Quadrophenia Meets the Dance Floors: A Mod Reinterpretation
A New Ballet Market for the 70s Rebel in You
Off-Duty: Our Selection of Notable Articles for the Week by Our Website Editors
Stepping into Sadler's Wells Theatre, I was ready to experience ballet like never before. With my last ballet experience being some fluffy, conservative Nutcracker, I was intrigued to see Quadrophenia, A Mod Ballet—a production daringly adapted from The Who's 1973 rock opera, Quadrophenia. This wasn't a graceful waltz across the stage, my friend. No, it was a pulsating trip back to 60s London, where fashion was as raw as the emotions portrayed in this contemporary dance theater extravaganza.
From City Commute to Competitive Racing
Life can be surprising, and for Architecture and Environment Director Ellie Stathaki, it surely was. What started as a daily bike ride to work transformed into an actual cycling race! Invited to the 2025 Brompton World Championship at King's Cross, London, Ellie traded the conventional art scene for a day filled with cutting-edge technology, competition, conviviality, and stunning views of London while riding the T line Brompton.
Food, Drink, and Sunshine: A Perfect Combination
Enough from the bike lanes, let's move on to the good stuff. Sushisamba x Veuve Clicquot's Covent Garden Piazza Terrace provided the perfect setting for enjoying some crudo and spritzes al fresco. London might not love the sun, but we can all agree that it fits the city like a glove. More of it, please!
Artful Experiences for theWeek
Art enthusiasts were treated to an art-filled week, beginning with Jenny Saville's powerful female figures at the National Portrait Gallery. The week continued with a deep dive into Vincent Van Gogh's enduring influence on Anselm Kiefer at the Royal Academy of Arts, transitioning across the street to White Cube at Mason's Yard for a breathtaking interpretation of the sunflower. Finally, a train ride down to Yorkshire Sculpture Park led to the immersive, political, yet playful new exhibition by William Kentridge, opening this weekend.
Sci-Fi invades Scandinavia
Transport and Technology Editor Jonathan Bell traveled to Copenhagen to witness the debut landing of clothing company Vollebak's science fiction-inspired pop-up: the Spaceshop. Hosted by Bjarke Ingels in his new studio space, the event was a night filled with music, film, out-of-this-world cocktails, and conversations about the future.
Stories from the Heart of Suburbia
This week, Senior Designer Gabriel Annouka found himself in the less glamorous streets of Thamesmead for 'A Small Call for an Ever,' a photography show by Sarah White at the Nest Library. The event highlighted the fight by locals against the construction of a carbon capture plant, which they argue ignores the concerns of the community and poses environmental risks. As the evening concluded with a sound performance at Taco, an art center nearby, Annouka couldn't help but find a hint of warmth and tenderness in the brutally beautiful edges of Thamesmead, mirroring the same atmosphere found in the 1996 film Beautiful Thing.
Cultural Encounters: Design and Memory
Moderating a panel at the Ukrainian Institute of America, US Editor Anna Fixsen listened to designer and architect Victoria Yakusha discuss her works that draw upon the traditions of her native Ukraine. Joined by Jean Lin of Colony, Stefano Giussani of Lissoni Architecture, and gallerist Cristina Grajales, the panel chatted about the value of engaging with local craft traditions and artisans, narrative infusing architecture and design, and the trajectory of collectible design. Despite the sweltering temperatures outside, the conversation was lively, poignant, and inspiring.
Embracing the Eclectic: A Fusion of Lifestyle and Art
Inspired by the modern ballet's fusion of traditional dance and contemporary rock, the fashion-conscious audience embraced an eclectic mix of 60s mod fashion and contemporary streetwear, adding a touch of flair to the usual theatre attire. Meanwhile, technology enthusiasts were enthralled by Ellie Stathaki's experience blending cycling and cutting-edge technology during the Brompton World Championship.
Travelling Through Time and Art
From the cultural encounters in Copenhagen to the art-filled week in London, the fusion of sci-fi and Ukrainian artisanal traditions, to the suburban photographic exhibition, every event seemed like a cultural time-travel adventure. Whether it's the memory-rich discussions or the immersive contemporary dance ballet, travel has become not just a journey across geographical landscapes, but a voyage through time and artistic expressions.
