Billy Budd by Benjamin BrittenDirected by Neil Armfield for the English National Opera
Why did you write a play about Cindy Sheehan? What really struck me was that here was a woman on her own, who created a huge fuss that started to involve the whole country—and we’re talking about a country that is often very reluctant to debate the issues she was raising.
Two people walk on to a stage. They start talking.
Sheffield band Arctic Monkeys got a lot of attention this year through their smart internet marketing campaign and catchy songs.
Past and Present: 1,000 years of Islam in Britain, New Walk Museum, Leicester, until 23 December
WhiskyDirected by Juan Pablo Rebella and Pablo Stoll
Kerry James MarshallCamden Arts Centre, north Londonuntil 29 January
You shot Pressure in 1973. Why did you make the film?
Pressure Horace OvéBurning an IllusionMenelik ShabazzBoth released on DVD by the British Film Institute (£19.99)
The French Centre for Modern Art in Paris is featuring a rich exhibition about Dada until 9 January 2006.
