Add one back: A painting at the Wadsworth Atheneum, questioned by an art historian in 1990 and then shelved, has been re-confirmed as a Van Gogh. – The New York Times (AP)
Blog
A High School Theatre Club Puts On A Terrifyingly Great Adaptation Of ‘Alien’
And the internet is extremely pleased – the photos. The video. The too-real tension. “Also, apparently the entire play was crafted on the cheap out of recycled materials, which is awesome in its own right.” – AV Club
Please Stop Harassing Writers While They’re Working
And in specific, stop harassing Asian Americans authors. Listen to author R.O. Kwon (The Incendiaries) discuss her experiences at literary events: “Aside from the colorist comments about my skin, some of these words — adorable, cute, silky, shiny — could be taken, incorrectly, as compliments. I acknowledge that there’s luck, and privilege, in inhabiting a body that others might find appealing. But when I’m at these events, I am at work. I am talking about my profession, not about my hair or skin or any perceived cuteness.” – The New York Times
In Fiction, The Shadow Of Slavery Is Deep
Writers focusing on the time period itself, and its long aftermath, have a lot of conflicting desires for their books. “What comes across in all of the writing on the Atlantic slave trade is the sustained tension between a determination to close the chapter on slavery and the desperate fear of forgetting.” – The Guardian (UK)
Larry Cohen, Creator Of A String Of Low-Budget Horror And Blaxploitation Films, Has Died At 77
Cohen, writer and director of It’s Alive and Hell Up in Harlem, created cult classics. “By stocking his movies with sly social commentary and tongue-in-cheek humor, Cohen’s work felt edgier and more impactful than similar low-budget fare.” – The Hollywood Reporter
Jordan Peele’s Second Horror Movie Does $30 Million More Than Predicted In Its First Weekend Alone
Though some on Twitter said this was actually no surprise, pundits were surprised – it was predicted to do about $40 million during its first weekend. Us broke several records in its first weekend and is the largest opening ever for an original R-rated film as well. – The New York Times
This Broadway Star Would Love To Make Theatre More Affordable
Playing Eliza Doolittle right now on Broadway, Laura Benanti (whom people might know as the actor who has played Melania Trump on The Late Show) says, “If I could wave a magic wand, ticket prices would be affordable so that people could bring their families, and it doesn’t become theatre for a rich audience. It can be more theatre for the masses.” – The Stage (UK)
Trend: Symphonies Playing New, Non-Film Music By Film Composers
Sure, you’ve got your Harry Potter scores and your Star Wars celebrations (that’s all John Williams, of course), but the real hot trend with film composers now is getting their non-film work into symphony halls. “Adventurous programmers are seeking new works by established film composers in hopes that audiences have developed a thirst for similarly melodic, even exciting, music by names they recognize even if there are no images to accompany them.” – Variety
Ballet Musicals Are Rare, And Super Demanding
We don’t mean Oklahoma! either, though, yes, there’s a ballet in it. This is something different: “It’s very difficult to cast a ballet musical; the Marie ensemble requires dancers with a strong background in classical ballet, but also the ability to sing — while on pointe! — and act. ‘They’re rare,’ said Stroman, ‘but it makes them even more special.'” – Seattle Times
In The WGA Versus The Talent Agencies, Showrunners And Screenwriters Back Their Union
The issues concern who gets fees for packaging TV shows and movies (the agents get those fees now), and whether agencies have conflicts of interest around certain shows. But the point is that “the letter of support issued Saturday is significant because of the immense clout showrunners and prominent screenwriters possess in Hollywood.” – Variety