Indigo 831

831

EDITORIAL Thursday 22, October 2020

2

www.palatinate.org.uk/category/indigo/

FEATURES 3 Walking in Durham VISUAL ARTS 4&5 When art is valued equal to science, how much more will our student experience be worth?

FOOD 6 Durham’s best study cafes BOOKS 7 Bookstagrammers of Durham FILM & TV 8&9 TV characters with style: Ask the reader!

INTERVIEW

10 In Conversation with Jack Edwards CREATIVE WRITING 11 ‘Tonight I can write’ by Pablo Neruda MUSIC 12 & 13 Music Durham during Covid-19 FASHION 14 Retail’s reliance on influencers STAGE 15 An interview with the Durham Revue TRAVEL 16 Destination of the month: Iceland www.facebook.com/palindigo Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @indigo_palatinate Have a question, comment, or an idea for a story you’d like to write?

Email indigo@palatinate.org.uk Logo: Chloe Wong Cathedral Artwork: Anna Gibbs Front Cover: Amber Conway

Autumn has well and truly set in and now we’re enjoying the sight of all the trees changing colour and shedding their leaves, but the colder weather is forcing many of us to shelter inside, whether within the comfort of your house or a warm study spot. In the third week of term, we’re turning more seriously to our studies and the comforting routine of our everyday lives, adapting to newer restrictions and regulations whilst still finding ways to enjoy ourselves. It can be difficult to balance academic and social commitments, particularly as we navigate a new way of studying and a new way of socialising. However, it’s more important than ever to find time to appreciate the changing natural world and creativity which it inspires.

With longer (and freer) nights, we’ll be spending more time with those we live than we normally would. As we’re increasingly unable to go to pubs and bars in recent times, we’ve been experimenting with cocktails in our own homes and would recommend trying a Bramble, made with 2 parts gin, 1 part lemon juice, 1/2 part simple syrup, 1/2 part blackberry liqueur, and served over ice with a couple of frozen blackberries. For a non-alcoholic alternative, try a Virgin Blackberry Mojito with cloudy lemonade, mint leaves, and frozen blackberries.

In this edition we focus on the many cultural achievements and beautiful places that Durham has to offer; Features guide you on walks around Durham, Interview speaks to Jack Edwards about his latest book, Visual Arts offers a look at the university’s Collection, and Food and Drink explores the best cafes in town. We hope that this edition helps you to appreciate our city a little more and enjoy autumn in Durham in all of its splendour.

Hugo Millard and Millicent Machell

INDIGO EDITORS Hugo Millard Millicent Machell FEATURES EDITORS Aadira Parakkat Elle Woods-Marshall Immy Higgins

CREATIVE WRITING EDITORS Jemima Gurney Meadbh Ni Mhorain STAGE EDITORS Harrison Newsham Isabel C. Davis VISUAL ARTS EDITOR Emma Tucker BOOKS EDITORS Millie Vickerstaff Sol Noya FASHION EDITORS Abbie Cooper Davies Emily Potts FOOD & DRINK EDITORS Constance Lam Meghna Amin TRAVEL EDITORS Emma Johnson Gracie Linthwaite FILM & TV EDITOR Madeleine Rosie Strom MUSIC EDITORS Martha Lily Dean Katherine Pittalis INTERVIEW EDITORS Aimee Dickenson Claudia Jacob

FEATURES 3

Thursday, 22nd October 2020

Walking in Durham Ned Vessey explores the varied walking routes of Durham Ned Vessey features@palatinate.org.uk

A

s we are forced to spend more time indoors by darkening evenings and the pandemic restrictions, the value of getting outside and spending time in the fresh air grows. The positive effects of spending time outdoors in natural surroundings has been welldocumented, yet sometimes in the chaos of university life it is easy to forget how important it is.

Durham City is surrounded by plenty of places to go for a walk to de-stress, or simply to get out of the house or college.

There are too many to name, so I am going to focus on one area in particular.

Hollingside Wood and Great High Wood are places of particular beauty just a short walk out of the city – literally opposite Maiden Castle. I would particularly recommend going at dawn or (most likely…) dusk, when the setting and rising of the sun filters through the trees and casts the path with dappled light.

“there is something deeply reassuring about woodland” At these times, when the air is rich with birdsong and the noise of the city cannot be heard, it is possible to forget for a time the pressures of academic and personal life.To me there is something deeply reassuring about woodland. The oak and beech trees which predominate in Great High Wood have been

around much longer than my worries and concerns, and they will be there afterwards. There is something strangely comforting in that.

Philosophising aside, Hollingside Woods and Great High Wood are very pleasant and relaxing places to walk in. Things are much quieter there than in the city; the noisiest things are usually the birdsong and the crashing in the undergrowth of the many squirrels to be found there.

At other times I have come across foxes and deer too. Encounters like these are out of the ordinary and, even if you’re not massively enthused by British wildlife, these experiences can break through the sometimes monotonous nature of student life.

Now more than ever, we are valuing time spent out of doors.

An hour or two spent walking outside can raise our mood, both

from time spent in nature and through the exercise we get while doing so. It can make your bedroom seem less suffocating, that assignment less daunting, the squabble with a housemate more trivial.

“now more than ever, we are valuing time spent out of doors” If you don’t believe me, I would urge you to go for a walk down into Great High Wood when encountered by one of these things, and see what happens.

You might well be surprised.

Image Credit: Ned Vessey

VISUAL ARTS 4

Thursday, 22nd October 2020

When art is valued equal to science, how much more will our student experience be worth?

Emma Tucker and Faye Saulsbury Visual Arts Editor visual.arts@palatinate.org.uk

I

t would be difficult to complete a degree at Durham without knowing that Durham University is a QS World Top 100 institution or that Durham Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Less well-publicised, however, is Durham University’s extensive and eclectic collection of modern art. The Collection, works from which are dotted around campus like a trail of Easter eggs, boasts well-known names such as Pablo Picasso, David Hockney, Eric Gill, Barbara Hepworth and Guerrilla Girls.

