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WHAT A LOAD
OF BALLOTS
and oversees different aspects of
the students union, on issues that
affect education, welfare, culture,
sports and societies. Together, they
decide on the policies and direc-
tions that the union should take,
by voicing your needs, concerns
and views to make your student
experience is the best it can be.
T he sabbatical elections are taking place where he was appointed Managing Director of
this week on campus and give you the Shell UK. Progressing in his career at Shell, he
chance to vote in next year’s sabbatical team then joined British Gas as Chief Executive, but
Nicolas Short was elected VP Sport and Rec-
reation in 2006 on a mandate of making sport
of 2009/2010. Voting is open from Wednes- moved to HM Revenue and Customs, where at Surrey more efficient and improving com-
day 25th until Thursday 26th of February from he took on the role as Chairman. munications. He said that, “The most memo-
10am- 5pm in the Library Foyer, Austin Pierce rable aspect of my time as a Sabbatical was
building and the lecture theatre concourse. Ben MaCauley, Venue Manager of Rubix, took that spent helping to design the new Sports
on the role as VP sports running for two years Centre for Manor Park, and our lively debates
Candidates who are elected will consist of five as a Sabb in 1990-2001. Before taking on his with the architects, who wanted to design
sabbatical officers who together with full time position as a sabbatical, Ben said, “As a stu- their own sports centre, rather than the one
union staff are responsible for the day to day dent at the University of Surrey I was captain we wanted.”
running of your students union. Each sabbati- of the Rugby first team and sports executive.
cal officer has designated responsibilities Continued on Page 3 ...
Claire
Islamic Society| Page 20
PSA| Page 20
Arts
-x-
Music Reviews | Pages 21-24
Literature |Pages 25&26
Film | Pages 27&29
Editor| Claire Worgan: ussu.thestag@surrey.ac.uk
Sports
News| Amy Short & Steven Hayton: newsdeskstag@gmail.com
Features| Kim Harris : featuresdeskstag@gmail.com
BSA | Page 30
Societies| Justin Waite & Mariam Nasir : societiesdeskstag@gmail.com Ice Diving & Football | Page 31
Sports| James Simpson & Danielle Gianotti
sportsdeskstag@gmail.com Find out more information at:
Music| Rachael Fitz-Patrick : musicdeskstag@gmail.com
Literature| Amy Barnes :literaturedeskstag@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.
Film| Ollie Sim: filmdeskstag@gmail.com
php?gid=36469776493
Science| Toby Shannon : sciencedeskstag@gmail.com
www.ussu.co.uk/thestag
Marketing| Amy Campbell :marketingdeskstag@gmail.com
Copy Editors | Joe Kenward & Stephanie Davies
The Stag is an editorially indepedent newspaper and is
published by the University of Surrey
Students’ Union Media Hub.
The views expressed in the paper are those of individ-
ual authors and do not necessarily represent the views
of the editor or her team, the Student’s Union or the
University of Surrey.
“The most important thing I learned as a Vice President for Sport and Recreation
Sabb was to listen to others opinions, as
whether right or wrong, they are as impor- This role is responsible for representing the
tant to those expressing them as yours are sporting needs of all Surrey Students to the Uni
and nationally. Liaising with the Sports Centre
team about the development of sport at Surrey, this
position is instrumental to the direction of sport on
campus in light of the new sports development and
2012 games.
newsdeskstag@gmail.com 3
sabbatical
electi
ons‘09
vote
25t h - 2
n
6
o
t
w
h
!
fe br u a r y
choose your sabbaticals at:
library
ap foyer
lecture theatre
concourse
ballot boxes open 10am - 5pm
Theft on
You boring unimaginative advertising idiots, get with the
twenty first century, such flagrant waste is no longer
acceptable!
Yours, Campus
James
*
ing. The police and security officers were on
Saturday 9th May
Epsom Downs Racecourse
Sara Hadfield
7
Grad Ball • • • • •
FRIDAY 26TH JUNE 2009
8
Campus Boy
Fear and Loathing on Campus
Don’t sit there, don’t sit there, don’t… oh, superb. She sits. The lecture Suddenly, I identify a threat to my personal
theatre is barely half full, and she chooses here. This is tantamount to space, a pen rolling towards the edge of the
standing beside me in the urinal, something which would render my desk. Her pen. Is this a test, is she wanting
bladder unable to release its fluid. In such a situation, I’d be forced me to crack? It drops to the floor, beside
to pretend to wee for approximately twenty seconds, before washing my foot. I sense that this is a moment when beings would be drawn
my hands and exiting as per normal, despite still needing relief. Here, into interaction, a possible point-scoring minefield. I decide to let her
she’s hemmed me in, no escape, and she’s smug, because she knows scramble for it, fully deserved, I feel, if you fail to control your station-
it. The etiquette of the lecture theatre is to sit amongst friends and ary. I refuse to break, even as she flails a hand blindly at the floor, and
vague acquaintances, it seems. I choose wall. Despite attempting to she attempts another smile. Is that 3-1? Or does she score for violat-
shield my face with a hand, she catches my eye and smiles. Perhaps ing my space and fondling my shoe, in her attempts to re-capture her
because she’s expended energy on moving facial muscles in my eye- pen, to cause me discomfort? I spend the rest of the lecture trying to
line, she’ll feel it acceptable to add me on Facebook? Well, the egg will decide, until the situation is clarified as the desks flip into the backs of
be on her face, because I don’t have an account. Search away in vain, seats. The goalposts move, and I set a final challenge to ascertain the
you hunter of profiles, you’ll remain un-befriended. victor. It’s a race to the exit.
