Lorrie Moore
Tuesday 27 May 2008 21:45-22:30 (Radio 3)
Paul Allen presents the arts and ideas programme and talks to American short story writer Lorrie Moore.
Psycho Buildings
Psycho Buildings on at the Hayward Gallery
Rachel Whiteread
Village 2006-2008
Mixed media (dollshouses, crates, boxes, wood, electrical fixtures and fittings, electricity)
© Rachel Whiteread. Courtesy Gagosian Gallery
Photo: Peppe Avallone
Playlist
Lorrie Moore
The American author Lorrie Moore has been described as "the nearest thing we have to Chekhov". She's one of the dazzling generation that emerged in the Eighties but unlike Jay McInerney and Brett Easton Ellis her work - though widely acclaimed -- is less well known in this country. That may be about to change. Paul Allen talks to her about her latest book - a volume of collected stories. They're full of her particular brand of idiosyncratic perspective and unblinking observation and bring a sharp focus to the painful comedy and accidental beauty of contemporary life.
The Collected Stories by Lorrie Moore is published by Faber.
Psycho Buildings
Paul will also be pondering the Hayward Gallery's show - Psycho buildings - featuring the work of ten artists from around including that of Rachel Whiteread. The Hayward's huge spaces are filled with artist-designed architectural environments, which will spill onto the three outdoor sculpture terraces, radically altering the interior and exterior of the gallery.
Psycho Buildings is on at the Hayward Gallery, South Bank from 22 May.
The Common Pursuit
Susannah Clapp reviews the new production of Simon Gray's play, The Common Pursuit. A sharp comedy, which charts the progress of a group of Cambridge undergraduates who lauch a literary publication - The Common Pursuit.
The Common Pursuit is on at Menier Chocolate Factory from 27 May.
Communist Humour
The documentary film maker turned author, Ben Lewis, and comedian, Robin Ince, join Paul to consider how Communist jokes reflect Soviet history.. no doubt they'll be telling a few too.
Hammer & Tickle: A History of Communism told through Communist Jokes by Ben Lewis is published by Weidenfeld + Nicolson.
