Bitter, soap and self-analyses

FILMMAKER Rehana Zaman’s first solo show in Scotland is to open in Glasgow.

Zaman’s show, Speaking Nearby, brings together two of her recent films. The first, Tell me the story Of all these things looks at “the social conditioning that affects how we analyse bodies, identities and relationships.”

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And if you’re a little unsure what that entails, the explanation is expanded; “It brings together a staged cooking demonstration, a nebulous animated body, screenshots from Prevent’s e-learning website (the UK government’s ‘anti-radicalisation’ programme) and an intimate probing interview with the artist’s sister Farah.”

So there you have it. The second film, Some Women, Other Women and all the Bittermen is a six part soap opera set in the Tetley Brewery.

The show also includes a new film Lourdes, developed from a residency in Tepito, Mexico City, centring upon a discussion with a market trader, Lourdes.

The CCA, Glasgow, February 10 – March 25.

Swanning around

SAINT Petersburg Classic Ballet is coming to Glasgow this month.

The reputation of the elite Russian group continues to grow throughout the UK and the group will be performing their favourite repertories, “with stunning sets, lavish costumes and sublime dancers.”

*Swan Lake, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, January 14.

Steely Douglas

WORLD-renowned lap steel guitarist Jerry Douglas will appear at Celtic Connections as part of the BBC’s Transatlantic Sessions.

Jerry’s announced a string of February UK shows which kick off in Glasgow for the Celtic Connections February 2nd and 4th. The dates follow the release of his new album What If which is currently Grammy nominated for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

*The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, February 2 and 4.

Medium Gaelic

MUS RO FACLAN LAN, or Before Words, is the working title for the development of a dance performance influenced by the landscape, language and culture of the Outer Hebrides.

The performance is an attempt to write or record movement that is in dialogue with a people and place. “What can a Gaelic reading of the landscape reveal that otherwise remains hidden? How can the body serve as a medium to that which cannot otherwise be expressed in words?”

CCA, January 13.

Gorgeous music

BEAUTIFUl, the musical based on the life and musical times of pop legend Carole King - replete with powerful dramatic narrative - comes to Glasgow next month. The show features classic songs such as You’ve Got A Friend and It’s Too Late.

The King’s Theatre, February 13-17