Ster-Kinekor: V&A Nouveau

This film shows a superb exhibition at The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. With its extensive collection of French artist, Edgar Degas’ work, it is the most representative in Britain, to the streets of Paris. It tells the fascinating story of Degas’ obsessive pursuit for perfection by experimenting with new techniques and studying past masters. Using written accounts by friends and commentators, and the narration of letters written by Degas himself, this film reveals a more complex truth behind one of the most influential French artists of the late 19th century

Simon Russell Beale plays William Shakespeare’s Richard II, broadcast live from the stage of the Almeida Theatre in London to cinemas. This visceral new production about the limits of power will be directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins, whose previous plays include Little Revolution at the Almeida and Absolute Hell at the National Theatre. Richard II, King of England, is irresponsible, foolish and vain. His weak leadership sends his kingdom into disarray and his court into uproar. Seeing no other option but to seize power, the ambitious Bolingbroke challenges the throne and the king’s divine right to rule. Simon Russell Beale returns to National Theatre Live screens following broadcasts of Timon of Athens and King Lear, and his recent role in the National Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of The Lehman Trilogy.

After her fiance is falsely imprisoned, a pregnant African-American woman sets out to clear his name and prove his innocence.

Soprano Anna Netrebko joins the ranks of Renata Tebaldi, Montserrat Caballé, and Renata Scotto, taking on—for the first time at the Met—the title role of the real-life French actress who dazzled 18th-century audiences with her on-and offstage passion. The soprano is joined by tenor Piotr Beczała as Adriana's lover, Maurizio. The principal cast also features mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili and baritone Ambrogio Maestri. Gianandrea Noseda conducts. Sir David McVicar's staging, which sets the action in a working replica of a Baroque theater, premiered at the Royal Opera House in London, where the Guardian praised the "elegant production, sumptuously designed ... The spectacle guarantees a good night out."

“The Secret Survivor” is the eye witness account by 92 year old Veronica Phillips - Hungarian Jew, born 9 November 1926, Budapest. She lives in Johannesburg today. After nearly 70 years of silence Veronica tells her story of surviving the Holocaust to film director, Johnathan Andrews. She remembers Budapest as teenager, waiting in line to get a Swiss letter of protection - possible through the efforts of Carl Lutz - the Arrow Cross, the Nazis, the concentration camps where she was held, a death march, and finding her way back home to Budapest. The film includes war time archival footage and interviews with historians and diplomats.