Today: September 20, 2024
Today: September 20, 2024

Arts

Arts

Augmented reality-infused production of Wagner's `Parsifal' opens Bayreuth Festival

A giant swan sailed into auditorium and crashed, felled by a huge arrow still protruding. Flowers burst into bloom, radiant in red and green, pink and blue. In the theater Richard Wagner conceived 150 years ago in a quest for innovation, another cutting edge step took place Tuesday at the venerable Bayreuth Festival: Director Jay Scheib’s augmented reality-infused production of “Parsifal” premiered in the Festpielhaus where Wagner supervised the first staging in 1882. At the end of a season-opening, six-hour performance that included a pair of hourlong intermissions, an audience that paid 15 to 459 euros

July 26, 2023
Augmented reality-infused production of Wagner's `Parsifal' opens Bayreuth Festival
Arts

Sinéad O’Connor, gifted and provocative Irish singer, dies at 56

Sinéad O’Connor, the gifted Irish singer-songwriter who became a superstar in her mid-20s but was known as much for her private struggles and provocative actions as for her fierce and expressive music, has died at 56. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time,” the singer’s family said in a statement reported Wednesday by the BBC and RTE. No cause was disclosed. O’Connor had publicly struggled with mental health in recent years. Recognizable by her shaved

July 26, 2023
Sinéad O’Connor, gifted and provocative Irish singer, dies at 56
Arts

Q&A: John Wilson exploits what other filmmakers try to hide in final season of 'How To'

As John Wilson gears up to premiere the third and final season of his cult documentary series, “How To With John Wilson,” the filmmaker reflected on how a video camera changes people’s behavior — and how he exploits that for his show. Each episode of the Emmy-nominated series starts off as a kind of “how to” video, but inevitably devolves into a hilariously bizarre and shocking portrait of humanity. In an interview with The Associated Press, Wilson shared how his style of cinematography was influenced by his time working for a private investigator, as well as

July 26, 2023
Q&A: John Wilson exploits what other filmmakers try to hide in final season of 'How To'
Arts

DeSantis appointees reach deal with Disney World's firefighters, capping years of negotiations

After years of contentious negotiations, the board of Walt Disney World’s governing district now made up of Gov. Ron DeSantis appointees approved a contract for its firefighters on Wednesday and also proposed reducing property taxes. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District voted unanimously to approve the three-year contract that covers 200 firefighters and paramedics in the Reedy Creek Professional Firefighters’ Association. The contract, among other provisions, would increase wages by 5%, including raising the starting annual wage for firefighter and paramedics from $55,000 to $66,000. It also would provide $5,000 signing bonuses for workers with three

July 26, 2023
DeSantis appointees reach deal with Disney World's firefighters, capping years of negotiations
Arts

Five top dance companies give NY fans a treat at free outdoor festival founded during pandemic

Occasionally, the best things in life really are free — especially if you’re a dance fan this week anywhere near New York, where some of the world’s best dancers are performing at a free festival under the stars. It was an idea born during the heart of the pandemic, when artistic directors of the five top New York dance companies started talking about how to navigate the unprecedented shutdown and help their dancers thrive. That connection developed into the BAAND Together festival, which premiered in 2021; this year’s festival is the third. The companies count among

July 26, 2023
Five top dance companies give NY fans a treat at free outdoor festival founded during pandemic
Arts

Deaf rappers who lay down rhymes in sign languages are changing what it means for music to be heard

Rapper Beautiful The Artist performs in the music video for the dip hop song ‘DEAFinitely Lit.’ Beautiful The Artist/YouTube In April 2023, DJ Supalee hosted Supafest Reunion 2023 to celebrate entertainers and promoters within the U.S. Deaf community. The event included performances by R&B artist and rapper Sho’Roc, female rapper Beautiful The Artist, the group Sunshine 2.0, DJs Key-Yo and Hear No Evil, as well as ASL performer and former rapper Polar Bear, who now goes by Red Menace. Many of these artists, activists and entrepreneurs have contributed to an ever-growing hip-hop scene within the Deaf community, which includes a

