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.
Theater Review: “The Sound Inside” — A Hollow Thud
A hatred of self and others sits, relatively neglected, at the center of Adam Rapp’s script.
Theater Commentary: Theater in a Time of Emergency? — The Same Old Same Old
Are Boston’s stage critics disengaged from reality? Or is it that they are afraid to speak up?
Book Review: A Retrograde Shakespearean Shout-Out
Shakespearean’s version of the Bard comes off as somewhat Monty Pythonesque — we are usually marching along with “Men Men Men.”
Book Review: “Divine Images” — William Blake’s Imagination as Mankind’s Saving Grace
The author’s aim is to render William Blake’s complex vision understandable to novices. It is a lucid effort, though the book presents a disappointingly conventional overview of the artist’s achievement.