Poor sightlines, cramped lobbies, and a literal whitewash of the interior are among the problems addressed by the $57M revamp. The venue now has a restored, multi-colored Moorish interior, fewer and bigger seats, a much higher street profile, and (yes) more restroom space.
Author: Matthew Westphal
Why Does Time Only Go Forward?
“We can move through space in any direction we like – but time is a strictly one-way street, and physicists still can’t tell us why.”
Star Of Met’s New Don Giovanni Whisked From Dress Rehearsal To Surgery
“Mariusz Kwiecien, the Polish baritone who was cast in the title role of the Metropolitan Opera’s new production of Don Giovanni,” suffered major back pain during the dress rehearsal and subsequently had surgery to repair a herniated disk.
Ruth Currier, 85, Star And Director Of José Limón Dance Company
“As a principal dancer, she created roles in Limón classics like There Is a Time and Missa Brevis.” She danced with the company for two decades and became its director upon Limón’s death; she founded and directed her own company as well.
Renovated Bolshoi A Godsend For Performers
Before the 1856 theater was closed for its years-long reconstruction, there was a severe lack of rehearsal space, overcrowded dressing rooms, problematic climate control, and a single shower and commode for all the performers to share. Now there are 11 rehearsal rooms, and each dressing room has its own facilities.
Bolshoi’s Acoustics Have An Unanticipated Problem: The Moscow Metro
The central section of the system’s Green Line passes about 40 meters from the Bolshoi’s main hall, and the trains can be heard inside the newly- (and expensively-) repaired auditorium. The tunnels will have insulation added during a system closure next month.
Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker Claims Beyoncé Stole Her Moves
“[The] choreography in the video for Beyoncé’s new single ‘Countdown’ … shows a number of similarities with work by the Belgian choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker” – who says, “I’m not mad, but this is plagiarism. … Am I honoured? Look I’ve seen local school kids doing this. That’s a lot more beautiful.” (Oh, snap!)
And If Beyoncé Really Did Copy De Keersmaeker, Is It A Big Deal? (No.)
Luke Jennings: “But has De Keersmaeker’s work or career been damaged in any way? It would be a hard case to make, even if her copyright has technically been infringed. Works of art often reference other works of art.”
Walked Out Of Some Play You Didn’t Like? You’re A Wuss
“This attitude … seems to rest on the assumption that the customer is always right. But audience members aren’t customers in the ordinary sense. … More broadly, there’s an assumption that any response to the theatre is a valid response. This is fine until you put any pressure on the word ‘valid’.”
Language 50,000 BC: Our Ancestors Like Yoda Spoke
“Maverick linguists say the word order of the first human language was more like Latin than English.”