I consider the scores even, then, given that she almost fooled me She’s out of the blocks first, given my disadvantaged position of wall-
into reciprocating a smile. I might have even done friendly eyes… oh, hugger. There’s just one focus now; head down, a single last ditch
please don’t let me have done those. She scored early doors, but I was charge to the doors… got to try and appear normal, lay off the engine
under-prepared, vulnerable to the advances of newcomers to my own noises. Here! An opportunity, she’s chosen the wrong line and is being
little world. I decide to make a move, capturing territory on the arm- held up at the lectern. I plough onwards, surely certain to win now, out,
rest, a sneaky manoeuvre to make the score 2-1. I ponder my next… is out into the cool, victorious air. I beam, cheering internally, to the puz-
she calculating hers? She could break wind in my direction, knowing I zlement of those waiting to enter. And then I realise. The lecture hand-
have only the wall to retreat towards, and pull even in the scoring. Or, I
outs. My face drops. To those watching, I appear mildly schizophrenic.
could break wind and race clear? There is no wind. I sit and hope that I attempt to re-enter the room, where I’m met by my competitor, and
she’s similarly unarmed. I’m forced to hold open the door. She smiles, friendly eyes, and thanks
me. And I struggle through the groaning hoards into the warm, stifling
The lecture is underway, and I’m glazed over, my mind synthesising in- air of humiliation.
ner thoughts with the information absorbed from the external world.
9
Loads of Stuff Has Happened And Will Happen
Soon. So For The Second Week Running I Won’t
Have The Space To Tell You How I Bumped Sweet
Uglies With Some Of The Planets Most Beautiful
Swimsuit Models And Pop Starletts
By Andy Vale
Sorry if you were expecting explicit carnal details of some of the Steve features a student radio station on his show and picked us
most famous GQ cover models in recent years. I’d love to give you for that particular week. The interview can easily be found online
graphic descriptions of how I touched the untouchables in unmen- and has already received over 50 downloads.
tionable places in front of some famous faces, but the stolen video
will hit the net soon enough. A final big thing will be in Mid-March. I’ll be doing a marathon 36-
hour show to raise money for Comic Relief. During that time I’ll be
It seems that my calls here have been heard! We have now almost doing interviews, various features, learning to play the ukelele (uke-
completely filled up all our specialist slots and now you can hear lele permitting) and maybe even attempting a few world records.
almost any genre of music you could possibly want at evenings and As the station frequency is 1350am, I’m looking to raise £1350 for
weekends. There are still some daytime slots going as well, we’re many highly worthy causes. Go to www.justgiving.com/AndyVale to
looking for people who can chat rubbish, be a little bit entertain- donate and I’ll put you on the ‘wall of honour!’
ing and press play at regular intervals. It’s not all glamour. If this
sounds like something you’d like to do then email TRAINING@GU2. To listen to your very own student radio station, go to www.GU2.
CO.UK co.uk or tune into 1350 am. If there isn’t something on that you
like then you can listen back to any show for up to a week! To be
We are now giving away Flirt and Citrus tickets every Wednesday any nicer to you would involve dinner first.
and Friday from 4-7pm. So if you don’t feel like queueing, pay-
ing and being one of the general populace, then listen in and bag Justgiving - donate to charity and raise funds online - Andy Vale’s
yourself a couple of tickets for diddly-nothing. Speaking of events, Fundraising Page
we have played/will be playing more events than I feel like list- Source: www.justgiving.com
ing so look out for us at any parties, functions or Rock-a-boogie Justgiving - the easiest way to fundraise and donate to charity online
seminars that you may feel like attending. We even got ourselves
a cheeky set during Neon night! It went down damn well, want us
again? Tell the Union! Soon we will also be putting on gigs around
campus that I recommend you all come to. Early days, but this
sleeping beauty is about to be kissed.
For about five minutes on Friday the 13th we went national as Ste-
ve Lamacq interviewed me on his BBC6 music show. Every week
10
11
So... What’s cookin’?
Scientist in the kitchen Toby Shannon brings you a hearty stew...
Veggie style!
Hey kids. I’ve managed to break my way out of the lab deep in the cellar of AZ to bring you a good solid supper -
something to set you up for the night ahead. This stew is a really good way of using up whatever veggies you have
lying around the place along with a few storecupboard staples (not office staples... ah, you know what I mean...).
So go on - give it a go, it’ll make up enough for a few hungry friends and try serving it with some rice, mash or even
some cous-cous (so good they named it twice). The veggies I’ve listed are just what I happened to have to hand
- mix and match!
