Programme Details

Isabel Hilton and guests discuss the largest exhibition of contemporary African art ever seen in Europe. Africa Remix draws together the work of 75 different artists from all over the continent, from Algeria to Zimbabwe. Night Waves reviews the show, and talks to one of Africa's most distinguished contemporary artists, El Anatsui, whose work is featured in the exhibition.

The Sea Inside is the latest film from the Spanish director of The Others. It tells the true story of a quadriplegic man who campaigns for the right to die. In doing so he forms powerful relationships with two women, one determined to help him, the other strongly opposed to his wish for euthanasia. Maria Delgado joins Isabel to review the film, which has been nominated for two Oscars.

And Night Waves examines the legacy of one of the Enlightenment's greatest thinkers. Baron de Montesquieu, who died two hundred and fifty years ago, is widely regarded as the father figure of political science and of sociology. His ideas about the constitution of the modern state were hugely influential in the early years of American independence and are the basis of much contemporary political thought. Jeremy Jennings and Nicholas Rengger explain why, in 2005, all our politicians should be reading Montesquieu.

And, as Kevin Spacey takes to the stage of the theatre he runs, London's Old Vic, in Dennis McIntyre's National Anthems, Susannah Clapp reviews the performance.

Night Waves, live at 9.30pm, here on BBC Radio 3


Presenter: Isabel Hilton
Producer: Thomas Morris



Additional Information:
1) Africa Remix is at the Hayward Gallery in London from 10 February until 17 April. www.africaremix.org.uk
2) El Anatsui: Gawu is at the October Gallery in London from 10 February until 19 March. www.octobergallery.co.uk
3) The Sea Inside is on general release from Friday, certificate PG.
4) National Anthems is at the Old Vic theatre in London until 23 April. www.oldvictheatre.com