Now that the permafrost in arctic and subarctic Russia has started to thaw, huge numbers of tusks from the ancient animals are turning up in the region of Yakutia. “100 tonnes is procured annually, about one-third of it illegally, and 90% of the haul is exported to China” for the ivory-carving industry.
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West End Attendance Breaks 15 Million Mark For First Time
“Figures released today by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) showed 2017 was a record year for the capital’s theatre business with box office revenues topping the £700 million mark.” The reasons: Hamilton and Harry Potter.
This Author Rewrote Her YA Novel To Be Less Racially Insensitive. Did It Work? (*Could* It Work?)
Both Keira Drank and her publisher thought that her novel The Continent would be well-received, and, at first, it was. Then came the tweetstorms accusing Drake of writing a white-savior story and stereotyping. She took the criticisms to heart and reworked her text. Lila Shapiro reports on what happened next.
Lewis Gilbert, Who Directed ‘Alfie’ And Three James Bond Films, Dead At 97
Among the 40 films he helmed were several World War II epics; Alfie, which earned five Oscar nominations and made a star of Michael Caine; the Bond titles You Only Live Twice, The Spy Who Loved Me, and Moonraker; and Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine.
Top Posts From AJBlogs 02.27.18
One Wo/Man Band
I am frequently asked whether an arts organization can successfully engage communities with just one person assigned the responsibility for “engaging.” One answer, given with considerable trepidation is, “It depends.” … read more
AJBlog: Engaging Matters Published 2018-02-27
The Adjacent Possible
So much of leadership, management, and change narrative is about “gap analysis.” The thinking goes that we achieve a desired future by describing a bold vision, defining our current location, mapping the gap between here and there, … read more
AJBlog: The Artful Manager Published 2018-02-27
Far Out! Psychedelia at Metropolitan Museum’s “Golden Kingdoms” (with video)
In a tweet today, Joanne Pillsbury, the Metropolitan Museum’s curator of the Arts of the Ancient Americas, called attention to one of two miniature objects that caught my eye (perhaps for the wrong reasons) at … read more
AJBlog: CultureGrrl Published 2018-02-27
How Bands Are Starting To Keep More Of The Money Their Music Makes
“We never used to make any money because we were always paying off our advances. We’d get about a 20% share of revenues and the label would keep the rest. Now we get to keep about 90% of what we earn …it’s such a difference, it just made sense.”
Kevin Spacey Foundation Shuts Down; “No Longer Viable”
The foundation said on its website Tuesday that its trustees have concluded the work of the foundation “is no longer viable.” The foundation helped identify young artists and provide them with training and resources as they developed careers.
Inside Teaching The Movie Star To Look Like A Credible Ballerina
“I wanted her to understand what muscle groups were involved, and how most people walking on the street are internally rotated with their shoulders — their palms are facing back. With ballet dancers, you have to spin that back so it looks more like their arms are an extension of their back, and that whole alignment lengthens your neck. It widens your shoulder line.”
Lyn Gardner: So What If Reviews Give Away The Ending?
There is an undoubted pleasure in watching a classic play unfold to an unknowing audience. I once saw Hedda Gabler in a regional theatre where it was clear from the gasps that most of the audience had no idea that she – spoiler alert – kills herself. But very few people would decide against seeing Three Sisters again because they already know they never get to Moscow – or feel no desire to watch Medea because they are aware she kills her kids.
Cameron Mackintosh’s Plans For New Non-Profit Theatre In London’s West End Approved
“The proposals will lead to most of the existing Ambassadors Theatre being demolished, with the existing West Street facade and part of the Tower Court facade retained. Under the plans, the building will then be redeveloped into a flexible performance space with 450 to 475 seats and a new floor built above the auditorium to house a rehearsal space for larger shows.”