A note on Stock Vegetables - this is a really useful storecupboard ingredient. A mixture of lentils, pulses, grains,
pastas and dried vegetables that handily bulks out soups, stews, casseroles and so forth. I’ve even used them
with chillies and curries and they’ve been jolly nice.
Ingredients:
150g dry stock vegetables
Vegetable oil, a couple of tablespoons
1 medium onion, sliced
1 pepper (red, green, yellow - your choice), sliced
1 tin tomato soup
1 tin chopped tomatoes
Veggie stock cube/powder/liquid
Dried mixed herbs
Salt ‘n’ pepper
Marmite (optional but bear with me...)
Firstly, put the stock veg on to the boil - follow the instructions on the bag (cover with cold water, bring to the boil
for 10 minutes or so and then cover and simmer for about 30 mins... or something like that). Meanwhile, heat the
oil in a large saucepan and gently fry off your peppers and onions until they’re softened and then add your tins
of tomato soup and chopped tomatoes and gently warm it through. Add a big pinch of herbs, your veggie stock
and S&P to taste. Right - Marmite. I know it sounds odd but it’s a mix of deep savoury tastes and when it’s mixed
into the soup base it tastes nothing like neat marmite - use about a teaspoon or so and taste as you add so you
don’t go overboard. Stir in the cooked stock veg and allow the stew to bubble away gently until it’s nice and thick.
How does it look? How does it taste? If it needs a touch more seasoning go for it and you might try adding a bit of
concentrated tomato purée for a more intense flavour or chilli sauce if you like a bit of a kick. Serve it up with your
rice or whatever and maybe some nice bread too. If you make too much, sling it in the fridge and warm it up for
lunch the next day. Good luck and bonne apetit!
12
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14
******** WARNING *******
THIS IS NOT NEWS!
************************
Annual campus popularity contest gets underway
By Pete Nattress frantically wracking their brains to think up cheap, dedication from your base.”
last-minute gimmicks in order to sway the vote.
The University of Surrey’s annual popularity One candidate has repeatedly stood in the
contest will be in full swing this week, as several In previous years, candidates have published popularity contest for many years without
candidates duke it out for the chance to spend an manifestos, but conventional wisdom suggests success. Ronald Matthews, known on the ballot
extra year at university and add something vaguely this is an unnecessary step. Popularity contest papers simply as ‘Ron’, attributes his failure to his
interesting to their CVs. campaign manager Hailey James says that posters refusal to ‘play the game’. “I don’t put up posters,
are the best and easiest way to win a popularity I don’t invent fickle manifestos, and I don’t force
The popularity contest is a Surrey tradition which contest. “Posters, posters, posters. Every year my friends to vote for me, mainly because I don’t
has become increasingly important in recent we see a direct correlation between the amount have any,” he said defiantly. Ron is standing for all
years, and is generally recognised as the ultimate of posters strewn around campus and amount of positions in the popularity contest and Not News
test of how many friends one has and how much votes cast. It also helps if the candidate has a lot has decided to endorse him due to his bolshie,
tolerance those friends have for a week’s worth of friends to vote for them. Friends and posters.” unorthodox campaign style.
of tiresome campaigning. Several positions are Furthermore, the posters rarely need to specify
up for grabs every year, including the prolific ‘Most anything other than a candidate’s name and the The popularity contest is completely unrelated to
friends’ post. Deputy positions include ‘most position they’re standing for. “Putting anything the Student Union sabbatical elections also taking
posters printed’, ‘most fulsome breasts’ and else on the poster for a popularity contest would place this week, which offer the valuable chance
‘standing unopposed and winning by default’. be redundant,” added James. for Surrey students to participate in a meaningful
and important democratic process.
Over the next few days the contenders will have With levels of student apathy higher than ever,
their flyer-making and blu-taccing skills tested this year’s campaign is expected to be particularly
to the limit as they attempt to plaster as much hard for the contestants. “It’s not just a case of
of the campus’s ugly concrete facade with as having the most friends any more”, explained Rick
many fluorescent posters as possible. In addition Chavinsky, a popularity contest analyst for Ipsos
unleashing a barrage of visually arresting Mori. “Now, to win a popularity contest, you have
posters, the candidates will also be harassing to have friends who are willing to drag themselves
the electorate on Facebook, hiring legions of out of bed before polls close at 5pm and correctly
volunteers to harass the electorate in real life, and fill in a confusing ballot paper. You need a lot of
union’s president
Kiren Vadher
PhD Student Goku “S” Parmar
Ben Phillips Chris Moffatt Dan “BamBam” Smith
16
manfestos please visit
ical Election candidates
Murat Badem
VP welfare
Photography
Society member
Dan Pullen
Justin Waite Lisa Shah
Marios Tziortzis
Sam Bull Tom Wiblin
Photography
Society
member
vote and to see the candidates’
www.ussu.co.uk /sabbaticals 17
Madame Za-Za
“ The stars speak to me darling”
Aries (20th March – 20th April) Libra (20th Sept- 21st Oct)
This fortnight is time for you to get back into your old hobbies. Lately You’re feeling frustrated right now, and that is understandable.
you’ve been spending your free time on unproductive endeavours. All of your nearest and dearest are on your side, so use them for
Time to step away from Facebook and Smallville and go back to the support because they all want to help you. Single? You know that
things you used to like doing before student living got the better of you aren’t built for random hook-ups, so who exactly do you think
you. Single? Ask that friend you’ve been thinking of to share your you’re kidding? You will only end up hurt. Taken? You don’t like the
new hobby with you. Taken? If they’ve been driving you crazy over person you’re becoming when you’re with them. So either change,
the last few weeks then maybe it’s time for a week apart. or walk away.