So, what is the story behind the Art Collection? Current and former Visual Arts Editors, Emma Tucker and Faye Saulsbury, speak to the curatorial and engagement staff working with the Collection to find out.

In the loft of Elvet Hill House works the Curator of Western Art, Alix Collingwood-Swinburn. She tells us with a chuckle that her office space would once have been servants’ quarters. Her responsibilities, however, are far from servants’ work.

“the complex task of uniting the Collection’s existing works” Also joining us on the call is Emily Dowler, Project Officer, in the University Library and Collections, who works closely with Alix. Alix and her colleagues are working on the complex task of uniting the Collection’s existing works into a coherent online catalogue. Our Art

projects on the go. The projects, as varied as the Collection itself, follow a common theme: collaboration.

Local Collaborations One such collaboration is between the Collection and local artists. Alix seeks to acquire more artwork which represents the North East. After all, in an increasingly London-centric country, our location in the North is all the more prominent as a unique selling point.

Additionally, Alix also has a personal interest in art with an activist streak.

Collection is an essential resource for supporting research - as necessary as the books in the library - and an effective tool for social change. Most of the collection is stored safely in a specialist art store or displayed in the hallways of University’s buildings, such as the Palatine Centre, most of which are likely to be closed off to students this year.

Alix is keen to assert that the Art Collection is not exclusive to twentieth-century masterpieces, but includes a selection of historical works, outdoor public sculptures, artworks created with the community and contemporary artworks.

To unite such a diverse range of artefacts, Alix and Emily have many

“it must be displayed in the weeks before and after World AIDS Day” One example which ticks both boxes is 89 Ways You Are Worth More To Me Like This (2018)

by Durham-born artist Lady Kitt. It is part of a series of portraits depicting women who Lady Kitt feels “need celebrating.” These are cut into genuine £50 banknotes, sardonically highlighting the lack of female representation of British currency. 89 Ways You Are Worth More To Me Like This (2018)

VISUAL ARTS 5

Thursday, 22nd October 2020

is especially significant to our Art Collection as it features Professor of Archaeology at Durham University, Charlotte Roberts.

If you visited the Billy B last winter, you may have noticed an illuminated neon pink ribbon at the reception desk. This was an installation from the 36point7 project by Stuart Langley, an artist based in Hartlepool, County Durham. 36point7 reimagines the World AIDS Day charity ribbon to ensure it remains visible. At the time of commission, there were 36.7 million people in the world living with AIDS - hence the title of the project - and, as such, Langley created 36.7 copies of the light installation.One of the conditions which came with the acquisition of this work was that it must be displayed in the weeks before and after World AIDS Day, which is on the 1st December every year. So look out for it around campus this winter!

Academic Collaborations Another collaborative effort is with two academic courses at Durham. The newly established BA Visual Arts and Film seeks to actively utilise resources available within the University collections, as well as the “curatorial expertise of its staff” - referring, of course, to Alix and her colleagues. Meanwhile, MA Visual Culture students can curate exhibitions using works from the Art Collection. This year’s exhibition, From Walls to Windows, used the lockdown as inspiration to question the meaning and definition of home.

Student Society Collaborations Both Alix and Emily are keen to work with and support students who are interested in any aspect of the arts. Within the last few years, the art team created the Inter College Arts Network (ICAN), which is a creative forum open to all student artists. Through the network, students can connect directly with Alix and Emily.

Aside from Durham University Art Society (DUAS), ICAN is the best network for finding and contacting other students involved in art.

It must be noted that Alix’s work extends far beyond the Durham student community. Alix and colleagues have worked with RT Projects, a mental health initiative “Saving Lives with Art”, Changing Relations CIC, Thought Foundation, and East Durham Creates, an organisation that encourages creative activities in the region. In 2019, Alix curated the #VisibleWomen exhibition showcasing underrepresented women artists from the Art Collection at Palace Green Library.

All of these incredible and selfless projects led to her well-deserved nomination for “Durham Women Making a Difference” 2020.

The majority of these imaginative, far-

reaching collaborations are in their preliminary stages at the moment. With increased student support, the Collection will become more notable and receive even more donations. Most importantly, we can progress towards solidifying the visual arts as a central asset of the Durham student experience.

Alix and Emily have proven that there is energy, enthusiasm and interest in making this happen.

Let’s make it Durham’s worst kept secret.

Many thanks to Emily Dowler for providing access to the included images. © Lady Kitt, 89 Ways You Are Worth More To Me Like This, 2018 Bank note and glass bottle mounted on board Durham University Collection Image courtesy of the artist © Stuart Langley, 36point7, 2016 Neon tubing, Perspex Commissioned by Curious Arts Durham University Collection Image courtesy of the artist © Jo Stanness, Dunelm House, 2018/19 Collage and acrylic paint on paper Durham University Collection Image courtesy of the artist

FOOD AND DRINK 6

Thursday, 22nd October 2020

Durham’s best study cafes Sol Noya Carreno breaks down the perfect places to study around town Sol Noya Carreno food@palatinate.org.uk

P

icture this: a restless thirdyear student, with a seemingly endless reading list and running out of space on her planner, sick of sitting at the same desk all day and of the kitchen being the only place to escape work within her house.

Chapters probably has it – I personally favour their hazelnut lattes, but all their hot drinks will provide the comfort and energy needed when you’re tired of sitting at home. Their bakes of the day are also delicious (look out for the chocolate-beetroot cake).

Record-scratch, freeze frame, how did this end up being the situation I’m in?

(Hint: the answer begins with “coronavirus” and ends with “restrictions.”) And, more importantly, how do I escape, and where to?

“Durham is full of cafés with the atmosphere that I need in order to reboot” If your last six months have been anything like mine, you might be haunted by the same feeling of repetitiveness that comes from working and living in the same environment, day-in, day-out. Even in precedented times, my degree means that I do most of my work from home, usually surrounded by a pile of articles and pages of notes.

Now my contact hours outside the home have been reduced to two or three a week, and this usually means that I end up needing a change of environment if I am to continue working or to take a break that actually feels like a break.

Luckily,Durham is full of cafés that provide the atmosphere and drinks that I need in

Leonard’s Coffee House

order to reboot my day. This short list is by no means exhaustive, but it is very effective.

