What is the enduring appeal of Dr. Seuss? “Seuss is Aristophanes with rhythm. For the reading adult, his stories have a pulsing speed that makes an easy and compulsive read. For all ages, there is a moral ferocity for which only a consummate satirist can be forgiven.”
Tag: 03.28.04
Generation X, Generation Mellow?
Generation X movie-makers are generally been known for their ironic take on the world. But as they grow older, there are signs that that defining sttitude may be mellowing…
Penguin Canada’s Literary Rebirth
When Penguin Books Canada went to India to find a new publisher, some wondered if David Davidar would understand the sensibilities of Canadian publishing. Turns out he does. “You have scintillating writers from all over the world, people with origins in Asia, Africa, Europe, which makes for diverse and interesting narratives. And the whole country seems to celebrate that. It seemed a great idea to be in the midst of that creative ferment. The big similarity between India and Canada is that for a long time it was difficult for writers to be published well at home. You had to go to London, and Canadians also went to New York to be published.”
The Art Gallery Of Ontario’s Civil War
“The Art Gallery of Ontario’s “plans for a spectacular transformation, designed by the great architect Frank Gehry, have been put into limbo. The angry defection of long-time benefactor and board member Joey Tanenbaum has set off a chain reaction — resulting in waves of emotional and angry debate about what the AGO should do. At the moment, there is a long lineup of unhappy people.”
Welser-Most Turns Down Vienna State Opera Job
Franz Welser-MÖst was offered the top job at the Vienna State Opera Friday, and turned it down, citing his contract commitment to the Cleveland Orchestra through 2012. “I’m not somebody who breaches a contract. I believe both institutions deserve 100 percent focus. I cannot divide my focus and give each institution 50 percent, which would mean in the end both institutions would suffer.”
Opera: Of Stage And Sound
David Patrick Stearns has no problem reconciling the physical size of a singer with the role he or she’s supposed to assume. “The opera world is splintering in ways that make big-blast singers – most often those with weight problems – not always necessary. Directors are the new stars of the opera houses, which for some operagoers is a sign of defeat. If there are so few great singers out there, voice connoisseurs think, at least opera can tell interesting stories. There’s an even wilder card with opera’s changing venues: What used to be a medium of standardized grandeur now comes in all shapes and forms, some demanding physical appropriateness, some not.”