Arts & Life

Nora McInerny: How Can We Face Life's Rough Edges?

8:59am April 23, 2021

When experiencing grief or hardship, how can we move forward? This hour, writer Nora McInerny shares ideas on navigating the most difficult parts of life... and living life fully in the face of loss.

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Jessie Buckley and Josh O'Connor as Romeo and Juliet, and Lucian Msamati as Friar Laurence, in the new Romeo & Juliet on PBS's Great Performances.

Arts

A Pandemic 'Romeo & Juliet' Finds A New Language Of Love And Loss

8:25am April 23, 2021

by Linda Holmes

A cleverly made Romeo & Juliet, adapted from a planned theatrical run to a filmed version, embraces the promise and the romance of a large and empty theater as a place to situate a classic story.

Cartographer Alina (Jessie Mei Li) maps her own fate in Netflix's fantasy series, Shadow and Bone.

Books
Arts

'Shadow And Bone': Netflix's Latest Fantasy Series Is Tsar-tlingly Bingeable

5:00am April 23, 2021

by Glen Weldon

Netflix's new fantasy series contains many familiar elements, but a twisty, fast-moving plot and smart storytelling decisions make it a satisfying, eminently bingeable meal.

"I am overjoyed, excited, and eager to be guest-hosting Jeopardy!" says LeVar Burton, after an online petition helped propel him into the group of hosts for the long-running game show.

An 'Overjoyed' LeVar Burton Welcomes Chance To Guest-Host 'Jeopardy!'

5:06pm April 22, 2021

by Bill Chappell

"I've had my eye on that job for a long time," the actor and director said recently. Nearly 250,000 people have signed a petition backing his dream.

Children make an image of the Earth with green materials at a kindergarten on the 52nd Earth Day on April 22 in Changxing County, Zhejiang Province of China.

Looking For A Way To Mark Earth Day? Try These Movies, Songs, Books And More

2:45pm April 22, 2021

by NPR Staff

When you come back inside after celebrating Earth with a walk or by planting some trees, check out these ways NPR's Arts & Culture team has connected with our Mother Earth via the arts.

Alyssa Monks, Transfixed (drawing), 2020, vine charcoal on paper

Arts

'Drawing Inspiration' From Artists Who Make Their Mark On Paper, Not Canvas

1:25pm April 22, 2021

by Susan Stamberg

"Drawings show the hand of the artist," says Nicola Lorenz, Executive Director of Manhattan's Forum Gallery and curator of this exhibition. "No two artists make their marks in the same way,"

Philip Roth: The Biography, by Blake Bailey

Books
Arts

Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations, Publisher Suspends Shipping Of Blake Bailey Book

12:51pm April 22, 2021

Three former students and a publishing executive have alleged sexual misconduct by award-winner Blake Bailey, with two accusing the author of rape, according to reports. Bailey denies the allegations.

Books
Arts

Why Did The Chicken Befriend The Widow? Find Out In This Plucky Italian Novella

12:16pm April 22, 2021

by Maureen Corrigan

An older woman living on a remote farm turns to an emotional-support hen for company. Sacha Naspini's newly translated novella is a slim volume, packed with unexpected secrets and epiphanies.

Books
Arts

With Steamed Eggs And Succulents, 'Goodbye, Again' Brings Us Home

7:00am April 22, 2021

by Janet W. Lee

Writer and cartoonist Jonny Sun's new book is a collection of essays, reflections and illustrations that consider everything from Tetris to succulent plants to dealing with loneliness.

Arts

Louise Erdrich Takes Home Aspen Words Literary Prize For 'The Night Watchman'

8:31pm April 21, 2021

by Petra Mayer

Erdrich's novel — about a Chippewa tribal elder working as a night watchman while battling government efforts to the tribe's treaties and land ownership rights — was based on her own grandfather.