Fergus Jones, Laila Sakini Can't Touch (2024)
On “Can’t Touch”, a dub-wise collaboration with British producer Fergus Jones, Australian artist Laila Sakini explores the dynamics of a relationship stuck in a verbal loop. “This talk / Our speak / Says much / My hands / My reach / Can’t touch,” Sakini intones over Jones’ bass-heavy instrumental, evoking a sense of inevitability and despair.
Failed relationships often leave scars on those involved, but some resonate far beyond the personal sphere, such as the turbulent union of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, one of history’s most infamous partnerships.
Henry first encountered Anne at court in the early 1520s. Unlike her sister Mary, who had been one of Henry’s mistresses, Anne resisted his advances. She captivated him with her wit and charm, all the while refusing to yield to his desires.
Her resistance only deepened Henry’s obsession. In a rare display of emotion, he penned fervent love letters, pursuing her with unrelenting passion. Anne, however, stood firm in her demands: she would accept nothing less than marriage. This presented a significant obstacle as Henry was already married to Catherine of Aragon.
Determined to have Anne, Henry sought an annulment of his marriage to Catherine, arguing that it was invalid due to her prior union with his late brother. However, Pope Clement VII, under pressure from Catherine’s powerful nephew, Emperor Charles V, denied the request.
Frustrated by the impasse, Henry took matters into his own hands. He severed ties with the Catholic Church, declaring himself Supreme Head of the Church of England. This move enabled him to annul his marriage and wed Anne in 1533. The schism had far-reaching consequences—way beyond the couple’s relationship: Henry’s defiance ignited the English Reformation, which reshaped England profoundly and had a lasting influence on global history.
The marriage didn’t go well, however. Henry desperately wanted a male heir, but Anne “only” gave birth to a daughter, Elizabeth I, which caused tension among the two. Three years into the tumultuous marriage, Anne, who had also become involved in various political affairs, was arrested and charged with adultery, incest and treason. She was found guilty in a highly biased trial and sentenced to death.
Of course, not every relationship needs to end in such tragic fashion; however, if you or someone you know is in a relationship that has turned sour, seeking help might be essential. Many hotlines and support networks exist, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline in the U.S., the National Domestic Abuse Helpline in the UK or Pro Familia in Switzerland.
Start the conversation
Become a paid member of The Rest to gain access to the comments section.