11 November 2005
Friday 11 November 2005 21:30-22:15 (Radio 3)
Night Waves visits the latest reinvention of the library, talking to David Adjaye about his Idea Store in Whitechapel and looks at the enduring appeal of Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra.
Programme details
On Night Waves tonight Matthew Sweet examines the work of philosophy that was inspired by Wagner and in turn inspired Richard Strauss. As a new translation of Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra is published, Night Waves explores its enduring appeal. As well as its formative influence on writers and composers, is it also true to say it provides an ethical manual for living? Matthew finds out more.
And Night Waves visits the latest reinvention of the library - this time in Whitechapel, East London. Matthew talks to architect David Adjaye about his new building which replaces the old Victorian library, famously known as the 'university of the ghetto', so central was it to the immigrants who educated themselves and learnt to speak English there. With a brief to reconnect with its deprived local communities it aims to present itself as a shop for thought, going by the title 'Idea Store'.
And Matthew looks at the emergence of a new form of theatre - it is wordless, fun, immensely popular and so far uncategorised. Characterised by shows like Stomp, De La Guarda and the new Blue Man Group, Matthew asks whether they are the theatrical lowest common denominator or a new force to be reckoned with.
Join Matthew Sweet for all this and more on BBC Radio 3.
Additional Information:
David Adjaye's Idea Store is open on the Whitechapel Road in London now, with an official launch on 30 November.
The new translation of Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Graham Parkes is newly published by OUP in the World's Classics series.
Blue Man Group opens at the New London Theatre in London on 14 November until 19 February.
Nik Cohn's Triksta is published by Harvill Secker on 14 November.
