18 NOV–2 DEC YOU’VE GOT 15 DAYS TO LIVE! Last issue I used this space to namecheck some exciting cultural projects that were overcoming the recession. This issue I’m reeling from the news of the Roxy’s demise and The Forest’s potential closure. The same arguments still apply, however, whether the outlook is bleak or optimistic – when venues are put under strain the need for performers to be inventive becomes more acute. The consolation in this is that in difficult times hungry audiences and enthusiastic artists find exciting ways to connect. We’re fully backing The Forest’s fundraising campaign, but we’re also keeping an eye out for a new crop of interesting Edinburgh events, bubbling up to the surface in unlikely places.
Editor Cover Story
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AFROCUBISM The long-delayed Cuban/Malian musical crossover project is finally unveiled for the world to enjoy. 20
UNCLE BOONMEE This Thai fantasy-storytelling film waltzed off with the Palme d’Or at Cannes, but is it actually any good? 24
The Out-of-towners It’s all very well us harping on about how great Glasgow and Edinburgh are every fortnight, but it’s useful to get an outsider’s perspective. So we got an Edinburgh-based writer and a Glasgow-based opera singer, and made them switch places for the day to discover the best hidden cultural gems in each city. See what they got up to on page 10. COVER PHOTO: JANNICA HONEY. MODEL: FRASER @ LA VRAIE BEAUTÉ Studio space provided by PSD photography, www.psdphotography.com. Suitcase provided by Unicorn Antiques, 65 Dundas Street, Edinburgh, 556 7176. www.unicornantiques.com
ST ANDREW’S DAY FOOD There’s more to Scots cuisine than haggis and fried Mars bars. Here are some different dishes for 30 November.
+ Regulars
2 First Word Alasdair Gray shows us his grumpy side.
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7 Noticeboard The future of Edinburgh’s under-threat venues. 18 Lifestyle We don some hats by Joyce Paton, plus the latest shopping news.
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Around Town St Andrew’s Day Dolly the sheep debate GLAM in the City
Books India Knight PJ O’Rourke Steve Bell Clubs Death Disco/Pressure Scientist vs Upsetters Doc Daneeka
Film Robert Rodriguez Chico and Rita Harry Potter The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest DVDs
Comedy Podcasts Mark Watson
Kids Rebels With A Cause
LGBT Diane Torr
Music The Drums Caribou The Phantom Band Records Jazz & Folk Classical Theatre Dadafest The Habit of Art Picasso's Women The Strasse Burke
Visual Art Childish Things The Ethics of Encounter Standfield / Hooykaas Titanic Classified Recruitment I Saw You Flatshare Classified Courses and Tuition
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