Taurus (21st April- 20th May) Scorpio (22nd Oct- 21st November)
Your best friend needs you right now, and they need your sympathy. You’re doing your best to help a friend in need this week- but
Resist the “I told you so” routine- they are well aware that you were there’s a huge chunk of the story that you’re missing. Make sure
right all along. Don’t humiliate them more than they already have you hear both sides before jumping straight in to help, because
been. Single? Perhaps it’s time you stop waiting around for them your “friend” isn’t above lying to get their own way. Single? They
and make the first move. Taken? Enjoy the good life. But be careful are waiting to hear from you after your date last week- don’t let
of bragging about your happiness to your friends. them down. Taken? This will probably be the hardest decision you
have ever made. But you’ve been thinking about it far too long now
Gemini (21st May- 20th June) to ignore that feeling in your stomach.
Your bank balance may be looking a little low right now- after all it Sagittarius (21st Nov- 21st Dec)
has been a month since your loan was paid and you were already
in the overdraft from Christmas... So when a friend offers an im- You seem to be being overshadowed, deliberately, by a friend or
promptu shopping trip this week- say no. Your bank statements will sibling. It’s absolutely infuriating, but this person seems to have
thank you for it. Single? The Valentine’s date that you thought had the golden touch and can do no wrong. So you need to set out to
gone terribly may not have been as disastrous as you thought. Tak- prove you are equally worthy of their attention. Single? A night out
en? Maybe you two should give up arguing for lent, because right at the Union may result in an unlikely pairing. Taken? They seem to
now that’s all you seem to be doing together. have forgotten that you are a pair and that the decisions they make
affect you. Tell them how you feel.
Cancer (21st June- 21st July)
Capricorn (21st Dec- 20th Jan)
A disagreement with a friend might become increasingly intense
over the next fortnight. One of you has to swallow their pride and You’re putting far too much strain on yourself right now. What with
make the first move or you’ll lose each other forever, and neither your degree, work, and family commitments, you are overstretched.
of you truly want that. Single? Someone who isn’t your usual type Whatever happened to you time? Single? Your friend didn’t realise
might ask for your number this fortnight. Give it to them- your “type” you liked them. Try not to be mad, they can’t help what they don’t
clearly hasn’t been right for you before. Taken? A meal out will re- know. Taken? It seems like their insecurities are stopping you from
veal something about your partner that you didn’t know before. doing the things you really want to. It might be time to stand up for
yourself.
Leo (22nd Jul- 22nd Aug)
Aquarius (21st Jan- 19th Feb)
Your part time job may be getting in the way of your studies right
now. You need to weigh up the possibility of packing it in, and if you Your confidence may have taken a knock over the last few weeks,
find you could give up the odd night out and still survive, it might be but it’s important not to let that affect the big events that are com-
time to put the degree first. Single? Have you thought about giving ing up this month. You’ll regret it if you do. Single? Stay away from
up dating for lent? 40 days and 40 nights might be just enough to the ex- you broke up for a reason and that reason is still there.
get some perspective back in your life. Taken? Your partner’s mum Taken? Your friends don’t approve- have you taken the time to won-
might be getting in the way right now, but she is genuinely worried der why?
about her child’s wellbeing, so cut her some slack.
Pisces (19th Feb- 19th March)
Virgo (23rd Aug- 21st Sept)
It’s time to come to a conclusion about the decision you’ve been
You’ve worked unbelievably hard over the last few weeks, so you pondering. Time is running out, and if you don’t hurry that decision
can afford a few peaceful days at least. So lie back, with a free will be made for you. Single? You’ve not been interested in dating
conscience, fully in the knowledge that you are ahead with your lately- now might be the time to jump back in the game. Taken?
work. Single? Forbidden fruit is always more tempting, but be aware They are trying to get in the way of the two of you- and your para-
of the consequences before you pursue anything further. Taken? noia is allowing them to. Show them that you are solid and stand
Their sudden romanticism may have shocked you last week into up to them together.
thinking there may be a hidden agenda. There isn’t.
18
T h e A P S a n d P S Y C H s o c ie tie s p re s e n t. . .
