by without the fulfilment dreamt of in their youth.

KellyMcGillisInterview by Katarina Petrovic

Frankie is a waitress in an American “greasy spoon” diner; Johnny is a recently hired short order cook. It is the night of their first date and the lights go up as we find them groaning through an orgasm. Johnny believes that he has found his soul mate in Frankie, but she, however, is far more cautious and certain that sex is all they could give each other, nothing more. The night unravels their longings and fears as they take vigilant steps towards the possible start of a new relationship, beginning with the writer’s optimistic ending - intimate domestic activity of brushing their teeth.

McGillis’ and Saxon’s only 3 weeks rehearsed performance remains shadowed by the popular Garry Marshall’s 1991 film “Frankie and Johnny” (starring Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer) as the stage reveals their acting weaknesses unprotected by the safety of camera lens.

The slightly excessive shouting on McGillis behalf was distracting and could only be interpreted as her attempt at creating the exasperated character of deeply hurt Frankie, much wounded by other men in her past. However, apart from suggesting a neglected voice technique, this loud speaking did not portray a tough waitress whose armouring mask actually hides her generosity, and McGillis’ interpretation remained only two dimensional.

Despite the fine direction of Michael Lunney, and well developed situations, recognisable and metamorphic in the drawing writing of Mr McNally, the two actors did not yet reach the spontaneity and conviction needed to override the moments where the creation of their roles is still rigid, relying on the over potentiating of the existing humour of the play. But, as Johnny quoted Shakespeare, “If music be the food of love, then play on!” as tonight could have been the misfortune of the first performance.

Bournemouth Diaries

Kube Art Gallery Closure

TV package about the closing down of Kube art gallery in Poole UK,16th January 2010. The video shows art works by Henry Moore, Jacob Epstein, Patrick Heron and Bridget Riley, all of which are distinguished artists, responsible for great changes in the perception of a contemporary artist and the course which contemporary art took under their influence in painting and sculpture.

Poole locals, and more importantly, the students, will no longer have the rare opportunity to see these pieces of art as they will be moved to a safe but no longer public space. Need I mention what a great contribution to expanding ignorance in an already culturally poor area this will be?



Bournemouth and Poole College’s 2.4 million pounds art gallery, Kube, is closing down on January 31 2010 due to the College withdrawing its funding.


The gallery has been operating since the year 2000, offering opportunities for local, national and international artists and students.

“The collection was originally started by Arthur Andrews in 1956 -57, solely for the students to use, as he felt that they should have the opportunity to see real art,” says Norma Rawlings, a member of Kube’s Community Access and Support Staff.

Kube has housed and cared for the College’s art collection enabling public access to works of art by notable names such as Henry Moore, Jacob Epstein, Patrick Heron and Bridget Riley.

College Principal Lawrence Vincent admitted people would be disappointed but said: “The decision has been based purely on our accountability for spending public money, and the need to ensure that resources are dedicated towards teaching and learning.”

Photographer and volunteer at Kube Scott Irvine expressed his concern: “The College have said that the space will be used as a 'state of the art learning zone', although we believe this means it will become an ICT suite.”

Mr Vincent denied these suspicions, stating: “I would like to reiterate that any future use of the building will categorically not be for office or admin use, and we are still reviewing how best to utilise the space for the advantage of our students.”

http://www.kubepoole.org.uk/intro.aspx

Interview with Katherine O'Shea from Reprieve about Akmal Shaikh's execution in China

December 2009, London.

InterviewReprieve  by  Katarina Petrovic
http://www.reprieve.org.uk/

This Is Journalism (one of the many ways to get an interview...)

My UK Exclusive Interview with
Eddy Grant


Reggae legend Eddy Grant played at the Bournemouth International Centre on Tuesday, December 8th. He was a special guest on UB40's "Labour Of Love" Tour, and from what I have later found out, by then I was the only person who was given the opportunity for an interview in the UK.

So, in short, this was my wild shot lead solely by my Slavic instincts...

It began in the main entrance area, in front of the first "set" of security. Pretending to know the manager who I only spoke to that day, I audaciously asked to be let in.

The first set of security didn't buy it.

So I went outside and to the back, saw a door that said DO NOT ENTER... Upstairs, through this door, I asked the management where the rooms with the artists were, because "oh I am lost, silly me..." .

The second set of security directed me to the third, with the split of second away from the first ones seeing me where I am not supposed to be, were they didn't allow me in.

The third security was simple - just stared at my cleavage as I drank a glass of beer, pretending to be expected by this infamous manager... until I saw a really cool Rasta (later to find out he's name is Kholofelo and he is Eddy's sound mixer), asked him if he was with Eddy, he asked Eddy if he would give me the interview, then came back saying that "Eddy didn't mind", and from then I was rightfully waiting where by then I was a trespasser.

I watched the concert (as I was already in), then went backstage, got a 15min edgy interview, spoke to him for another 15, and happily lived ever after! ...

