Michael Billington: “In fact, Spacey … has done everything possible to restore the fortunes of the Old Vic. He has given the theatre stability and, through his presence as an actor, glamour. He has tirelessly raised funds to ensure its future. He has also done a lot of unheralded work to encourage young people through a scheme with the umbrella title of Old Vic New Voices.”
Author: Matthew Westphal
What Do American Dancers Get Out Of Training At The Bolshoi Ballet School?
“Moscow is at least eight times zones away from any city in the contiguous United States. The Russian language has a different alphabet. The floors are raked. The tuition costs more than $20,000 a year. And, well, it’s cold in Moscow. But none of those obstacles stand in the way of American students hell-bent on getting pure Russian training.” Several of those students tell Wendy Perron why it’s all worth it.
After Apartheid Fell, Athol Fugard Found (To His Surprise) That He Was Still Relevant
“I sincerely believed that I was going to be South Africa’s first literary redundancy. But as it is, South Africa caught me by surprise again and just said, ‘No, you’ve got to keep writing, man. There are still stories to tell.’ And, possibly, at this moment in our history, the stories that need telling are more urgent than any of the stories that needed telling during the apartheid years.”
William Zinsser, Author Of The Classic Guide ‘On Writing Well,’ Dead At 92
“[The] perennially popular book … became an indispensable classroom and newsroom guide, making its author one of the most influential writing teachers of the past half century.”
In Rehearsal With ABT Boss Kevin McKenzie
Watch as the American Ballet Theatre artistic director directs Julie Kent and Ethan Stiefel in a duet and leads dancers in a group rehearsal. (video)
Rachel Rosenthal, 88, Doyenne Of L.A. Performance Artists
“She had hot wax poured over her shaved head, buried herself in artificial snow, read alternately from the ancient Kabbalah and car magazines, and shared the stage with more than 40 animals, including her beloved pet rat, who could often be found perched on her shoulder when she was off-stage.”
Top Posts From AJBlogs 05.14.15
Catching Up With Bobby Shew
AJBlog: RiffTides Published 2015-05-14
From Denmark to New York
AJBlog: Dancebeat Published 2015-05-14
So you want to see a show?
AJBlog: About Last Night Published 2015-05-14
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Ira Glass Says ‘Public Radio Is Ready For Capitalism’ – On Podcasts, Advertisers, And Content
“A couple of weeks ago, NPR and two of its most influential member stations, WNYC and WBEZ, invited a large group of media and marketing people to Le Poisson Rouge, a nightclub in Greenwich Village, for an event called ‘Hearing is Believing.’ … Ira Glass, the host of This American Life and producer of Serial, told a reporter for AdAge, ‘My hope is that we can move away from a model of asking listeners for money and join the free market.'”
Juilliard String Quartet’s New Cellist Is An African-American Woman
Joel Krosnick is retiring at the end of next season after 42 years with the group. His successor is Astrid Schween, who performed for 20 years with the Lark Quartet.
‘Why Is The Timpani Player Smelling His Drums?’ And Seven Other Awesome Questions From Newcomers In The Audience
“What is obvious to musicians and regular classical music connoisseurs is definitely not obvious to others,” writes Chattanooga Symphony concertmaster Holly Mulcahy. “Over the past couple years I’ve collected some really awesome questions from audience members that offer a fresh and unique perception or perspective. Here are some that caught my attention.”