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PREVIEWS Arts ahead

The courage to resist, from WWI pacifists to civil rights activists in America's Deep South

WITH This Evil Thing, Michael Mears has created a mesmerising drama on the brave struggles of pacifists during the first world war.

This talented — and, in lockdown, amazingly resourceful — writer and actor filmed the whole thing in his flat. His play — in which Mears plays 52 roles — runs at 90 minutes. He has performed it more than 100 times in Britain and the US but has now produced a lockdown version on his phone.

“Lockdown” is perhaps appropriate because, as Mears says,“Just over 100 years ago, British conscientious objectors were locked down in this country against their will because of the ‘virus’ it was feared they were spreading — the virus of pacifism and anti-militarism.”

Key characters, who stuck to their guns by refusing to take up arms include Bert Brocklesby, a young schoolteacher and Methodist preacher, and philosopher Bertrand Russell. Socialist politician Fenner Brockway also plays a pivotal role. youtube.com/playlist?list=PLctnbV_-mfzu_ZF5xxN9VtzTXEP2mAfem

Audio wanderings around museums are still running, thanks to the Art Fund. They include TV celebrity Anneka Rice with actor Imogen Stubbs at Osborne House in East Cowes, BBC radio presenters Jane Garvey and Fi Glover at the Tate Liverpool and comedian Lloyd Langford at Cardiff Castle. artfund.org/whats-on/meet-me-at-the-museum

A day out in Margate is both appealing and impossible but the good news is that Turner Contemporary gallery is showing, online and for free, their exhibition on art and resistance in the American South.

Favourably reviewed in the Morning Star more than three long months ago, its title We Will Walk comes from the rallies and marches which galvanised the civil rights movement.

Sculptural assemblages, paintings, photography and quilts by more than 20 African-American artists from Alabama and surrounding states are accompanied by a playlist, including civil rights songs curated by music historian Calvin Forbes from Chicago.

It’s an exhibition whose time has certainly come. turnercontemporary.org/whats-on/we-will-walk/

 

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