The Founder
F
Find us on Twitter @rhulfounder
Royal Holloway’s Independent Student Newspaper
VOLUME IX, ISSUE III • THURSDAY, 30 NOVEMBER 2017 • Royal Holloway, University of London • Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX
RHUL Named UK's Most Beautiful Uni
Israeli Diplomat Quizzed On Human Rights
ROSA SMITH NEWS EDITOR
Royal Holloway has officially been given the title of the UK’s Most Beautiful University following an online competition that attracted over 21,000 votes on the Holiday Lettings website. The university won with 31% of the votes, beating the other 13 historic universities that featured in the poll. Professor Paul Layzell, Principal of Royal Holloway, University of London said, ‘we are proud to have been officially named the UK’s most beautiful university. Thank you to everyone who voted for us. He continued, ‘Thomas Holloway could have built a modest college but instead he built the magnificent Founder’s Building in stunning surroundings. Today, the university buildings and the new Davison Building continue to be a statement of the ambition we have for our students and our determination to provide them with the resources they need to find their purpose and succeed.’
Photo courtesy of Royal Holloway Diplomatic Society.
Bar-Li eagerly discuss Israel’s position in the Middle East and their perspective conOn 16 November, the Jew- cerning minority rights. The ish and Diplomatic society talk began with an oversight of Royal Holloway welcomed on political structures within an exclusive guest speaker, Israel and externally in other Sharon Bar-Li, the Deputy Middle Eastern countries. Ambassador of Israel. Many Bar-Li indulged on minorstudents attended, listening to ity rights historically and in IFFAH AHMED DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR
the present day in Israel. She spoke of the after affects the Arab Spring had upon certain religious communities and how minority groups were exposed to endangering circumstances. The discussion saw a spark in debate regarding diverse topics concerning minority
Index News..............................................................................1 Opinion And Debate......................................................6 Lifestyle...........................................................................9 Features........................................................................12 Arts...............................................................................14 Arts: Film......................................................................17 Arts: Music....................................................................19 Sports...........................................................................22
Facebook.com/HarbenLets Twitter.com/HarbenLets
Winter Wardrobe, p. 9 Holloway Histories, p. 12
right groups within Israel and external countries relationship with the nation. Questions were asked about the Israeli government and community being accepting of LGBT individuals and how other Middle Eastern countries could potentially...
Continued Pg. 2 Matt Cliffe, p. 23
2 NEWS
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Cont. Front Page ...adopt similar methods in destigmatising the negativity surrounding LGBT communities. Bar-Li went onto discuss how certain nations are not as open minded due to historical and religious influences and that it is a matter of time till change occurs. Many questions were asked about the Israeli-Pal-
estinian situation such as the minority rights of Palestinian women who give birth at checkpoints in ‘high risk conditions’, as stated in a UN report, the advantages of Israeli farmers as opposed to Palestinian farmers especially with regards to the control over resources such as water, gas and electricity. Furthermore, there were questions asked in relation to
recent activities happening in the Israeli-Palestinian region and requests for Deputy Ambassador, Sharon Bar-Li’s opinions considering these events. The talk saw an insight into different perspectives surrounding minority rights in the Middle East - not only from the Deputy Ambassador, but also from students.
Hope For The Thames Seahorses indicate improvement in London river's water quality. ROSA SMITH NEWS EDITOR
Scientists at the Zoological Society of London have discovered that two different species of seahorse are living in the River Thames, showing a marked improvement in the water quality of the river. Conservationists have spotted the unusual animals on two separate occasions in
the past, however, it has now been confirmed that the shortsnouted seahorse and spiny seahorse have taken up residence in Greenwich and near the South Bank, following six sightings in the past two months. Seahorses are known to prefer to clean water, so whereas in the past only a couple a year have been found, the recent findings show that the water quality must be improving, allows the seahorses to breed and
thrive. This is excellent news for the specie, who are threatened by accidental capture in fishing nets, aquariums, destruction of their habitats, and overexploitation for traditional medicines. Scientists at the ZSL have said ‘the presence of the seahorses in the Thames estuary is a good sign that river quality is improving, but any disturbance to their habitats could be disastrous.’
Storage Inn Operational
Student groups look forward to fully lockable free storage space. ROSA SMITH NEWS EDITOR
Royal Holloway Student’s Union has recently announced the opening of the Storage Inn, lockable storage space for student groups. The space that was previously known as the student pub, Stumble Inn, has been recently converted and is
now ready to use. The storage space will be available to groups of students within the coming weeks, and is fully lockable, featuring high-grade locks and CCTV, as well as being accessible 24/7. This kind of space has never previously been available, meaning massive benefits for student groups who need to store equipment otherwise too difficult to keep at home.
Pippa Gentry, VicePresident Societies and Media said of the new space: ‘Storage Inn may not be as fun or lively as its predecessor, Stumble Inn, but it will make a huge difference to student groups and their mission to make our campus more fun. All the space, all hours of the day, for all groups, is a major improvement for student groups.’
Email the editor at news@thefounder.co.uk
The Founder Board 2017/18 Co-Editors
Daniel Brady & Lilia Vargas Costello
Managing Editor Daniel Brady
Designer
Lilia Vargas Costello
Sub-Editors
Kia Clark Kyle Hoekstra News Editor Rosa Smith
Film Editor Jack Salvadori
Deputy News Editor Iffah Ahmed
Lifestyle Editor Emily May Webber
Opinon and Debate Editor Amanda Hudson
Sport Editor Helena Keeble
Features Editor Laren Tayyip
Music Editor Ele Walton
Arts Editor Suzannah Ball
Web Editor Kyle Hoekstra
The Founder is the independent student newspaper of Royal Holloway, University of London. This means we are not affiliated to the student union or the college. We pride ourselves on our investigative journalism and aim to keep our readers up to date with news on and off campus. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Editor, particularly of opinion and debate pieces. Every effort has been made to contact the holders of copyright for any material used in this issue, and to ensure the accuracy of its stories. THE FOUNDER is printed in Cambridge by Iliffe Print
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at news@thefounder.co.uk
NEWS 3
New Science Building Reaches High Point In It's Construction
Photo via royalholloway.co.uk DAN BRADY CO-EDITOR
A topping out ceremony for the new Science Building was held on 9 November to mark construction reaching its highest point. The new Science Building, yet to be named, will open for the 2018/9 year and be home to the Department of Electronic Engineering. It will feature a 268seat state-of-the-art lecture theatre alongside seminar rooms, laboratories and creative and collaborative spaces. The building will also feature a roof-topped field laboratory with solar panels and wind turbine. Funded through a £22.2million
investment, Royal Holloway intends to provide a high quality, technology led building which will be available for all students and staff 24/7. In December 2014, HEFCE helped in awarding Royal Holloway a £5million grant for the building, notably to encourage more female engineers in the industry. Of the new building, Professor Paul Layzell, Principal of Royal Holloway, said: ‘From this exciting and modern building we will deliver new courses and ways of working that will enable us to increase student numbers, specifically supporting women, so that we can move towards a genuine gender balance in
a subject where the national average for female students is only 10-15 per cent of the cohort.’ ‘The new Science building is part of our vision for the long-term future of the university. As a research-intensive university, our purpose is to advance knowledge and, by sharing it, to inspire others to do the same.’ Following from last year’s successful campaigns in naming the George Eliot Hall and the Emily Wilding Davison Building, staff and students have again been invited to help name the new building. More information can be found online, whilst a shortlist is expected to be released in January 2018.
4 NEWS
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at news@thefounder.co.uk
Uber Loses Harassment Claims Soar Court Appeal From the BBC to MPs: sexual misconduct claims dominate the media. ROSA SMITH NEWS EDITOR
Photo via https://www.flickr.com/photos/132115055N04/26. IFFAH AHMED DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR
Transportation firm Uber recently lost its court appeal against driver’s rights and how they should not be treated as self-employed individuals but rather workers for the company. The US company emphasised that it would appeal again against the Employment Appeal Tribunal. The Independent Worker’s Union of Great Britain agreed with the appeal and argued that drivers, even with their working status, will still be able to appreciate the liberties which come with self-employment such as deciding which shifts to pick up when an individual wants to work. Uber has consistently abided by its mantra of the drivers insisting they are selfemployed and not a liability to the company itself. In the UK, Uber has up to 50,000 drivers using its app and stated that 80% of these drivers would prefer to be classed as being self-employed.
Considering the situation Uber has been caught in, Labour MP Jack Dromey said: ‘No British worker should be denied basic employment rights which we have worked so hard to Secure’, followed by insisting that ‘Uber is a 21st Century company behaving like a 19th century mill owner, when workers had no rights’. A further emphasis has been put towards exposing gig economies who are exploiting workers through promoting temporary position contracts between organisations and individual workers, in contrast to permanent placements. The general secretary for the Trade Unions Congress states that, in light of Uber’s situation, ‘This ruling should put gig economy employers on notice. Unions will expose nasty schemes that try and cheat workers out of the minimum wage and holiday pay. Sham self-employment, exploits people and scams the taxman’.