Learn about:
Dysfunction,
Relationship issues
Sex therapy techniques
And more…
7.30-9.00pm in LTL
Have you got news to share from the sports event first, it was on a
fairly dry, cold afternoon. I was ex-
Treasurer, Pakistan Students’ As-
sociation (www.ussu.co.uk/psa)
pecting nothing amazing that day
your society? and it remained the same. Three For comments please email
matches were played, each team at: psa@surrey.ac.uk or
Let our Societies’ Editor know at had six players and guess what
rules were modified to suit the
H.javaid@surrey.ac.uk
Rachel Fitz-Patrick
musicdeskstag@gmail.com 5/5 21
Esser - ‘Say Something’ Music Night
Work It Out Date: 5th February 2009
Venue: Wates House
perform with laptops and comput-
ers has always been an interest-
Released: 23/02/09 The Say Something music nights
ing and challenging experience.
For one of his first performances,
Esser is a London-based producer/composer, have been a feature at Wates it was really tight, and the Sex On
who is quickly gaining ground within the elec- house over the past year or so, and Fire cover with a vocoder was gen-
tronic music circuit. With some great vocoder it’s a chance for some of Surrey’s ius.
work in the chorus, and some brilliant remixes finest musicians to perform in a
from the likes of Sinden, this is a great single relaxed environment. The event is Last up was Toy, a band from the
for pop and electronica fans alike. Catch him free, and it’s always a great night ACM. They played a style of reg-
on tour with the Kaiser Chiefs towards the end to pop down to on a weeknight. gae-inspired pop, with some really
of February. catchy lines and vocal melodies.
First on was Becky Woolls, a music Toy also included a saxophonist,
Rachael Fitz-Patrick student here at Surrey, who is an which was great to see in a live
amazing pianist and singer. Hav- band, away from the regular gui-
ing turned up slightly late, I only tar/bass/drums. It did start to get
managed to catch the second part a bit repetitive after a while, but
The Hours -
of her set as more people began you couldn’t fault them as good
to mill in, shrouding around the musicians.
corners and door. Woolls has an
Big Black Hole awesome voice, and played some All in all, it was a great night, and
great covers, including one of my the sound and atmosphere was
favourite Zero 7 songs, Home. She great. One of the best things is
Deceptively simple, Big Black Hole is the latest played a huge back catalogue of you can duck in and out without
offering from Indie heavyweights The Hours. songs, and was a great way of get- feeling guilty that you’ve paid. I
Now a seven-piece band, it seems The Hours’ ting people into the room, away can safely say that it’s much bet-
tracks have grown with their line-up as BBH from the bar. ter than some gigs that I’ve had to
combines brutally honest lyrics with a lucid pay to get in.
rhythm section. Expect to wake up to this most Next up was Starsmith, the alter-
mornings on Radio 1. ego for Fin Dow-Smith, who has By Mark Allen
been growing in popularity in re-
Michael Gray cently weeks. His style of electro-
indie is about as popular as it gets
at the moment, and seeing people
Plus
special guests
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Brakes
Supported by HIPSLINKY and THE THIRD MAN
Date: 30 January 2009 as Walter and looked more like a dishevelled li- ticked the rock box. On the flipside of this, was
Venue: Boileroom, Stoke Fields, brarian, held the crowd with his infectious yelp Hamilton’s tender rendition of ‘Jacksonville’,
and an impressive guitar collection. If you like during which his wife joined him onstage. De-
Guildford
Pull Tiger Tail, you’ll like these guys. spite their name, Brakes showed no signs of
Following this energetic start, The Third Man slowing down in this dynamic whirlwind of witty
There’s nothing better than live music (awaits
took to the stage. Fronted by ex-Kook member, banter, cider for the audience and a deliciously
cries from people arguing that this, that and
Max Rafferty, the band resembled a Doherty/ raucous and fun set. My feet were sore from
the other are indeed better than live music).
Borrell/Followill hybrid. Whilst I shuffled my all the floor-pounding (I like to think it wasn’t
For the sake of argument, go with me on this
feet obligingly through the set, The Third Man the stack heel boots I was wearing.) If you like
one.
failed to rouse the enthusiastic toe-tapping in your bands fast, furious and funny, check out
I had no expectations for this particular gig,
me that Hipslinky achieved. Brakes.
as I hadn’t heard of any of the bands. I had a
Headliners Brakes appeared fairly unremark-
quick peek at the critical acclaim on Facebook
able. This was until singer Eamon Hamilton Amy Barnes
but that was as far as my research stretched.
strutted to the stage wearing a shiny body suit
This, however, made for an interesting evening.
and helmet, punching the air with his fist. Thun-
Hipslinky opened, providing a melodic set Look out for the next CD handout for your
dering through charged, punk-spirited rants
packed with fantastically catchy indie-flavoured chance to review
about pineapples, chickens and people who
songs. The lead singer, who introduced himself
try to talk to you when you’re at a gig, Brakes
soundaffairs...
Boulevard of Broken Dreams
MUSIC: CHARLIE BARBER of a day.
The music takes its starting point from ‘Plaza de Ar-
CHOREOGRAPHY: JEAN ABREU
mas’ (Place of Arms), the name of the main square
PERFORMERS: MAVRON STRING in many Latin American cities surrounded by gov-
QUARTET, JEAN ABREU & DANCERS ernment buildings, churches, and other structures
of cultural and political significance. The name
derives from the fact that this would be a refuge
8th March 2009 in case of an attack on the city, from which arms
The Electric Theatre, 7.30pm would be supplied to the defenders.
