Category: AJBlogs

“Times change” is a time-dishonored argument for justifying moral lapses, whether they’re #MeToo transgressions (Plácido Domingo) or retention of antiquities that were likely looted (Philippe de Montebello). Those accustomed to the old rules need to get with the new program: The operative slogan has changed from “Times change” to “Time’s up!” – Lee Rosenbaum

As with most really good ideas, it’s not terribly complicated. It’s simply a ‘note to self’ to check in on all past engagement relationships on a regular (at least annual) basis. This simple habit has the ability to accomplish a wide variety of good things. – Doug Borwick

When Janet Eilber, artistic director of the Martha Graham Dance Company, stepped through Jacob’s Pillow’s front curtain to introduce the group’s performance, she mentioned that this was the 94th year of the MGDC, which made it the oldest dance company in the United States. – Deborah Jowitt

It’s not quite fair to call City Ballet principal Sara Means a force of nature because she’s so hard-working and disciplined, but it’s tempting. – Deborah Jowitt

Remembering Bob Wilber, and celebrating Gunhild Carling. – Doug Ramsey

In a 4-3 decision that’s likely to satisfy no one, the board elected to cover the Life of Washington mural without destroying it. The estimated cost: $875,000. Wouldn’t that money be better spent on education, not obliteration? – Lee Rosenbaum

My own views on this contretemps are conflicted. By all accounts I’ve seen by art professionals, this is a powerful work, intended by the Russian-American artist to be seen as a critique of the historic cruelty suffered by African-Americans and Native Americans. In cases like this, I give myself what I call the Holocaust Test. – Lee Rosenbaum

The gray-haired man standing outside Jacob’s Pillow’s Ted Shawn Theater during intermission is explaining his reaction to Andrea Miller’s Boat to two attentive listeners. The members of her company, Gallim, he says, never stand still! He can’t get over that. – Deborah Jowitt

That Levant was what he seemed was doubtless a key to his appeal. His authenticity has never appeared more exceptional: no present-day mainstream media personality – not even our President — is as heedlessly controversial as was Levant every time he opened his mouth. – Joe Horowitz

It’s difficult to remember when I first met Iris Murdoch and John Bayley – in my experience, they were inseparable. – Paul Levy