Performing Arts

Arts

Neither the pandemic nor age can keep choreographer Twyla Tharp from her work

1:58pm November 19, 2021

by Terry Gross

Twyla Moves, a documentary by PBS American Masters, tells the story of the legendary choreographer, who got her start performing on subway platforms in the 1960s. Originally broadcast April 8, 2021.

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Comedian Vir Das called out sexual violence in India. Now he faces lawsuits

3:46pm November 18, 2021

by Lauren Frayer

In his Kennedy Center show, Das spoke of two sides of his native India: rich and poor, united but divided over women's rights and more. It was a hit in D.C., but brought legal trouble in India.

Four centuries of Black American history are told in new Kronos Quartet performance

10:07am November 18, 2021

by Tim Greiving

Deep in the heart of Texas, the Kronos Quartet reflects on race relations and social unrest with At War with Ourselves – 400 Years of You, by composer Michael Abels and poet Nikky Finney.

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Court Watson and William Ivey Long at The Lost Colony, in a photo that Watson believes was taken in 2001 or 2002.

A prominent Broadway costume designer is accused of sexual abuse

1:53pm November 16, 2021

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

William Ivey Long is an iconic presence on Broadway, designing costumes for shows such as Diana: The Musical and Chicago. Now two men have accused the former Tony Awards chairman of sexual abuse.

Rachel Brosnahan has received raves for her performance in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, but comedian Sarah Silverman says it's part of a trend of non-Jews playing emphatically Jewish characters.

A new question for an old religion: Should non-Jews play Jewish characters on-screen?

7:53am November 16, 2021

by Neda Ulaby

A new Apple TV+ show, The Shrink Next Door, seems to reflect a trend of non-Jewish actors playing emphatically Jewish characters, which recently caught the ire of comedian Sarah Silverman.

Arts

Andrew Garfield is 'RENT' writer Jonathan Larson in new movie 'Tick, Tick... BOOM!'

11:14am November 13, 2021

Scott Simon speaks with Andrew Garfield, star of the new movie "Tick, Tick... BOOM!" from the musical by Jonathan Larson.

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Arts

The casting of non-Jewish actors as Jewish characters is causing controversy

6:21am November 12, 2021

by Neda Ulaby

A new Apple+ TV show that is premiering Friday seems to reflect a trend of non-Jewish actors playing emphatically Jewish characters, which recently caught the ire of of comedian Sara Silverman.

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Composer and saxophonist Wayne Shorter with a page from his ...(Iphigenia) score.

Wayne Shorter's operatic dream comes true, brought to life with Esperanza Spalding

8:39pm November 11, 2021

by Andrea Shea

Iconic jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter has completed a long-held dream, an opera based on the mythic Greek character Iphigenia, with help from singer and bassist Esperanza Spalding.

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Arts

Broadway returns as theater rethinks on-stage representation

6:19pm November 06, 2021

by Jeff Lunden

After more than a year of closures and reflection, Broadway is back making changes to who is represented on stage.

Little Amal delights crowds of onlookers in Coventry, UK, on Oct. 27, 2020.

Puppet of a Syrian girl walks the path of refugees to offer hope for the future

12:09pm November 03, 2021

by Manoush Zomorodi

Amal, a 9-year-old Syrian refugee puppet, has been walking across Europe to raise visibility and empathy for the plight of refugees. Theater director Amir Nizar Zuabi spoke with TED Radio Hour.