the diary

Franco style

This time last year, a mischievous New York art dealer bloggedthat James Franco (above left) had been chosen to represent Americaat the 2011 Venice Biennale. That was an April Fool, but Franco hasnow confirmed that he will launch an unofficial project at theartworld beano in June, with a little help from some high-profilefriends. "Paul McCarthy, his son, Damon, and I are working on apiece, which will be shown at the Venice Biennale. It is to be alarge-scale collaboration, hopefully with Ed Ruscha, Douglas Gordon,Aaron Young, Terry Richardson and Harmony Korine. Basically all myfavourite artists," he told The Art Newspaper. The Hollywood actoris reported to be working with Korine on a piece of video art aboutLA gang culture, which may or may not culminate in a real streetfight. "The twist is they want the two gangs to fight, using realknives. The production team is panicked that they'll end up withblood, injuries and potentially dead bodies on set," a source toldThe New York Post last month, to widespread shock and awe. Thisweek, Franco Tweeted a menacing trailer, with the words "Coming soonto Venice, Italy", which showed what appeared to be young gangsters,red scarves covering their faces, circling a parking lot on theirbikes. It's since been taken down from the internet. Meanwhile, theplot thickens - and the hype grows.

Hard sell from LaBute

Now that his Broadway directing debut has been postponed, doesNeil LaBute have too much time on his hands? The playwright was setto open Fat Pig at the Belasco Theatre on 12 April, but the play hasbeen put back a season due to a "last-minute fallout of a keyinvestment". In the meantime, LaBute has been busying himself oninternet message boards. This week, "nlabute" responded to commentson a blog/extended advert by the producer of his current West Endplay, In a Forest Dark and Deep, on The Guardian website. "Why nottry buying a ticket before throwing your stone?... I've seen herproduction. In fact, I wrote and directed it. Is it perfect? No. Isit well worth seeing? I think so. If you have seen it already, thenkeep typing. If not, get up off your backside and enjoy an excitingnight out. The music is loud, it's centrally located and they evenhave snacks at the bar." He'll be handing out flyers in the streetnext. Producers have already used an out-of-context quote from TheIndependent's Paul Taylor (cherry-picking the word "superb" -referring to Matthew Fox - from a lukewarm three-star review) and,as The Stage reports, Tweets from random audience members to sellthe show. Might I suggest another quote for their posters? "Notperfect... but well worth seeing. I think." N LaBute.

A psychedelic success at the ICA

Sore heads all round at the ICA on Wednesday morning. Havingpartied the night away at their Psychedelica gala and auction, whereguests including Tracey Emin (above centre), Mat Collishaw, PollyMorgan, Sarah Lucas and collectors Anita Zabludowicz and the M&Sboss Stuart Rose enjoyed glitter balls, neon cocktails and icecream, the Institute woke up to the sobering news of a 42.5% cut infunding from Arts Council England. Thank goodness, then, that ananonymous benefactor saw fit to bid 50,000 on Ai Weiwei'sdeconstructed, steamrollered Hollander bicycle. That's, to use ACEspeak, a 525% increase on its 8,000 estimate. Overall the galaraised 250,000 - a new funding model, perhaps?

Hill start

Harry Hill (above right) made a rare live appearance this week atThe Horne Section, a comedy-jazz night at the Lyric Theatre. Inkeeping with the musical theme, Hill delivered an eclectic set,kicking off with a melodramatic rendition of The Smiths' "The Boywith a Thorn in His Side" and ending with a ukulele take on "HasAnybody Seen My Gal?" He's also doing a spot at tonight's Mencapgig, April Fools, at London's Hammersmith Apollo. His last propertour, Hooves, was in 2005. Might these be warm-up acts for a returnto the live circuit?

Mysterious ways

We've had Secret Cinema and Punchdrunk, now the art world isgetting in on the vogue for mystery happenings. Private Spaces, in aprivate East London home-turned-gallery, will run for just four daysfrom 14 April. Wannabe visitors first have to find the invitation onFacebook, then RSVP by email when they will finally be given theaddress of the "immersive" visual experience.

a.jones@independent.co.uk