From the BBC to Parliament, hundreds of sexual harassment claims have dominated the media in recent weeks following the Harvey Weinstein scandal, where over fifty women have made allegations against the film mogul. The BBC has said it is investigating more than two dozen sexual harassment claims after corporation chiefs encouraged employees to come forward in the wake of the Hollywood scandal. ‘After the Weinstein material was published we reminded staff again of the pro-
cedures,’ Anne Bulford, the thing to do. You perhaps BBC deputy director general, won’t be surprised to know told a committee of MPs on that we have a spike at present. We have a spike, more cases than we have seen over the last three years.’ Defence Secretary Michael Fallon resigned after historical sexual harassment claims were raised against him. Many other MP’s have also come under fire, with a spreadsheet detailing mainly unverified claims against 40 Conservative MPs alone circulated social media. Sir Roger Gale, a veteran Tory MP, came under fire after Tuesday. ‘All the time we are claiming the sex scandal enencouraging people to step gulfing Westminster has beforward if that is the right come a ‘witch hunt’.
More
cases than we have seen in the last three years...
Equal Pay Day Hits UK 10 December will highlight wage difference between men and women. ROSA SMITH NEWS EDITOR
Friday 10 December will be marked by women around the country as ‘Equal Pay Day’, raising awareness of the date from which many women work for free because of the average pay gap between men and women. Attention has been drawn to the matter recently after high profile BBC presenters’ wages were revealed, with substantial differences between male and female presenters. There is thought to be an average pay gap of 9.4% just at the BBC. Now, hundreds of thousands of women
are calling for an end to the gender pay gap, which is on average 18.4% in the UK. The day, named by the Fawcett Society which is the UK’s leading charity campaign for gender equality and women’s rights, saw women protesting around the country, posting messages on social media, and many setting automatic email responses ‘out of the office’ until the end of the year, despite being at work. According to the Fawcett Society, the gender pay gap has not only stalled - with Equal Pay Day not budging for three years - but is now widening for some women.
Young women are particularly the worst affected, with the pay gap for women in their twenties widening from 1.1% in 2011 to 5.5% this year, and female graduates earning around £2,000 - £3,000 less than their fellow male graduates. Under new government rules, all companies with more than 250 employees will have to report their gender pay gaps by April 2018. The government is also encouraging companies to publish an ‘action plan’ alongside their figures, outlining steps they will take to close the gender pay gap within their organisation.
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at news@thefounder.co.uk
NEWS 5
Film Society Faces Facebook Criticism Society recieves backlash for Allen screening. REBECCA MASKER STUDENT WRITER
A decision by Royal Holloway’s Film Society to screen a string of controversial films has caused a major dispute. The controversy began on November 2 when the society put up a post on their Facebook page, encouraging its members to vote in a poll for which Woody Allen film they wanted to watch at their next screening. In the post, Allen is referred to ‘as a contemporary director who changed the history of cinema with his unique humour and style.’ This prompted several students to comment on the post criticising the Film society’s choice of director, with others suggesting the language used was inappropriate. Allen has been accused by his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow of
molesting her when she was seven years old, although the claims were never legally proven. In lieu of the sexual assault scandals surrounding other key Hollywood figures, many found the society’s decision insensitive. When speaking to Molly Stapleton, a third-year film student who was first to comment on the post, she said it was the third week in a row that it had been a film from a controversial figure. She went on to say: ‘It seems like that’s not an accident. Then it was the wording I disagreed with as well. You’re not separating him from his art, you’re saying he is a genius and praising him and I don’t think that’s appropriate - especially with the climate at the moment.’ Miss Stapleton also found the response of the Film society to her comments unsat-
isfactory. After suggesting a list of alternative directors to Allen, said list was accused of being racist by the official society Facebook account as it did not include a black or Jewish individual. She argues, ‘It goes against SU safe space policy. You have to conduct yourself properly, if you get complaints you have to take them seriously.’ When interviewed, Film Society president and Film Editor here at The Founder, Jack Salvadori stated: ‘It is our policy that members decide [on what is screened] we believe in democracy. For three years now, the members choose the movie and we screen the movie that they choose. The members were asking for a Woody Allen movie, which is something we screen yearly.’ Mr Salvadori said that he
was surprised at the backlash that the society received, being the third year the society had decided to screen a Woody Allen film, but the first time that people have complained: ‘Considering what is going on in Hollywood, it’s really not about Woody Allen, so it’s not related to this – I wasn’t thinking there would be any backlash. ‘If you are not a member, and if you are not coming to the screening, why do you care if other people want to watch something? Don’t watch it if you don’t want to. Nobody’s forcing you to watch it,’ Mr Salvadori continued. When asked about whether the Society could have replied to the comments better, Mr Salvadori said ‘I’m not sorry but I re-
gret saying, with the society account, that a comment was racist. If I could do it now, if I knew how, I would do it with my account. I didn’t claim that a person was racist, which might be a problem. I claimed that a comment was racist’ In response to the criticism, the Film Society put up another post on their Facebook page on November 9, stating that the committee members would abstain from choosing the movie to watch that week, leaving it entirely for the members who came to select. According to Mr Salvadori, ‘We did it and there was not a single person from the [Facebook] comments who came… All the people who came wanted to see Woody Allen. We did screen Woody Allen, with success.’ We reached out to the Student Union for a statement, but did not receive a reply.
False Advertising Claims Prompt Action Strict warnings to Uni's promoting false facts. IFFAH AHMED DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR
UK Universities have been warned over misleading adverts being advertised to prospective students. Hundreds of thousands of students have been going through the process of applying to universities to start their further education in the next year, however, advertising watchdogs will be strict in warning the universities over their accuracy concerning claims they make to students, with the hope of lur-
ing them into the institution. Universities have been asked to consider their language when promoting their institution by not being misleading or over-exaggerating. Statements such as ‘being in the top 1%’ will be heavily inspected and The University of Reading, in June, had to take down its declaration for being in the top 1% of universities worldwide. Similarly, The University of Leicester has also been told that it cannot claim it is amongst the top 1% of universities in the world.
Following this, another 5 complaints have been made at different universities. University of Strathclyde has been told to change its claim of being ranked number 1 in the UK, whilst Falmouth University has been asked to not describe itself as the UK’s ‘number one arts university’ or ‘the UK’s number one creative university’. The University of East Anglia has been told to not use the claim ‘Top 5 for student satisfaction’ and the University of West London has to stop claiming itself as being ‘Lon-
don’s top modern university – and one of the top 10 in the UK’. Teesside University has also had many complaints concerning its declaration that it is the ‘top university in England for long-term graduate prospects’. Chris Heymann, a higher education communications adviser, was previously the head of communications at the University of Reading when it was asked to eradicate its claim. Heymann stated: ‘It's tempting for marketing teams to push the
boundaries as far as they can go in emphasising them. At some point, most universities will be in the top 10 or 25 for something’. Universities are ultimately competing for students and, therefore, have to use certain marketing methods to appeal to prospective students. ASA chief executive Guy Parker said: ‘Going to university involves a big financial commitment and misleading would-be students is not only unfair, it can also lead them to make choices that aren’t right for them’.
6 OPINION AND DEBATE
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at opinion@thefounder.co.uk
[Debate]
Point And Counter-Point F
Weigh in on Twitter with the hashtag #catsvdogs. Find us at @rhulfounder
Man’s Best Friend Prevails AMANDA HUDSON OPINION AND DEBATE EDITOR
Pets are magical, miraculous beings that have graced humans of this planet with their presence. They provide comfort in times of need and love us unconditionally. For some, staving off loneliness and the fathomless weight of existence can be sufficed by means of a feline. Those of us who are more emotionally aware, however, have opted for the infinitely cuddlier and all around more pleasurable option of a dog. Since their domestication, dogs have essentially lived to serve humans. But, this isn’t a one-way street; dog owners are just as fond of their canine friends as they seem to be of us. There’s a reason the term ‘man’s best friend’ was coined. Of course, owning any pet is beneficial to mental health. However, because of the intrinsically social nature of dogs, combined with their need to be walked, I’d argue that perhaps owning a dog is more beneficial to the mental and social wellbeing of their human counterparts. Dogs are constantly tuned in to our emotions. Any dog owner will tell you that their
pet can sense when they’re feeling low. My dog does this by laying with her head on my knees, and by constantly keeping physical contact. As well as this, when you’re out walking your dog, you’re forced to go outside and—more often than not— to interact with other people. This may be other dog walkers, or even people on the street who find your furry friend adorable. While cats can be walked, their independent and free spirited nature lends to the likelihood that this would be a less common factor of owning a cat. On top of mental health, dogs look out for their owner’s physical wellbeing. The obvious health benefit to owning a dog would be the physical exercise walking your pet requires. If this can thwart a sedentary life, owning a dog may be a solution to many problems seen in the elderly and obese population. A study at the University of Pennsylvania found that dogs can detect ovarian cancer, and the authors of this experiment are currently in the process of training a selection of Golden Retrievers and German Shepards to do just that. Not only this, according to National Geographic, dogs have a ‘sixth
sense’ that allows them to alert their owners of an oncoming seizure 15 to 20 hours before it occurs. If this wasn’t enough to convince you of the canine’s general usefulness, dogs have extremely powerful senses of smell, which have been useful in tracking down bombs, drugs and criminals alike. Dogs only want what is best for their owners. They’re easily trained, tuned into our emotions and physical health and have proven the established fact that not all heroes wear capes. They bring joy to our lives where cats just can’t quite fill the emotional void. Alongside all of this, I have never seen a dog that I didn’t immediately want to pet. They are unequivocally loveable and there is nothing, I am convinced, that humans have ever done to deserve them. Just look at this picture of my dog. Enough said.
