Truly creative people are phenomenal. They build stories out of air, music out of silence, artworks out of base elements. As American novelist Kurt Vonnegut wrote, exhorting others to join him with a career in the arts: “We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down.” It’s exhausting and exhilarating in equal measure.
At least that’s how it seems, talking to British-based Kiwi choreographer Corey Baker on a Zoom call. At first, he’s in his office at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, one of the main venues for the Commonwealth Games. He is choreographing the opening ceremony, which will be screened in New Zealand on July 29 (see our Commonwealth Games on TV guide, p66).
Next, he’s walking around the athletic track, and then on his way to a meeting. He’s never less than present with me on the call, but he’s also on to the next thing, simultaneously.
“I feel I am like a persistent toddler – I do lots of things at the same time, and I don’t give up,” Baker says. “I suppose that’s tenacity. I don’t see any other way than the way I want it to be.”
This may be how, in 2020, he managed to create, without ever meeting the participants, a short film featuring a host of international ballet dancers from around the world.
Made for the BBC, it was shot in the dancers’ own bathtubs, as they performed to the instantly identifiable tones of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. At just over three minutes long, it was one of the viral video hits of the pandemic.
Denne historien er fra July 23 - 29, 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra July 23 - 29, 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Sights to behold
Being blind didn't deter Aucklander FRASER ALEXANDER and his partially-sighted wife from travelling in Europe. Their memories were shaped by sound, touch and smell.
Pages of delight
Charming survey of children's literature throughout the centuries should be treasured and reread.
Heart of the matter
Women are less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease than men, and less likely to get best treatment. Researchers are struggling with old stereotypes to right the balance.
Balaclava beats
Their paramilitary shtick is intentionally menacing, offensive and alienating, but to be fair to the hip-hop trio Kneecap, their infamous balaclava is disarmingly hilarious. Kneecap, the 2024 movie that offers a fictionalised account of their rise to fame, is a Bafta- and Oscar-nominated Northern Irish film sensation.
Friends like these
One of the stranger characteristics of the populist oligarchy mobilising around Donald Trump's new administration is the interest taken in the domestic politics of the UK.
Irresistible force
A new documentary about gentle rugby giant Jonah Lomu reveals little but is a reminder of what made him special.
Fleeing the nest
A tale of building a new life after an abusive relationship makes for an impressive debut.
Life less ordinary
Chelsie Preston Crayford follows a big 2024 with a new comedy role and putting the finishing touches on her debut feature as a director and writer.
Not on our watch
Nasa, one of the most technologically advanced organisations on the planet, made prospective astronauts take inkblot tests to determine their sexuality.
No free lunch
The new, cut-price school lunch programme will shut out many community providers. But will bulk-supplied meals meet children’s needs?
