The networks have conceded there aren’t enough minority roles in their programming – they’re writing some in. New York Times
PREVIOUSLY: Threat of a network boycott by a coalition of Latino groups has broadcasters scrambling to compile lists of their Hispanic talent. Okay, they’re using short pieces of paper, but “we’re trying” they say.
Dallas Morning News 9/12/99
Author: Douglas McLennan
TRIVIALIZATION OF ART
At the end of the 20th Century we’ve made the word meaningless complains Roger Kimball, editor of The New Criterion.
A Soweto Dance Company Is Taking Traditional Dance Big-Time
Gumboots does for the dance of turn-of-the-century South African miners what Riverdance did for the Irish jig or the Chippendales did for baby oil and bow ties. – The Times (UK)
A conversation with Jasper Johns –
– as his first big show since the 1996 MOMA retrospective opens in San Francisco. San Francisco Chronicle
WHEN HE DIED, PHILADELPHIA DEVELOPER JOHN MERRIAM –
– left a Tiffany mosaic installed at the Curtis Center as part of his $119 million estate. No one will pay what the estate is demanding, so his estate wants to remove and sell it, setting off the biggest Philadelphia preservation crisis in years. – Philadelphia Inquirer
The Glenn Gould Cult
Canadians have made a fetish out of the late great pianist. This week a five-day international Gould conference of Trekkie proportions will open in Toronto. – The Globe and Mail (Canada)
Elton John turns movie critic
Trashes Benigni’s “Life is Beautiful.” Elton’s new movie (he produced) was a hit at this year’s Toronto Film Festival.
Toronto Globe and Mail
THE GENIUS ECLIPSED
The revolution that was Michel Fokine – and then eclipsed. “Before Fokine, choreographer, set designer, costumer and composer each worked in isolation on a dance; Fokine set about bringing these arts together.” The onset of Nijinsky helped prematurely end Fokine’s career at age 34. – New Statesman
Tampa Tribune says new Pinewood Cultural Center
is one of the few places in the nation to boast an art museum, cultural center and a botanical garden on a single campus. Tampa Tribune 9/17/99
Media Mergers sends Creatives to Court
As corporations combine, artists and producers reach for their lawyers to protect their interests. Los Angeles Times