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
OPINION AND DEBATE 7
Email the editor at opinion@thefounder.co.uk
Cats Choose Company Over Basic Necessity of Life AMANDA HUDSON OPINION AND DEBATE EDITOR
Forget who’s going to take the bins out, or the age-old under versus over loo roll dispute: alongside pineapples on pizza, cats or dogs is arguably one of the most pervasive and polarising arguments of the century. It divides households and can cause an uproar in bars and offices alike. Regardless of which camp you post up in, I think we can all agree that it’s time to settle this debate once and for all - with cold hard facts. Let me tell you a bit about the history of how cats came to be domesticated. A study from the research journal Science revealed that the domestication of cats began nearly 12,000 years ago. This is around the time when agricultural civilisations in the Middle East’s Fertile Crescent began to crop up. And yes, that pun was intentional—because believe it or not, crops attract an abundance of pests, such as mice and cockroaches, that made their homes in the hearts of the produce storage areas of these civilisations, eating the food that humans worked so hard to yield and spreading disease. Wild cats, being one of nature’s cleverer creatures, eventually figured out that wherever collected groups of humans resided, there would also be a cornucopia of huntable prey. They roamed into ancient villages for their food, and the more docile ones befriended
humans, who realised cats were efficacious in keeping away pests and allowed them to live under their rooves. So, essentially, cats walked into society and, through sheer biological intelligence and charm, never left. When compared to the more mundane history of dog domestication (wolves looking for food dug around in human trash, the more amicable ones were made to hunt for humans and ultimately became manmade hunting tools through trait based breeding), this is quite impressive. Today, of course, cats serve a different purpose. Apart from keeping the occasional ant or cockroach away, food is no longer a commodity in First World countries, so the benefits of keeping a cat as a pet have proven to be more beneficial to our physical and psychological health. According to a study conducted by the University of Minnesota, cat owners are 30 percent less likely to die of a heart attack than noncat owners. This is because the frequency of a cat’s purr, which is between 25 and 150 Hertz, has been theorised to lower blood pressure, act as anxiety relief, prevent loneliness and can promote subsidiary bone restoration. Now, you may be thinking, ‘Amanda, you’re just throwing science mumbo-jumbo at me to prove your point. The real convincing is done in the heart, and everyone knows cats don’t have those’. However, you would be wrong,
my friend. Because apart from having real anatomical hearts, it seems as if science has found a way to explain the more aloof behaviour associated with cats, and at the same time subsequently proven that cats love us more than dogs do. Oregon State University recently conducted an experiment involving cats and stimuli. There were four separate categories in this test: food, scent, toys, and human interaction. When subjected to all four stimuli, a whopping 50 percent of the cats tested preferred human interaction to the other three stimuli provided. This means that 50 percent of cats prefer your company to food. Can you say that about your adorable, fun-loving dog who, I’m sure, was trained through the coldhearted bribery of treats and undeserving praise for being a Good Boy? I think not. The study goes further to say that the common misconception that cats are mean is due not to an innate unsociability and untrainability, but rather because cats are more particular about what does and does not stimulate them. You wouldn’t read the entire dictionary cover to cover if linguistics was not something you were interested in, would you? As a conclusory statement, cats are intelligent, beneficial to your health and love their human owners more than the fuel of life itself. Clearly, we have found the superior pet.
8 OPINION AND DEBATE
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at opinion@thefounder.co.uk
Imagine 5%
[StudentPoll]
Davison: Mezzanine Floor 14%
What's The Best Study Spot On Campus?
Davison: Solo Seats 14%
Founders Library 48%
Davison: The Large Window 10%
Boilerhouse Cafe 10%
The Downfall Of Davison Library AMANDA HUDSON OPINION AND DEBATE EDITOR
If you’ve been a student at Royal Holloway for the past two months, you know the feeling well—the panic when you walk into the library and realise students are working on the decorative orange sofas in the atrium; the mad scramble that ensues as you leg it up the stairs faster than a fresher on a caffeine high; the disappointment as you scan every nook for a place to sit, only to be let down like an interest society at the Student’s Union; the despair as you press your face up against the glass of the nearly empty post-grad room; and the regret you feel as you kick yourself for not getting there earlier. Since its opening in September, the Emily Wilding
Davison building has been busy on a good day. Back then, I faced the mobs of the library holding onto the hope that the only reason it was so packed was because it was new, and that everything would die down in a few weeks. How naïve I was. Eight weeks into term and the number of people posted up for a study session on a regular basis has arguably increased since the first week. This means that good study spaces are no longer expected, they’re a commodity. It’s interesting that this is the case, considering Library Services seem to take pride on the fact that their new building has ‘over 1,140 study spaces!’ to offer, according to the many signs hung around the ground floor. On first review, this seems like an impressive number. So
why, then, are students being forced to go on a wild goose chase for a decent seat? This writer wonders whether the alleged 1,140 study spaces include the cushioned benches just inside the silent study areas or the picnic tables on the terrace that has yet to be opened. Maybe they thought we like each other enough to sit two to a solo seat. Or perhaps they thought we could all bring our lawn chairs and sit in little study huddles on the bridges that cross the atrium without creating too much of a fire hazard. As tempting as this idea is, it’s unrealistic. A more plausible scenario is that the college has admitted more students for the 2017/18 academic year than ever before. Combine this with the fact that places that were once considered
hubs for on-campus studying have either been closed indefinitely (i.e. Founder’s Library) or have now been left neglected on the periphery (i.e. Imagine), and you’ve set yourself up for a world of crowd control issues. This matter shouldn’t fall on the shoulders of students who have been attending this university for longer than the average life span of a fruit fly. We shouldn’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn to snag a coveted seat with a desk and working plug, or hover in the threshold of a study area hoping that someone will pack up in the two minutes. Yet, third years who are writing their dissertations on top of 3000 word essays for their other courses, have two novel-sized texts to read every week and are more often than not running the societies and clubs
that Freshers enjoy so much, can’t rely on the only library on campus for a quiet, controlled work environment. It would be presumptuous of me to assume that first years don’t have work or aren’t stressed; they do, and they are. However, given the fact that there is so much more at stake in the years to come, my sage and completely unbiased advice to Freshers as a third year student is to remember that this is your year for fun. Work in a café while you still can, don’t spend every waking hour with your eyes glued to a book or computer screen. And, should you need to work in the library, I only ask that—for the love of all that is good in this world— you please consider your elders when trying to decide between the sofa and a good study space.
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at lifestyle@thefounder.co.uk
LIFESTYLE 9
Your Ultimate Winter Wardrobe SHANICE NATALIA STUDENT WRITER
Dressing for winter doesn’t have to mean bulky coats and dark colours. Winter 2017 has taken inspiration from a winter forest walk. With tones such as oxblood, khaki, beige and mustard there is no need to stick to black. If you are stuck for where to start, or want to know more about this season’s trends - look no further. Here is everything you need to stay warm, comfortable and chic.
Knitwear: Winter is the perfect excuse to wear all your favourite soft knitwear pieces
that have been neglected for the past 6 months. To nail the look, try a long sleeved high neck sweater paired with dainty jewellery, denim jeans and a simple ankle boot. Roll neck jumpers are timeless and will never go out of fashion - they’ve been going strong since the 80s and sported by the likes of Brooke Shields. They not only look super sophisticated, but they suit all ages. They are a staple item and are a sure way to keep you wrapped up this winter. (see picture: Topshop Black Balloon Sleeve Roll Neck Jumper - £39)
Outerwear: Investing in a good quality coat is always a good idea. Oversized jackets
are making a comeback from the 80s and 90s, and it seems like they’re here to stay. Prints such as plaid, houndstooth, and tweed, are must haves this season. The trend seems to be moving away from the typical ‘feminine-look’ and more towards a more masculine tailoring, which would look flattering on both men and women. (see picture: ASOS Boyfriend Coat in Check Print - £100) If thick coats aren’t something that you usually steer towards, a classic blazer is a staple accessory that can be worn all year long. Blazers are also adhering to the oversized, more ‘masculine’, relaxed vintage trend. High-street stores are now stocking these at a pinch of the catwalk price. (see above picture: New Look Dark Grey Check Button Front Blazer - £34.99)
Boots: Finding the perfect pair is key, especially with the temperature dropping and the
walk up Egham Hill not getting any shorter. Oxblood is a firm favourite of the season and is a perfect tone to break up a dark outfit. Chelsea boots are a style of shoe that seem to have been dominating the market for the past few years: they provide a bit of height but nothing too high that makes your feet ache and cry for help. To capture winter chic pair these oxblood Chelsea boots (see picture: ASOS Leather Chelsea Ankle Boots - £38) with a dark blue denim jean, plaid shirt, and khaki scarf.