July 27, 2023
Deaf rappers who lay down rhymes in sign languages are changing what it means for music to be heard
Arts

Singer Coco Lee mourned by fans and family at Hong Kong funeral

Singer and songwriter Coco Lee was being mourned by family and friends at a private ceremony Tuesday, a day after fans paid their respects at a public memorial for the Hong Kong-born entertainer who had international success. Sobs were heard when pallbearers marched solemnly with her coffin inside the funeral hall before her cremation. Lee, who died July 5 at age 48, was known for her powerful voice and live performances. On Monday, scores of fans dressed in black had waited outside the funeral hall in the summer heat, with some carrying flowers. The public memorial

August 01, 2023
Singer Coco Lee mourned by fans and family at Hong Kong funeral
Arts

'Barbie' is, at its core, a movie about the messy contradictions of motherhood

There’s a difference between the fulfilling relationship mothers can have with their children and the patriarchal institution of motherhood. Jens Kalaene/Getty Images Editor’s note: This article contains plot spoilers for “Barbie.” The wildly popular “Barbie” movie has been touted for its celebration – and critique – of femininity. As a mother and a media scholar, I couldn’t help but see “Barbie” through an even narrower lens: as a film that, at its core, is about mothers and daughters. The film’s plot centers on a life-size doll, known as “Stereotypical Barbie,” played by Margot Robbie, who begins to malfunction: Her feet

August 01, 2023
'Barbie' is, at its core, a movie about the messy contradictions of motherhood
Arts

Broadway star Phillipa Soo is working on picture book about her childhood stage fright

Broadway star Phillipa Soo has not forgotten her childhood stage fright. The Grammy-winning actor and singer known for her roles in “Hamilton,” “Into the Woods” and other musicals is collaborating with her sister-in-law Maris Pasquale Doran and illustrator Qin Leng on a picture book about a girl more at ease singing to her stuffed animals than in front of a crowd. Random House Studio, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, announced Wednesday that “Piper Chen Sings” will come out next April. “I have often been asked, ‘If you could say anything to your younger self,

August 01, 2023
Broadway star Phillipa Soo is working on picture book about her childhood stage fright
Arts

Bidens head to summer blockbuster 'Oppenheimer' during beach vacation

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden took a break from their Delaware beach vacation to see the summer blockbuster “Oppenheimer.” The Bidens, after a quick dinner at Matt’s Fish Camp in nearby Lewes on Tuesday, went to an early evening showing of the three-hour movie about the life of Manhattan Project mastermind J. Robert Oppenheimer. The Bidens chose “Oppenheimer” over the even bigger blockbuster “Barbie,” which was showing at the same time at the Movies at Midway theater. The total box office in U.S. and Canadian theaters on the opening weekend was more

August 01, 2023
Bidens head to summer blockbuster 'Oppenheimer' during beach vacation
Arts

Striking writers and studios will meet this week to discuss restarting negotiations

Union leaders told striking Hollywood writers Tuesday night that they plan to meet with representatives for studios to discuss restarting negotiations after the first official communication between the two sides since the strike began three months ago. The Writers Guild of America sent an email to members saying that the head of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents major studios, streaming services and production companies in negotiations, requested a meeting on Friday to discuss the resumption of contract talks. “We’ll be back in communication with you sometime after the meeting with further

August 02, 2023
Striking writers and studios will meet this week to discuss restarting negotiations
Arts

Germany's Wacken metal festival halts admissions after persistent rain turns site to mud

The Wacken Open Air heavy metal festival in northern Germany is opening on Wednesday with a reduced audience after persistent rain turned the grounds to mud and forced organizers to order a halt to all new arrivals. Organizers of the famed music festival in the village of Wacken, in a rural area northwest of Hamburg, had already told fans on Tuesday that no more cars and trucks could be admitted to the site because camping areas, the grounds and access roads were in poor condition because of heavy rain in recent days, and more was expected. Early

August 02, 2023
Germany's Wacken metal festival halts admissions after persistent rain turns site to mud
Arts

