Give it a go...what's the worst that could happen?

By Thurms



What is the image of cultural exchanges? To some it is a week off where they can spend the week at home and relax because lectures and workshops are cancelled for one whole week. To others it is an opportunity to see some of the most inspirational people (that were available and could be bothered to talk to a load of university students) in Britain. Until about a week ago i was definitely one of the stay at homies, having a week relaxing...that was until i looked at some of the speakers. (And when i was told i had to see at least three performances)



Once i was told i had to see at least three performances, i decided to get behind the idea as there is no point in dreading something and expecting it to be awful because (even if you are 99.9% sure it will be) it will probably live up...or down to your expectations. So after re-looking through the Festival guide i have seen a number of performances and speeches that look very interesting and ones that i would like to go and see. These include Lemn Sissay, Charles Dance, Billy Bragg and Chris Cowey to name but a few.



Why am i telling you about my sudden, albeit forced, change of opinion about the week? Well there are two reasons: first i have been told to write a blog about cultural exchanges but secondly (and this is definitely the most important reason behind telling you) it is because it actually looks like it will be a very interesting week. If you are one of those stay at home people who is planning to go home or just stay in bed all of next week then i urge, nay i implore you to change your mind. To stay at DMU for the next week, go to cultural exchanges, save the world in the process...OK I'll admit it is getting very preacher like now...basically i think you should take a look at the Festival guide at the very least. If you don't know many of the performers then use it as an opportunity to learn something new.



Well isn't that what you are supposed to do at university?