Antonia’s Line

Antonia’s Line: Oscar-winner and trigger for Debate
Sunday 29th November, 7.30pm

Two leading academics introduce an Oscar-winning film about the lives of women. Antonia’s Line won Best Foreign Language Film in 1996 – and forms the centre-piece of an evening of drama and debate on Sunday 29th November. Independence and solidarity are the twin poles of this thought-provoking Film Night at the Pierian Centre.

“Wonderfully earthy, funny and sexy” is how Entertainment Weekly described Marleen Gorris's Oscar-winning film. Antonia’s Line follows the life and loves of a Dutch woman living in a small village in the aftermath of World War II. An instinctive rebel who draws the outcasts of the area to her, Antonia lives her life according to her own moral compass. Disdaining marriage and the conformist codes of the Catholic Church, she and the independent souls who surround her have sex and children when they want them. “A heady, life-affirming mixture of drama, comedy, romance, tragedy, philosophy, and art”, wrote James Berardinelli on reelviews.net.

Presentations from two respected academics set the context for the screening. Jane Arthurs, Professor of Media & Cultural Studies at the University of the West of England (UWE), will speak on “The Politics of Emotion”. Jane has written on director Marleen Gorris, as well as on such films as Thelma & Louise and Crash. Her latest book, Television and Sexuality, examines the ways in which TV channels address their audiences as sexual citizens and consumers. Christien van den Anker, also from UWE, will speak on “Generations of Dutch women after World War Two – Who is Free?” Christien is Reader in Politics and Director of UWE’s Human Rights Unit – and her most recent publication is Trafficking and Women's Rights.


This November Film Night will be a rich mix of pleasure and provocation. Marleen Gorris’ “astonishingly beautiful film”(Boston Review) is a treat in itself – “a vibrant saga… combining feminist rigour with an involving dynastic narrative” according to Time Out. Added to this are the thoughts and personal responses of two leading academics to trigger what should be a lively and passionate discussion! Antonia’s Line is screened on Sunday 29th November, with the Bar opening at 7pm and the film starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £4.50 (with concessions for those on low incomes) – and must be booked in advance on 0117 924 4512 or info@pieriancentre.com. The Pierian Centre is at 27 Portland Square, St Pauls, Bristol BS2 8SA.

Nick Thomas
The Pierian Centre
Tel: 0117 924 4512
www.pieriancentre.com

Vagina Monologues - auditions

Open auditions will be held on the 4th and 6th of November at Bristol Old Vic for the 2010 benefit performance of Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues".

Auditions will START at 6pm (doors open at 5:45)

You do not need to prepare anything, auditions will be very informal, friendly and hopefully fun!

You do not need to have had any previous performing experience. We are looking to attract as wide a range of performers as possible, so please come along even if you are unsure.

All proceeds from the performances will be going to local grassroots organisations which work specifically with women who have experienced violence.