Accessories: Winter is all about layering, and what better what to do this than with
scarves. Zara is one to watch with plenty of designs that are high quality, good value and will keep you warm for the next few years. (see picture: Zara Soft Scarf - £19.99) Don’t be afraid to wear the same jumper a few times. A great way to change up your look is by swapping in your scarves. A good patterned scarf can transform a basic outfit into an effortlessly stylish look. For a winter ensemble that will be sure to turn heads, pair a checked scarf (see picture: Zara Check Scarf - £17.99) with a plain white shirt, dark denim jean, and Chelsea boot. A perfect combination that requires minimal effort yet ticks all the right boxes. Photos via: Black Balloon Sleeve Roll Neck Jumper - topshop.co.uk, Boyfriend Coat in Check Print - asos.com, Dark Grey Check Button Front Blazer - NewLook. com, Leather Chelsea Ankle Boots - Asos.com, Soft Scarf - Zara.com
10 LIFESTYLE
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at lifestyle@thefounder.co.uk
A Loose Warm Winter Recipes Fit For Women Gooey Choco Brownies LYDIA CASTELLANO STUDENT WRITER
EMILY MAY WEBBER LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Have you ever flicked on daytime T.V, only to be greeted with a perfectly polite presenter talking you through what you should be seen in, should be eating, and shouldn’t be caught saying? More often that not it occurs when you haven’t washed your hair in over four days and the leftover Halloween treats are now non-existent. It can be said, there is something cosy about sitting in your pajamas and watching a group of women debating the highlights of the week. Yet, there comes a time when, as a 20-year-old female, I pause at the conversation and wonder if there more to the female agenda than comparing stretch marks and school runs? As a student, the ability to tune into ITV at lunchtime is something of a privilege. For those who are clearly above the whole ‘lie in until 11 and breakfast at 1 scenario’ - you may want to take a look at the topical show Loose Women. The show’s strength lies in the fact that it is an all female panel, yet when a discussion focuses on what underwear you need to flatten your stomach, can it really be taken seriously? Last week, I caught a clip of the debate. The topic involved Katie Price discussing why she feels ‘shunned’ at the school gates by other
mothers. After university, I look forward to putting my knowledge into a successful career, where I can casually discuss the FTSE 100. Yet, why is the most popular daytime talk show examining why Sue has snubbed us at the bake sale again? Is this really what an empowering female show should be debating? It leaves me thinking - is this what being a working woman is all about? Or will I be too busy speaking at the UN to be involved in the sports day drama? In defence of the loose ladies, they do tackle taboo subjects face on. There are not many shows that can discuss the menopause, sexting, and the House of Commons all within 45 minutes. However, when I try to think of the panel with a group of men, there is something slightly odd about it. It is not unusual to see men using grooming products, or dads making the fancy dress costumes, yet why are we still making these women only discussions? So, if you do have the chance to sit down with a cup of tea around lunchtime, don’t be put off by the group of women with their perfect hair and questionable innuendos. Yet, has an all female show that discusses playground politics and the habits of their husbands run its course? Or, will the women of the world—no matter how successful they are—always want to compare their post-baby bodies?
Photo via img.taste.com.
Makes 16 squares Prep time: 15 mins Cooking time: 45 mins Ingredients: • 175g unsalted butter • 3 eggs • 250g caster sugar • 75g plain flour • 40g Bournville cocoa powder • 175g Bournville Cadbury chocolate bar • 100g white or milk chocolate chips (optional, whichever you prefer)
Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/ gas mark 4. Grease and line a 20cm square cake tin. 2. Melt the chocolate and batter in a bowl over simmering water. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until thick and creamy. 4. Pour the chocolate mixture on top after allowing it to cool slightly, and fold in. 5. Sift in the flour and cocoa, and fold in chocolate chips if using. 6. Pour into the tin and tilt to spread into each corner. 7. Bake for 30 minutes, until crusty on top with a slight wobble underneath. 8. Cool completely in the tin, then cut into squares. 9. Serve cold with hot fudge sauce, or warm with vanilla icing. Store in an airtight container in a fridge for around a week.
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at lifestyle@thefounder.co.uk
LIFESTYLE 11
Pigs In The Hole - A Twist On A Classic
Photo via bbcgoodfood.com.
Serves: 3-4 Prep time: 15 mins Cooking time: 45 mins Ingredients: • 6 rashers streaky smoked bacon • 12 chipolata sausages (the longer, the better)
• 140g plain flour • 170mls whole/semi-skimmed milk • 2 eggs • ½ white onion, thinly chopped • 3 tbsps sunflower oil • Salt and pepper
Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 220C/ 200 Fan/ Gas mark 7. 2. Use the back of your knife to gently stretch out the rashers of bacon, cut them in half and wrap half a rasher around each chipolata. 3. Place these into a 20 x 30 roasting tin with the sunflower oil. There should be enough oil to generously coat the whole bottom of the tin. 4. Roast the wrapped sausages for 15 minutes. 5. Meanwhile, make the batter: In a mixing bowl, add flour, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make a well in the middle and crack in the eggs. Begin to whisk together while gradually adding the milk until you have a smooth, light mixture that’s thick enough to just coat the back of a spoon. 6. After the sausages have been in for 15 minutes, take the tin out, sprinkle over the onion and pour over the batter while the oil is still bubbling hot. 7. Put the tin back in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top and cooked throughout – be sure not to open the oven for at least 25 minutes after you put the tin in, or the batter will flop! 8. Once cooked, remove from the oven and leave to stand for around 5 minutes. Slice, and serve with heaps of gravy, seasonal vegetables such as brussel sprouts, peas, parsnips or cabbage, and, if you’re really hungry, add a side of mash.
Garlic Mushroom Penne Gratin Serves: 6 Prep time: 15 mins Cooking time: 30 mins Ingredients: • 300g penne pasta • 30g butter • 1 white onion, thinly chopped • 2 cloves garlic, crushed and thinly chopped • 500g mushrooms • 200ml double cream • 1 tbsp paprika • 150g cheddar cheese • 6 mini mozzarella balls • Salt and pepper
Method: 1. Cook the pasta to packet instructions, drain and rinse in cold water to stop it cooking, then leave to drain. 2. Melt the butter in a large frying pan over a medium heat, add the onion and cook for about 10 mins until soft. 3. Add the garlic and mushrooms, season well with salt and add a little pepper – cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. 4. Tip the cooked pasta into a 2-litre ovenproof dish and mix in the double cream, cheddar (but leave enough to sprinkle on top), half of the paprika and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well, then shake out the dish to ensure the pasta is spread evenly. 5. Dot the mozzarella balls evenly within the pasta. 6. Sprinkle over the remaining paprika and cheddar. 7. Place under a medium-high grill for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling. 8. Serve while hot with a green side salad.
Photo via cdn.pinchofyum.com.
12 FEATURES
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at features@thefounder.co.uk
[HollowayHistories]
A Tale Of Two Holloways? ELENA ROSSI STUDENT WRITER
Following the opening of the new library by Princess Anne, I thought it would be interesting to explore the royal visits that have previously taken place at Royal Holloway. However, because there are so many stories about the monarchy’s connection to Holloway, I have decided to split it up over two columns. It seems appropriate to begin with the grand opening of Royal Holloway in June 1886. I would like to acknowledge the importance of Richard Williams’ book ‘Thomas Holloway’s College: The First 125 Years’. It is one of my inspirations for this column and I have used it a lot for my research. George Martin-Holloway may be an unfamiliar name to many. Yet, he played a key role in the university gaining its ‘royal’ title and was responsible for the presence of Queen Victoria at the opening ceremony. Born George Martin, he became an important person in Thomas Holloway’s life. Not only was he the brother-in-law of Holloway, marrying Jane’s sister, Sarah Ann Driver in 1857, but he also acted as Thomas’ agent. He supported Holloway in many matters, including the selection of paintings in the Picture Gallery. He was so influential in Holloway’s life that he was given the honour of laying the first brick at the College in 1879. Following Holloway’s death in 1883, Martin took over the responsibility of completing Holloway’s work at the university and even took the name ‘Holloway’ in 1884 as a sign of respect to his dear friend. However, this resulted in Queen Victoria being confused at the opening ceremony of the university. Initially, Queen Victoria was not convinced about opening the university. This is extremely shocking considering how influential she is to the university’s history. George Martin-Holloway first tried to per-
Photo via Royal Holloway Archives: RHC PH.100.1.1 30th of June 1886.
suade Queen Victoria to officiate at the opening ceremony in 1885, and was unsuccessful. He then recruited Count Gleichen, son of Queen Victoria’s half-sister, to help change the Queen’s mind. Luckily, Martin’s ally had more success and the Queen agreed to the opening. Cheekily, Martin did not give up there, and in May 1886 he asked the Queen if she would permit the building being styled ‘Royal Holloway College’. This seems bold, considering the Queen’s initial reluctance to officiate. Again, Martin was extremely fortunate and the Queen granted permission for the title two weeks before the opening ceremony. The most interesting aspect of the opening, as Richard Williams highlights, is that Queen Victoria did not seem to understand who was the founder of the university. In her journal for June 30th, 1886, Victoria commented: “The building is a splendid and unique one… built and given by Mr Holloway. After he was presented to me, we drove round the whole Col-
lege, which stands on a hill, above Egham, with a beautiful view…We then got out and were conducted to the Chapel by Mr Holloway (a very modest man).” Although Victoria was very impressed by the beautiful building, she seems to have misunderstood the role of George Martin-Holloway. As she had only dealt with Martin, it is reasonable that Victoria had assumed him to be the university’s founder. It is rather sad that Victoria did not know the true history behind the university and its founding, but it is also rather comical that such a mistake was made simply because Martin had taken Holloway’s name. Despite the misunderstanding, photography from the event shows that many people were excited by Victoria’s attendance. The North Quad is seen to be filled with people celebrating her presence. It seems fitting that this area would eventually have her statue in the centre, something that continues to illustrate her importance in the university’s history.
