Do We Know What Matters?
What’s so embarrassing for me (an old white man) about watching an old white presidential candidate say—almost indignantly—“Well
Why I’m Watching Fear the Walking Dead
In the words of an FTWD character: “When civilization ends, it ends fast.” That’s Right. I love The Walking Dead. The discovery that I don’t just like The Walking Dead, but that I love It, is usually met with a degree of surprise. The astonishment has nothing to do
‘All American Girl’ (ITC)
Wendy Graf has written an intelligent, craftsman work about an idealistic All American Girl seeking to convey her love of life through religious expression, first embracing Islam and then through personal tragedies, descends to the level of a terrorist. Graf’s work, which is precise, emotionally truthful
The Bulworth Candidacy
In the 1998 film Bulworth, Warren Beatty played a disillusioned politician who puts out a contract on himself, and then feels free to say exactly what’s on his mind. What he says is of course politically incorrect, but it forges a visceral connection with the public
Debating at the Cat’s Table
Michael Ondaatje’s eponymous 2011 novel grants romance and intrigue to the lowliest dining area on a ship—The Cat’s Table. There was absolutely no romance and not much intrigue in the junior league debate Thursday night. And the Friday newspapers were filled with the other debate,
‘Citizen: An American Lyric’ at The Fountain
In its quintessence, theatre is the bonding of poetry and dance. That is oft forgotten in this age of directors as practitioners of non-linear deconstructionism and playwrights enamored of mono- syllabic dialogue. But neglected does not render it any the less true. Citizen: An American Lyric validates
The Soul of Amy Winehouse
Just two years ago, documentary filmmaker Asif Kapadia began interviewing Amy Winehouse's family, friends and collaborators in a darkened London studio. Because Winehouse had died only less than two years earlier, emotions were still rather raw. So Kapadia opted to forgo the camera and used an
Make Time for ‘Picnic’
The Antaeus Theatre Company always amazes me. The work they do is of the highest quality, and the actors that make up their company are all top tier. It is a joy to attend any production they mount, and Picnic, William Inge’s Pulitzer Prize winning drama is
Pre-debate Prep from Political Survivor
Here’s a quickie to help you prepare for the Republican debate on Thursday August 9. In 2012, my wife and I noticed certain phrases being repeated and decided to make a list. That list follows. You shouldn’t consider it a debate drinking game—just drink and