Performing Arts

'Pretty Big Movement' Takes On Dance Company Stereotypes

8:02am January 15, 2017

A video of a dance company in New York has gone viral, with over 7 million views. Akira Armstrong explains why she founded the dance company for "full-figured" women, called "Pretty Big Movement."

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Ringmaster Kristen Michelle Wilson performs Saturday, in Orlando, Fla.

After 146 Years, Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Circus To Shut Down

8:02am January 15, 2017

by Emma Bowman

After struggling to remain relevant amid public concern for animal welfare, combined with high operation costs, "The Greatest Show On Earth" will come to an end in May, the company announced Saturday.

Khoshaba Jaber, an Assyrian living in West London, plays a tambura, a traditional instrument known as the "mother of strings," after singing an epic poem he learned in his boyhood village in northern Iraq.

In England, An Effort To Preserve Ancient, Epic Assyrian Poetry

4:41pm January 13, 2017

by Alice Fordham

Driven to save his culture, an ethnic Assyrian living in Britain is recording ancient tales of adventure sung by modern-day bards. The songs echo stories from ancient Greece to the Bible.

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Manic And Depressed, 'I Didn't Like Who I Was,' Says Comic Chris Gethard

2:00pm January 06, 2017

Gethard talks of hitting rock bottom in his off-Broadway show, billed as a comedy about "suicide, depression, alcoholism and all the other funniest parts of life." Originally broadcast Oct. 24, 2016.

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Lin-Manuel Miranda performs on Hamilton's opening night in August 2015. "It was an enormous challenge to do that show every night," he says.

Lin-Manuel Miranda On Disney, Mixtapes And Why He Won't Try To Top 'Hamilton'

3:53pm January 03, 2017

Miranda says he doesn't feel the need to duplicate the success of Hamilton. "If you think in terms of topping, you're in the wrong business," he says.

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Actor and activist Jesse Williams says he believes his efforts are making a difference but gives credit to those who inspire him, among them black women and the black LGBTQ community.

Actor And Activist Jesse Williams: 'I'm Certain I'm Making A Difference'

3:32pm January 01, 2017

by NPR Staff

The Grey's Anatomy co-star tells NPR's Michel Martin he's seen the effects of his actions in the public consciousness and discourse. He says he's inspired by black women and the black LGBTQ community.

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Starting in October, seven police officers and seven civilians got together once a week to get to know one another and do improvisational exercises. At the end of the 10-week journey they starred in To Protect, Serve, and Understand, a free show at the Br

Arts

Brooklyn Police And The People They Serve Improvise 'Understanding' On Stage

7:41am December 31, 2016

by Jeff Lunden

What happens when you put seven cops and seven civilians in a rehearsal room once a week for 10 weeks? The result is a free show called To Protect, Serve, and Understand at the Brooklyn Music School.

The Radio City Rockettes are a New York institution and have participated in inauguration celebrations before. But this time, some Rockettes aren't feeling too festive.

The Rockettes To Perform At Donald Trump's Inauguration, Whether They Like It Or Not

7:22pm December 23, 2016

by Maggie Penman

Donald Trump's transition team has confirmed that The Rockettes will perform at the inauguration celebration — though one dancer said on social media that she was "embarrassed and disappointed."

Arts

Broadway 'Master Of Ceremonies' Joel Grey Says, 'Life Seems Full'

1:44pm December 13, 2016

Grey explains how he brought his decadent Cabaret character to life on both the stage and screen, and reflects on coming out as gay after years of living closeted. Originally broadcast Feb. 9, 2016.

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Wheeldon says the World's Fair was a natural fit for The Nutcracker's second act. Above, Christine Rocas and Fabrice Calmels.

Arts

Taking A Crack At A New 'Nutcracker': This One's Set At The World's Fair

8:28am December 10, 2016

by Jeff Lunden

Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon has a fresh take on the classic Christmas tale. The $4 million Joffrey Ballet production premieres Saturday, and doesn't center around a wealthy Victorian family.