Cafédral

If you live in Durham, chances are that you’ve come across Cafédral’s bright façade and their sign promising freshly baked scones.

The atmosphere within is as cheery as advertised, and the scones never disappoint (splurge on the clotted cream – it’s fully worth it). Hungrier? Not a problem for Durham’s most plant-decorated café – they serve delicious paninis and a quiche of the day, as well as a breakfast menu if you’re an early bird. The chairs and couches are all very cosy, and the feel is more like your favourite relative’s living room than anything else.

Chapters Tea Rooms

What Chapters lacks inWi-Fi,they make up for in seating space! Located on Elvet Bridge, the café is bigger than it seems,having access to Split and Glory’s diner-themed space.

The menu is furnished with a large variety of syrups: whatever flavour of coffee you want,

A hidden gem behind Durham market, the walk to Leonard’s alone will serve for a change of environment and to get you thinking (by my count, there are at least three different sets of stairs that will get you there). Once you’re there, take your time to look over their specialty teas (gingerbread chai is one of my favourites). Leonard’s is particularly good for the morning people, in virtue of their wonderful breakfast menu – but their lunch menu and bakes are brilliant if you’re more afternoon-inclined.

Vennels Café

Rainy, cold day? Vennels might be the cosiest café in this roundup, mostly in virtue of the wood-burning stove in the first floor and the 16 th -century design of the café. Dog-friendly and equipped with Wi-fi and plenty of space, this is a wonderful café to curl up with a book or your seminar reading list. The drinks menu is short and sweet, with great coffee and tea options to warm you up as you read. The cakes and sandwiches are all fresh and wonderful if it’s near lunchtime or you feel peckish, and the portion sizes are generous.

Image Credit: Sol Noya Carreno

BOOKS 7

Thursday, 22nd October 2020

Bookstagrammers of Durham Sol Noya talks all things Bookstagram with Abbie Walker and Harriet Brown Sol Noya Carreno Books Editor books@palatinate.org.uk

B

ookstagram might just be one of the most wholesome corners of Instagram, seemingly populated with book lovers equipped with endless mugs of tea and mountains of fluffy blankets. I was able to track down two bookstagrammers who’ve attended Durham and currently live here: graduate Abbie Walker, of @ab_reads fame, and third-year student Harriet Brown, @ madmenandminstrels.

Starting with the basics – college and course?

A: French and Italian at Josephine Butler!

H: I’m doing history at Stephenson!

Can you explain your account name to our readers?

H: It’s from a quote from Neil Gaiman’s novel Stardust, which is one of my favourites: “Every lover is in his heart a madman and in his head a minstrel.”

When did you start your bookstagram and what inspired you to start it?

A: In 2016, I deferred a year of uni. Up to then, I’d pretty much stopped reading for pleasure during term, and being reunited with my old favourites led me to the bookstagram hashtag and I immediately wanted to join this massive community of book lovers, especially since most of my friends didn’t read for pleasure.

What’s your favourite thing about bookstagram?

H: The community was one of the main reasons I joined bookstagram, and it’s what makes bookstagram worth it for me – it’s genuinely such a kind and accepting group of people! Other bloggers are very supportive and focused on connect-

ing with other book lovers. It’s brilliant to connect with other people who are so passionate about books.

What has bookstagram taught you?

A: It sounds so cheesy, but being on bookstagram has really expanded my horizons in terms of what I read. Before starting @ab_reads, I tended to stick to the titles that main bookshops recommended.

Being on bookstagram has really diversified my reading list and reading more diverse books can widen your perspective so much.

Does your degree influence your account in any way?

H: I really enjoy sharing my other passions on bookstagram, so I talk a lot about history on my account. Though historical fiction usually annoys me because it can be so inaccurate and so I don’t read it as often, I do post about my favourite historical women and nonfiction history books every so often.

What advice would you give to students wanting to read more?

A: Looking on bookstagram can be really useful for finding recommendations and hunting around charity shops can be good for finding older or rarer titles. I’d also encourage them to remember that reading for fun is so worth making the time for – when I was in college, I’d do my work and then binge-watch Netflix, but reading for pleasure can be just as

relaxing. It really helped me to set clear boundaries for when I’d work and when I’d relax. And finally, pick up the books you want to read! There’s a lot of pressure to read certain titles, but if you don’t want to, there’s so much more to read out there.

How do you balance university and your bookstagram?

H: I don’t! (Laughs.) But I try – it can get hard because you want to post quality content but it’s easy to let constant posting take over your life.

To be serious now – I use stories more often than posts to my feed because it helps me stay engaged with the community and they’re also really fun. I also believe in posting what you want when you want to.

The main purpose of my account is that it brings me joy and it’s easy to get demotivated if you focus on numbers too much as the algorithm can easily mess with your engagement, so I try to ignore the numbers and post things I enjoy.

And finally, most important question – currently reading?

A:A Drop of Midnight: A Memoir by Jason Diakité as translated by Rachel WilsonBroyles and The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones!

H: For fiction, The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta which is so good! And for nonfiction, The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister.

Image Credits: Siobhan Gardiner

FILM & TV 8

Thursday, 22 October 2020

TV characters with style: Ask the reader!

Film & TV examine their readers fictional fashion icons Film & TV Editor and Contributors film@palatinate.org.uk

H

ere at TV and Film, we asked our readers to send in their opinion on who is the best dressed character in the land of Showbiz. Have a read, gain some style tips and perhaps get inspired to try out a new TV or Film!

Tommy Shelby (Peaky Blinders) Jonny Tiplady

When you’re the leader of a group of gangsters, your attire has to exude dominance.

The leader of such a group must boast such sleek classiness that it screams confidence.

Enter Tommy Shelby, Britain’s answer to Nucky Thompson (from Boardwalk Empire), a man of sartorial impeccability.

His tweed three-piece and flat-cap combo gives a timeless British edge to the classic suit,a pocket watch dangles denoting a man with no time to waste.Tie or no tie? That is the question.

