Historian Richard M. Eaton argues that there are two languages whose epic literature, poetry, and corpus of law, ethics, and philosophy molded the civilization of the subcontinent and its peoples. The first, obviously, was Sanskrit. The second was, when it arrived, every bit as foreign as English and came to be used as widely and in similar ways. In fact, by the 19th century India had produced a major body of literature in this language, as well as far more dictionaries than its native country had. – Literary Hub
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Zoom Is Adding A Performance Option
If you’ve used apps like Eventbrite and Meetup, what’s on offer here will be familiar. As an attendee, you’ll find a space where you can discover new workshops, classes and other events to attend. You’ll be able to take part in them directly through Zoom and pay for them using a credit card or PayPal account. You also have the option to gift OnZoom tickets to your friends and family members. – Engadget
Kurdish-Language Play In Istanbul Banned Just Hours Before Curtain
“Beru, a Kurdish adaptation of Dario Fo’s 1981 satire Trumpets and Raspberries, was due to open at the city’s municipal theatre, marking the first time a Kurdish-language play had been staged in the institution’s 106-year history.” Turkey’s interior ministry tweeted that “a theatre play spreading the PKK terror organisation’s propaganda will [not] be allowed [in any language]”; one of the actors responded “The play by Dario Fo was performed in many languages all over the world. Why is it dangerous when it is in Kurdish?” – Middle East Eye
‘Sex And Consequences’, Isabella Rossellini’s New Streaming Theatre Piece For Farm Animals
Laura Collins-Hughes visits Rossellini’s Long Island farmstead to watch her and her co-stars — two dogs, six sheep, and however many chickens will cooperate — rehearse her new show, a sort of sequel to her famous Green Porno series, directed (over Zoom from California) by a Flying Karamazov Brother. – The New York Times
Envisioning A ‘Zoom-Plus’ Made For Virtual Performances
Ron Evans: “We’re still working around the fact that Zoom was not designed for a performing arts experience. What would things look like if the performing arts had a software platform of their own? … It’s clear that [it] would need new functionalities never seen before. But what exactly? I’ve put together a few thoughts.” – Arts Professional
Is Playing In A Woodwind Quintet COVID-Safe? If You Do It Right, Yes, Says The Atlantic’s Resident Doctor
A reader writes to James Hamblin, a physician and the magazine’s medical writer, asking if it’s safe for her daughter’s quintet to practice in the backyard. Reviewing the evidence gathered so far, Hamblin responds, “Although there are no clearly documented cases of coronavirus transmission via woodwind, there is a lot of evidence of the benefit of kids studying musical instruments.” – The Atlantic
Investigation Clears Detroit Institute Of Arts Director Of Conflict Of Interest
“The inquiry by Crowell & Moring, hired by the DIA board, came after a June complaint by the nonprofit legal organization Whistleblower Aid was sent to the Internal Revenue Service and the Michigan attorney general. The complaint alleged conflict-of-interest violations tied to the loan of an El Greco painting to the museum by [director Salvador] Salort-Pons‘s father-in-law, Dallas businessman Alan M. May.” – The Detroit News
Bollywood Establishment Sues Two Indian News Channels For Defamation
“Monday’s lawsuit saw some of Bollywood’s biggest names, including superstar actors Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, come together against news channels Republic TV and Times Now.” The case concerns the national frenzy of media speculation over the likely suicide of actor Sushant Singh Rajput in June. – AP
After Seven Dark Months, India’s Cinemas Are Open Again
“Nearly 10,000 theaters closed in mid-March following coronavirus restrictions. Now, they will become one of the last few public places to reopen outside high-risk areas. But they still pose some of the biggest infection risks: the virus can spread easily in closed spaces. To minimize the danger, seats are separated. Show timings will be staggered and digital payment encouraged. Masks and temperature checks are mandatory.” – The Hollywood Reporter
Intellectual Honesty In The Time Of Trump
Messing around with the notion of truth is a luxury that comes with affluence. We have spent the past 50 years undermining the basic institutions of society — not just our sense of common purpose and identity, but also normative values like truth and duty and expertise. The politics of consumerism — and grievance — have overwhelmed the politics of unity and responsibility. – The New York Times