In Broadway revivals, Topdog/Underdog is absolutely riveting, while Death of a Salesman feels forced and unconvincing.
Film Review: “Empire of Light” – A Lovely Celebration of Cinema and Those Who Love It
Sam Mendes writes and directs an poignant ode to the escape we find in going to the movies.
Translator Interview: John Taylor on Philippe Jaccottet
“We have entered an age of unequivocal partisan discourse, of linguistic robotization, of tiny symbols standing for complex emotions. In total contrast to this, Philippe Jaccottet’s writing constantly shows nuance, attentiveness, perseverance, circumspection, and a genuine quest for essential truths.”
Arts Commentary: Remembering the Culture Wars of the ’90s
Freedom of expression is a more precious commodity than taste. Conservative critics were very clear about their moral imperative; they confidently vilified artists and terrorized institutions. No one won the culture wars — we lost them.
Classical Music Feature: “Best of 2022” — Unusual Operas Plus Some Songs, Choral, and Instrumental CDs
Here’s my list of two dozen superlative operatic offerings of wildly differing kinds, plus some notable non-operatic offerings.
Book Review: “Jimi” — Hendrix’s Life in a Beautifully Designed Art Book
Jimi’s sister and a Newton-based Hendrix scholar dig into the archives and come up with a coffee table book that celebrates the rock icon.
Classical Concert Review: Pianist Martin Helmchen — Balancing Bach with Subtlety and Flair
In his Celebrity Series debut, pianist Martin Helmchen performed a mostly vivid and colorful evening of Bach.
Short Fuse Podcast #58: Breath, Suspended
In this episode of the podcast, Elizabeth Howard talks to poets Diane Alters and Edward Hirsch about the ways we think about grief, publicly and privately.
Doc Talk: Two New Documentaries about Political Terror Hit Close to Home
Two powerful films about fending off violent threats, xenophobic and fascist.
Book Review: “Barred: Why the Innocent Can’t Get Out of Prison” — Blind Justice
Daniel S. Medwed demonstrates just how astronomical the odds are against anyone who tries to question a guilty verdict, no matter how suspect the conviction.