Well, with this flawless aesthetic there is no need to worry, the outfit works strikingly with both, though no tie allows the viewer to bask in the glory of his club collar.

“This is the perfect combo to wow audiences while also inspiring the common man to follow suit.”

Underneath his razor cap, Tommy sports a haircut that has seeming-

ly inspired many (myself included), despite the gap in time. His back and sides sheered severely, keeping a link to his m i l i t a r y past.

And yet it looks effortless; his trim oozes class, whilst heralding his gypsy heritag.Tommy encapsulates what the men of the Peaky Blinders are about in terms of their elegance; they showcase classy outfits, but never go over the top with the colours or style of their garb.This is the perfect combo to wow audiences while also inspiring the common man to follow suit (excuse the pun).

Villanelle (Killing Eve) Rhiannon Green

Killing Eve’s Villanelle has long been hailed as a style icon, with her frequently changing identities marked by dramatic changes in wardrobe.

Over the course of three seasons, Villanelle sports a wideranging fashion sense: each outfit effortlessly matching her every calculated move.

From flamboyant power suits to plain working uniforms, it is clear to say that Villanelle is not afraid to experiment with her style.

Perhaps most memorable is the puffy pink dress worn at the start of the first season.

Designed by Molly Goddard, this striking bubble-gum garment is paired with big black boots, an unconventional yet iconic coupling.Pink is a common choice of colour for Villanelle, whose frequently feminine looks are contradicted by her ruthless killings and sassy attitude.

The pig mask and tutu combo in season two perfectly demonstrates this, as the theatrical slaying of an adulterous businessman appears almost comical for the onlookers.

Many of her outfits act as a disguise, such as the quirky art-teacher look she goes for in season two, complete with a wig and trendy specs. Yet, not all of Villanelle’s outfits are so well planned out, as evidenced by the superhero pyjamas stolen from a child in hospital. It is evident, however, that Villanelle places great importance on her fashion sense, and her eager eye for style is the perfect embodiment of her complex and unique nature.

Donna Paulsen (Suits) Lily Riley

Having ligatory

recently done the obquarantine tv show

FILM & TV Thursday, 22 October 2020

“Donna sets the bar for business wear in a show that is literally named Suits” binge, it has to be said that I have found a new all-time favourite show in Suits.

As any fan of HardmanPearsonS p e c t e r- L i t t l e - Z a n e - W h e e l e r- Wi l liams-Bennett will know, the standout performance is that of Sarah Rafferty as the rambunctious and almostcertainly psychic Donna Paulsen. As well as possessing a razor sharp wit, Donna sets the bar for business wear; in a show that is literallynamed for male business attire, it seems ironic that Donna’s sometimes-scandalous looks steal the show.

Donna effortlessly styles out a stiletto, always pairing the scarily high heel with beautiful designer dresses, tailored to the Nth degree. Her looks always seem to say ‘you know only I can pull this off, right?’ each one being set off by her trademark auburn hair.

My personal favourite ensemble is her wedding dress (spoiers!). The strapless black gown features a bouquet of white flowers encircling her waist, the petals floating towards the bottom of the full skirt.The dress perfectly encapsulates the series finale as, like the petals on the dress, our beloved cast scatters in different directions.

Donna’s style naturally matches her character: bold, classy and unique. One thing her dresses certainly aren’t though, is breathable!

Cecilia Tallis (Atonement) Olivia Moody

The dresses designed for the 2007 adaptation of Ian McEwan’s Atonement are doubtless among the film’s most memorable aspects, none more so than those worn by Kiera Knightley’s Cecilia Tallis.

Cecilia dresses with the elegance of many pre-World War II middle-class women: in silks and laces, in soft colours and delicate cuts.

Her clothes act as vehicles through which McEwan’s story is told. Her nude blouse and silk skirt combo of the film’s opening scene (and its consequent near-sheerness upon jumping into a fountain) establishes a sexual chemistry that unfolds between her and James McAvoy’s RobbieTurner – an intimacy explored further through a green dress worn by Cecilia in what becomes the film’s most pivotal scene.

“This green dress is considered one of the most iconic in recent cinematic history.”

With a daringly low back, ruching at the waist, and a flowing, floor-length skirt, this green dress is considered one of the most iconic in recent cinematic history. Though arguably more modern than the fashion of 1934, its spaghetti straps and V-neck imitate contemporary Chanel and emulate the air of sophistication Cecilia carries.

Amelie (Amelie) Lily Webber

I first watched Amelie when I was a teenager and quickly fell in love with the quirky Parisian rom-com and its stylish rumination on the meaning of life and what it is to be a dreamer.

The queen of the capsule wardrobe, Amelie reuses iconic pieces throughout the film.

Her dedication to a midlength skirt/ blazer combo is as consistent as the film’s commitment to its green,yellow and red colour palette.The best dressed‘godmother of outcasts’often sports the same burgundy lace midi skirt, sometimes to create a monochrome look

9

with a red blazer and a red floral top. Even Amelie’s umbrella and her washing up gloves are the same vivid red as her father’s garden gnome’s hat.

Often Amelie contrasts skirts and polka dot cardigans with blazers and boxy leather coats in order to create a look that balances between the masculine and the feminine. And every outfit is accessorised with her iconic black bob and staple chunky black shoes.

Nino is told ‘you’ve always known her in your dreams’ and I’m pretty sure that I’ve known Amelie’s wardrobe in mine, both the film and her style will always be timeless in my eyes.

Sally Albright (When Harry Met Sally) Aadira Parakkat

As October settles in , and I’m preparing for a change in temperament from Hong Kong’swarm humid summer to Durham’s bitter cold and early sundown, I find myself blankly staring at an empty suitcase. I’m a summer baby through and through,so when it comes to the colder months, I routinely turn to the quintessential romcom, When Harry Met Sally, for inspiration.

It’s the ideal film, with its romantic setting of autumnal New York, warm-toned snapshot of the late 80s, and notably, costume designer Gloria Gresham’s fashion concepts.Sally Albright has always been the embodiment of autumnal couture; her untameable hairand dramatic sleeves represent everything I dream to emulate.

