A Week in The Arts. Saturday the 15th of February 2025

Today's news highlights a range of cultural events and controversies. Black Sabbath's Back to the Beginning farewell concert has sparked fan outrage over high ticket prices, despite its historic significance. Meanwhile, Porcelain War, an Oscar-nominated Ukrainian documentary, sheds light on the resilience of artists in wartime. The Southbank Centre in London is at the center of preservation debates as calls for heritage listing intensify, fueled by the success of the film The Brutalist. Analogue photography is experiencing a resurgence, with new film stocks and vintage cameras gaining popularity among photographers seeking a more intentional approach. Christie's faces backlash from thousands of artists protesting its AI-generated art auction, reigniting concerns about copyright infringement and artistic integrity. In theater news, Chichester Festival Theatre will stage its first-ever Hamlet, starring Giles Terera, while Back to the Future: The Musical is set to premiere in Sydney this September. Lastly, at 91, Willie Nelson remains as active as ever, appearing on Austin City Limits, hosting the Luck Reunion, and touring with the Outlaw Music Festival alongside Bob Dylan. These stories showcase a dynamic blend of music, film, photography, and live performance, reflecting the evolving landscape of contemporary arts and culture.