As the Danish series Borgen returns to filming after seven years away, thanks to Netflix’s deep pockets, many people are finding the series on the streaming service for the first time. Its star is Sidse Babbett Knudsen, but she wasn’t eager to return to the role. “It’s taken them – what? Eight years? I mean, we talked about it once in a while. I met with Adam [Price, the creator of Borgen] and we both agreed that we had a really nice run, but let’s just stop there … Unless a good idea comes up.” Apparently, it was a very good idea. – The Guardian (UK)
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With Her First New Video In 25 Years, Artist Howardena Pindell Reclaims Her Childhood
Pindell’s video Free, White, and 21 remains a commentary on the pervasive whiteness of second-wave feminism, but her new Rope/Fire/Water has more to say about the traumas of childhood experiences of racism. And the artist is, finally, getting some of her due. – The New York Times
Setting Statue-Toppling In Context
The UK has its first Black woman history professor Her take: “I was very surprised by the whole movement. It was coming from young people taking matters into their own hands. But I also understand that this conversation has been going for decades and it looked as if we’d exhausted all other avenues.” – The Guardian (UK)
Richmond Ballet Is Onstage, But How?
Very, very carefully. After the city went to phase three, the dancers and administration met over Zoom to figure out a return. “The new criteria for the one-hour show, now without an intermission: only married couples or roommates performing pas de deux, choreographic selections that lean heavily on solos and trios, and masks mandated for everyone in the building.” – Pointe Magazine
A Hungarian Banker’s Art Collection Was Looted By The Nazis, And His Heirs Are Still Trying To Get It Back
The claims are 75 years old, and much of the collection disappeared into the maw of the post-War Soviet Union. The remainder is mostly in Hungary. Hungary’s lawyer says “Hungary owns the artworks at issue through lawful purchase, gift, and the uniform application of property laws.” – The New York Times
Doreen Montalvo, ‘In The Heights’ And ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ Actor, Has Died At 56
Montalvo, whom Lin-Manuel Miranda spoke about at length in a Twitter thread on Sunday morning, also performed in the forthcoming movies of In the Heights and West Side Story. – Variety
Australia Council Flips Out, Pulls Funding From Artist
It’s remarkably reminiscent of the NEA Four, for those who lived through that terrible time: A queer artist wants to use their body for their work; gets approval and funding; word is leaked to conservative outlets; said outlets absolutely flip out and condemn the council; council removes funding. All too gross and familiar. “The decision to kill the contract raises worrying questions about the potential government overreach and the possibility of censorship in Australian cultural policy at a time when the financial crisis in the sector is already threatening to shut out marginalised voices for good.” – The Guardian (UK)
Britain Will Investigate Whether Streaming Services Are Paying Musicians Enough
Honestly, does it truly take an investigation by Britain’s Members of Parliament to know the answer? Perhaps it does – to get honest, clear answers and clarity about where to go from here. – BBC
Seattle’s Intiman Theatre Finally Finds A New Home
After nearly dying – twice – and eight long deracinated years, the battered company has joined forces with Seattle Central College. – Seattle Times
The Lebanese Stained Glass Artist Who’s Trying To Rebuild After The Massive Beirut Explosion
Maya Husseini had celebrated her birthday and was feeling pretty good about her future as a retired artist when the explosion at a port in Beirut ripped the city, and her work, to shreds. “‘Thirty years of my professional life were gone,’ she said in an interview after the blast in her workshop near Beirut. ‘Dust!'” – The New York Times