The work exploits the interaction between the two Cardiff-based composer Charlie Barber has a strong
Spring 2009 sees the World Premiere of Boulevard quartets as characters converge and compete in local and national following. His prolific output as a
of Broken Dreams - a unique collaboration between this portrayal of the urban condition composer, and talent for combining musical influ-
live music and dance. Featuring a specially-written Jean Abreu will draw on his mix of Latin dance roots, ences and genres, have brought him acclaim from
musical score by composer Charlie Barber, and with capoeira and contemporary dance whilst Charlie audiences and critics alike. His recent performance
choreography by Jean Abreu, Boulevard of Broken Barber will explore his passion for world music, and touring programmes have featured musicians,
Dreams brings four stunning young dancers and electro-acoustic soundscapes and new trends in dancers, DJs, street performers and multi-media
four brilliant young musicians – The Mavron String classical composition. Featuring four dancers (in- content.
Quartet - on stage together. cluding Jean Abreu) and the Mavron String Quartet,
the work will explore and contrast aspects of gen- Jean Abreu was born in Brazil and is now based in
The result is an explosive mix of Latin influences, der as well as exploiting the interaction between London. His distinctive choreographic style merges
live music, world beats, dance and physical thea- the two quartets. his Latin dance roots and his British contemporary
tre. Boulevard of Broken Dreams opens at Taliesin The Mavron Quartet will perform on stage as part of dance training, and has led to him winning The Jer-
Arts Centre in Swansea on 12 February 2009 and the action and the overall visual concept of the pro- wood Award and The Place Prize commission. The
takes in sixteen venues across Wales and England. duction. The string quartet will also be amplified. The Mavron String Quartet formed in 2002. It has since
On 8th March 2009, as part of the 10th Guildford live music will have a cinematic soundtrack quality, worked with artists as diverse as Judie Tzuke, Alex
International Music Festival, The Electric Theatre, both in scale and content, and will be mixed and ma- Parks and Sibrydion. Based in Cardiff, the Quartet
will play host to this exciting collaboration. nipulated by a sound technician who will interweave is resident at the Gate Arts Centre and recently
Boulevard of Broken Dreams explores how peo- the live sound material with electronically generated gave a series of recitals in Ischia, Italy.
ple meet in unpredictable ways, the tension cre- soundscapes.
ated between characters in public spaces and how
bonds can be created and dissolved in the space
24
Literature Get those creative juices flowing....
Toby Shannon goes on a journey through time and space... With pizza,
hackers, mobsters and a cat called Cat.
This book documents his initial obsession with brands, his counselling sessions
and the beginnings of his new life. He raises questions that made me look at
my own brand usage, and the complete power they have over us without us even
realising. For instance, when buying a bottle of water which do we choose and
why? Surely they are pretty much all the same give or take the odd mineral.
When two objects we are looking to purchase are the same, it is the emotional
attachment to a brand and what we think it stands for, that makes us buy one
over the other?
Neil Boorman provides the history of brands and how they first dipped their toe
into manipulation of the public and have never looked back since. He does at
times labour the same point, and some sections especially quoted articles I have
to admit I skim-read. However, this isn’t the anti-brand tirade I think he started
out to make, the book shows a journey that ends in general acceptance that
brands are a part of life and you need to keep your wits about you to make sure
they don’t rule it.
The Stag would like to apologise for an error in the last issue. The Review of Second
Chance By Jane Green was actually reviewed by Mariam Nasir.
literaturedeskstag@gmail.com
26
Film Get the popcorn ready.....
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (12A)
I have a confession to make and it is that I really I have a philosophy and that is, any film over two
like David Fincher. I think he’s a masterful direc- hours has to tread carefully in order to justify its
tor and he has a real competence when it comes running time. In other words, it has to maintain
to filmmaking. He has made some really good our attention as an audience because a film over
films, that are suspenseful, nail biting and in my two hours is longer than an average film. The
opinion, underrated marvels. Not least of all be- problem with The Curious Case of Benjamin But-
ing Seven, which I have to be very honest, is one ton is not just because it’s overlong, it just says so
of my favourite films. There, I said it. painfully little.
Now why is it someone like David Fincher has To give credit where it is due, the direction almost
gone and made this whimsical, snail-paced and makes the film have some value. Only some.
most of all, huge fuss of a film? Why does the film David Fincher certainly knows how to organise a
take ages to say absolutely nothing? The best re- shot and you can trust him to try and make a film
view I have heard of this film is from Jon Stewart look polished. Also, the guys and gals at the helm
who says it’s, “Forrest Gump meets (snore)”. of the special effects department deserve every
award that comes their way.
