These principals of the architectural firm WORKac found it challenging to design their own home. The psychological complexity of domestic life? The culmination of years of thought? “The hardest thing about designing our house was that we just haven’t designed a lot of houses.” Produced with the Center for Architecture. Photo: Harry Willks.
The artistic director of the Paul Taylor Dance Company summarizes his aesthetic: “The curtain goes up, twenty minutes happen, the curtain comes down, and it is transformative.” Easy to say, brilliant to achieve. And they do.
Until the 1920’s, a diagnosis of diabetes was a death sentence. The invention of insulin changed that, and – not incidentally – saved his life. It also made him value the social stability needed to produce it. A conversation with this professor of history at Queens College, author of Behemoth: A History of the Factory … Continue reading »
“I did not run off, for I thought that wicked, but I walked off, believing that to be all right,” said Sojourner Truth about her escape from slavery. How does this relate to city planning? Majora Carter, an “urban revitalization strategy consultant,” eloquently explains at the Van Alen Institute, with music from Jole Blonde. … Continue reading »
ICAP at Columbia University sees its international public health work as part of broad commitment to social justice. Nobody personifies those values more than Blanche Pitt, who directs ICAP’s projects in South Africa. With music from Kevin Nathaniel Hylton. Person: Mark Heywood Place:: Joseph Stone Auditorium Thing: South African Constitution Randy’s People: Gilbert & … Continue reading »
He is a New York Times best-selling writer – 170 books, translated into 34 languages, with sales of over 6 million – but if you are a childless adult, you likely don’t know his name. If you are a 12-year-old YA reader, however, you cheer when you hear it. Plus, the sweet fried dough … Continue reading »
The head of the Roundabout Theatre, he’s worked with, well, everyone, and knows that meeting a childhood idol is risky; they can be horrible people. But what joy when “the person you dreamed about actually turn out to be wonderful. Wonderful!” Hear who, in this conversation at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center. … Continue reading »
He rips the covers from encyclopedias and law books – the texts of power – and stitches them together into artwork that is moving and beautiful. “Some individuals have found it problematic that I’m destroying this material.” Destroying or reconfiguring? A conversation about art and authority at the International Print Center New York, with … Continue reading »
Admired for his astute observations of the upper classes and the art world, he is loath to write about, let alone revisit, scenes of his own past: “I don’t want to see a bunch of young people running around doing what I used to do.” With music from the suspiciously youthful Vanisha Gould and the … Continue reading »
The head scientist for the Environmental Defense Fund, he knows the literature thoroughly and yet asserts, “The tension between what I read and what I observed was the area where I made my biggest contribution.” Science and the creative process. Plus another sort of creativity from musician Hannah Read. Photo by Leslie Von Pless. Person: … Continue reading »
This accordion virtuoso has brought American roots music across the globe. He sees the accordion as a symbol of immigrant triumph – Zydeco! Tex-Mex! – and as the instrument of 19th century colonialism. Paradox and polkas. And no darn Lawrence Welk. PERSON: David Amram PLACE:a synagogue in Azerbaijan THING:his accordion RANDY’S THING: The Impossible … Continue reading »
A professor of architecture, his scholarship is far more sophisticated than his childhood comic-book collecting. Or is it? He says it’s not: he’s changed topics but not his essential way of thinking. Plus horrible stories about George M. Cohan and wonderful music from Paper Anniversary. PERSON: George M. Cohan PLACE: The Strand bookstore THING: … Continue reading »
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 »
“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 »