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at features@thefounder.co.uk
FEATURES 13
[EditorSays]
Tis The Season
LAREN TAYYIP FEATURES EDITOR
As the days become shorter, and the weather grows colder, winter gradually begins to settle in. We begin to put away our summer clothes and trade them in for big fluffy coats, scarves and gloves, our winter essentials. It also wouldn’t possibly be winter without our boots and bobble hats making an appearance, as we trudge through the frost and occasional snow. There’s something satisfying about wrapping up warm and heading out to face the world at 9a.m. on a Monday morning. Being snug and comfy is what winter is all about. Feeling that crisp air pierce through your multiple layers of jumpers reminds you why you love this season so much. Then comes the numerous candle purchases and the obsession with sitting by the fireplace, unable to move, due to being hypnotised by the warmth. Hot chocolate addictions become a common problem worldwide ahead of our usual Pimm’s which we leave behind in the summer months, hoping to meet again in six months time. Then, of course, comes one of the most special
times of the year; Christmas. Families come together, presents are bought, and most importantly, love is felt all around. If like me you watch Love Actually and Elf a hundred times then you are doing Christmas right and I am very proud of you! Christmas movies are essential. You can’t beat a good old Christmas classic accompanied by the family dog and your grandparents. And don’t even get me started on the food. We probably all put on a few pounds over the Christmas holidays thanks to the endless consumption of chocolate and cake. Nothing can compare to Christmas dinner on the 25th of December, flooded with your uncle’s so-called famous gravy. If you don’t still get excited to pull the crackers around the table and eagerly await the prize which comes flying out across the table, then you, my friend, are not a true Christmas lover. We can’t forget the main Christmas activity which we all participate in; decorating the Christmas tree. Oh what a beautiful sight to behold as the family gather around the tree to decorate it with
beautiful ornaments. After the tree is ready, you can’t possibly walk past it again without taking a quick peep underneath it to check for presents. Even the occasional shaking of presents takes place while no one’s watching, in an eager effort to attempt to work out what could possibly be wrapped up and have your name on it. Now, let us not forget the importance of Christmas lights decorated around every house on the street. We all secretly love it when our parents take a detour while driving back home from a family trip so that we can see all the Christmas lights in the neighbourhood. These are just a few reasons why Christmas is so special. Make sure to indulge in each other’s company and to make the most out of being with your loved ones while eating absolutely everything. You aren’t ever too old for Christmas and all that it brings with it. I personally made sure to book Winter Wonderland in June. It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas if you ask me. After all, it only comes around once a year.
14 ARTS
Alberto Giacometti A Final Portrait.
ROSEANNA LANE STUDENT WRITER
The distinctive style of the Swiss artist and sculptor Alberto Giacometti has remained a recognisable feature in my life since studying his work at school. However, it is the recent revival of his creations and life in film that has renewed the original love I felt for his work. Being labelled the creator of spindly figures is an absolute injustice to his work in sculpture, painting and print work. As he was a father figure of the Surrealist movement, his life and impact on the art world are just as important. His captivating creations, including his distinctive elongated figures that are among the most instantly recognisable works of modern art, do not come without an equally inspirational life. Giacometti’s work was inspired by his siblings, and he started to create on a larger scale following his marriage to Annette Arm in 1946. He made an impact on the Surrealist and Cubist movements, cementing his place as a leader in Surrealist sculpture. From worldwide fame to a close friendship with the playwright Samuel Beckett, Giacometti’s impact still resonates with audiences around the world and his work continues to be exhibited throughout Europe
and America. Now fifty years on from his death, it is thanks to the impact that his work and life have had across the globe that he remains relevant today. This is the topic of Stanley Tucci’s new film Final Portrait, a must-see this autumn. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw hails it as ‘a highly entertaining portrait of the two men’ and claims that ‘Tucci’s own directorial brush strokes are bold and invigorating’. Bradshaw’s artistic metaphor to describe the excellence of Tucci’s directorial skills is fitting given the film follows G i a c o m e t t i ’s friendship with the American writer James Lord. The two bond through the power of the portrait, giving an insight into the life of an artist through a behind-thescenes-style biographical angle. Ultimately, it’s worth revisiting Giacometti’s past in order to see things in a new light, especially as you get older, and to consider context rather than taking art at face value. Whilst the recent exhibition at the Tate featuring rarely seen works of Giacometti’s ended in September, you can check out more Giacometti resources on their website or watch Final Portrait, in cinemas now.
It's worth
revisiting Giacometti's past to see things in a new light...
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at arts@thefounder.co.uk
Your Christmas (Reading) List EMILY MARKHAM STUDENT WRITER The end of term is fast approaching (perhaps a little too prematurely for your deadlines) and it’s a time when you might be thinking about potential gift ideas. Whether it’s something to snuggle with after a term’s hard work or something to give a fresher-to-be, here are five books that should be on your holiday reading list:
Fangirl, by Rainbow Rowell Meet Cath: fanfiction writer and new university student. She’s also shy, awkward and overwhelmed by the whole thing, and her twin sister has left her to her own devices for the first time. This book shows that it’s okay to not be your typical idea of a university student and that it’s okay to struggle through your first year. On top of that, it’s a sweet story that will have you smiling to the end. Freshers, by Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison Freshers follows Luke and Phoebe’s first term at university. It’s an adventure through all the strange things students get up to – from the questionable culinary choices to the weirdness of Freshers’ Week – but it also tackles the very real issues that aren’t always talked about. It features messy relationships that don’t work out, the pressure to over-drink and feelings of loneliness, but the sprinkling of silly moments makes this a book you’ll remember with a smile. Girl Up, by Laura Bates If you haven’t heard of this book, you need to grab a copy before passing it on to your little sister. It’s your feminist handbook for life, complete with appropriate responses to unsolicited comments and pictures, discussions about the relationship between social media and body image, and how to ‘girl up’ in a world that’s still trying to keep you down. Bates’ writing doesn’t hold anything back and the book is littered with cartoons that will have you laughing with every page turn. The Gender Games, by Juno Dawson A memoir mixed with social commentary, this is a book about Dawson’s experience of transitioning in the public eye as an author, but it’s also about how gender shapes all of us. Why are babies born with gendered expectations already thrust upon them? What impact might this have later on? It’s a book that tackles serious issues with enough warmth to pass a cold winter day inside. Radio Silence, by Alice Oseman Radio Silence is about so much: identity, family relationships and being yourself. However, it’s the book’s examination of education and the university system that makes it onto this list. It shows the dichotomy between external expectation and our own path in life and that sometimes mental health needs to come before education. It’s about finding friends in unlikely places and how there’s always someone ready to help even if it doesn’t appear so right now. Photo via https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28936274-freshers
ARTS 15
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at arts@thefounder.co.uk
'The Ferryman' Premiers At Royal Court SUZANNAH BALL ARTS EDITOR
Jez Butterworth captures the jolly stereotype of a large Irish family in his new play ‘The Ferryman’. Having premiered at the Royal Court, The Ferryman became the fastest selling show in the theatre’s history - it has achieved marvellous critical reviews and captured the hearts of those who’ve watched it in communal mourning. I had few expectations as I ventured into London: I knew little about its context and even less about Butterworth, but as I watched I knew I was at the mercy of his compelling narrative. Whilst I only became familiar with the IRA as it hung over the head of Jeremy Corbyn during the most recent general election, for the Irish
its existence is all too familiar. ‘The Ferryman’ raises the bubbling truth of the past to the surface and then sweeps it away under a rug of blood. ‘The Ferryman’ is immense in scope, with a huge and beautiful set, and a large range of animals and cast members. It appears to wish to touch every aspect of being, from life to death, from love to heartbreak, from goose to rabbit to live baby - and it succeeds. The audience immediately learns of the death of Seamus Carney, the husband of the beautiful but obviously tormented Caitlyn [Sarah Greene], and from there on the story is surrounded by the battle between England and Ireland, or more accurately Ireland and Ireland. The massive and intergenerational cast of 20, which includes a real-life baby, el-
egantly interact as they represent the seven stages of man. Much of the comedy comes from the children blurting out foul language, and although some older Americans from my party were faced with utter shock at these exclamations, it provided me with ample amusement. It could have been ridiculously cheesy - the whole family running after a goose in a wild-goose-chase (ha-ha), the mad and enjoyably embarrassing dancing to rock music, the mafia style entrance of the IRA itself - but it wasn’t. I was one of the first to witness the new Quin Carney and co., as many of the original leads announced they would be not be continuing past the show’s original West End run dates. So, Paddy Considine became Will Houston (the crowd still gave a
