Culture
The Essentials: Top Cultural Highlights In May
An unconventional romance, an innovative dance experience, a deliciously simple dessert and more – here’s what's on our cultural calendar this month
THE FILM: Slow
Curling up with a romantic movie is the perfect way to pass a rainy spring afternoon, and this film from Lithuanian director Marija Kavtaradzė delivers the goods with striking depth. The tale follows the blossoming connection between dancer Elena (Greta Grinevičiūtė) and sign language interpreter Dovydas (Kęstutis Cicėnas). However, their story takes an unconventional turn when Dovydas reveals that he identifies as asexual. Intrigued? You should be. The film captivated audiences at its Sundance premiere last year, taking home the World Cinema Directing Award in the ‘Dramatic’ category; to experience the intricacies of this unique relationship for yourself, catch this thought-provoking film when it gets a wider release on 3 May.
Perfect If: You’re all for modern interpretations of love, and you want to support independent cinema.
THE SHOW: Eric
Don’t even bother asking: we’ll be staying home on 30 May. The reason? The debut of this exciting psychological thriller starring no other than Benedict Cumberbatch as a desperate father racing to find his missing son in the dangerous streets of 1980s New York City. Lucy Forbes (The End of the F***ing World, This Will Hurt) directed and Abi Morgan (Shame, The Iron Lady) created the script – so it’s just yes all over the board! Get the snacks ready.
Perfect If: To be completely honest, you’ll watch anything Cumberbatch is in.
THE DOCUMENTARY: Secrets of the Neanderthals
Around 40,000 years ago, an entire species of early humans simply vanished. What were they like? How did they live? And, perhaps most curiously, why did they go extinct? This new Netflix documentary, narrated by the always-brilliant Sir Patrick Stewart, seeks answers to these questions at archaeological digs across the globe, from Croatia to Iraq, Gibraltar, France and Kurdistan, unlocking whatever secrets our prehistoric ancestors’ artefacts may hold about their way of life and the mysterious cause of their ultimate demise. Tune in on 2 May.
Perfect If: You know humans aren’t the first intelligent species to walk the earth – and may not be the last.
THE EVENT: En Amour
A powerful immersive experience awaits at the Philharmonie de Paris’ Cité de la Musique, taking visitors on a date with experimental music, dance and visual art. With a distinctive mix of electronic music, pop and the voice of singer November Ultra, as well as original music by Laurent Bardainne, En Amour is a sound experience intertwined with projected images that blend “the motion of computer-generated particles with edited realistic video captures”. The result is an interactive space in which visitors are invited to dance freely to the sounds and visuals, all themed around the concepts of love and transformation. The exhibition, part of the Rituals series by the Adrien M & Claire B company, will remain open until 25 August, offering an open door to anyone interested in exploring their deepest emotions in complete freedom and anonymity.
Perfect If: You’re open to a dynamic cultural experience – and perhaps a more fun form of therapy.
THE OCCASION: International Museum Day
Many of us think of museums as a rainy day activity or a whistle-stop on a busy city break, but behind the scenes, these institutions play a crucial role in furthering scientific research, historic preservation and cultural enrichment the world over. That’s why, in 1977, the International Council of Museums designated 18 May as International Museum Day – an occasion to celebrate and support these establishments in their important work. Today, more than 30,000 museums in over 150 countries observe the event, hosting special exhibitions, workshops, seminars and performances – some entirely free of charge – to engage their communities and encourage the public to patronise their favourite local museums. Check with your regional institutions to see if any special events are in the works, or seek out a museum that appeals to your interests, whether that means fashion, art or even just quirky miniature exhibitions.
Perfect If: You’ve been meaning to pay a visit to a local museum, and just needed that extra incentive.
THE SOUND: ‘Cape Forestier’ from Angus & Julia Stone
From the duo that once brought us “Big Jet Plane” comes a record set to have you reminiscing about the good old days. Angus & Julia Stone’s newest release, Cape Forestier, showcases a raw acoustic essence that will undoubtedly resonate with long-time fans while simultaneously captivating newcomers with its innovative approach to songcraft. With their recent singles, “The Wedding Song” and “Cape Forestier”, building anticipation, we recommend marking your calendar for 10 May to see what else they have in store.
Perfect If: Your playlist of soft and sweet acoustic songs is ready for some new inclusions.
THE DISH: Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding)
A delicious dessert need not be a complicated multi-step process. In fact, sometimes the best sweet treats are those anyone can pull together; perhaps that’s why kheer sounds so enticing. This simple rice pudding is a significant culinary part of the celebrations surrounding Vesak, an important Buddhist festival celebrated across the Indian Subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. Whether or not you plan to join the festivities, you can still make this rich, creamy, delectable dessert that comes together with a few basic ingredients: rice, milk and sugar, heightened with aromatic notes of cardamom and saffron, and finished with a generous sprinkle of nuts on top.
Perfect If: You have a big sweet tooth – but no patience for oven-baked desserts.
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