Despite my resentment forshoulder pads, an Albright wardrobe staple, her casual looks are what personally stand out the most, such as the red sweater she wears on a museum visit with Harry, or the black turtleneck and thin rimmed glasses combo she sports at home.

As a character, Sally knows exactly what she wants,and each of her outfits display a similar personality.While it’s most likely that the only Sally Albright look I’ll replicate is her iconic heartbreak-chic bathrobe ensemble, it’s nevertheless always a joy to escape into the romantic climate of this timeless film when faulty radiators fail to keep me warm in the biting cold.

Photography by Isi Parente via Unsplash

INTERVIEW 10

Thursday, 22nd October 2020

In conversation with Jack Edwards Our Interview Editors talk to Jack Edwards about university, advice, and his new book Claudia Jacob and Aimee Dickinson Interview Editors indigo.interview@palatinate.org.uk

I

nterview Editors, Claudia Jacob and Aimee Dickinson, speak to recent Durham alumni and Studytuber, Jack Edwards, about his new book The Uni-Verse. With over 230k subscribers on his YouTube channel, Jack explains the inspiration behind the book, his desire to increase accessibility in higher education and his advice for incoming freshers.

Having created YouTube videos throughout his undergraduate degree in English Literature at Durham, Jack Edwards has gone on to write a university survival guide, designed to address “the human issues that real students have.” As a first-generation, state school educated student, Jack is passionate about representing the university experience as diversely as possible, choosing to include various contributors who cover subjects that he may be less familiar with. As he states, “it’s not really a social commentary, it’s more practical tips about university.”

He goes on to tell us that the book came about somewhat unexpectedly. Someone who had watched his videos was doing work experience at Harper Collins (his publishers), who were planning on putting together a university lifestyle guide using input from lecturers and academic staff. It was suggested that Harper Collins have a look at Jack’s YouTube channel for inspiration, but instead they decided to ask him to write the whole

thing. He adds humorously that when he received the email, he remembers thinking: “If this is a scam, it’s a really elaborate one!”

He explains to us that he felt that “the university survival guides which were already in existence were quite dated and unrealistic”, adding that he wanted his book to sound more like it was written by a friend, rather than a guru. He also explained that if this was going to be the “ultimate guide to university” he was aware that it needed to represent “more than just [his] experience.” “I wanted to amplify the voices of those who don’t have the platform that I’m lucky enough to have,” he adds. With this in mind, he made sure to include contributors from different universities and backgrounds in an effort to ensure the book’s inclusivity and prevent it from becoming too Durham-centric.

With the brainstorming and writing process spanning from March 2019 to August 2020, Jack explains that aspects of The Uni-Verse had to be reconsidered in light of the Coronavirus outbreak. He adds that “a lot of

publishers may have had to reread some of the books that they’d approved previously” to be sensitive to the current circumstances, explaining, for example, that one of his jokes about “the average age on a cruise ship” unsurprisingly had to be amended.

In light of the current restrictions which university students face, Jack is hopeful that his book can be especially helpful, particularly for students who were unable to attend university open days and may have looked to StudyTubers to try and find some reassurance. He adds “I have a lot of respect for those who are giving university a go this year.” When asked about the reaction to the book, Jack was delighted by the positive response. He notes that some people were curious as to why he often mentions the fact that he’s stateschool educated, explaining that “maybe it’s a Durham thing, but for me it was a massive part of my identity and my experience at Durham.” He is therefore excited for the chance to “give people the advice I would’ve wanted,” stating that “the primary audience for this [book] is probably firstgeneration, state school kids, which is me.”

Jack concluded by giving us his advice for students this upcoming year. “The biggest message I want people to take away from the book is that you can do it. If university is a goal that you have then don’t let anything stand in your way of getting there; whether that’s internal mental battles that tell you you don’t belong there, whether you have imposter syndrome, whether your mental health doesn’t feel strong enough to deal with a big life change, or whether it’s external barriers like class disparity or inequality, lack of privilege...I hope that this book gives you all the tools to be like, I can do this, all the information I need is in this handbook, now I can focus on the academics.”

Read the full interview online at www.palatinate.org.uk.

Image courtesy of Jack Edwards

CREATIVE WRITING 11

Thursday, 22nd October 2020

‘Tonight I can write’ by Pablo Neruda Sasha Griffiths responds to her favourite poem

Sasha Griffiths creative.writing@palatinate.org.uk

M

y favourite poem is, some might say, a strange one. Pablo Neruda’s ‘Tonight I can write’ is an indulgence in heartbreak and an analysis into lost love.

What I find most beautiful about this poem is the relatable quality I found upon reading it, and the catharsis I later shared with the poet by the final verse, in which the poet decides that ‘this be the last pain that she makes me suffer / and these the last verses that I write for her’. I don’t think it’s realistic to expect that the poet has moved on completely by this point, but the determination to cast them from mind and poem is strong and admirable.

which the poet feels about the love which once was; I know I have certainly felt after a break-up these doubts. Neruda expresses that ‘She loved me sometimes, and I loved her too’ which details the question of how someone who supposedly loved him could leave him, or whether, now that love is lost, there was ever love to begin with. This is echoed in his later sentiment that ‘I no longer love her, that’s certain, but maybe I love her’, a plea to move on before he is ready. There is often an urgency to recover from heartbreak, a desperation to feel nothing and to have forgotten the feelings of love which were once consuming. As the poet realises, however, ‘Love is so short, forgetting is so long’ and cannot be so easily achieved.

“In the poet’s loss there is the potential for gain.”

In a way, this poem feels less intended for the girl he is no longer with, nor for its readers, but rather for himself. As we may write in journals or diaries, Neruda is writing this poem as a way of working through his feelings and coming to terms with the loss he feels. His questioning and indecision reveal the trouble he is having in accepting his own struggles to move on

Through the structure of the poem’s twoline stanzas, Neruda creates distance and separation just as he feels this ‘distance’ himself from the girl he once loved. This distance may be physical or it may reflect the loss of the emotional closeness one feels when one is in a relationship; to lose love is often to feel that they are a world away even when they’re perhaps living close or still part of one’s life.

