Five things from the world of arts, film and TV to keep you occupied this week

Although their work could be mistaken for banal ‘postmodern’ parody, Irish theatre company Pan Pan have a seriousness that resists the jaded flippancy that often passes for subversion. So, while their bizarre take on Chekhov’s classic The Seagull is playful, daft, and ‘meta’, it’s also thrumming with something visceral and enigmatic, the sad, perhaps pointless passion of the human.

Shaw’s satire of the rich who ignored the rumblings of WWI is still relevant, says Padraic Kileen

WHY do Russian artists so eagerly support Putin’s policy in Crimea?

The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics were officially brought to a conclusion on Sunday with a closing ceremony that celebrated Russia’s culture and heritage - as well as giving an indication of the country’s sense of humour.

IT’S been a rare Irish summer of glorious sunshine and so the Gate Theatre’s new production of A Streetcar Named Desire couldn’t arrive at a more apt time.

Between the Sheets: Nine 20th century Women Writers and their Famous Literary Partnerships

At 59, William Boyd has done it all, but a thirst for knowledge and a curious disposition keeps him writing, as an entertained Sue Leonard discovers

Theatrical legends Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod tell Pádraic Killeen about signing up Robert Pattinson to star in their screen debut

With angry protesters emboldened in the wake of recent disputed Russian election results, Robert Conquest ponders the future for a country riven by a history of misrule

NAYD director Orlaith McBride applauds the rise of community drama, reports Pádraic Killeen

The ‘Harry Potter’ actress Emma Watson has decided to end her relationship with financier Jay Barrymore, with friends blaming their long-distance romance as the reason for the break-up.

Where’s his motivation? Giamatti, playing himself playing – not too successfully – Chekhov’s

One of the biggest events in the arts calendar was due to be launched tomorrow as festival fever continued to grip Scotland’s capital city.

Director Sam Mendes has scored yet another critical triumph with the transfer of two of his Donmar Warehouse plays to the New York stage.

Hollywood stars Gwyneth Paltrow and Emily Watson will go head-to-head with former EastEnder Anita Dobson for the best actress title on the West End stage.

John Hurt and Penelope Wilton will co-star in Afterplay in the West End from September 10.

He may be one of the world’s most celebrated actors but Oscar-winner Sir Anthony Hopkins thinks nothing of giving up his free time to teach acting classes to students at a Californian school.