Innovative Studio V 4 Arts opens in Ventura
by Jim Spencer and Shirley Lorraine

Thanks to specialization, advanced technology and globalization, gone are the mythical glory days of the prosperous lone wolf entrepreneur and the “I-can-do-it-all” career-oriented urbanite.

Personal and business success in the 21^st Century require development of four different skill sets – collaboration, creativity, communication and critical thinking.  Although inherent in most fruitful arts programs, these traits are seldom taught in an integrated manner – until now. They are core concepts at Studio V 4 Arts in Ventura which formally began offering classes the first week of January.

Studio V 4 Arts is a newly launched, intergenerational, nonprofit arts organization conceived, orchestrated and piloted by Patricia Lynn-Strickland.  The Studio offers comprehensive arts, acting and writing classes with a focus on developing skills that, as Lynn-Strickland explains, “are transferable and give you a competitive edge in school, the workplace and in life.”

Study after study have found that those who participate in the arts achieve gains in math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking and verbal skills – plus improved motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork. These benefits accrue to the participants at every age.

Since only is minimal funding is available for arts education in the schools, the programs of nonprofit groups like Studio V 4 Arts are almost the sole resource to obtain these benefits in one place.

Beginning with theatre arts, the innovative programming at Studio V 4 Arts will eventually include all of the arts, including music, dance and the visual arts, as well as performances, showcases and festivals.

Another goal of Studio V 4 Arts is to weave arts and education into a series of formats to meet the needs of all ages. In addition to acting, a class in “Ethnographic Theatre” is offered – turning your own stories into theatre through writing and performing. After all, everyone has a story to tell.

Lynn-Strickland’s coordinated and fresh approach is based on and has been fine-tuned by years of experience. She recently retired after teaching music and drama at St. Bonaventure High School for 15 years.  She served as Artistic Director at Oxnard’s Elite Theatre Company for eight years, and directed youth theater productions at Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre Company for six years. Her directing and acting credits include 200+ productions throughout the Ventura and Los Angeles region.

In addition, Lynn-Strickland is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts West and holds a B.A. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from New York Institute of Technology. She also holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Leadership from Gonzaga University, and a Drama Therapy Certification from British Yoga Academy.

Studio V 4 Arts is housed at The Livery Theater, home of the Ventura Improv Company, at 34 N. Palm Street in downtown Ventura. Acting classes for children (5-8), youth (9-12), teens (13-18) and adults (19 and up) are now open for registration. Class sessions are eight weeks culminating in a presentation. For further information, class schedules and more details, 443-5783, www.studiov4arts.com.

The Hateful Eight / 3 ½ palm trees
By Eduardo Victoria / [email protected]

Quentin Tarantino is a gift upon those who love cinema. His latest effort, a take on Stagecoach by way of John Carpenter’s The Thing, will prove to be a triumph for fans of his work and love those who aren’t unswayed.

Picking up a few years after the Civil War, the final stage to unspecified town of Red Rock travels a snowy landscape transporting John “The Hangman” Ruth (Kurt Russell) and his prisoner Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh) encounter Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson) and Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins).

Warren and Ruth are both headed in to collect bounties on their respective prisoners. Getting caught in a blizzard, the four are forced to hold up in Minnie’s Haberdashery, a halfway point to Red Rock. Arriving there, four strange characters (played by Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern, and Demian Bichir) stir feelings of distrust and paranoia as to who is working with Domergue to free her.

The very start of the film sets a mood like no other. Composer Ennio Morricone’s slithering main title cue is a creepy mood setter that is as icy as the frozen setting. This, combined with Cinematographer Robert Richardson’s gorgeous Ultra-Panavision 70 photography, create a truly unique aesthetic experience.

Tarantino is a director making movies for movie fans. Interestingly enough, he chose to shoot what is essentially a chamber piece in the widest possible film format. It makes the small haberdashery seem larger than life and the characters iconic.

Adding to the iconography is the exceptional cast, certainly one of the best ever assembled for a western film. Turning an amazing performance is Walton Goggins. From the rhythm, droll, and tenor of his voice, he absolutely nails the role of Mannix. The chemistry amongst the cast is absolutely incredible.

The script is vulgar and the action is violent. If you are a fan of Tarantino, you will love this movie. If you aren’t a fan of the man’s work, it more than likely won’t sway you. The dialogue is harsh and communicates the fact that the “best” of these characters really just lesser of certain evils.

For some, the violence may prove too much. Ruth repeatedly bashes Domergue in the face. But the experience and overall message of the movie is pretty powerful. Left over anger from the Civil War is explored, as is the inherent racism that divided the country.

But best of all, this movie is a cinematic experience. If you can, see the film in its “Roadshow” format: overture, intermission, and a 70mm film print greet you to a film experience unlike any other. With The Hateful Eight, Quentin Tarantino resurrected a genre that was long gone. A movie in every sense of the word, see this film on the largest screen you can.

Rated R. Roadshow version- 187 minutes. Wide Release Version – 167 minutes. Now Playing at Cinemark Downtown 10.