Adapted from the F. Scott Fitzgerald short story,
Brad Pitt plays Benjamin Button, a man who ages The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is basically
‘backwards’ and, like with all these things, has a whimsical folly. Aside from the fact it’s too long;
wild and quirky adventures. Along the way he trav- it has many pretensions of preaching to us about
els to Russia, Paris and he also falls in love with a the ‘value of life’ or even how ‘everything happens
dancer named Daisy (Cate Blanchett). While tell- for a reason’. There is one moment where the bal-
ing this story (Julia Ormond given the most thank- lerina gets run over by a taxi, and that was the
less role), an elderly Daisy is lying in her deathbed most entertaining moment of the whole film...and
in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Low and behold, I was laughing. In short: it’s a film that aspires to
she has Benjamin’s diary and we start to stare at be something, but is nothing.
our watches.
Ollie Sim
2/5
filmdeskstag@gmail.com
27
Doubt (15) Bolt (PG)
Primarily an actor’s piece, adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning If The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is overlong, then Bolt
play by John Patrick Shanley (who also directs). Set at a convent in is just about the right length. Oh, and says more about the hu-
the Bronx, Meryl Streep plays a strict nun (we all saw this coming), man condition (pun very much intended). The story centres on
who suspects a fellow clergyman (Philip Seymour Hoffman) of offer- a dog, Bolt, who is the star of a superhero franchise along with
ing wine to a lonely African-American pupil at the school. Amy Adams his owner, Penny. One day, Bolt escapes from his compound to
also plays a young nun, who thinks she catches him in the act, al- try to rescue Penny from the ‘real world’. The only problem is
though somewhat resembling Audrey Hepburn in The Nun’s Story.
that he believes he has superhero powers, and that Penny has
been ‘kidnapped’ by the main villain from the show.
Vitally, because it’s a ‘Pulitzer-Prize winning play’, it says so much
about its roots in the theatre, and perhaps it should have stayed
there. While the camera is trying its best to try and have some filmic For what the film is, it is entertaining for the most part and it
credentials, it’s all too claustrophobic and staged. While the ideas are has its funny moments. It’s certainly better than the most re-
there, I couldn’t help thinking I would have enjoyed this more in the cent Disney films, but what is lacking is most of Pixar’s charm
theatre. Still, if you want to see Meryl Streep give it some welly, look and wit. It’s carefree, it’s generic, it does not play on anything
no further. new, but in the end it’s all you need it to be these days. I have to
say though (just a note), the hamster almost steals the show.
Ollie Sim
2/5 Ollie Sim
3/5
Milk (15)
Milk, one of the latest in a long line of films tipped campaigns, and there are occasional scenes here
to win big at the Oscars come February, stars Sean where Milk is portrayed as outlandish and aggres-
Penn as the charismatic San Francisco-based po- sive in his approach to dealing with fellow political
litical activist who was assassinated by one of his associates.
former colleagues and then-rival in 1978.
The kind nature of Milk is built-up well throughout the
The film intersperses archive footage of the area in entire film, he offers shelter to those in dire need, he
the 1970s, together with a realistic modern-day rec- tries to befriend outsiders who see him as a threat
reation of said locations. Along with these shots, the and Van Sant does an excellent job in picking Penn
audience is told the story of Harvey Milk, his politi- to play the lead role, for he is an actor who naturally
cal beliefs (not prevalent until later on in the film), exudes generosity and friendly mannerisms. Penn’s
his love life and how he came to be so passionate final scene, that of Milk’s death, is fantastically ex-
about the issues he risked his life for. Director Gus ecuted. The entire scene is in slow motion and con-
Van Sant, known more for his unconventional and veys Milk’s dying moments as a shocking turn of
more indie films as well as a rather mediocre re- events, the quick nature of the murder following the
make of Hitchcock’s Psycho in 1998, chooses Milk earlier confrontation between Milk and White echo
as his first mainstream film in years and he has cer- the shallow nature of the politics on offer.
tainly chosen well, opting for a controversial subject
but treating it with dignity and the respect it rightly The aftermath of his death is fantastically portrayed
deserves. by director Gus Van Sant, who shows the thousands
of loyal activists who once gave their lives to Milk
As the film progresses, outside interference from through their over-eager protests, walking the streets
various political parties threatens the gay commu- holding candles in memory of the great man. I found
nity in the Castro district of San Francisco where this scene particularly poignant, for the realisation
Milk lives and works and an openly gay establish- of his widespread support was not obvious until
ment has been accepted. However, Milk remains then, such was the magnitude of the moment.
determined and understands the negativity from Have you been to see a
rivals and outsiders is merely a result of their fear
and confusion.
Having been a fan of Penn’s for years, I was expect-
ing a brilliant performance. I was not disappointed.
film lately and fancy tell-
The film faithfully pays respect to the life of a man ing us what you thought
The final third of the film tells of how his nearest rival, who risked his all to help others live their lives to full
Dan White, a family man whose own campaigns are effect, and is highly enjoyable to watch as well. about it?
somewhat overshadowed by Milk’s building success,
attempts to gain voters. The two build a partnership 4/5
which both figures believe will strengthen their own filmdeskstag@gmail.com
28
Gran Torino (15)
Clint Eastwood brings a magnificent presence as a Korean War veter- image. With a climax that tears away from ‘The Man With No Name’
an as well as xenophobic crank. If this is the “last” Clint Eastwood per- image, you come to appreciate where the film’s heart is; and that’s
formance, you have to admit, it’s a great swansong to a persona that completely in the right place.
has been mocked for yonks. Unlikely as it would be in any ordinary cir-
cumstance, we root for the old codger all the way. Why? Because he’s Ollie Sim
Clint Eastwood, at probably his most meanest. However, his character 4/5
is as much a variation on previous characters, with a certain twist.