standing ovation). The new Tom Kettle, Ivan Kaye, does a brilliant job at portraying the not-so-gentle giant. Butterworth compels his audience to feel for the one English character, who happens to bear a strong resemblance to Lenny from Of Mice and Men, and the audience is consequently instilled with a naively disturbed sense of England. Is this how Ireland sees Englishmen? Or is it how they want us to be? Unaware, unintellectual and brutish, even initially innocent perhaps? Complicating Kettle’s character, he is the one who eventually pulls the trigger, defeating the Carneys’ already dwindling happiness, and setting the scene of ‘The Ferryman’. The play itself is a long three hours, filled with domestic disputes and the unpleasant bickering of teenage boys who
believe themselves feverishly adult enough to fight in the battle between good and evil. Perhaps it could’ve finished a little earlier. The eruption of young boys needing to fight for what they believe in was unpleasant, and didn’t quite hit the mark of patriotism missing it by a few years of adolescence. Alongside this, the shadow of the IRA looms over a society which lacks support from a Thatcher government convinced that ‘crime is crime is crime’. This is kept in sharp focus, until it’s not, and ‘The Ferryman’ becomes a moving family trauma which left me enthralled, yet always anxious. The Ferryman is at the Gieldgus Theatre, London, until 19th May 2018. Get your tickets at theferrymanplay. com
Notorious: Famous Lauren Barri Holstein ANNA LUCCHINETTI STUDENT WRITER
Lauren Barri Hostein, aka ‘The Famous’, presents his latest work, Notorious, at the Barbican Centre in London. With a feminist imprint, ‘Notorious’ puts into question the representation of femaleness in contemporary society. To forward his message, Hostein created a performance that includes different types of art including, dance, acting, filming and visual art. All these elements in conjunction with the peculiar scenography and costumes contribute to create a sense of visual overload that tends to distract the audience from the real meaning of the piece. However, if staying focused, it is possible to find a
significance in every element that composes this show. ‘Notorious’ is a feminist piece that explores the way women are pressured to appear in society. ‘Slut’, ‘whore’ and ‘bitch’ are all terms used by the main character in the performance to describe herself; and even though she apologies for being such a bad person, she is aware that her audience prefers her when she is a bitch to them. Hostein stages what he calls the ‘witch bitch ritual’, during which the main character aims to pass through a series of stages to purify herself. However, when she accomplishes her goal, she realises that her audience preferred her before, when she wasn’t pure. These two truths reveal to the audience that the
image and idea contemporary society has of women is not only based on contradictions, but it is itself a complete oxymoron. Filming was another important element of the performance as the main character kept whispering sexual confessions into a camera that projected her image on the curtain. The camera was used to film different parts of her body, including erogenous zones. The way the projection magnified the main female figure onto the stage could refer to the youngers’ obsession of constantly documenting their lives through social medias; during the show, the characters distorted the images they were filming on stage so that what the audience saw projected on the curtain looked
different from what it was actually happening. Similarly, in real life, what is documented by Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook is not what is happening in reality, but a distortion of the truth. The soundtrack was also extremely interesting. The performers dance to some of the pop hits of the last decade, such as Miley Cyrus’s We Can’t Stop and Wrecking Ball, Katy Perry’s Fireworks and some disco tunes. The music choice aimed to highlight how these songs have influenced the way society now conceives the image of the woman, as in the last scene, where Hostein plays Britney Spear’s ‘Work B**ch’ while the performers lie on the floor motionless; the contradiction between the lack of movement and the
message of the song creates a strong and powerful image with a clear association between work and death. There have been differing opinions about the piece, although the show has sold out in London and will be performed in Reykjavik and Brighton before the end of this year. Personally, when thinking about a provocative, original and funny piece of work, I think about something like Hostein’s work with ‘Notorious’. Even though the show has parts that are visually disturbing, it is important to look over the unpleasant images and engage intellectually with the piece. Only in this way we can discover the intelligence of a piece that spread a message in a way that is almost impossible to forget.
16 ARTS
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at arts@thefounder.co.uk
[Review]
CABARET RHUL MTS puts on beloved musical. SUZANNAH BALL ARTS EDITOR
Photos courtesy of Royal Holloway's Cabaret stage crew.
Cabaret was a night to remember for all the wrong reasons. I must admit I had very high hopes for this performance, having been wowed by the 2012 musical starring Will Young. But, while the play itself and the cast created an enjoyable and fun atmosphere, it lacked the professionalism I craved. The singing was spectacular. The female lead, second year Drama and Music student Jenny Collins, is the President of SAVOY and has a voice of operatic proportions. The male lead, George Lambourne, was also brilliant, although they didn’t use him to their best advantage - he only had one solo singing part. Instead, the mediocre ensemble hogged the stage. It wasn’t the musicality which I found displeasing. In fact, the Orchestra, minus a few blips from the violin, was very impressive. It was the operations behind the performance that failed to amaze. The scanty costumes, although hilarious for the boys, were unprofessional and tacky when it came to the girls. Their outfits comprised of unflattering and cheap lingerie with struggling black bras underneath. While they must have been attempting to protect the actor’s decorum they instead succeeded in completing a shoddy outfit. The beauty and grime which
works hand in hand with the prostitutes of Cabaret was distinctly missing. The leads’ outfits fared no better. A show which thrives and focuses on raw sexuality completely lacked any exposure. Of course, it is a university performance and there has to be some modesty. That being said, I felt they could have adapted the less-is-more approach: reveal less and reap the reward. The play contained one scene of pure adulterated hilarity. A brilliant threesome of one girl and two boys, one wearing women’s clothing, dazzled and shocked the stage. Their number was funny and well executed - the one piece which truly succeeded in meeting the expectations of a Cabaret. Behind the scenes, the audience witnessed Lambourne expressing the bisexuality of Cliff Bradshaw in a raunchy and unexpected encounter. Yet, after this took place, all the truth surrounding Berlin’s underground sex scene was lost. Instead, we were left with a half-hearted approach to an unwanted pregnancy. Despite a poetic end scene execution in which the theatre was silent as Emcee, played by the hilarious and dazzling Tom Holmes, was stripped of his clothes and cornered by Nazis, there seemed much left to be imagined. While the main cast shone, I was left underwhelmed by the production as a whole.
ARTS: FILM 17
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at film@thefounder.co.uk
Thor Ragnarok: An Honest Review The best of three, Ragnarok still fails to shine. AIDAN BAYFORD STUDENT WRITER
Thor Ragnarok concludes the weakest MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) trilogy with another disappointment. Taika Waititi’s (director) take on the God of Thunder is certainly the best Thor flick on offer, but most things will outshine a turd. We find Thor [Chris Hemsworth] in the clutches of Surtur [Clancy Brown], and after a thrilling conflict Thor returns Surtur (ensnared in a crown) to Asgard; Thor believes he has averted Ragnarok, the Asgardian apocalypse. After a quick liaison with Stephen Strange [Benedict Cumberbatch], Thor and Loki [Tom Hiddleston] are captured. Thor is forced to compete with Bruce Banner [Mark Ruffalo], the Incredible Hulk. Together, with Loki and Valkyrie [Tessa Thompson], they turn their attentions to saving Asgard from Hela [Cate Blanchett]. The film’s biggest problems stem from the decision to shift to a comedic tone. Thor becomes a joke in the finale to his trilogy, outshone by more intimidating players such as Valkyrie (or Hulk).
Tessa Thompson steals the show as Valkyrie; an alcoholic warrior, frustrated by her past. Thompson adds a swagger to the role, which becomes subtly cheeky, or confident; however, her character is not to be trifled with. In Waititi’s stunning slowmotion conflicts, Thompson demonstrates a fearsome fury which invokes a strong desire to see her defeat Hela. Thor seems to just sort of go from place to place; he frees Hulk, and builds a team, but it is hard to believe in the God of Thunder when he gets captured so often. Thor’s eye is slashed out, but it only ever resembles a black eye. I would assume this decision enables the film to remain accessible to its young demographic, but it leads to a jarring effect. In one of the films very few tense moments, I find myself disinterested because I cannot buy the thought of a sharp sword slashing a man’s face, and leaving a black eye. Waititi does offer a visual saving-grace with his slowmotion landscapes that depict the conflict between Hela, and the Valkyrie. Emblazoned with light, the Valkyrie fly in on the silhouettes of spectacular winged beasts: a lonely Hela, down
The film's
biggest problems stem from the decision to shift to a comedic tone...
Photos via https://www.bleedingcool.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/thor-ragnarok-tessa-thompson-image-2.jpg, https://cnet3.cbsistatic.com/img/thor-ragnarok-hemsworth-1.jpg.
below, watches from the dark, smoky terrain. It’s stunningly majestic, and tragically brief (even in slow-motion). Waititi offers a powerful painting, with a solemn atmosphere dropped into the middle of a film where the protagonist is a running, muscular, joke. Loki’s games are kept to a minimum, and Thor sees through them all. The film
The Final Rating:
provides a melancholy elevator scene: Thor informs Loki of his (Thor’s) acceptance of their differences. Immediately, Loki attempts to trick Thor, but Thor, rather spontaneously, shuts Loki down. When you have but one exceptional villain in your movie universe, do not make him a (anti-)hero; Hiddleston is incredibly charis-
matic, and the perfect mischief maker – the thrilling trickster behind the invasion of New York seems quite the stranger by comparison. ‘Thor Ragnarok’ is a disappointment, and a poor end to the year for the MCU; however, it offers several unexpected delights that I sincerely hope will return in the future.
