Jazz isn’t an orthodoxy, a religion, a form of faith healing, or a tribal rite — you don’t have to be in the room with it the moment it happens to reap its benefits.
Arts Feature: Recommended Books, 2021
An eclectic round-up of the favorite books of the year from our critics, including some disappointments.
Arts Feature: Music That Sustained Us Through (Another) Year of the Pandemic
Canadian singer/songwriter Allison Russell’s Outside Child made two lists. And so did Little Simz’s Sometime I Might Be Introvert.
Author Interview: “Embattled” — Can Ancient Greek Myths Help Us Resist Tyranny?
“By cultivating our capacity for empathetic critical inquiry, Greek myths caution us against entertainers, pundits, politicians, and journalists who are trying to inflame our anger and fear.”
Arts Feature: Best Movies (With Some Disappointments) of 2021
Our demanding critics choose the best films (along with some disappointments) of the year.
Arts Feature: According to Our Critics — The Best That TV Offered in 2021
After a brief respite, we were driven indoors (again) and told to stay there, so we turned to our screens for entertainment.
Theater Review: “Witness” — An Antique Virtual Voyage
By all means, explore history’s tragedies on stage — virtual or otherwise. But always keep a sharp, invigorating eye on the present’s tragedies-in-the-making.
Theater Review: “The Half-Life of Marie Curie” — The Science of Friendship
A valentine card is touching because it is short and sweet. A valentine play — even at 90 minutes with no intermission — wears out its affectionate welcome.
Theater Review: “Macbeth in Stride” — Lady Macbeth Sings the Blues? Not Really
As sure as “the crow/Makes wing to the rooky wood,” Mrs. Macbeth is going to fall tragically short when it comes to being an inspirational role model for marginalized females everywhere.
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.