Arts
The Arts

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 9 – Part 1: Comedy Writer Ted Tremper On Finding Humor In Tragedy
In part one of this episode of “Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella,” comedy writer Ted Tremper talks about growing up in the Northwest as the overweight-funny kid. He says his mom’s untimely death while he was in college shaped much of his outlook on life and his career. Tremper has written for “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,”” I Love You, America” with Sarah Silverman, and has written his own episodic comedy called “Shrink.” Continue Reading ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 9 – Part 1: Comedy Writer Ted Tremper On Finding Humor In Tragedy

‘He Makes Us Love George Smiley:’ The Legacy Of John Le Carré, Master Of The Spy Thriller
NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly speaks with British writer Robert Harris about the legacy of John le Carré, whom he’s called “one of the great post-war British novelists” and who died Saturday at age 89. Continue Reading ‘He Makes Us Love George Smiley:’ The Legacy Of John Le Carré, Master Of The Spy Thriller

No ‘Nutcracker’? Or ‘Messiah’? How Theaters Are Facing A COVID Christmas
In normal times, audiences would be flocking to theaters for Christmas productions right now. But 2020 is anything but normal — especially when it comes to holiday traditions. Continue Reading No ‘Nutcracker’? Or ‘Messiah’? How Theaters Are Facing A COVID Christmas

New Indie Wrestling Film ‘The Last Champion’ Offers Familiar Inland Northwest Sights
Northwesterners watching the new indie film will immediately recognize the towering grain elevators, undulating blankets of hills that stretch to the horizon and vast and vibrant sunsets of the Palouse. Continue Reading New Indie Wrestling Film ‘The Last Champion’ Offers Familiar Inland Northwest Sights

BOOK REVIEW: ‘Ordesa’ Is A Difficult Read — But Stick With It
Manuel Vilas’ quiet, intensely sad new, about a middle-aged man trying to connect with his estranged family while thinking a lot of deep thoughts about death, requires patience, but it’s worth it. Continue Reading BOOK REVIEW: ‘Ordesa’ Is A Difficult Read — But Stick With It

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 8: Stella Williams On Diversity In Literature And Art’s Impact On Community
In this episode of “Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella,” author Stella Williams shares how her love for reading at a young age drove her to write about stories that showcased characters that looked like her. Continue Reading ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 8: Stella Williams On Diversity In Literature And Art’s Impact On Community

Roald Dahl Family Apologizes For Children’s Author’s Anti-Semitism
The apology, which appeared as a note on the official Roald Dahl website, comes 30 years after the author’s death. Continue Reading Roald Dahl Family Apologizes For Children’s Author’s Anti-Semitism

New Documentary ‘Billie’ Explores Mysteries Of Billie Holiday And Her Biographer
The film continues writer Linda Kuehl’s unfinished investigation into Holiday’s life through never-before-heard interviews with jazz luminaries, and explores her experiences with institutional racism. Continue Reading New Documentary ‘Billie’ Explores Mysteries Of Billie Holiday And Her Biographer

BOOK REVIEW: Finding A Voice And Coming To Terms With A Stutter In ‘I Talk Like A River’
Jordan Scott is a poet, a master of words, and a stutterer. His new kids’ book, gorgeously illustrated by Sydney Smith, chronicles his childhood journey towards coming to terms with his stutter. Continue Reading BOOK REVIEW: Finding A Voice And Coming To Terms With A Stutter In ‘I Talk Like A River’

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 7: Ross Gay On Tenderness And Finding Delight
In this episode of ‘Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella,’ poet and professor Ross Gay discusses ways to recognize and incorporate tenderness into your life. Ramella and Gay cover everything from the benefits of gardening to why he doesn’t often give advice. Continue Reading ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 7: Ross Gay On Tenderness And Finding Delight

Elizabeth Acevedo’s Poetry Extends A Helping Hand In Our Lonely Time
The way loneliness skulks in one of Elizabeth Acevedo’s poems probably would have felt familiar even before the pandemic forced us into more isolating situations. Continue Reading Elizabeth Acevedo’s Poetry Extends A Helping Hand In Our Lonely Time

TV REVIEW: ‘A Teacher’ Tells A Lesson In Predatory Behavior
In the Hulu on FX limited series “A Teacher,” a high school English teacher (Kate Mara) lures a student (Nick Robinson) into a sexual relationship. It doesn’t turn out well. Continue Reading TV REVIEW: ‘A Teacher’ Tells A Lesson In Predatory Behavior