18 ARTS: FILM
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at film@thefounder.co.uk
[FilmOpEd] The Hollywood Witchhunt JACK SALVADORI FILM EDITOR
According to Karl Marx, ‘History repeats itself twice, first as tragedy, second as farce’. The innumerable, post-dated accusations & confessions triggered by the infamous Weinstein-gate are quickly leading to a film industry where it is impossible to distinguish paranoia from hypocrisy, the distortion of the past from the repugnance of the present. Hollywood has fully embraced these posthumous trials to the celebrities’ morality and behaviors, when they are off the silver screen. The number of assertions increases, as well as the exclamation marks following each accusation, as if to upsurge the sense of bewilderment and astonishment among an apparently oblivious audience. It seems that the charming, doomed dream factory of Hollywood, with its somehow coherently depraved
representatives, has disappointed the audience, again. Almost a century ago, in 1921, Hollywood faced its first, major scandal: Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, who always played the silly-Billy simpleton in dozens of comedies, raped a young actress - causing her death. For the first time, the audience was shocked at the realization that their idols were not like the jolly characters they portrayed. The trust was betrayed, the dreamful admiration towards these suddenly-stranger individuals was torn apart, and the spectators’ innocent belief revealed to be a mere illusion. The magic was not there anymore. Thus, a hundred years later, did we forget the Hollywoodian immorality already? How could contemporary audience expect and demand the most normalized, slickly sweet behaviour in this unequivocally desecrated world today, frivolous by definition?
The allegations against illustrious representatives of the industry such as Kevin Spacey, Dustin Hoffman and Louis C.K. swell day by day, pushing the superstars towards their “Sunset Boulevard”: accurate stories which seem to have come out from a melodramatic screenwriter’s pen in the 1950s. Nauseating descriptions of the stars who attempted to seduce young, innocent victims who, however, only today have found the courage to offer their vicissitudes to the hungry appetite of the progressive goodthinking movement. Mirroring the fear of a hunted animal with no escape, the accused icons ultimate, desperate attempt to save their reputation and career is only to release humiliating, miserable and unrealistic statements of apology. Obviously, the post-dated scandals induce a cynic suspect of hypocrisy and exploitation for the alleged victims, but everyone can make
their own opinion regarding the coincidental convenience and perfect timings of such reports. It is not possible, or correct, to ignore, but it is necessary to react against the neopuritan mincer, and to reflect upon each case individually without prejudices. Those who rub their hands at hearing the alleged private vices of their idols, who they intimately envy, enjoy the spectacle of watching them reduced at their same rank: no more stars but common human beings, like noblemen stripped off from their titles and conducted to the gallows in front of a mass of angry plebeians. It is not our task to express abstract, moral judgements, but it seems to be back to McCarthyism and the witch-hunts of that time, where a gossip, a rumor – or a ‘tweet’ – is enough to disintegrate a respected career. It is difficult to foresee how the abnormal wave of scoops will
progress, which, for its own paradoxical nature, could extend like an oil stain and bang on the front page other ‘monsters’. Yet, as usual, we can seek an answer in History: the Arbuckle scandal led to the establishment of the dishonourable Production Code, enduring a long, self-purifier censorship aiming get the audience trust back. An aggressive censorship to convince the everyday man that, after all, the virtuous Hollywood is an example of morality, and it does not belong to a different planet. Are the ridiculously extreme measures undertaken by the production companies to punish the sinners (such as reshooting all the scenes with Kevin Spacey from a completed movie) the identical, cathartic manoeuvres employed last time? It seems the case to say, ‘After all, tomorrow is another day’; yet, the allegations will not be gone with the wind.
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at music@thefounder.co.uk
[Column] Hangover Harmonies
ARTS: MUSIC 19
[GigReview]
ELE WALTON MUSIC EDITOR
This month I write to you from a study room in the library, 2 days late for submission, and several hours deep into a hangover which I frankly didn’t see coming. Suggested column titles from friends when I told them of this scenario included ‘The best songs for dark places’ and ‘Why does sad music feel so good?’ They were of course kidding, but I’m too what the musical equivalent Photo via https://www.residentadvisor.net/reviews/14925 tired for original thought - of chocolate milk is. pressed homosexuality.This so here we are. For starters, it cannot CHARLIE HILL was meant to be about the be too loud. This needs no STUDENT WRITER music. explanation. For the sake The Union Chapel is a Fatima, because that is of the inertia induced by weird old venue. Or maybe who we were there to see, the combination of too few it’s just weird to see a gig or could go toe-to-toe with any hours’ sleep and too many Jägerbomb’s, it also should while sober. Being a part- soul great you could name. starters, it not be too fast paced. You time religious institution, this She has the range of Whitney don’t need to hear all the high-vaulted church forbids Houston and the insane ensame tracks you heard the its punters from drinking ergy of Mariah Carey. Backed cannot be night before, or else risk during the show. If you have by just a jazz trio and two too loud. This triggering memories better to have a drink though, there backing singers, she brought left forgotten. It also can’t is a bar built onto the side of so much energy that the be too happy; you’re here to the chapel like some kind of whole crowd were on their needs no wallow and if they can’t get alcohol-related tumor. It has feet, awkwardly gyrating in behind that then honestly, the decor of a school cafete- the space between the pews. explanation they don’t belong on your ria and there’s a distinct air of On record, her sound is much Catholic guilt to the place, but more produced, jittery with duvet playlist. When hungover, comWhat does this leave there is alcohol. Most people samples and glitching drums fort is essential. Many post- us with? Bon Iver? Drake? flocked there in between the symptomatic of that Gilles SU days have been spent in James Blunt? It all comes acts, more concerned with Peterson Jazz-House fusion a duvet burrito, craving po- down to your personal taste maintaining their blood al- sound. Live they didn’t need tatoes or any other form of and level of self-pity. But, cohol level than keeping their any of that. The songs were carbohydrate, and choco- after extensive research, I unreserved seats. Forgoing a loose and slow, building with late milk. I am frequently can confirm that the choco- beer, I got myself a seat right thick harmony that swung met with questions when I late milk of music needs to in the middle of the second like a sledgehammer. And tell people this but trust me be quiet and probably quite row. If this had been a church she was playful with it - not when I say that chocolate sad. No one needs to listen service, I’d be that keen bean just in her stage banter about milk is the only hangover to other people’s happiness Grandma that says inap- how easy it is to blaspheme in cure that any of us needs. when they’re laying ques- propriate things about the a church and how she wasn’t But, I am still yet to discover tioning their own existence. new vicar because of her re- sure she even believed in God
F
.
and how this definitely wasn’t the place to be raising those questions - but with the songs too. She would slow things down, speed things up, throw in an extra chorus, or go off on an improvised exploration of her formidable range. Her band were right there with her in all of it. The three of them were so tight that when the drummer dropped a beat at the start of Do Better it became a syncopated motif that was carried through the whole song. His slick grooves combined with the effortless fluttering of the bass and the crunchy synth tones got everyone moving, no matter how inappropriately white or sober they were for the music. Then she had to go and prove she didn’t need any of them. Bringing to bear the full acoustic brilliance of that gothic architecture, Fatima melted my brain with her acapella solo Rest in Peace. Pretty sure I died and went to heaven.
20 ARTS: MUSIC
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at music@thefounder.co.uk
[Playlist]
EightiesForever
DUA LIPA
O2 Acadamy Bournemoth 6th October 2017 Review.
Following the release of the second season of Stranger Things, I was feeling the eighties revival vibe this month. Even if you think the season was disappointing, the soundtrack certainly wasn’t. ELE WALTON MUSIC EDITOR
1. BØRNS - Electric Love
6. Arcade Fire - we exist
2. Blossoms - Charlemagne
7. Dum Dum Girls -
3. Christine and the Queens Science Fiction
Lost Boys & Girls club 8. HAIM - falling 9. St. Lucia -
4. Tame Impala -
The Night Comes Again
The Less I Know the Better 5. Future Islands - Ran
10. The Diogenese Club The Ageless
N*E*R*D Review LAURA MCKENZIE STUDENT WRITER
When I was a kid, one of the albums my mother had in our car for journeys was N.E.R.D’s 2001 debut In Search Of… This meant I knew the lyrics to ‘Lapdance’ before I had notion of the what a lapdance even was. To me they were always a rock band, hence they were cool enough for my Classic Rock-loving mother, who tells everyone she encounters how she saw Led Zeppelin at Knebworth in 1979. They were one of the first bands to embrace the idea that rap artists are the new rock star, so, if it’s not clear already, I think they’re great. When I first heard N.E.R.D were back I was obviously excited, and then, when I found
out Rihanna featured on the first upcoming track, my excitement was real. The track itself occupies the old-school N.E.R.D sound of hip-hop backed up with by grudge rifts - only now the sound has a borderline trap vibe. As much as I miss old N.E.R.D, mainly because my ears love Pharrell’s vocals over guitars, the new sound is not a step down as much as it is a move across. In 2017, for N.E.R.D to release a track inspired by the earlynoughties rock scene would be strange at best, and at worst, the musical equivalent of uncles at wedding who think their dance moves are still what the kids do. Pretty girls aren’t with the band anymore; to quote 2 Chainz (no, I never thought I’d write that either) pretty girls
like trap music. N.E.R.D. know this and the love of Funk that inspired the rifts in their earlier work have now stirred the club-ready rhythms that dominate. And then, there’s Rihanna’s bit - everyone online talks about how she kills this verse. Providing us with classic Rihanna—without rapping— her vocals aren’t worlds away from those on tracks like ‘Man Down’ or ‘Rude Boy’; it’s the same dominating lyrics and fierce delivery that have come to make up the textbook definition of Rihanna. The bravado that gives Rihanna her edge has a relative swagger like early N.E.R.D. tracks - both blend so effortlessly on the track that this collaboration feels long overdue.
