Banksy, The Alternativity @ Walled Off Hotel

[Fake]

Dec 18, 2017 3:12:28 GMT 1 @mundanebeauty said:

Dec 18, 2017 2:25:13 GMT 1 rockbeer said:

I doubt the BBC would have shown a documentary about it if he'd just thrown a party.

BBC and Danny Boyle aside, what was the concept behind the actual piece of art? Was the concept to bring people together?

He staged a slightly banksy themed nativity play yes.

None of it makes sense.

His goal was to create awareness about the problems in the israel - palistine conflict. I think he succeeded ;-)

[annar50]

Turned off after 30mins .. what a pile of crap

[crashwilliams]

Dec 18, 2017 9:09:46 GMT 1 Fake said:

Dec 18, 2017 3:12:28 GMT 1 @mundanebeauty said:

BBC and Danny Boyle aside, what was the concept behind the actual piece of art? Was the concept to bring people together?

He staged a slightly banksy themed nativity play yes.

None of it makes sense.

His goal was to create awareness about the problems in the israel - palistine conflict. I think he succeeded ;-)

Exactly this

[FЯ]

Dec 18, 2017 9:46:50 GMT 1 annar50 said:

Turned off after 30mins .. what a pile of crap

An alarm just sounded at Nex’s shrine.

[My Name is Frank]

Thought it was actually very good. You could see that banksy clearly wanted a stunt nativity, Boyle resisted and went to some length to try and give it some purpose and meaning by understanding the people who live there.

By engaging with locals and banksy, I think Boyle managed to create something that was enjoyable for everyone and for a short period of time allowed everyone to forget where they are and just enjoy a nativity.

I think the Balfour element may have happened as a result of Boyle ensuring the alternativity was actually for locals rather than a stunt event for the press.

Film was good at showing A side to Palestine that is rarely shown, everyday people getting on with everyday lives.

[Fuzzyduck121]

^^^ +1

[Chris JL]

As an operation to smuggle a (family friendly) documentary on the illegal wall issue on prime time TV, this was definitively a success.

Most of the rhetoric we are exposed to in the West depicts Palestinians as dangerous and unreasonable - when did you last see footage from there without the Kalashnikovs wielding Hamas?

Here instead the narration was about very normal people striving for a normal lifestyle - nativity school play included - despite living under apartheid in the biggest open air jail on the planet.

Hence, if found it quite good, and at moments even touching and poetic.

[Chris JL]

PS and it made me feel like going back to the WOH again 😊

[rockbeer]

Dec 18, 2017 9:09:46 GMT 1 Fake said:

His goal was to create awareness about the problems in the israel - palistine conflict. I think he succeeded ;-)

Yes, that's exactly what I was trying to point out!

[Carl Cashman]

Other than making millions of people more aware of the situation in Palestine.. what were people expecting ?

[treweman]

chrisjl and alsbabar .... well written. I couldn’t agree more.

What we saw yesterday (and yes, I’m in the U.S. and with one click on the link provided on several threads by UAA members, I watched with no issues in real time) was/is brilliant. I suspect that the nativity play, while wonderful, will not be as powerful as this, the behind the scenes documentary, for all the reasons that chrisjl and alsbabar pointed out. The nativity play itself is like art within art, and shatters more stereotypes for those who think that Palestinians are hell bent on exterminating all Christians and Jews. An hour long documentary with performance art at its center, that is both highly charged politics and non-threatening at the same time. It’s hard to hate children being children, and it is eye opening that parents, who have suffered an incredible injustice, aren’t teaching their children to try to change the system that created the injustice, but are shielding them from it.

[tab1]

Playing with fire ?

[case]

Missed it yesterday. Is it still available somewhere for non uk residents?

[rpaz720]

Dec 18, 2017 17:45:45 GMT 1 case said:

Missed it yesterday. Is it still available somewhere for non uk residents?

Yea I'd love to watch as well

[Con Art Studio]

Dec 18, 2017 18:11:29 GMT 1 rpaz720 said:

Dec 18, 2017 17:45:45 GMT 1 case said:

Missed it yesterday. Is it still available somewhere for non uk residents?

Yea I'd love to watch as well

quick search found this on youtube

[Snakes]

Dec 18, 2017 9:46:50 GMT 1 annar50 said:

 .. what a pile of crap

I would concur with that.

[rpaz720]

Dec 18, 2017 18:23:33 GMT 1 Con Art Studio said:

Dec 18, 2017 18:11:29 GMT 1 rpaz720 said:

Yea I'd love to watch as well

quick search found this on youtube

Thanks!

[overend]

www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2017/dec/18/alternativity-review-banksy-danny-boyle-nativity-play-bethlehem?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

[Deleted]

I’ve not read any comments on here, so I’ve no idea on how last night’s show was received. My take is that using children was wrong, as it most definitely was with the Balfour stunt, which seemed even more crass than I’d originally thought. As mentioned a few times in the show, these are children that have no concept of politics or in some cases that there is a wall at all.

