issue #5: some things are meant to be enjoyed in community
Taylor Swift's Era's Tour film, the RWC, the Little Mermaid and more
Hi everyone,
Last weekend I went to Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour Movie twice. Which seems like a bit much, but was also an interesting experience in different crowds and different vibes. I also just really enjoy TS’s music so it was a win-win situation for me.
The first time I watched it was at Nu Metro Canal Walk on opening night. The audience was filled with Swifties. People were dressed up, wearing merch, dressed up. The audience was diverse and the energy rippled in the room. It was not the same as being at a concert, but it still felt special, like you were in a room filled with people who spoke the same language as you.
It was my first time watching a concert film in the theatre and it did not disappoint. The show itself is spectacular and amazing to view. And, if anything, it made me want to see her live even more.
The second time I watched it was the Sunday after it, in the middle of the day at Blue Route’s Ster-Kinekor. And maybe I had expectations after how magically the first time I went, but the audience did not pass the vibe check. A few young girls who were there with their friends stood up and danced but the audience was a lot less diverse, it skewed younger, and there were a lot more sitting moms and boyfriends that kinda sucked the energy out of the room. But I still sang at the top of my lungs and got up when I absolutely could not sit any longer.
A few years ago, I watched the Ariana Grande concert film alone, at home. I enjoyed it (I had attended the concert the previous year) and sang and danced along to it, it was not the same as viewing it in the cinema with a whole lot of other fans.
Another thing I watched last weekend was the Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between South Africa and France. Now bear in mind, I hardly ever watch rugby, like a World Cup final maybe. However, I had to join my family to watch this match and it was such an exhilarating live event that I can’t believe I almost missed it.
This made me think about how special experiences are when we enjoy a community. We were not made to live in silos, and the internet, streaming, laptops and phones, means that we don’t need to get together to watch anything. I mean, I’m glad we don’t have only one TV in our house so I don’t have to spend the whole day watching ENCA, but making time to watch certain content with others whether it be 6 pm Tipping Point time with my parents, monthly cinema outings with my nephews or watching big events with friends, it adds memories and special energy to what we consume.
So as semi-final weekend draws near, and we get ready for Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour, I feel more convinced than ever that these experiences are meant to be enjoyed in community with others.
xoxo
Caryn
P.S. Two weeks ago I wrote about the Beckham phenomenon and I wrote more in-depth about how the tabloid culture of the early 2000s made Posh and Becks as big as they are for News24 and you can read it here.
P.S.S. Let me know if there is anything you want me to discuss or questions you want me to answer in future newsletters in the comments.
Recs:
Film: The Little Mermaid
I’m a little late on this buzz but I recently watched the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid on Disney+ and I found it incredibly charming. The songs were delightful, Halle Bailey was perfect in the role, Prince Eric was dreamy and Melissa McCarthy embodied the chaotic evilness of Ursula. I think it is a pleasurable children’s film and it almost made me wish I had watched it in the cinema so I could have seen the faces of children experiencing this in real time.
Here’s what you missed in the news:
Entertainment/pop culture
Suzanne Somers, from Three’s Company and Step By Step fame passed away this week after a battle with cancer.
Britney Spear’s memoir Woman In Me is due to be released soon and she revealed in it that she had an abortion while with Justin Timberlake and many more personal details.
The Hadid family have been receiving death threats over their pro-Palestine stance.
Singer Maren Morris has filed for divorce from her husband Ryan Hurd after five years.
Kelly Clarkson has announced that she is leaving The Voice US.
Elite will end with season 8.
One Direction member Liam Payne has been banned from driving in the UK for 6 months after speeding.
UK medical soap Doctors has been cancelled after 23 years.
Following her quickie divorce actor Sophia Bush is dating soccer player Ashlyn Harris.
Shows that have been renewed this week: Sweet Magnolias for season 4, and Gen V for season 2.
The Problem with Jon Stewart has been abruptly cancelled by Apple TV+ apparently due to creative differences.
Lupita Nyong’o and Bra Hugh’s son Sal Masekela have broken up after one year, and her chronicling of what she is going through is heartbreaking.
Comedian Jim Jeffries will be touring South Africa in 2024.
SA’s Blood and Water and Spain’s Elite will have a crossover event with an exchange student plot line that will see Fikile go to Madrid and Ivan come to Cape Town.
The SA pick for its official entry for Best International Feature for next year’s Oscars is the doc Music is My Life - Joseph Shabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Fashion & Beauty
Thinking of going blonde this summer? Vanilla glaze hair is the new hair trend.
Victoria Beckham has debuted her first fragrance collection.
The leather trench is officially the coat of the season.
Everyone is loving these Prada boots.
Everyone on TikTok has chrome two-toned nails.
Billie Eilish just got a massive back tattoo.
Lifestyle
What is the ‘giant woman trend’ that’s taking over TikTok?
Amazon is coming to South Africa!
Podcast Recap
In case you missed it, I spoke to international model Lisa-Marie Jaftha about her iconic Sports Illustrated photoshoot, making a new home in New York City and what she loves about her South African heritage. You can listen to the interview here.
Celeb Crush of the Week
This suggestion actually came from my mom lol. But former Springbok Victor Matfield is looking good.
Enable 3rd party cookies or use another browser
See you next week!