Arts, Events & Culture
Art & creativity, events, design, cultural shifts
A sense of urgency permeates the arts and culture landscape, whether it's the Kennedy Center's push for a necessary closure to address repairs or the ongoing cultural dialogues sparked by Jimmy Kimmel’s comedic jabs at Trump. Meanwhile, the revival of Geirr Tveitt’s music and Linett Kamala’s innovative take on maypole dancing reflect a broader trend of reclaiming and reinterpreting cultural legacies. As new voices emerge—like the Newcastle jazz band Knats breaking through regional barriers and the revival of overlooked songwriters—there's an invigorating tension between tradition and modernity, underscoring the resilience and creativity that define today’s artistic scene.
Articles
‘We asked Billy Connolly to do 15 minutes. He said “I’ll do as long as I want”’: the sweary, shambolic all-nighter that became Comic ReliefComic Relief's origins 40 years ago were marked by a chaotic and informal gathering of British comedy talent, contrasting sharply with its current status as a major fundraising event, as recounted by key figures like Lenny Henry and Richard Curtis. The inaugural event featured memorable performances and a spirit of spontaneity that laid the groundwork for its future success.
Adjoa Andoh on Shakespeare, Bridgerton and DEI: ‘I don’t have to be the only one in the room’Adjoa Andoh emphasizes the importance of diversity in the arts, noting that her work may appear 'Black or colour-centric' due to societal silos, while also humorously highlighting her commitment to the Folger Shakespeare Library residency despite missing crucial football matches.
'I wrote The Cage to understand my brother's addiction'Tony Schumacher's new BBC One drama, 'The Cage,' explores the complexities of addiction through the lens of a personal narrative, aiming to shed light on his brother's struggles.
‘I wanted alcohol to take me to a place where I was not’: comedian John Robins on the moment he realised he had a drinking problemComedian John Robins reflects on his lifelong relationship with alcohol, revealing a turning point where he recognized his drinking problem, despite previously portraying himself as a carefree drinker in his comedy and media projects.
Bad movies, good business: how sanitised biopics became a Hollywood stapleThe rise of sanitized biopics reflects a shift in Hollywood where celebrities increasingly control their narratives and monetize their images, adapting to audience expectations post-Covid by focusing on entertainment value. Ryan Gosling's recent comments highlight this new approach, emphasizing the importance of creating appealing content to draw viewers back to theaters.
Zara Larsson’s Pop Career Had Stalled. But a Big Second Act Awaited.Zara Larsson's pop career experienced a significant revival after years of stagnation, fueled by a remix from PinkPantheress and her adaptability in the face of challenges.
Ukrainian action thriller billed as Saving Private Ryan for the drone ageKillhouse, a Ukrainian action thriller, draws parallels to Saving Private Ryan by showcasing drone warfare and the rescue of civilians, while featuring notable Ukrainian figures and set against a backdrop of future U.S.-Ukraine alliance.
Review: ‘Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,’ With Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the EntertainerThe revival of 'Joe Turner’s Come and Gone' featuring Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer, while occasionally uneven, successfully reveals the depth of Wilson's enigmatic drama.
Noah Kahan was crowned a superstar. It messed with his headNoah Kahan's rise to superstardom following his third album has led to a significant crisis of confidence, highlighting the pressures that come with sudden fame.