arts and entertainment by Catherine Allen

With 89 different nationalities and more residents earning their living from the arts than any other European borough, Hackney’s vibrant arts scene reflects this energy and cultural diversity, and 2004 promises much to intrigue and entertain those of us lucky enough to live here.

January saw the gala reopening of Frank Markham’s majestic Hackney Empire restored to Victorian splendour and back as a true palace of varieties offering everything from Chas & Dave to Puccini. There has already been a celebration of Turkish youth culture and, seizing the baton from New York’s Apollo theatre, the 291 Show showcasing black talent. Coming soon are the Blue Mountain Theatre Company’s take on the myth of Othello (from 9 April) and Nitro theatre company, blending rap, hip hop and basketball in a new musical Slam Dance (from 19 April). The Empire, with its genuine roots in the local community, offers opportunities this spring for participatory workshops and tours (for adults and children) to learn more about its history and future (details 020 8985 2424).

In May we finally bid farewell to the Vortex Jazz Club which moves to Dalston after 17 years in Church Street bringing us diverse jazz from across the world. At the time of writing, financial considerations still mean uncertainty regarding its hoped-for re-opening this autumn. The imaginative programming continues to the bitter end, offering big bands (including Hot Orange, the London Jazz Orchestra and John Bennett), sax from Evan Parker and Gilad Atzmon and vocal versatility from Rachel Rose Reid and Ian Shaw (details: 020 7254 6516). No word as yet, but surely there’ll be a fantastic last night to mark the ending of an era?

The Arcola Theatre under Artistic Director Mehmet Ergen and his team continues to prove itself one of London’s premier venues. Last season kicked off with Brecht and Weill’s Seven Deadly Sins, included Ariel Dorfman’s Widows, 1933 and all that, examining the fate of European exiles in Hollywood, the premier of Eric ‘Fast Food Nation’ Schlosser’s Americans, a critique of the American Empire, and ended with a magical Christmas production of Kismet. Till 17 April Sam Shepard’s States of Shock takes on the first Gulf War and how it and other conflicts are packaged for public consumption. Not bad for a tenner and a quick bus ride home (020 7503 1646 or www.arcolatheatre.com).

Lastly, a quick mention for the hidden charms of Hackney Museum, next to Hackney Town Hall, a warm and accessible venue which recently held a fascinating exhibition of the work of Arthur Eason, a local photographer of the borough’s citizens in the 1850s. There are many intriguing permanent exhibits detailing the untold story of the borough and further special events for all ages are planned throughout the year. Running till August is ‘Matchbox Mamories’, an exhibition celebrating Lesney’s Matchbox Toys who had a factory in Shacklewell Lane from 1949-1982. The exhibition features a full programme of events, workshops, photographs, paintings and various interactives. Open every day except Sunday, Monday and bank holidays (020 8356 3500 or hmuseum@hackney.gov.uk  ).

AT THE MOVIES

Running at the Rio until 1 April is Zatoichi (18), a subtitled film by director Takoshi Kitano about a blind but lethal swordsman in 19th century Japan and his adventures with two geishas. From April 2 the cinema is showing Monster (18) directed by Patty Jenkins. The film tells the true story of Aileen Wuornos who committed six murders in the late 1980s in Florida. Wuornos is played by Charlize Theron who produces ‘a raw, unrefined and mesmerising performance’ (Screen International). The last two weeks of April are devoted to the great Quentin Tarantino whose Kill Bill Volume Two (18) again stars Uma Thurman. For fuller details and information on other one-off screenings and children’s films visit www.riocinema.ndirect.co.uk  or phone 020 7241 9410.