Performing Arts

Jonathan Groff plays an FBI agent and criminal profiler in the Netflix series Mindhunter.

Arts

'Mindhunter' Actor Jonathan Groff On His Most Life-Altering Roles

3:47pm October 31, 2017

by Terry Gross

Groff says his work on HBO's Looking changed his life: "It's one of my favorite things I've worked on, the most personal thing I've worked on." He now stars in the Netflix series Mindhunter.

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While in the film "Circle of Life" is sung by a voice off-screen, Rafiki takes on the opening number in the The Lion King musical.

Bold Experiment Turned Broadway Hit, 'Lion King' Continues To Thrill — And Heal

12:49am October 30, 2017

by Michel Martin

Director Julie Taymor took an unconventional tack in adapting the animated film for the big stage. Even 20 years on, she finds the musical's social themes evolve and resonate with audiences worldwide.

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An American Comic In Canada

8:07am October 29, 2017

During a recent visit to Vancouver, NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro talked with American comedian Erik Griffin about what performing stand-up has been like during the Trump administration.

Denise Gough as Emma, an actress who goes into rehab after coming unhinged onstage, in People, Places & Things. Gough won an Olivier award for the role during the play's London run.

Arts

'People, Places & Things' Is A Clear-Eyed Look At Addiction

8:09am October 28, 2017

by Jeff Lunden

Irish playwright Duncan Macmillan's latest work follows an actress who goes into rehab after coming unhinged onstage. It's an unsentimental take on addiction and recovery that offers no easy answers.

In A Climate Of Fear, A Comedian Remembers What Makes Her Brave

2:14pm October 24, 2017

by Zahra Noorbakhsh

A rise in anti-Muslim hate crimes made comedian Zahra Noorbakhsh uneasy about performing live. Then she remembered a childhood experience that helped her regain her footing.

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Film 'Te Ata' Tells Real Life Story Of Prolific Native American Performer

5:55pm October 21, 2017

Te Ata is about the true story of Mary Thompson Fisher, a Chickasaw storyteller who was born and raised in the Chickasaw Nation. She became one of the greatest Native American performers ever.

Johnny Fox hugs a fan at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. This fall, Fox has made a triumphant comeback even as he battles with health issues.

Arts

Sword Swallower Makes Triumphant Return As He Battles Severe Health Issues

9:16pm October 14, 2017

by Tara Boyle

For decades, Johnny Fox has been a beloved figure at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Even as he battles serious health problems, Fox is back on stage this fall, thanks to support from friends.

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Arts

Palestinian Play 'The Siege' Finally Gets U.S. Premiere

5:09pm October 12, 2017

by Neda Ulaby

The Siege is one of a number of plays depicting a Palestinian point of view that has been cancelled after pressure from American Jewish groups. One esteemed theater in New York reportedly planned the play, then quietly dropped it from the schedule. Now, it's finally getting its U.S. premiere.

Here Are The 2017 MacArthur 'Genius' Grant Winners

5:10pm October 11, 2017

by Colin Dwyer

Jason De León, Njideka Akunyili Crosby and Derek Peterson are among the 24 winners of this year's MacArthur Fellowship, which honors "extraordinarily talented and creative individuals."

Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest performs onstage at FYF Fest in July in Los Angeles.

Q-Tip Says His New Kennedy Center Role Helps 'Institutionalize Hip-Hop'

3:00pm October 09, 2017

by Michel Martin

A Tribe Called Quest frontman is the first artistic director for hip-hop culture at the Kennedy Center. He discusses the cultural levity of his appointment and the current political climate.

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