There is also a distance of communication between the two lovers which can be felt through the pauses between stanzas and emphasised by the caesura within the lines, causing a fragmentation and brokenness, represented by his conclusion that ‘the night is shattered’ just as the physical verses of the poem are, and so to is his heart and mind now that he is no longer with his love.

Inspired by the distance is the uncertainty

and the conflict between idealising ‘Her voice. Her bright body. Her infinite eyes’ and knowing regretfully that ‘Another’s.

She will be another’s. Like my kisses before’ are common reactions to a break-up.

What I love most about the poem is that it almost doesn’t matter much whether the poet manages to move on because I think the beauty is its ability to make tangible what is felt. Through the creative process of writing poetry, the brokenness expressed and experienced by the poet is productive in crafting ‘the saddest lines’ and becoming the substance of a rich and powerful poem.

In the poet’s loss there is the potential for gain and as is often the case for writers, the disabling, debilitating experience of heartache itself bcomes enabling.

The poem’s progression suggests there to be a cathartic release involved in writing down one’s sorrows in order to work them through.

A creative writing response to Pablo Neruda’s ‘Tonight I write’ from the perspective of the subject of the original poem by Sasha Griffiths Tonight I too write the saddest lines.

Write, for example, ‘My days are silent And I see your face in every shadow.’

The nights are bleak, darkness engulfs the stars.

There were times when you and I would share an embrace and would kiss under the pale reflection of the moon.

Now those memories are tainted. Now all they bring is sadness.

To think that I do not have you. To fweel that I have lost you.

Tonight I write the saddest lines That I loved you, but you didn’t trust me to.

What does it matter that my love could not keep you?

You lost me because my words were not enough.

I no longer want to love you, but I do.

Can I ever be another’s, as I once was yours?

MUSIC 12

Thursday, 22nd October 2020

Music Durham during Covid-19 Martha Lily Dean interviews the Head of Student Music and the President of Music Durham Martha Lily Dean Music Editor music@palatinate.org.uk

W

ith Covid-19 still affecting all areas of life, Music Durham, the university’s student music society hub, has been preparing for the year ahead.

Jess Smith, (Arts and Humanities Development Executive and Head of Student Music) and Charlie Fletcher (President of Music Durham) told me about their experiences of the year so far, detailing how they have prepared for societies to go ahead.

Martha: What has it been like running Music Durham so far?

Charlie: This has been a year like no other, for obvious reasons! The exec and staff here at Music Durham have been working since March to secure the safest return to music for all our wonderful musicians this year. Along with the torrent of emails, the past few months have certainly provided some unique challenges, which have required some exceptional solutions.

“Covid-19 has presented a moment in time for creators to look at alternative methods for engagement.”

Covid-19 has presented a moment in time for creators to look at alternative methods for engagement – speaking for Music Durham, we have had the opportunity to build an online presence for in-

coming Freshers before they have even arrived. This has given us the opportunity for increased inclusivity and will hopefully strengthen our work in the future.

Martha: What Covid-19 issues have been the hardest to tackle for Music Durham, and how have you tried to resolve these issues?

Charlie: “There is nothing quite like live music” is a sentiment a large majority of musicians will appreciate. The unmistakable euphoria of playing the final note of a symphony, or the feeling you get after nailing that solo you have been practising for months are incomparable. These feelings are nothing without an audience, or at least peers. Covid-19 has starved musicians of this prospect, and we really do not realise what a privilege it is to have

an audience and a group of supportive peers on our musical journeys.

Therefore, we have been working round the clock with the university to put guidelines and restrictions in place to make our working environments as safe as possible for all students.

The first society rehearsals start on the 12th October and will be in line with all government and university policies.

In terms of audiences, venues such as the Assembly rooms have built in some cool new systems into their website for socially distanced performances.

We are also looking to expand the technical facilities we have at Music Durham – livestreaming has become a focus of ours over summer, and we would like to ex-

MUSIC Thursday, 22nd October 2020

pand this to concerts as well wherever possible, hopefully building an MD Tech Team.

Jess: Of course, we all know these times are unprecedented, and planning has had to be agile whilst also extremely thorough.

The university set up the ‘Wider Student Experience Performing Arts and Culture Steering Group’, who have been meeting weekly since July, detailing plans, aiming to make sure that activity can and would resume come October. Chaired by Kate Barton, who holds many job titles these days (Head of Student Theatre, Assembly Rooms Theatre Manager, part-time room booking coordinator extraordinaire, and acting Head of Media Durham) the committee pooled knowledge and expertise from a number of people across the university – colleges, departments, students, the DSU and of course the Experience Durham staff who support DST and Music Durham. They ensured everyone stayed up to date with all the professional guidance and industry specific information from the government to ensure that effort was made to allow rehearsals to start up, in person, as soon to the start of term as possible.

“It was sad to hear that Manchester and Birmingham are not letting their student orchestras rehearse.”

We also tried to find out what other universities were planning on doing, and the results were a little sadder on this front but motivated us even more that our approach was robust. For instance, it was sad to hear that Manchester and Birmingham are not letting their student orchestras rehearse. We should be really grateful for our environment I think and the work and emphasis on the ‘wider student

activity’ that there is in Durham. There have been hurdles, such as local restrictions and the rule of six, but the petitions of major Performing Arts organisations, and the educational exemptions, meant that we were able to proceed positively and that rehearsals can now take place.

Martha: Thinking back to the Freshers’ Fair and how it was organised, what do you have to say about the event?

Charlie: The Freshers’ Fair was a fantastic opportunity for incoming students to get involved with the wider student experience at Durham, however this was a monolithic task for the SU and the University to pick up for this year.

From a student perspective, it did not live up to expectations for many. My understanding of the situation is that freshers who attended enjoyed it, but sadly it did not have the engagement that Music Durham ensembles need to thrive. Music Durham is host to 29 ensembles, 8 chapel choirs, and 17 vibrant college music scenes – we pride ourselves in how unique every single one of them is, and we look to celebrate this.

The Freshers’ Fair on the other hand did not share this sentiment.

