Category Archives: Politics

Hugh Lupton’s The Ballad of John Clare

Posted on September 9, 2017 by

Among the leading figures of the British storytelling revival, Hugh Lupton is one very worthy of ecocritical attention. Shows such as On Common Ground (performed with Chris Wood) and The Liberty Tree (performed with Nick Hennessey) passionately engage with the … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, Politics, Storytelling | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Utopia without Fascism

Posted on March 27, 2017 by

The 1000-page bulk of Austin Tappan Wright’s Islandia had sat intimidatingly on the shelf since I acquired it. Only in the period of forced leisure after an operation did I get round to reading it. Long hours in bed gave … Continue reading →

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The Rogue One Terrorists

Posted on December 21, 2016 by

I used to think of Star Wars as a fairy tale in space. In filling a tempting gap in the storyline, Rogue One offers less in the way of mythological resonance and more of gritty realism. It’s telling that some key … Continue reading →

Posted in film, Politics, science fiction, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Kindness to Strangers

Posted on November 1, 2016 by

The first thing I need to report about my expedition to New Caledonia is the incredibly generous hospitality I received there. From all kinds of people: indigenous Kanak, white Caledonians, metropolitan French, and other expatriates. They welcomed me into their … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

What’s the Story to Get to a Better Society?

Posted on June 28, 2016 by

I wanted to write something else about the EU referendum – or rather about one aspect of the consequences now unfolding at dizzying speed. How, though, to make that relevant to the focus of this blog? Well, when you stand … Continue reading →

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Like a Slow-Motion Car Crash

Posted on June 20, 2016 by

I’ve sometimes wondered what it must be like to live in a time when you can see that your society is wilfully racing towards political disaster – war, say, or violent revolution, or fascist supremacy – and no appeal either … Continue reading →

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Crafting Utopias – by Kirsty Hartsiotis

Posted on April 12, 2016 by

It’s a long way from Central Africa to Gloucestershire, but it’s ideas and commitment, not location, that make a utopia. In Anthony Nanson’s Deep Time we are introduced to a number of different communities, some striving for an ideal and … Continue reading →

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