Category Archives: Stories

Breaking the Silence: Mihail Rakov’s Audio Drama ‘The Call’ Confronts Workplace Sexual Harassment in Russia and Post-Soviet Countries | VIDEO

Mihail Rakov’s Audio Drama ‘The Call’ © Mihail Rakov

By Lusya Yangirova | Art Historian and Critic

Sexual harassment in the workplace has become one of the most discussed issues in recent years. Women worldwide have found the courage to step forward and share their experiences. This act has been particularly important for those in societies where victim-blaming is the norm in cases of abuse. This is especially true in post-Soviet countries, where sex and sexuality were taboo topics, and sexual abuse was often seen as something for which only the victim was responsible.

Over the past few years, movements like #MeToo have exposed the uncomfortable reality of harassment in women’s professional lives. Millions of women have bravely shared their hidden traumas with the public, inspiring others to speak out.

© Mihail Rakov

Today, numerous foundations, activists, and supportive individuals are working to highlight these issues and assist those traumatized by such abuse. Mihail Rakov, a playwright and producer, is among those committed to creating safe work environments. This passion led him to produce the audio drama “The Call.”

For years, Rakov gathered stories shared by friends and those he encountered in the media. He wanted to create a play that could reach a wide audience. However, he recognized that producing a show like “The Morning Show” in Russia would be impossible.

Mihail Rakov’s Audio Drama ‘The Call’ © Mihail Rakov
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In Russia, workplace sexual harassment is mostly covered by social media and a few foundations, not by state-funded TV channels. This realization brought him to the Tineodna Foundation, whose mission is to support women in difficult situations.

“My former boss tried to discourage me from getting married while simultaneously suggesting I become his mistress, living off his support. And let me remind you, at that time, I was managing a large facility, while he was the owner of the business.”

The Tineodna Foundation created a special webpage that serves as an online version of a theater stage, with an immersive twist. The set design features an image of a woman speaking on the phone, while the audio provides the audience with partial information about the plot. In this monologue, Rakov intentionally leaves space for the audience to imagine the words spoken on the other end of the line.

“It’s a very traditional story. I started working at the company as a secretary, and the CEO believed that I was obligated to fulfill sexual favors in addition to my professional duties.”

This creates an additional dimension where the abuser exists, his silence evoking the presence of a lurking monster, haunting the defenseless woman. The atmosphere of horror is palpable because no one should ever have to endure such a conversation. Rakov’s play has become a safe space for women seeking help, delivering a powerful message: no CEO should abuse their employees.

© Mihail Rakov

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Story submitted by Irina Evseenko. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News

The post Breaking the Silence: Mihail Rakov’s Audio Drama ‘The Call’ Confronts Workplace Sexual Harassment in Russia and Post-Soviet Countries | VIDEO appeared first on World Art News.

Daniel Craig’s Personal James Bond Edition 007 Motorcycles to be Auctioned for Charity | HD Photos

Daniel Craig’s Personal James Bond Edition 007 Motorcycles © Bonhams|Cars

In a thrilling fusion of cinematic history and charitable cause, two limited edition Triumph motorcycles, personally owned and hand-signed by actor Daniel Craig, are set to go under the hammer at an upcoming auction. The event, which will take place at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show in Staffordshire, UK, on October 12th and 13th, 2024, will support the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), a charity dedicated to saving lives at sea.

The motorcycles up for auction are the #003/250 Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition and the #001/250 Tiger 900 Bond Edition, both inspired by the models featured in the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die. These exclusive editions sold out on their launch day, making them highly sought after by both motorcycle enthusiasts and James Bond fans alike.

Daniel Craig’s Personal James Bond Edition 007 Motorcycles © Bonhams|Cars

The auction, hosted by Bonhams|Cars Motorcycles, will provide an extraordinary opportunity for collectors to acquire these unique pieces of film and motorcycle history. Adding to their appeal, the motorcycles will be hand-signed by Daniel Craig on each side.

They will also be accompanied by original V5C documents bearing Craig’s name and a certificate of authenticity co-signed by both Craig and Triumph Motorcycles’ CEO, Nick Bloor. The estimated value for each motorcycle is between £10,000 and £20,000.

001/250 Tiger 900 Bond Edition © Bonhams|Cars
001/250 Tiger 900 Bond Edition © Bonhams|Cars
001/250 Tiger 900 Bond Edition © Bonhams|Cars
001/250 Tiger 900 Bond Edition © Bonhams|Cars

In addition to owning a piece of cinematic history, the successful bidders will receive an exclusive riding experience at the Triumph Adventure Experience in Wales, UK. This experience includes a session with James Bond stunt co-ordinator Lee Morrison and stunt double Paul Edmondson, both of whom worked closely with Craig on several Bond films, including Casino Royale and No Time To Die.

003/250 Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition © Bonhams|Cars
003/250 Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition © Bonhams|Cars
003/250 Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition © Bonhams|Cars
003/250 Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition © Bonhams|Cars
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Daniel Craig expressed his deep connection to the RNLI, a cause close to his heart since childhood.

“The RNLI has been close to my heart all my life since growing up near the RNLI station at Hoylake,” said Craig.


Young Daniel Craig with the R.N.L.I.
Daniel Craig with the R.N.L.I.

The auction coincides with the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, a milestone that further emphasizes the significance of this event. The RNLI has a long-standing history of saving lives at sea, with over 146,000 lives saved since its inception. The funds raised from this auction will go towards supporting the organization’s continued efforts in providing vital life-saving services.

Triumph Motorcycles’ CEO, Nick Bloor, highlighted the importance of the collaboration between Triumph, Daniel Craig, and the RNLI. “Triumph is delighted to support the 200th anniversary of the RNLI with this auction of two unique Bond motorcycles spearheaded by Daniel Craig. We wish all bidders the very best of luck with the auction of Daniel Craig’s Scrambler 1200 and Tiger 900 Bond Limited Editions, which are both unique motorcycles in Triumph’s history, and I hope that the winners enjoy the unique experience of riding with the incredible stunt riders Lee Morrison and Paul Edmondson. This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity!”

Daniel Craig’s Personal James Bond Edition 007 Motorcycles © Bonhams|Cars

James Stensel, Head of Bonhams|Cars Motorcycles department in the UK, also expressed his enthusiasm for the auction. “We are honoured to be the auction house of choice, collaborating with three exceptional British institutions; The RNLI, Triumph Motorcycles, and Daniel Craig on this exciting and important project, especially on the RNLI’s 200th anniversary. Triumph and Daniel Craig’s donation of two such evocative and thrilling motorcycles for this worthy cause is truly inspiring.”

The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, where the auction will take place, is a renowned event in the motorcycling world, drawing enthusiasts from across the globe. This year, with the inclusion of these two Bond Edition motorcycles, the event is expected to attract even greater attention.

Daniel Craig’s Personal James Bond Edition 007 Motorcycles © Bonhams|Cars

For fans of James Bond, motorcycling, or simply those looking to support a noble cause, this auction represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of history. With the added allure of the riding experience with industry professionals who played a crucial role in bringing Bond’s on-screen stunts to life, the auction promises to be a highlight of the year.

The auction is not just about the motorcycles; it’s about supporting a cause that has been saving lives for two centuries. As the RNLI continues its vital work, the funds raised from this auction will ensure that it can keep doing so for many more years to come.

Daniel Craig with the R.N.L.I.

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Story submitted by Bonhams. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News

The post Daniel Craig’s Personal James Bond Edition 007 Motorcycles to be Auctioned for Charity | HD Photos appeared first on World Art News.