Turkish broadcasting watchdog investigates 'cancellation' of Ataturk TV series

Turkey’s broadcasting watchdog has launched an investigation into claims that streaming service Disney + pulled a series on the country’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the group’s chairman said. Local media reports said Armenian Americans had lobbied for the show to be canceled on the grounds that Ataturk, as an officer in the Ottoman army, was tied to the mass killing of Armenians in 1915. The Radio and Television Supreme Board decided to initiate an investigation “based on the public information” that Disney+ decided not to broadcast the series, board chairman Ebubekir Sahin said on social media late

August 02, 2023
Turkish broadcasting watchdog investigates 'cancellation' of Ataturk TV series
Arts

With two HGTV shows, Christina Hall finds success in going solo

HGTV star Christina Hall promises not to judge your home if you invite her over. “There’s literally zero judgment,” the TV personality said during a recent interview. “Unless you live in a hoarder house or it’s real gross or dirty, I’m not going to care. I’ve lived in different types of houses and places and situations.” As the star of two shows on the network, “Christina on the Coast” and “Christina in the Country,” Hall has a talent for looking at a floorplan and picturing what could be changed to make a space more functional. She enjoys renovating homes more

August 02, 2023
With two HGTV shows, Christina Hall finds success in going solo
Arts

Driver to be charged with negligence in crash that killed actor Treat Williams

A Vermont driver will be charged with gross negligence in the crash that killed actor Treat Williams, officials said. An investigation of the June 12 crash in Dorset concluded a vehicle pulled in front of Williams, who was riding a motorcycle and was unable to avoid a collision, Vermont State Police said Tuesday. The driver, Ryan Koss, 35, of Dorset, was issued a citation Tuesday evening for grossly negligent operation causing death, state police said. He was released and ordered to appear in court in September to be formally charged. A court official couldn’t say whether

August 02, 2023
Driver to be charged with negligence in crash that killed actor Treat Williams
Arts

WWE's McMahon served with subpoena by federal agents

Federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant and served a federal grand jury subpoena to WWE Executive Chairman Vince McMahon last month, according to a regulatory filing. McMahon is also taking medical leave from the sports entertainment company following recent spinal surgery. WWE said in the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that while government investigations into McMahon remain ongoing, no charges have been brought in them. The company said it has received voluntary and compulsory legal demands for documents, including from federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies, concerning the investigation and related subject matters. “WWE has cooperated

August 02, 2023
WWE's McMahon served with subpoena by federal agents
Arts

Adidas brings in $437 million from selling Yeezy shoes that will benefit anti-hate groups

Adidas brought in 400 million euros ($437 million) from the first release of Yeezy sneakers left over after breaking ties with Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, as the German sportswear maker tries to offload the unsold shoes and donate part of the proceeds to groups fighting antisemitism and other forms of hate. The first batch of shoes sold in June helped the company reach an operating profit of 176 million euros in the second quarter, better than it originally planned, Adidas said in a statement Thursday. After Ye’s antisemitic and other offensive comments

August 03, 2023
Adidas brings in $437 million from selling Yeezy shoes that will benefit anti-hate groups
Arts

Freddie Mercury's beloved piano, song drafts and hundreds of personal items to go on sale

More than 1,400 of Freddie Mercury’s personal items, including his flamboyant stage costumes, handwritten drafts of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and the baby grand piano he used to compose Queen’s greatest hits, are going on show in a free exhibition at Sotheby’s London ahead of their sale. The vast collection of the singer’s personal belongings, which had been left to Mercury’s close friend Mary Austin, had remained undisturbed in his west London mansion for 30 years since his death in 1991. Austin, 72, said in a BBC interview in April that she has decided to sell almost all the

August 03, 2023
Freddie Mercury's beloved piano, song drafts and hundreds of personal items to go on sale
Arts

