29/10/2011

Available for over a year

The best of the world's arts, film, music and literature. Presented by Simon Pitts. Umberto Eco The Italian novelist talks to The Strand about his latest novel - The Prague Cemetary. Japanese Culture More than six months after Japan's earthquake and tsunami, The Strand hears about attempts to rescue the cultural heritage of the region and asks whether more could be done. George Condo American Artist George Condo discusses inventing cartoon-like characters and painting The Queen and Kanye West. Jarvis Cocker Pop lyrics don't often stand up to scrutiny, but a book of the words to songs from the 90's band Pulp is full of delights The Rum Diary We review the adaptation of Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson's novel, set in 1950s Puerto Rico, starring Johnny Depp. Somaliland Culture Rebirth To mark Somali Week in the UK, we discuss Somali poetry, its themes and its oral tradition. Lynne Ramsay The Scottish director discusses her adaptation of We Need To Talk About Kevin. Korean Pansori Music journalist Simon Broughton explains his discovery of the subtle delights of a type of music he thought he'd never like.