PBS series is an indictment of bureaucratic arrogance
The PBS British-import series “Masterpiece” brings to American audiences the four-part “Mr. Bates vs The Post Office,” which caused a sensation when it was broadcast in January in the U.K. The title suggests something perhaps comical or fluffy – a man can’t get his mail delivered, or the postman keeps tramping through his flower bed (I know no postman would really do that) – as does the companionable presence of
Toby Jones as Mr. Alan Bates.
The facts are darker. This is the true story of a 20-year Kafka-esque nightmare during which nearly a thousand “subpostmasters,” running franchised branches of Post Office Limited, were falsely accused, and often convicted, of theft, false accounting and fraud over accounting shortfalls that were in fact the fault of a bug-ridden computer accounting system – called Horizon and supplied by Fujitsu – that the Post Office insisted was perfectly fine. Forced to “pay back” money that was never missing in the first place, people lost livelihoods, life savings, reputations and homes; there were bankruptcies and suicides.
The sweet-faced Jones – if you loved him in “Detectorists” you should love him here, in a part not a million miles away – stars as Alan, the quietly stubborn leader of the resistance, and the hub that connects the series’ several stories. His war with the authorities begins in 2003, in Llandudno, North Wales; as the first episode opens, he already has a “Justice for Post Office Victims” sign hung outside his shop, where his partner Suzanne Sercombe (Julie Hesmondhalgh) also sells yarn. To the thrumming of action-film music, black cars arrive carrying men in black trenchcoats – clothing, as a signifier of station, contributes to the story – to shut him down. He already suspects that “the fancy new computer system that they’ve spent an arm and a leg on” is at fault, and has refused to endorse its figures.
In picturesque South Warnborough, Hampshire, we meet subpostmistress Jo Hamilton (Monica Dolan) carrying a tray of freshly baked buns past the
VERONICA SWIFT
Veronica Swift returns to the Gallo Center after impressing as Chris Botti’s guest artist during the 2021-22 season. Swift “crosses multiple genres in her performances. Her amazing jazz vocals are strongly infused with rock and pop influences ranging from Queen to Broadway,” the center’s website says.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. April 20
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $39-$79 ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
NEW POETRY SLAM
From the creators of the annual sell-out ILL LIST Poetry Slam comes a new spoken word event, The CHILL LIST. The slam features four poetry teams competing for a $2,000 prize. Each team will perform through multiple rounds. Randomly selected judges from the audience will award points to teams.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. April 20
WHERE: State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto TICKETS: $25 ONLINE: www.thestate.org
A BETTER TRIP
Shane Mauss brings his “Comedy + Science + Psychedelics = A Better Trip” show back to the State Theatre. According to the theater’s website, the comedian, science podcaster and mental health advocate “integrates his life, interests, and imagination into creating shows that go far beyond traditional standup.”
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. April 24
WHERE: State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto
TICKETS: $25-$35 ONLINE: www.thestate.org
INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY CELEBRATION
Belly dance artist Stephanie, as well as the Village Dancers, perform at the Carnegie Center for the Arts to mark International Dance Day. There will be international folk dancing and belly dancing, followed by a discussion and optional lesson. The evening ends with folk dancing and light refreshments.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. April 26
WHERE: Carnegie Arts Center, 250 N. Broadway, Turlock
TICKETS: $10, cash at the door
ONLINE: www.carnegieartsturlock. org
MAPS PROGRAM
Modesto Area Partners in Science holds a discussion on forensic science featuring Chelsey Juarez. The talk will focus on analyzing remains to estimate information such at age, gender, stature, ancestry and traumatic injuries.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. April 26
WHERE: Modesto Junior College MJC West Campus Sierra Hall 132, 2201 Blue Gum Ave. ADMISSION: Free ONLINE: www.mjc.edu/instruction /sme/maps.php
BONSAI SHOW
The Modesto Bonsai Club’s Spring Show will be back for its 41st year. There will be demonstrations by Sam Adina along with exhibits and sales of plants, pots, tools and more.
WHEN: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 20
WHERE: Stanislaus County Harvest Hall, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto
ADMISSION: Free EMAIL: pete.camarena@sbcglobal.net