Arts
The Arts

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 4: Carlos Gil On Mexican-American Assimilation, Identity And Immigration
In this episode of “Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella,” author and University of Washington professor of Chicano studies Carlos Gil discusses his views of assimilation as a descendant of Mexican immigrants growing up in California Continue Reading ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 4: Carlos Gil On Mexican-American Assimilation, Identity And Immigration

FILM REVIEW: An Action-Packed Doc About Local Government? It’s All In Wiseman’s ‘City Hall’
Filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, now 90, has a gift for making riveting cinema from the minutiae of the everyday. His latest is a four-and-a-half hour documentary starring Boston City Hall, pre-COVID-19. Continue Reading FILM REVIEW: An Action-Packed Doc About Local Government? It’s All In Wiseman’s ‘City Hall’

What Is The End Of An Era? ‘Jeopardy!’ Host Alex Trebek Dies At 80
“I love spending time with bright people,” said the longtime game show host. Trebek began hosting the trivia show in 1984 and continued for nearly four decades, even through bouts of chemotherapy. Continue Reading What Is The End Of An Era? ‘Jeopardy!’ Host Alex Trebek Dies At 80

60 Years Later, Ruby Bridges Tells Her Story In ‘This Is Your Time’
Bridges was the little girl depicted in that famous Norman Rockwell painting — the first Black student at her New Orleans elementary school. Now, she’s written a book to tell kids her story. Continue Reading 60 Years Later, Ruby Bridges Tells Her Story In ‘This Is Your Time’

In ‘Chicago 7,’ Aaron Sorkin Sees Chilling Parallels Between ’68 Summer And Today
In 1968, several prominent anti-war activists were accused of conspiring to start a riot at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Sorkin’s new film captures their infamous trial. Continue Reading In ‘Chicago 7,’ Aaron Sorkin Sees Chilling Parallels Between ’68 Summer And Today

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 3: Dawn Shaw On The Power Of Choice And Resilience
Public speaker Dawn Shaw shares how resilience, perspective and the power of choice, help people find inner beauty. The removal of a tumor at birth left Shaw with facial paralysis. She is an author of three books, including her memoir “Facing Up to It” and more recently an inspirational guide: “Facial Shift, Adjusting to an Altered Appearance.” Continue Reading ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 3: Dawn Shaw On The Power Of Choice And Resilience

Echoes Of Today’s Unrest Run Through ‘The Cold Millions,’ Set In Spokane’s Rough Past
Jess Walter’s new novel an adventure tale based on actual events in the early days of the last century’s labor movement — which was much wilder and bloodier than most people remember. Continue Reading Echoes Of Today’s Unrest Run Through ‘The Cold Millions,’ Set In Spokane’s Rough Past

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 2: Poet Jordan Chaney On Acknowledging, Learning From And Healing Racism
Poet Jordan Chaney, from Pasco, Washington, joins this episode of “Traverse Talks” and gives advice on how to be a true ally and setting and respecting boundaries when talking about race. Continue Reading ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 2: Poet Jordan Chaney On Acknowledging, Learning From And Healing Racism

FILM REVIEW: Unimaginative ‘Witches’ Retread Lacks The Magic Of Roald Dahl’s Classic
Though Anne Hathaway throws herself into the role of the Grand High Witch with obvious relish, she often seems to be straining for effect — which leaves The Witches feeling flat. Continue Reading FILM REVIEW: Unimaginative ‘Witches’ Retread Lacks The Magic Of Roald Dahl’s Classic

‘The Writing On The Wall’ Finds Poetry Behind Bars, Projects It Onto Buildings
“Look at all the wisdom, look at all the heart that is imprisoned in our society,” says Hank Willis Thomas, cofounder of the art installation project. Continue Reading ‘The Writing On The Wall’ Finds Poetry Behind Bars, Projects It Onto Buildings

BOOK REVIEW: ‘Flamer’ Offers Real Hope — Not Just Rainbows — To Queer Kids
Mike Curato’s new young adult graphic novel Flamer follows a teenager struggling with self-hate and all the different parts of his identity — being a Catholic, a Boy Scout, and being gay. Continue Reading BOOK REVIEW: ‘Flamer’ Offers Real Hope — Not Just Rainbows — To Queer Kids

85 Years After The Irving Berlin Classic, Isn’t This A Lovely Day For A ‘Top Hat’ Tribute?
Irving Berlin’s classic musical turns 85 this year, and a group of artists are paying tribute with a brand-new video version of one of its songs, “Isn’t This A Lovely Day (To Be Caught In The Rain)?” Continue Reading 85 Years After The Irving Berlin Classic, Isn’t This A Lovely Day For A ‘Top Hat’ Tribute?