Ian Bunn | Political & Popular Culture Arts

Greatest and most influential live performers ever (September 24th)

Edward Regan “Eddie” Murphy the 50 year old US comedian and actor has been announced as the next host of the Academy Awards, following the James Franco and Anne Hathaway comedic hosting of last year’s awards. Murphy will again join up with director Brett Ratner who is producing the awards show, after having starred in his latest movie ‘Tower Heist’. Ratner released a statement stating “Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever. With his love of movies, history of crafting unforgettable characters and his iconic performances — especially onstage — I know he will bring an excitement, spontaneity and tremendous heart to the show”. Murphy is also a singer and musician having also performed in a music video featuring Michael Jackson titled ‘Whatzupwitu’.

Inspired by Susan King http://ow.ly/6tXt2 image source David Shankbone http://ow.ly/6tXs8

Elasticity of expression in Shakespeare (September 18th)

Ralph Nathaniel Twisleton Wykeham-Fiennes the 48 year old UK actor renowned as Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter film series, winner of the Tony Award and twice nominated for Academy Awards is to star in the Shakespearean play ‘The Tempest’ in London’s West End. Fiennes has an impressive history of Shakespeare roles, including a recent film directorial debut in a modern interpretation of ‘Coriolanus’ that explores the emotions of power and authority of a ruthless military leader banished from his city, a role he had already played on stage years earlier. In a recent BBC interview Fiennes stated “There is an expressiveness, an extraordinary elasticity of expression in Shakespeare which is thrilling to me and I hope other people find it thrilling. That’s why I’m doing this. I think the language still connects.”

Inspired by Aljazeera http://ow.ly/6lyiN image source Siebbi http://ow.ly/6lyuO