Hot list
by Ali Howard
Knitted oversocks with needlework decoration, Calderdale Museums Collection, Halifax
What to see and do this month
THEATRE
Uncle Vanya
14 January-2 May Harold Pinter Theatre We wouldn’t usually look to Chekhov for mid-winter warmth, but this January we’re invited into a crumbling country estate in the heat of summer where Sonya (played by Aimee Lou Wood) and Uncle Vanya (Toby Jones) are found idling their days away. When Sonya’s father and owner of the house Professor Serebryakov (Ciarán Hinds) returns with alluring new wife Yelena (Rosalind Eleazar), and declares his intention to sell, the polite façade begins to crumble. Conor McPherson’s fresh adaptation of the 1898 classic portrays life at the turn of the 20th century – and it’s filled with turbulent frustrations, dark humour and hidden passions. Panton Street, SW1Y (0844 871 7622; haroldpintertheatre.co.uk)
EXHIBITION
Unbound: Visionary Women Collecting Textiles
25 January-19 April Two Temple Place Unearthing the collections (and backstories) of seven pioneering women, this free exhibition explores how textiles and costume not only exist as artworks but as documents of human history. The collaborative project offers a rare chance to view exquisite textiles from the anthropological collections of traditional Balkan costume by Edith Durham, to the groundbreaking contemporary South Asian collection of Nima Poovaya-Smith. A must see for anyone with more than a passing interest in the woven. 2 Temple Place, WC2R (020 7836 3715 twotempleplace.org)
EXHIBITION
Nikoleta Sekulovic: The Hypatia Collection
28 January-22 February Rebecca Hossack This multifaceted exhibition twins Sekulovic’s arresting nudes with carefully selected chairs from London furniture brand Viaduct, appealing to our love of product design as much as visual art, whilst toying with the concept of the female gaze. The Madrid-based artist uses mothers as models – a deliberate move, and one that she says empowers the sitters with a “space in time to be still, to be a muse, neither pretending or trying to please anyone.” The works are both contemporary and timeless, each one awarded an ancient Greek name of a female poet or philosopher, while the design-led Viaduct chairs bring a striking sculptural element. 2a Conway Street, W1T (020 7436 4899; rebeccahossack.com)
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fabricmagazine.co.uk
MUSIC
Keb’ Mo’ & Band
22 January Subterania In one of just three UK performances before he heads to mainland Europe, then on to India, legendary bluesman Keb’ Mo’ will grace this Portobello music venue – one that’s no stranger to the greats. Known as the “modern master of American roots music” the singer, guitarist and songwriter presents a set filled with musical treats that are both deeply expressive and highly personal. “When you are in a certain part of your life, the concept of an album is woven into the process,” he says of 2019’s Oklahoma. Not to be missed. 12 Acklam Road, W10 (subterania.net)