大象传媒

The best of the world's arts, film, music, literature and music brought to you every day. Presented by Mark Coles.

In today's Strand - Theatre in Zimbabwe; Tony Scott directs The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3; FIFA World Cup art; Cimarron performs at WOMAD

Zimbabwean Theatre
A rare glimpse behind the scenes of the arts in Zimbabwe as two exiled actors, Denton Chikura and Tonderai Munyevu, discuss and perform an extract of the play that came out of their experience of returning home - reflecting the hopes and aspirations of its people

Tony Scott
The director Tony Scott talks about his new film starring Denzel Washington and John Travolta. In The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 what starts off as a normal day on the New York subway soon becomes a race against time as a packed commuter train is hijacked and a ransom is set.

World Cup Art
For the first time in FIFA history a South African company has been licensed to produce and sell fine art relating to the 2010 World Cup. There will be both international exhibitions featuring artists from the 32 World Cup qualifying countries and shows featuring exclusively African artists exclusively. The Strand speaks to the organiser of the exhibitions and to the Kenyan artist Taju and the South African artist Gavin Rain about what the art of the beautiful game.

Womad - Carlos Rojas and Cimarr贸n
Ruth Barnes talks to Carlos Rojas from Colombian seven-piece band Cimarr贸n, who perform traditional 'joropo' music of the Los Llanos cattle plains. You can also hear some of their performance showcasing their distinctive rhythms and unique dances of the cattle ranchers and their partners.

All this week The Strand is featuring backstage interviews and music performances from the Womad festival including Guinean kora player Ba Cissoko, Colombian group Cimarr贸n, Chinese musician Mamer, Australian collective Black Arm Band and the German group 17 Hippies. You will also be able to watch exclusive videos of our reporter Ruth Barnes backstage at the festival interviewing the artists and soaking up the atmosphere.