Disobedience, Rachel Maclean, Julián Fuks, Diversity Backstage

Naomi Alderman’s debut novel, Disobedience, has been adapted into a film starring Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams. The women are reunited as Ronit, now living in New York, returns to her Orthodox Jewish community in London after her father’s death, reigniting a forbidden passion with her childhood friend Esti. Briony Hanson, Head of Film for the British Film Institute, reviews.

Scottish artist Rachel Maclean discusses her new exhibition, The Lion and The Unicorn, at the National Gallery in London. Scottish identity lies at the heart of much of her work, which includes ornate films and stills, the satirical artist playing multiple roles, and extensive use of make-up, prosthetics, and CGI.

The Brazilian writer Julián Fuks talks to Kirsty about his award-winning novel, Resistance. Based very much on his own family story, it deals with his parents’ flight from the military Argentine dictatorship in the 1970s, their adoption of a son before having two further children, and examines identity, family bonds and the different forms exile can take. Julián also discusses how books are being used in Brazil to protest against the new right wing President Elect.

Diversity offstage in theatre: we hear about the new BECTU (Broadcast, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union) initiative, which has been backed by more than 90 theatres and wants to increase the number of BAME people in backstage and front of house roles.

Presenter: Kirsty Lang Producer: Hilary Dunn