Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530962
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 29 DECEMBER 2024 4 ALMANAC My essentials VIKESH GODHWANI 32, theatre director, writer, producer & co-artistic director of Chalk Line Theatre Vikesh is a multi-award-winning theatre maker based in London, whose credits include the Panto in the Dark Series (writer and director) and Jamie Cardona's Mid-Djarju ta' Student Fi Skola Tal-Knisja, which is now the longest running show in the history of Maltese theatre. His latest show, Chucky's Christmas Cracker - A Solo Panto Experience, is currently running at Spazju Kreattiv and is getting rave reviews from audiences and press, replacing traditional Christmas entertainment with something completely new that is equal parts bonkers as it is hilarious. 1. Books 2. Film 3. Internet/TV 4. Music 5. Place THIS year was incredible for pop music; BRAT became the word of the year, Billie Eilish released new music, Sabrina Carpenter had us all sipping espressos, and I discovered Chappell Roan through a You- Tube rabbit hole and I haven't looked back since. Speaking of rabbit holes, I got hooked on Tiny Desk where lots of the best musicians perform in an intimate setting; through this I rediscovered my love for Bel- gian sensation Stromei. I travelled to India this year on a once in a lifetime trip. My highlight was definitely The Golden Temple in Am- ritsar which is one of the most important sacred places for Sikhs. Apart from its archi- tectural beauty, it upholds the Sikh values of humility and egalitarianism emphasised by the fact that everyone who visits is fed no matter your background. It is a truly spe- cial place to visit, especially in the evening where you can leave the hustle and bustle of the day behind and experience a profound sense of peace. I finally managed to read Margaret Atwood's sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, Testament. Told through three varying perspectives it was expertly crafted, gripping from start to fin- ish and gave a hopeful end- ing to all those who have been waiting for one for so many years. One would hope this dystopian world would have lost its rele- vance after all this time, but it feels more prescient than ever. THIS year, apart from the sen- sation that is Wicked, of course, The Substance by Carolie Fargeat really stood out. I loved how unapologetic it was - it was bold, in-your-face, gory and just bonkers. Every time I thought it couldn't go further, it pushed itself to new levels of madness. Demi Moore returning to Hol- lywood with this role is incred- ibly commendable and frankly gutsy. I also must mention the prosthetic work on this which is probably among the best I've ev- er seen. Try to watch this in the cinema or with friends as the re- actions from those around you is part of the experience! I continued watching varie- ty's Actors on Actors, a high- light being the conversation between Nicole Kidman and Zendaya. I also continue to follow Hot Ones religiously; a show where celebrities eat hot wings while being inter- viewed, a highlight being the episode with Conan O'Brien. I also really got into Dish Pod- cast hosted by Nick Grimshaw and Michelin-star chef Angela Hartnett, where they talk to celebrities about food, drink and their latest projects. I par- ticularly enjoyed the episode with Stephen Fry who is al- ways a joy to listen to. Compiled by Laura Calleja suggestions by email lcalleja@mediatoday.com This page is supported by Arts Council Malta 4 5 1 2 3