Is Julie Chen’s defense of her husband, Les Moonves, pathetic stand-by-your-manism or admirable personal loyalty? A surprising analysis from the creator of the darkly comic films “Welcome to the Dollhouse” and “Happiness.” This fall he makes his playwriting and stage directing debut with “Emma and Max,” described as “a satire of tragic dimensions,” at … Continue reading »
Monthly Archives: September 2018
Episode 228: Bill T. Jones
“Art-making is like a religion,” says this splendid dancer and choreographer. When his brother Azel ceased believing, it threatened their intimate connection. Can we love and speak honestly to to someone who no longer shares our faith? A conversation at New York Live Arts. PERSON: Bjorn Amelan PLACE: Gerald Peters Projects THING: his brother’s … Continue reading »
Episode 227: Geraldine Byrne Nason & Ciaran Madden
Mary Robinson, Ireland’s first woman president, is a lifelong force for social justice, says Ciaran Madden, Ireland’s Consul General in New York. And she is admired around the world, adds Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland’s U.N. Ambassador: “Say the words Mary Robinson and it lights up at the U.N.” Imagine: mention your country’s president and get … Continue reading »
Episode 226: Dan-el Padilla Peralta
As a child, he loved the Coney Island Aquarium but, “as with all good things, eventually one develops very complicated feelings.” Is the aquarium a benign collection of wonders or a shameful treasure-house of imperialism? And either way, how’s the gift shop? A conversation at the Princeton Public Library with the classicist and author … Continue reading »
Episode 225: Suzan-Lori Parks
Every dramatic movie but nearly no straight play uses musical underscoring. This celebrated playwright has astute ideas about why that is. Plus, what she did instead of going drinking with James Baldwin. A conversation at Signature Theatre with music from – yes! – Suzan-Lori Parks and the band. Person: James Baldwin Place: Fort Knox … Continue reading »