A video of the interview will follow soon and I will share whatever I can remember about this inspiring, striking legend.

Belgrade Diaries, from abroad

Seventeen Years of Solitude

After 17 turbulent years "The European Union (EU) has abolished visas for the citizens of Serbia traveling to the Schengen Area countries" and we will finally be allowed to travel into Europe without having to apply for a visa.

I intentionally say only "apply" as that was often as far as one would get when attempting to travel nearly anywhere.

It makes me wonder though, what if we have become agoraphobic, and we like it that way?

During the years we began to avoid the humiliating process of "getting" a visa which resembled a procedure of receiving a prison release form. Instead, we magnetically brought the world to us, resulting in countless numbers of new life-long friendships with the foreigners who came to this paradoxical, enchanting country which they keep returning to.

I am now in the UK, and I realize, after so many years of travelling and living throughout Africa, New Zealand, America, Europe... that in some "Marquezian" solitude, we have found our independence and kept a spirit that few endure to resist...

In Memoriam, 30.11.2009

"What illuminates our dreams, which take place in total darkness, behind our closed eyes? The memory of light which is no more, or the light of the future which you borrow like an advance on tomorrow’s day, which has yet to dawn?"

Serb writer Milorad Pavic dies aged 80

20:36 30/11/2009 Serbian poet, novelist and historian Milorad Pavic died on Monday of heart failure at the age of 80>>

Other news of the day

Bournemouth University Diaries

What if I turn into a romantic stalker? (an online journalism practical exercise, to stalk and write)

He is a bold headed middle aged man with tattoos on his forearms. He shows up walking around fast, going into the gym talking to the people at the desk, then the up to the gallery and looking inside, making comments to himself in an almost singing voice.

Looking like someone with a street history (street-wise). Irish, a clover tattoo on one arm and an Irish flag on other.

He is sitting on the wall, having a break, slowly smoking a rolled cigarette, talking to a friend. He rubs his eyes.

Checking me out.

Has knuckle tattoos and a ring on his middle finger. Scars on his head,, fresh. Wrinkled head, weary.

Has a cigarette break, then goes up to the gallery carrying a vacuum cleaner, looking obedient and submissive, grateful.

He has a kind, soft voice, contradicting his appearance. A handsome face, but weary, deep set blue eyes. Well built, but ruined.

At first seems indifferent to his work, but maybe because he is being watched, a hint of pride appears. He looks restless, childlike.

Has a colleague, a short partially bold man with glasses, thorough in what he does, shy and probably a little deaf as his walkie-talkie is set on very loud. He kindly lets me go through the door as I walk past.

Both have respect for each other, very polite to each other, not too close but respectful. Easily get their hands into the dirt, but with a responsibility.

Happy natured as his phone rings he is talking to his “mate” about the soccer game that will be on tonight. Subtly suggests to his colleague that he can join them.

Bournemouth Diaries

Concern about the lack of young audiences’ general interest in the Arts

A general concern is expressed regarding the lesser number of young audiences appearing in the Arts events organised by the city of Bournemouth.

The ratio between the young and senior audiences seems to be disproportional amongst those who attend the theatre performances, classical concerts or art exhibitions.

On their recent concert held at the BIC, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s repertoire consisted of attractive, popular Russian classics. However, “The number of the young people counted less than a dozen tonight” said Mrs Heath, the Box Office assistant.

Hugh Knorris, Honorary Secretary of Bournemouth Little Theatre Club which today holds up to 120 mostly senior members, spoke about this issue: “It is difficult now days to find young people, as they’ve got other things to do. And if you do find them, they tend to go off on a job, they get married.” BLTC was founded in 1919 and is the oldest amateur drama club in the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch area.

“Young audiences – yes, very interesting subject and there’s a huge conversation there” briefly commented Bournemouth Council's Arts Development Officer Adam Gent when asked about how much are the younger audiences involved in, or visit the Arts events, and whether there is a plan to get them more interested. Being an arts team working throughout Bournemouth, the Art Development has the goal to support creativity, learning and enjoyment of the arts by working through a strategic approach, in hope to attract audiences of various ages.

However, their means are limited. “Financial support is offered to us through the Bournemouth Arts Grant, a scheme that supports small Bournemouth based arts projects organised by artists, individuals and groups in common. With many of our colleagues we never have enough money to do all the things we want to do” says Gent.

Rachel Maddix, founder of a film production, media and performing arts organization Fearless Expressive Arts, comforts us by promising: “Our aim is to run both commercial weekend and evening classes for those wishing to build confidence and creative skills and a charity providing funded media projects especially for young people who would benefit from them”.

Interview with Katarina Petrovic (Director) and Milena Depolo (Playwright) about the play "Who Is Laurette?", Studio B Belgrade, March 2009

A thought from a friend

"In Serbia everything always and again starts from the very beginning."