Author: Matthew Westphal

Meet Seattle Opera’s Scholar In Residence, First Of Her Kind In The U.S.

“As scholar in residence, [Naomi] André acts as an adviser to help Seattle Opera become more inclusive, both for audiences and behind the scenes. … Her most visible role involves a series of free, public community conversations that invite audiences to question problematic social themes and portrayals of marginalized communities in opera while appreciating the artistic elements that continue to hold up.” – The Seattle Times

How Bad Is California’s New Freelance Law For Performers? Let Them Tell You

“To learn more about AB5’s effect on artists, The Times asked readers to write in. We received more than 120 responses from artists across California — jazz and classical musicians, directors of arts nonprofits, magicians, costume designers, actors, a burlesque dancer and freelance food stylist, among others.” – Los Angeles Times

Making The Leap From Dance Student To Professional Less Daunting

“For generations, dancers have been thrust into professional life at a young age without much preparation or tools, sinking or swimming on their limited industry know-how. Today, some independent programs are presenting unique models that bridge the gap between student and professional life through networking, performance opportunities and more.” Haley Hilton surveys those programs. – Dance Magazine

Threatened By Gentrification, Berlin’s Nightclubs Seek Same Legal-Cultural Status As Theatres And Opera Houses

“A group dedicated to protecting the German capital’s nightlife took its campaign to parliament on Wednesday, urging more protection as more venues are closed to make way for new-builds and as growing numbers of residents file complaints about noise. About 100 clubs have closed in the past 10 years, and a further 25 are under threat.” – The Guardian

A Second Court Rules That Tate Modern’s Neighbors Should Buy Some Damn Curtains Or Quit Their Bellyaching

Four owners in a condo building had gone to court for an injunction requiring the museum to screen or block off part of its popular 10th-floor viewing gallery so that “hundreds of thousands of visitors” would stop “relentlessly” looking into their floor-to-ceiling windows. Last year, a judge dismissed the plaintiffs’ suit, saying that they could put up curtains or blinds. The condo owners went to the Court of Appeal, which has now rejected their complaint, adding that the Supreme Court would not hear it. – The Guardian (PA)

Why Anonymous Is A Bestselling Author, And Why That’s A Problem

“For readers, the anonymous author holds a simple and compelling promise. Here is someone who – by concealing their identity – can reveal the complete and shocking truth. … [Yet] this is truth-telling predicated, after all, on a lie – perhaps the biggest lie possible, the denial of who you are. There is plenty of room for fiction to sneak in under the cover of the original fib.” – The Guardian