Lyn Gardner takes a look at history. “Shakespeare’s fellow thespians toured out of London, far away from the plague’s more deadly ravages. But that is not an option for theatremakers in the interconnected world of Covid-19. But of course, there are other methods of distributing art – including live streaming – that might offer different ways of getting theatre out there while venues are closed. It might help open the eyes of theatres and companies to the possibilities of digital in a way they haven’t previously explored.” – The Stage (UK)
Tag: 03.06.20
The Children’s Museum Of Manhattan Wants To Alter A Landmarked Church
The neighborhood response is not going well for the museum. “Preservationists and community members called the proposed changes ‘cultural vandalism.’ ‘Why buy a church if you don’t like the windows, when you knew that they were landmarked when you purchased it?'” – Hyperallergic
Alan Turner, Artist Who Painted Oddly Disturbing Trees And Body Parts, Has Died At 76
Turner drew on surrealism, abstract expressionism, and much more for his works. “In recent years, spurred by cardboard shelters in the homeless encampments along the Tiber River that he saw on his frequent trips to Rome, he developed a ‘Box House’ series, mostly in graphite, that explored not only those but all sorts of boxes that harbor all sorts of things.” – The New York Times
London’s Royal Opera House Announces That Plácido Domingo Has ‘Withdrawn’ From Planned Performances
It seems that Europe and England aren’t as interested in supporting the singer quite as strongly as they were a year ago. Their support in the face of allegations of sexual harassment “began to change last week with the release of the American union’s conclusions.” – The New York Times
For Black Artists, There’s A Question Of Who Can Challenge Mediocre Work
The issues are layered. “Black auteurs frequently don’t get to just worry about making art that speaks to their own interests. Because of discrimination in Hollywood, creators also shoulder what the Jamaican Canadian director Stella Meghie recently called ‘the unbearable weight of representation.’ That burden also affects viewers, who may feel the need to support some unremarkable work for fear of losing what little black programming exists.” – The Atlantic
When An Art Fair Gets An Audio Guide
Sure, the Armory Show is a big one, but every fair needs its gimmick. “As fairs proliferate, to about 300 worldwide, their organizers introduce new features, like panel discussions and concerts, meant to add intellectual heft and to cultivate and entertain broader audiences.” (This one isn’t perfect.) – The New York Times
Quibi Is Coming Hard And Fast, Whatever It Actually Is
The short-video media service debuts in April with 50 shows and a lot of Hollywood stars. But seriously: What is it? First of all: Quibi is short (of course) for Quick bites. Cute. – The New York Times
Under Pressure, Hachette Cancels Publication Of Woody Allen Autobiography
Hachette executives had discussed the matter with its employees and, “after listening, we came to the conclusion that moving forward with publication would not be feasible for HBG.” – The New York Times
A Surge In Online Services During Coronavirus?
If the coronavirus continues to spread, analysts believe U.S. consumers will adopt behavior similar to that of Chinese consumers. China this year has seen a surge in people downloading apps on their smartphones in such areas as games and entertainment, according to San Francisco mobile data and analytics firm App Annie. Weekly game app downloads on Apple devices last month were up 80% in China, compared with a monthly average of downloads for 2019, the company said. – Los Angeles Times
SXSW Festival Canceled
The cancellation — just seven days before the 2020 festival was scheduled to start next Friday — comes as SXSW organizers faced public pressure to scrap it, as well the prospect of a substantially diminished event anyway because a lengthy list of companies and speakers already dropped out. – Austin Statesman