This may have just been down to the scope of the online project, but from my perspective there was little done to engage with us prior to the fair and there was little we could do.

Martha: What is the importance of student music in these trying times?

Jess: We know, and strongly believe in, the power of the performing arts on positive mental health, wellbeing, and joy. It is crucial to so many students’ university experiences and must be preserved and protected. It brings people together and gives so many people an escape from the stress and worries that are everywhere right now.

We also know that you cannot stop creatives from rehearsing, we yearn to make music together and to act and rehearse and create.

So, we (the WSEPA&CSG) had a duty to put safe plans in place, to open up rooms,

13

to give students the space to do their activities safely – rather than ‘illegal’ rehearsals take place in bedrooms in the dead of night.

“Ultimately, we need our students and staff to be safe and happy, and music can help with both of those things.”

We have been so encouraged by the effort and attention to detail from all the student leaders and staff across the board to complete risk assessments and checklists so we can sign off their activity as Covid safe. We are all learning and working together on this, remaining as agile and optimistic as possible.

Ultimately, we need our students and staff to be safe and happy, and music can help with both of those things. It is totally exhausting but it will be worth it.

Overall, Music Durham are dealing with new issues each day. Executive Committees, formed of students, are putting in an immense amount of effort to provide other students with the best opportunities and experiences.

Hopefully, societies will be able to return to ‘normal’ in a few months’ time, but for now, both the students and staff of Music Durham deserve recognition for their hard work. If you are unsure of how to get involved, follow the ‘Music Durham’ Facebook page, email Charlie Fletcher at charles.w.fletcher@ durham.ac.uk, or visit the Music Durham website at musicdurham.org. .Photgraphy by Charlie Fletcher and David Bullock at Fabio’s Jazz Jam via Music Durham

FASHION 14

Thursday, 22nd October 2020

Retail’s reliance on influencers Abbie Davies explores the importance of guerrilla marketing techniques for retail Abbie Davies Fashion Editor fashion@palatinate.org.uk

I

t has long been known that with the proliferation of fast-fashion, online shopping has soared, leaving highstreets struggling to sustain their presence in retail. The societal anxiety symptomatic of Covid 19 has further exacerbated this previously existing issue, meaning that fewer people are visiting the high-street, preferring to browse online in the comfort of their own homes.

The changing nature of retail has caused some shifting requests with regards to PR and influencer involvement. Retail is becoming increasingly reliant on influencers to market their brands through new strategies, increasing their online engagement from housebound audiences. The limited ability to socialise and go out has enormously amplified social media traffic.

According to Henry Williams, senior vice president of talent at Digital Brand Architects (DBA), the influencers under her representation are experiencing 20-50% increased views on their content. Brands anticipated this trend and so shifted their marketing techniques, implementing random and unique posts, a tactic known as, guerrilla marketing. However, Amber Venz Box, a blogger and tech entrepreneur has commented on an imminent stalemate within the industry, “One dimensional influencers – those with a single platform, single topic, single revenue stream – will fall away as collaboration revenue will become too unpredictable for a sustainable business and consumers will crave relatable talent.”

“the issues inherent to social media are not isolated to authenticity”

The issue of authenticity and interest is significant, as highlighted by Venz Box. Whilst Instagram can quantitatively measure the views and likes of social media posts, one should question how meaningful such engagement truly is. With the increased time spent at home during lockdown, with limited variety day-today and the increased access to devices, are people simply aimlessly scrolling on social without actually engaging with the abundance of similar posts available?

Does scrolling simply become a monotonous activity, used to pass the time, rather than a means of inspiration for fashion?

The issues inherent to social media are not isolated to authenticity, but link to ethics equally. Brands becoming increasingly reliant upon influencers to sustain a sense of normalcy and target buyers has evoked ethical questioning for some professionals, notably the French Instagram Influencer, Monica De La Villardière, who spoke to Vogue about her social media related guilt.

When posting images that reflected life inconsistent with the boredom and misery symptomatic of lockdown she commented, “Instagram is all about beauty and voyeurism isn’t it? Surely the whole point of fashion’s favourite app – and the fashion industry itself, for that matter – is to inspire and be inspired, by everything that comes your way?”

The changing tactics of brand management and marketing, professionally termed, ‘guerrilla marketing’, with an aim to not simply inspire trends, but to humour and entertain customers, in order to spark more meaningful and memorable engagement. As brands seek to effectively interact with customers during the Covid 19 pandemic, adopting creative tactics can help to foster feelings of community.

The influence of a successful campaign “lies in the element of surprise, humour and uniqueness”, according to Natalie Hughes, founding director of the social media agency, The Fashion Digital. “In an increasingly noisy social media space, brands have to think creatively – online and offline – to be seen, heard and,mostly importantly now,shared.”

During a period where traditional marketing techniques harness declining relevance, and the declining rate of footfall, guerrilla marketing has the potential to spark mass engagement. To deliver a successful campaign, brands must ensure a purpose behind their content that is worth being shared and enjoyed. A certain way to evoke entertainment, questions, and most vitally, attention, is through the unanticipated creativity of guerrilla marketing – organic and unique posts, worthy of promotion.

Image Credit: Freestocks via Unspalsh

STAGE Thursday, 22nd October 2020

An interview with the Durham Revue

15

Isabel Carmichael-Davis finds out more about the university’s comedy troupe Isabel Carmichael-Davis Stage Editor stage@palatinate.org.uk

F

or those of you who don’t know, the Durham Revue is a student comedy troupe who write and perform original sketches, which are ordinarily showcased at the Assembly Rooms, Gala Theatre and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I spoke with their members, Charlie Nicholson, Charlie Billingham, Lily Britton, Lydia Cook, Will Allen, Ben Lycett and Daisy Hargreaves, to discuss their plans for the upcoming year and how they have adapted to the new circumstances under Covid-19.

What projects are you currently working on? How will you ensure that it reaches as wide an audience as usual?

Charlie Billingham: Over the past few months, we have been working on an online sketch show called ERROR 404.