Chances are the parents only agreed for their kids taking part because of who Danny Boyle is, as it was a once in a life time chance for those young people to be in a Boyle production. Interesting too that there seemed to be mixed views about Banksy from the locals too.

While Banksy seems to have admirable intentions, I genuinely think that he’d do well to have more people like Boyle reigning him back. That Jo Brookes certainly wasn’t and seemed like she was loving the Balfour thing, even though the locals were storming it. The other thought I had was it all seemed to me a bit like Bono syndrome of a multi millionaire imposing their own thoughts and views whether they’re right or wrong. I get that he wants to help the situation, but these kind of stunts actually make me wonder if I’m really that keen on Banksy at all.

[Nuno]

Dec 18, 2017 20:52:13 GMT 1 @letisss said:

I’ve not read any comments on here, so I’ve no idea on how last night’s show was received. My take is that using children was wrong, as it most definitely was with the Balfour stunt, which seemed even more crass than I’d originally thought. As mentioned a few times in the show, these are children that have no concept of politics or in some cases that there is a wall at all.

Chances are the parents only agreed for their kids taking part because of who Danny Boyle is, as it was a once in a life time chance for those young people to be in a Boyle production. Interesting too that there seemed to be mixed views about Banksy from the locals too.

While Banksy seems to have admirable intentions, I genuinely think that he’d do well to have more people like Boyle reigning him back. That Jo Brookes certainly wasn’t and seemed like she was loving the Balfour thing, even though the locals were storming it. The other thought I had was it all seemed to me a bit like Bono syndrome of a multi millionaire imposing their own thoughts and views whether they’re right or wrong. I get that he wants to help the situation, but these kind of stunts actually make me wonder if I’m really that keen on Banksy at all.

Interesting view. Have you been? The seats at the show were filled with family and friends of those performing. Having spoken with some and merely observing some reactions I think saying including children was wrong is a little unfair on Banksy/Boyle. They were all incredibly proud to be involved in a once in a life time event that could prove to be life changing for them individually or as a whole...?!

[Con Art Studio]

Dec 18, 2017 20:52:13 GMT 1 @letisss said:

I’ve not read any comments on here, so I’ve no idea on how last night’s show was received. My take is that using children was wrong, as it most definitely was with the Balfour stunt, which seemed even more crass than I’d originally thought. As mentioned a few times in the show, these are children that have no concept of politics or in some cases that there is a wall at all.

Chances are the parents only agreed for their kids taking part because of who Danny Boyle is, as it was a once in a life time chance for those young people to be in a Boyle production. Interesting too that there seemed to be mixed views about Banksy from the locals too.

While Banksy seems to have admirable intentions, I genuinely think that he’d do well to have more people like Boyle reigning him back. That Jo Brookes certainly wasn’t and seemed like she was loving the Balfour thing, even though the locals were storming it. The other thought I had was it all seemed to me a bit like Bono syndrome of a multi millionaire imposing their own thoughts and views whether they’re right or wrong. I get that he wants to help the situation, but these kind of stunts actually make me wonder if I’m really that keen on Banksy at all.

my take is that you didn't watch it... if you had, you would have known the part about using children was discussed in it and the play was really organized and run by a local acting teacher. These children and their parents have no idea who Danny Boyle is.

you're not wrong to have that opinion, but I would suggest watching it first before forming your opinion about it

[oldraver]

Dec 17, 2017 23:06:06 GMT 1 Laugh Now 10 said:

a few thoughts:

1. man, that piano version of Massive Attack’s “Teardrop” was haunting and it’s inclusion (along with the symbol in the “fireplace” inside the hotel) really plays up the “Banksy is 3D” narrative;
2. seeing the workers lining up at 5am and crossing over to the other side was heartbreaking;
3. anyone have any idea what Large OG piece is behind Wisam’s head in his office?
4. the live image of the “girl (running) with balloon”, while obvious, was still so powerful;
5. the girl who is the main singer/Mary in the play is going to be a star;
6. loved it, thank you Banksy - a new holiday classic!

Fortunately last nights filmed moment of the workers walking through checkpoint 300 was a lot smoother than the average day, Sadly this news segment is an eye opener on what its really like.

and i have walked through this caged walkway, it really has the feeling of a cattle market.

[Deleted]

Dec 18, 2017 21:14:07 GMT 1 Con Art Studio said:

Dec 18, 2017 20:52:13 GMT 1 @letisss said:

I’ve not read any comments on here, so I’ve no idea on how last night’s show was received. My take is that using children was wrong, as it most definitely was with the Balfour stunt, which seemed even more crass than I’d originally thought. As mentioned a few times in the show, these are children that have no concept of politics or in some cases that there is a wall at all.

Chances are the parents only agreed for their kids taking part because of who Danny Boyle is, as it was a once in a life time chance for those young people to be in a Boyle production. Interesting too that there seemed to be mixed views about Banksy from the locals too.