Photo by Zoe Seabourne. ZOE SEABOURNE STUDENT WRITER
As soon as Dua Lipa made her dramatic entrance onto a stage full of smoke and lights, the crowd knew the hit singer wasn’t going to disappoint. The venue itself was an old theatre that had speakers and a giant LED screen set up among the pillars and ornate carvings above the stage. However, it was an incredibly small show in comparison to the other venues promised later in her 2018 UK and Ireland tour, where she plans to hit cities including Dublin, Manchester and London. Over the summer, New Rules had topped the UK charts and she’d achieved star status and, despite the long wait in the cold outside and the overpriced bar, the crowd’s hype was palpable before she even came on stage. Despite the size of the venue, Lipa still gave it her all and the performance was full of dance
sequences, light shows and a buzz from the crowd that never faded from the first melody. Every song was executed flawlessly and with an energy that had the crowd jumping and singing along, beer sloshing from plastic cups. But no one cared, even if the beer had cost a tenner, because everyone was having a good time. Lipa was her own hype: Whenever there was a lull, she would call the energy back and demand the crowd put their hands up and jump. Everyone left exhausted and with their voices a whisper of what they had been, but belting out those three New Rules had been worth it. Even when the pace slowed to her acoustic song of Thinking ‘Bout You, Dua Lipa had the crowd enraptured. In all, it was a dazzling show and an electric night full of energy and lights. Dua Lipa will be performing at Alexandra Palace in London on 20th April, 2018.
70 Egham Hill
71 Egham Hill
Over the past four years, Danehurst has successfully delivered new, purpose built student accommodation for students at Royal Holloway University of London. What a journey it has been for us! Simply, we just wish to say a big thank you to all students who have stayed at The Pad over the years, and to those that are staying at The Pad and Podium this year. We have been and continue to be impressed with the way you have looked after your studios and bedrooms, but most of all, your consideration shown to your fellow students and the neighbours! We wish you a fabulous year at Royal Holloway and your continued success!
www.danehurst.org
22 SPORTS
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at sports@thefounder.co.uk
[YourMonthly]
Royal Holloway BUCS Scores
Badminton RHUL Women’s RHUL Men's RHUL Women's Imperial 3rd RHUL Mixed RHUL Men's RHUL Mixed
Basketball RHUL Women’s RHUL Women's RHUL Women's Imperial RHUL Men's RHUL Men's Fencing RHUL Women's Football UCL Brunel Men's 4th RHUL Men’s 1st Portsmouth 3rd RHUL Men’s 4th LSE 3rd RHUL Men’s 3rd King's College RHUL Women's 2nd RHUL Women's 1st RHUL Women's 2nd
8 – 0 6 – 2 8 – 0 6 – 2 5 – 4 4 – 4 5 – 4
28 – 17 33 – 31 66 – 31 43 – 28 76 – 72 67 – 56
Canterbury Christ Church Essex 2nd Brighton 1st RHUL Men's King's College 2nd St. George's LSE
Queen Mary's Brighton Goldsmith University RHUL Women's New Bucks Imperial College London
131 – 74 Sussex
3 – 1 5 – 3 9 – 0 2 – 1 4 – 0 4 – 2 6 – 3 4 – 2 5 – 1 5 – 2 7 – 0
RHUL Men's 3rd RHUL Men's 2nd LSE 6th RHUL Men's 1st SOAS 3rd RHUL Men's 2nd King's College RHUL Women's 1st Barts King's College 2nd RHUL Women's 3rd
RHUL Women's 1st Hockey RHUL Women’s 1st RHUL Women’s 2nd RHUL Men’s 1st RHUL Men’s 1st RHUL Men's 2nd
5 – 0
Hertfordshire 2nd
5 – 1 14 – 0 2 – 0 4 – 0 2 – 0
Brighton Imperial UCL Portsmouth Portsmouth
Lacrosse RHUL Women’s 1st
20 – 0
LSE
Squash RHUL Men's RHUL Men's
3 – 0 2 – 1
Sussex 3rd Sussex 2nd
Rugby RHUL Women’s 53 – 7 King's College RHUL Women’s 27 – 15 LSE RHUL Women’s 21 – 5 King's College RHUL Women’s 23 – 17 Canterbury Christ Church RHUL Women’s 72 – 0 UCL Tennis RHUL Men's 1st 10 – 2 UCL 1st Surrey 2nd 10 – 2 RHUL Men's 2nd St. Mary's 1st 10 – 2 RHUL Women's 2nd
A special congratulations to the Royal Holloway Men's Basketball team for remaining undefeated this month. Go Bears!
THE FOUNDER November 30, 2017
Email the editor at sports@thefounder.co.uk
SPORTS 23
Meet The Captain: RHUL Karate Club HELENA KEEBLE SPORTS EDITOR
Matt Cliffe, third year Business and Management student and Vice President of the Karate Club, discusses the importance of marital arts and how it has aided him throughout his studies. Name: Matt Cliffe Sport: Karate What made you start Karate? Karate is one of the most recognised martial arts and teaches you the necessary principals needed for self-defence, developing both your physical and mental abilities. Karate appeals to me as it keeps the whole body fit and conditioned whilst learning invaluable self-defence strategies. How long have you been doing Karate? I trained in karate when I was younger but returned to it with the Royal Holloway Karate Club and fell back in love with the martial art. I have trained in a range of martial arts over the years and karate remains one of my favourites.
Photos courtesy of Matt Cliffe.
How does Karate benefit your academic life? Believe it or not, I truly believe Karate improves my performance when it comes to completing degree assignments. Discipline, a hardworking ethic and a never give in attitude is instilled into you and these skills are irreplaceable as they can be
applied to all aspects of life. I’m also an advocate for Karate helping to improve focus and mental strength for many that do practice the martial art. What is your most memorable moment in the Karate Club? My most memorable moment was A Night at the Dojo where the Royal Holloway Martial Arts Clubs display their most impressive patterns and moves. In my first year, I went to this event and was instantly drawn to the Royal Holloway Karate club. My passion for karate instantly returned and since then I have been a loyal member. There will be another Night at the Dojo event in 2018 so keep an eye out for the event on Facebook if interested. What is your favourite move? The Royal Holloway Karate Club practices the Shotokan style of Karate. Out of the moves we practice at our training sessions, the committee agreed that the roundhouse kick was one of our favourite moves but it was a narrow escape as there are many other punches, kicks, blocks and katas (sequences of karate moves) we could have chosen. What life experiences have you gained from Karate? I’ve learnt that self-defence should strictly be used as a last resort when someone is in danger. No matter what level someone is in karate, it’s important to continue to work hard, avoid
dangerous situations where possible and practice the martial art in safe environments. The more training you receive the better, as there is always something you can improve on. Why would you encourage people to join the Karate Club? No matter what level, selfdefence is an essential skill that anyone can benefit from whether they are entirely new to karate or are an experienced fighter. There is always a new technique or improvement that can be made to help you rise through the different belts and work towards mastering karate. You never know when self-defence may be unavoidable in dangerous scenarios. What would you say is the best part of the Karate Club? The best part of the society is that its filled with friendly people passionate about karate, fantastic instructors that draw upon their karate experience to make every session interesting. Each session involves a variety of elements from sparring and learning katas to developing and improving karate kicks, punches, and blocks. Come along and experience a karate training session for yourself - you won’t regret it. Email: karate@su.rhul.ac.uk Training every Wednesday, 8pm to 10pm at Strodes College
Still looking for a room or fancy an upgrade? We have some great options available.
We have a few rooms left at The Pad and Podium for this academic year.
Rooms from £200 pw.
Rooms from £199 pw.
Flexible contract lengths available
Flexible contract lengths available
Just one minute away from Royal Holloway University, you’ll be in the perfect location with all the facilities you need. • • • •
Private en suite bathroom Private kitchen Own study desk Personal WiFi
• Shared study space • Shared TV, lounge and games area • Tickets to West End shows and football matches
The Pad: 71 Egham Hill, Egham, TW20 OER | +44(0)844 371 5607 | thepadegham.com Podium: 70 Egham Hill, Egham, TW20 0BQ | +44(0)300 103 0903 | podiumegham.com