Lizzo says she's 'not the villain' after her former dancers claim sex harassment

Lizzo said Thursday that she’s “not the villain” that three of her former backup dancers falsely accuse her of being in a sexual harassment lawsuit. The civil lawsuit filed Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court claims Lizzo pressured the dancers to engage with nude performers at a club in Amsterdam and shamed one of them for her weight gain before firing her. “I am not here to be looked at as a victim, but I also know that I am not the villain that people and the media have portrayed me to be these last

August 03, 2023
Lizzo says she's 'not the villain' after her former dancers claim sex harassment
Arts

Assault trial for actor Jonathan Majors postponed until September

Actor Jonathan Majors’ domestic violence trial was postponed until at least Sept. 6 after New York City prosecutors asked Thursday for more time to prepare. Majors, 33, appeared in court for what was to have been the start of his trial on charges stemming from a March confrontation with a woman who says he twisted her arm behind her back, struck her on the head and pushed her into a vehicle. The woman was treated at a hospital for minor neck and head injuries, including a cut to her ear. Majors is charged with misdemeanors, including

August 03, 2023
Assault trial for actor Jonathan Majors postponed until September
Arts

Keith Urban, Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn to be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

Country superstar Keith Urban and Kix Brooks of powerhouse country duo Brooks & Dunn will be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame this year. The organization announced its newest inductees on Thursday. They also include Casey Beathard and David Lee Murphy, in the contemporary songwriter category, and Rafe Van Hoy in the veteran songwriter category. They will be formally inducted on October 11 during the 53rd Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala held at the Music City Center. Chair of the organization’s board of directors, Rich Hallworth, and Mark Ford, its executive director,

August 03, 2023
Keith Urban, Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn to be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame
Arts

Carl Davis, award-winning American composer behind many British TV shows and films, dies at 86

Carl Davis, the American composer and conductor behind the scores for numerous award-winning British television shows and movies, has died, aged 86. In a statement, his family said Davis, who is perhaps best-known for the score of “The World at War,” a hugely influential documentary series about World War II that aired in 1973, died Thursday in Oxford following a brain hemorrhage. “We are so proud that Carl’s legacy will be his astonishing impact on music,” the family said. “A consummate all-round musician, he was the driving force behind the reinvention of the silent movie for this

August 03, 2023
Carl Davis, award-winning American composer behind many British TV shows and films, dies at 86
Arts

Why are actors making movies during the strike? What to know about SAG-AFTRA interim agreements

The actors and writers strikes have resulted in most Hollywood film and television productions being shut down, from the “Gladiator” sequel to the live action “Lilo & Stitch.” But some independent films and television productions are being granted waivers by the union that will allow them to continue, with Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists actors, amid the strike. It’s a move that the union leadership says is an essential negotiating tactic, but that’s also proved divisive and confusing to many sweating it out on the picket lines while movie stars like Anne Hathaway and Matthew McConaughey

August 03, 2023
Why are actors making movies during the strike? What to know about SAG-AFTRA interim agreements
Arts

Delayed by over a month, the 'Barbie' movie will now be released in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates has approved the release of the “Barbie” movie after a delay of over a month over possible content issues. UAE officials didn’t explain the screening delay, which has also occurred in other Arab nations. “The UAE Media Council has granted the Barbie movie the approval to be screened in the UAE’s licensed cinemas after completing the necessary procedures in line with the standards of media content and the UAE age classification,” the council announced late Thursday. The movie’s inclusion of a transgender actress as Barbie and other messaging on LGBTQ+

August 04, 2023
Delayed by over a month, the 'Barbie' movie will now be released in the United Arab Emirates
Arts

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Shatters Illusions

Swift performs at Gillette Stadium on May 19, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass., during her Eras Tour.  In the weeks leading up to June 16, 2023, when I attended the Pittsburgh leg of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, the online chatter about the 33-year-old singer had become draining. The internet was ablaze with rumors about Swift dating Matty Healy, the lead singer of the English pop-rock band The 1975. Some Swifties – the term used for diehard Taylor Swift fans – berated the pop superstar for dating Healy, who’d become mired in controversy for appearing on a podcast whose hosts made racist

August 04, 2023
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Shatters Illusions

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