While Banksy seems to have admirable intentions, I genuinely think that he’d do well to have more people like Boyle reigning him back. That Jo Brookes certainly wasn’t and seemed like she was loving the Balfour thing, even though the locals were storming it. The other thought I had was it all seemed to me a bit like Bono syndrome of a multi millionaire imposing their own thoughts and views whether they’re right or wrong. I get that he wants to help the situation, but these kind of stunts actually make me wonder if I’m really that keen on Banksy at all.

my take is that you didn't watch it... if you had, you would have known the part about using children was discussed in it and the play was really organized and run by a local acting teacher. These children and their parents have no idea who Danny Boyle is.

you're not wrong to have that opinion, but I would suggest watching it first before forming your opinion about it

Not sure there’s much point responding to your comment. But, yes, I did watch it. Did you not pick up the reticence of the drama teacher that you mention? Suggest you try watching again more closely. An interesting question to have asked the parents would have been would you have preferred the play in a) a school assembly hall or b) a wealthy English artist’s hotel car park overlooked by snipers. I’m sure you’re right that the kids had no idea who Danny Boyle is, but I’m sure when the parents are told a world famous Hollywood director is running it they may feel it’s hard to say no.

[Deleted]

Dec 18, 2017 20:52:13 GMT 1 @letisss said:

I’ve not read any comments on here, so I’ve no idea on how last night’s show was received. My take is that using children was wrong, as it most definitely was with the Balfour stunt, which seemed even more crass than I’d originally thought. As mentioned a few times in the show, these are children that have no concept of politics or in some cases that there is a wall at all.

Chances are the parents only agreed for their kids taking part because of who Danny Boyle is, as it was a once in a life time chance for those young people to be in a Boyle production. Interesting too that there seemed to be mixed views about Banksy from the locals too.

While Banksy seems to have admirable intentions, I genuinely think that he’d do well to have more people like Boyle reigning him back. That Jo Brookes certainly wasn’t and seemed like she was loving the Balfour thing, even though the locals were storming it. The other thought I had was it all seemed to me a bit like Bono syndrome of a multi millionaire imposing their own thoughts and views whether they’re right or wrong. I get that he wants to help the situation, but these kind of stunts actually make me wonder if I’m really that keen on Banksy at all.

I think I agree with a lot of this. I kept thinking how lucky it was that Danny Boyle was the man chosen...he was the real star of the show for me.

[Pysgod]

Dec 18, 2017 21:48:17 GMT 1 @ekap said:

Dec 18, 2017 20:52:13 GMT 1 @letisss said:

I think I agree with a lot of this. I kept thinking how lucky it was that Danny Boyle was the man chosen...he was the real star of the show for me.

We haven't seen 'the show' yet that is on wednesday,  Its the children that are the real stars

[Deleted]

Dec 18, 2017 21:58:38 GMT 1 Pysgod said:

Dec 18, 2017 21:48:17 GMT 1 @ekap said:

I think I agree with a lot of this. I kept thinking how lucky it was that Danny Boyle was the man chosen...he was the real star of the show for me.

We haven't seen 'the show' yet that is on wednesday,  Its the children that are the real stars

Second episode performance is on iplayer. No need to wait.

[Jeezuz Jones Snr]

It was okay I thought and at least he's keeping to his cause.. didn't agree with the kids street party, in contridicted the part at the end where they harped on about most parents keep their kids from the wall? But there were loads of kids there for that party.

[ferg]

Dec 18, 2017 13:10:31 GMT 1 Carl Cashman said:

Other than making millions of people more aware of the situation in Palestine.. what were people expecting ?

Can’t believe there can be many who think the Israelis funded by the Americans look good tear gasing and firing rubber bullits at children just like this in the play outrageous that wall needs to come down.

[Chris JL]

Dec 18, 2017 20:52:13 GMT 1 @letisss said:

I’ve not read any comments on here, so I’ve no idea on how last night’s show was received. My take is that using children was wrong, as it most definitely was with the Balfour stunt, which seemed even more crass than I’d originally thought. As mentioned a few times in the show, these are children that have no concept of politics or in some cases that there is a wall at all.

Chances are the parents only agreed for their kids taking part because of who Danny Boyle is, as it was a once in a life time chance for those young people to be in a Boyle production. Interesting too that there seemed to be mixed views about Banksy from the locals too.

While Banksy seems to have admirable intentions, I genuinely think that he’d do well to have more people like Boyle reigning him back. That Jo Brookes certainly wasn’t and seemed like she was loving the Balfour thing, even though the locals were storming it. The other thought I had was it all seemed to me a bit like Bono syndrome of a multi millionaire imposing their own thoughts and views whether they’re right or wrong. I get that he wants to help the situation, but these kind of stunts actually make me wonder if I’m really that keen on Banksy at all.

[dotdot]

saw it - it was good in a good few ways.
could have been broader , but i guess .. can't always get what you might want. (ironic?)

the trip around the other hotel was ... for me a hi light.. in a lo light kind of way.

.. as with most things - the truth is a tricky thing to .. tie down.

choose life ..