As the age of COVID-19 wanes (or waxes?), Arts Fuse critics supply a guide to film, dance, visual art, theater, and music. Please check with venues about whether the event is available by streaming or is in person. More offerings will be added as they come in.
Main Content
Latest in Visual Arts
Visual Arts Review: “Fabrics of a Nation — American Quilt Stories”
The quilts serve as landmarks whose significance is evolving with shifting times and demographics. Where have we come from, they ask. Where are we going? The answers are no longer what they were.
Latest in Music
Jazz Album Review: Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett — Together Again, Memorably
Even if this is a commercial confection, it’s worth taking seriously because it is very likely to be Tony Bennett’s final album.
Latest in Dance
Author Interview: Vermont’s John Killacky — At the Service of Art, Critique, and Civic Conversation
“I believe artists create a safe space for unsafe ideas in our world.”
Latest in Television
Television Review: “Chucky” — The Doll’s Foul Play Continues
Syfy’s latest iteration of the killer doll remains as campy and violent as ever.
Latest Short Fuses
October Short Fuses – Materia Critica
Each month, our arts critics — music, book, theater, dance, and visual arts — fire off a few brief reviews.
Latest Podcast
Short Fuse Podcast #46: Zakes Mda’s “Washboards and Mirrors” at the South African Cultural Center
A conversation with South African writer and artist Zakes Mda about his recent projects, which include a London production of his play And the Girls in Their Sunday Dresses, two books, and a solo exhibition of his collages.
Latest in Books
Book Review: “The Sum of Us” — Why We are Divided
The Sum of Us shows how the economic and political powers-that-be have exploited race to split Americans into warring tribes trapped in a zero-sum game fighting for what’s left after the top 1% take 40% of the wealth.
Latest in Theater
Theater Review: “The Chairs” — Not a Full House
At the very least, Ionesco’s drama about the unreality of the world should produce shudders as well as chuckles.
Latest in Film
Film Review: Getting “Dune” Right — Superheroes Critiqued
One of the great strengths of this Dune is that it humanizes its protagonists. They are detailed human characters, which makes their assuming the mask of the White Savior all the more troubling.
Latest in Food
Theater Review: “Seared” — A Recipe for Comedy
Theresa Rebeck’s foodie comedy Seared is more of an amiable appetizer than a substantial entree.
Read the Latest
Film Review: “Becoming Cousteau” – (To live on the land we must learn from the sea)
Jacques Cousteau’s journey, from wannabe pilot to protector of the seas, is chronicled in a new documentary.
Arts Reconsideration: The 1971 Project – Celebrating a Great Year in Music (October Entry)
Arts Fuse writers continue their countdown of great music celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. This month’s diverse list includes Los Tigres Del Norte, Santana, Gentle Giant, Sparks, and T-Rex.
Jazz CD Review: “Going For It,” the Harvie S Trio with Mike Stern and Alan Dawson
This seven-song, hour-long release, drawn from three nights at the fabled 1369 Club, is, in a word, sensational.
Rap Album Review: Lil Nas X’s “MONTERO” — More than a Meme
With this satisfying album Lil Nas X has made one thing clear — he’s more than a meme.
Classical Album Review: A Completely Refreshing “Americascapes”
A terrific album, commandingly played, that adds to our knowledge and appreciation of this too-long neglected repertoire.