‘The Opening Of The Blacksonian Is *The* Museum Event Of The Year’

“Yes, ‘the Blacksonian,’ because no one is going say that whole name” – the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History and Culture – “and no one’s going to say ‘NMAAHC,’ either, because no one wants to hear ‘God bless you’ every time somebody does.” Wesley Morris, after throwing his bits of shade, describes the experience, both ridiculous and sublime, of his first visit.”

Here Are Five Of 2016’s Best Books In Translation

“In 2016, small publishers like New Directions and Coffee House Press and lauded indie powerhouses like Melville House continue to bring many deserving international voices to the forefront. And in an election year that has many Americans wondering what in the bloody hell is going on around here, books from other parts of the globe can be a welcome treat to help counterbalance the chaos.”

Can You Even Stage ‘The Mikado’ Anymore Without Giving Offense? This Company Is Giving It A Try

For the past few years – starting with an ugly battle in Seattle – the yellowface issue has raged around productions of the Gilbert and Sullivan favorite in the U.S. Last year, facing likely protests, the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players cancelled its production and did Pirates of Penzance instead. (One wag wrote in to decry the failure to cast real pirates.) This year, after much consideration, care, and consultation, the company is trying again, with a new approach.