Clint Eastwood plays Walt who has just lost his wife, and spends much
of his time guarding and protecting his territory. That is until an Asian
family move in next door and he instantly takes a disliking to them.
What is also a problem is that an Asian gang invade his neighbourhood
and are seen as a threat towards the next-door neighbours and him.
u t t o b a n ge...)
(b
ther 2, then have them watch the trailer because the film
’ d c h
h ings I
isn’t any different. You’ll be saving money as well. Alfred
Molina, John Cleese, Lily Tomlin and Jeremy Irons need to
a f e w t
fire their agents.
Ollie Sim
1/5
30
Surrey Reserves Come Up Smelling of Roses
By Rob Harrison ward Jim Salmon who was suddenly through Salmon shot narrowly wide in a great counter
on goal, he slipped the ball past the oncoming attack move. That was Jim Salmon’s (the Uni-
Surrey Reserves overcame Royal Holloway Old Holloway keeper with ease. versity’s top scorer) final act of the game, hav-
Boys 2-1 on Valentine’s Day in the top of the Surrey’s second came five minutes later. A free ing to leave at half time to go on a date with his
table clash at the Varsity. kick clipped into the box was dealt with poor- girlfriend. We are told it wasn’t really worth it.
The game started at a very fast pace with ly, again, by the Holloway defence. The ball The second half was less eventful than the
chances at both ends which was to be expect- dropped to Georgi Slavchev, Surrey’s Bulgar- first, Surrey put in a great defensive display as
ed from two very competitive teams. Surrey put ian brick wall, who fired into the roof of the net Holloway piled on the pressure. In the final ten
their wide players to good use, Jason Alawo to make it 2-0. Surrey looked confident at this minutes Surrey could have wrapped the game
had plenty of running to be done, along with point, though Holloway are top of the league up having multiple chances and a disallowed
Nima Aase who put in 100% effort despite hav- for a reason, they showed their spirit by piling goal from Nick Boutal. It was a great perform-
ing been out at Rubix the night before (that’s on the pressure for a ten minute period which ance by Surrey who have won every game in
for the benefit of Nima’s housemates whom he resulted in them pulling a goal back. A through 2009. Special mentions go to Slav, and Steve
had a no drinking bet with). ball from the midfield found the Holloway ‘Disco’ Cole, who put in great performances in
Twenty minutes in, Surrey struck first. Surrey’s number nine who was being tightly marked. He defence.
keeper launched a long ball up field, the two somehow stumbled through Surrey’s defence
Holloway centre backs both attempted to clear and tucked the ball under Jon Creswick.
but due to a lack of communication neither did, Surrey could have gone into halftime with a
the ball bounced through nicely for centre for- slightly more comfortable lead, however Jim
Ice Diving...
By Matt Head er, they did inform us that they had tried
to break the ice from underneath with a
Well it had been a couple of warm, dry, sledge hammer and couldn’t, thus advised
indulgent weeks off over Christmas, so us to plan our dive ‘very very’ carefully.
some people were itching to do a spot of To add to this they also mentioned how
New Year’s diving. In typical USSAC style ‘sharp’ the ice was, meaning we also had
it was an early start, meeting at the lockup to be careful with our equipment and dry
for 7.30 which is a frightfully uncivilised suits.
hour for a Saturday morning. Despite the I was at this point fairly glad I wasn’t going
fact that it was -5° and snowing, nobody in first, but three of our enthusiastic Ocean
had thought better of it and opted to stay Diver trainees on their first open water dive
in bed so we were off to a good start. After seemed to overlook the subzero tempera-
we picked up the kit from the lockup we tures and couldn’t wait to get in (Even with
made a brisk run up to Wraysbury dive cen- having to perform mask clearing!). After
tre which is a 15 acre lake near to Staines. the shock of the freezing water wore off
When we arrived all the jokes we had been the novelty of diving under the ice was
making about having to break through the quite fun and everyone present managed mh000016@surrey.ac.uk
ice to get in turned out to be pretty much to get in for at least two highly invigorating
bang on the money and the entire lake was dives........and all came out again!
frozen over, with up to an inch of ice cover- If you fancy hearing more interesting div-
ing the most part of it. ing stories and coming to get wet, contact Got a sports article?
one of the below and we’ll organise a try Then email our sports
The Staff at the dive centre did not see this dive for you!
as a problem and a handful of them suited editors
up and proceeded to smash up all the ice Adam S: Chairman - sportsdeskstag@gmail.com
at the side with hammers and clear most en52as@surrey.ac.uk
of the shallow training platforms. Howev- Mark H: Training officer –
31
Surrey Spartians fight to the last
By David Murton
Treasurer Surrey Rugby Football Club
32