It’s very exciting stuff for us, being able to experiment with a new format and try out ideas that maybe wouldn’t have fitted into one of the Revue’s normal live shows. With regards to reaching a wide audience, the internet has a larger maximum capacity than The Assembly Rooms so maybe our sketches will go global? No promises or anything. It’s also free, so I suppose that’s a bonus.

How is writing online sketches different to writing for physical shows?

Lily Britton: There is far more scope when writing for online sketches than physical shows. We can play around with costumes, props, editing etc, and because of this, the sketches can be a lot weirder and less in the ‘classic’ sketch style - which I think we’ve all really enjoyed. The biggest downside to it

has been filming and editing a sketch for hours only for it to be binned. At least when a sketch doesn’t land on stage it’s all over in about two minutes, and then we just dance away the embarrassment in a blackout.

ing. It’s safe to say if times were normal, I wouldn’t have been up at five in the morning on a Tuesday writing a sketch about moles, nor would I have spent eight hours watching Dora the Explorer for ‘research purposes’.

What challenges have you faced and what changes have you made to ensure the show is successful?

What advice would you give to this year’s Freshers, wanting to get involved with theatre under the current circumstances?

Lydia Cook: Many set ups/ jokes that may work in a theatre setting just do not translate to screen in the same way. I know I found this quite a difficult adjustment to make when it came to writing new content, as in theatre you’re relying more on the audience’s imagination to fill in the blanks, which can work to your advantage!

Daisy Hargreaves: I was so daunted coming in as a fresher and auditioning for the revue. I’d done comedy parts in plays at school but had never really tried my hand at ‘proper comedy’. My advice would be to go for it 100%. There’s nothing worse than half-committing to a joke and it flopping, because you may as well have tried to do it justice in the process.

Be yourself and back yourself (also watch and read and absorb all forms of comedy you can find, there are always lessons to be learnt from others - good or bad).

Is lockdown/Covid-19 featured as a focus in your new sketches or have you tried to avoid it?

Charlie Nicholson: We decided to avoid it completely, partly because all the jokes about COVID have already been made and partly because the global pandemic doesn’t seem very funny really.

Will Allen added: Having said that, lockdown has certainly impacted my writ-

When are auditions and what are you looking for in new troupe members? Is previous experience necessary?

Charlie Billingham: Auditions were on the 12th and 13th of October. We have a Facebook event which details how they are going to work!

Ben Lycett: Anybody can do it, if you love comedy and think you’d like to give it a try - then audition! I’d never written a sketch before auditioning, so previous experience really does not matter. Writers-only auditions will also be held later, so even if performing isn’t your thing then you can still get involved. I can’t wait to meet everyone!

Image: by Samuel Kirkman

TRAVEL 16

Thursday, 22nd October 2020

Destination of the month: Iceland Isabel Carmichael-Davis discusses the preoccupation with diversity in theatre Emma Johnson Travel Editor travel@palatinate.org.uk

N

ot so long-ago Iceland may have seemed a rather unusual travel destination, reserved perhaps only for adventurers, geographers and geologists.

Fast track to 2020 and the land of fire and ice has become one of the world’s most popular places to visit. Boasting breath-taking waterfalls, gushing geysers, explosive hot springs and unpronounceable volcanoes, Iceland is a worthy pick for Indigo’s top travel pick this month and is definitely somewhere to put on your travel bucket list and start dreaming about!

Iceland at a glance: Location: Northern Europe Language: Icelandic Currency: Icelandic krona When to visit: April to May is best for outdoor exploring and to avoid the bustling crowds that can come over summer months.

Winter can limit travel due to snow but is the best time to see the Northern Lights.

How to get around: For an Icelandic road trip, cars are easy to hire and if you want to save money on accommodation, consider a campervan.

First stop on your Icelandic itinerary must be the Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital. Not only is Reykjavik the gateway to the more rugged and wild landscapes Iceland has to offer, the city is bursting with historic sights, boutique shops and quirky cafes. No visit would be complete without taking on the climb to the top of the Hallgrimskirkja church which offers breath-taking 360-degree

views across the expanse of the city. For travellers on a budget, there is plenty to see and do for free, including walking tours, museums and galleries.

Anyone lucky enough to have travelled to Iceland will know about the Golden Circle, which includes three of Iceland’s most stunning locations: Gullfoss waterfall, Thingvellir National Park and the Geothermal Geysir. With all three being under a two-hour drive away from Reykjavik, they can easily be fitted into a day’s itinerary. If you’re short for time, prioritise a visit to the Geysir geothermal area. The Great Geysir (geysir means ‘to gush’ in Icelandic), is thought to have given its name to all geysers around the world and although now it lies inactive, is still worth seeing. The famous Strokkur hot spring can be found nearby, hard to miss due to its frequent shooting of vast steaming jets of boiling water every 5 to 10 minutes, attracting large crowds enticed by the thrill of suspense as it does so.

Iceland is home to many amazing waterfalls, each with a distinctive character and unique stories from history or folklore which help bring the dramatic landscape of Iceland

to life. We’ve picked out just two of the best waterfalls worthy of adding to your Icelandic itinerary. Skógafoss is an impressive 82 feet wide and 197 feet high, with its tumbling cascades of icy water making it easily one of the most beautiful and dramatic of all waterfalls in Iceland.

Seljalandsfoss can be fully encircled on foot in summer months, meaning that visitors can bask in the sheer pleasure of feeling the waterfall’s mist as you traverse around it.

Elusive and mysterious, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) have enticed visitors to Iceland for decades and seeing them remains just as much down to luck as ever! You might only catch a flicker of green passing across the sky on your travels, or you might miss them completely.

October is generally thought to be the best time to catch a glimpse of them in all their ethereal beauty.

Finish off an Icelandic adventure with a trip to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, unsurprisingly one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. Holding around six million litres of water at around 39°c, its waters bursting with natural minerals are renowned for their healing properties and will make any UK spa seem tame in comparison. Despite its popularity, there is a hushed quiet around the lagoon as visitors float around in the milky turquoise water in a state of serene tranquillity, with the Icelandic winds and dramatic landscapes making it the perfect setting for some serious relaxation.

Image Credits: Emma Johnson and Gracie Linthwaite