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Oliver Stone; First Position; The Sunken Garden opera

Arts magazine. Oliver Stone discusses his new documentary series, ballet film First Position is reviewed, and David Mitchell and Michel Van der Aa on their new opera collaboration.

With Mark Lawson

Director Oliver Stone's latest project is an ambitious ten-part TV documentary series called Oliver Stone's Untold History of the United States. He's teamed up with writer Peter Kuznick to look back at events that at the time went under-reported, but that shaped America over the 20th century. Oliver Stone and Peter Kuznick discuss the challenge of such a large undertaking and the inevitable controversy that it has attracted.

First Position is a film about the ballet world. It shows a group of 11-17 year olds as they prepare to enter the Youth America Grand Prix, where scholarships to ballet schools and dancing contracts can be won. Dance critic Judith Mackrell reviews the film.

Cloud Atlas writer David Mitchell and composer Michel van der Aa have collaborated on a new opera, The Sunken Garden, which opens tonight at the Barbican in London. Including 3-D film, and singers on stage as well as film, the story is about a 'soul stealer'. They talk to Mark Lawson about the project and how they worked together.

Produced by Penny Murphy.

Available now

30 minutes

Chapters

  • Oliver Stone

    Director Oliver Stone and writer Peter Kuznick discuss their new TV documentary

    Duration: 12:13

  • First Position

    Dance critic Judith Mackrell reviews the new ballet documetary film, First Position.

    Duration: 04:26

  • Sunken Garden

    Writer David Mitchell and composer Michel van der Aa discuss their new opera Sunken Garden

    Duration: 11:36

Sunken Garden

Sunken Garden is on at the Barbican in London until 20th April.

Photo above: Katherine Manley and Roderick Williams in Sunken Garden.Β Β© Mike Hoban.

First Position

First Position has been released in UK cinemas, certificate 15.

The Untold History of The United States

Oliver Stone's Untold History of The United States starts on Sky Atlantic on 19th April.

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Mark Lawson
Interviewed Guest David Mitchell
Producer Penny Murphy

Broadcast

  • Fri 12 Apr 2013 19:15

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