“As the 2020s dawn, it is crucial to understand the sources and contours of this skepticism toward science and scientists. We stand on the brink of revolutions in fields from biotechnology to robotics to computing, even as global warming accelerates. As a result, arguments over science underlie some of our most divisive and consequential policy debates.” – Boston Review
Rebellion At Spain’s Compañía Nacional De Danza After Director’s Girlfriend Promoted To Highest Rank
There’s little question that Kayoko Everhart is a competent dancer: she’s been with CND for 16 years and a principal for eight. Last month, after a public competition, she was awarded the highest rank, estrella (equivalent to the Paris Opera Ballet’s étoile) — with a 20% pay raise. Then her colleagues found out that she had recently started dating the artistic director, former New York City Ballet star Joaquín de Luz. (in Spanish) – El Mundo (Spain)
What Does It Mean For A Dance Artist To Have An Artistic Home?
It could be an established company with a full-fledged theater and studios, a long-term residency at an institution, a live-work space such as a loft, or even just a regular job with a salary and benefits. Choreographer Kimberly Bartosik explores what the concept means for her and for such colleagues as Bebe Miller, Kyle Abraham, and Jonah Bokaer. – Dance Magazine
Sappho — How Much Do We Really Know About Her?
“No other woman from early antiquity has been so talked about, and in such conflicting terms. The sources are as sparse as the legends are manifold, and any attempt to distinguish between the two virtually hopeless. Every age has created its own Sappho. Some even invented a second in order to sidestep the contradictions of the stories.” Judith Schalansky sifts through it all. – The Paris Review
Nielsen Will Finally Start Calculating Ratings Across All TV-Viewing Platforms
“The new metric, Nielsen One, is slated to begin rolling out in late 2022, and Nielsen says it expects that measurement to become the industry standard for buying and selling ad inventory — a $100 billion annual business — by fall 2024.” – The Hollywood Reporter
A Rave Review For A Dreadful “Messiah”
The tempos were ragged. There was no dynamic nuance at all. Some of the best movements of the oratorio were simply omitted. The singing, to be blunt, was perfectly horrendous. But I had a wonderful time. Of course, I was the only performer in sight. – San Francisco Chronicle
Many London West End Theatres Re-Open
This week, 42 performances of 12 different shows will be staged. – The Stage
Pissed In Peoria: The Building Owner Versus The Mural Painter
Maybe Hawkins should have asked more questions, he thinks now. Why did “Comte” need the mural painted so quickly? Why over Thanksgiving weekend? And why was he offering so much money? – Artnet
Why There Will Be No Bad Sex In Fiction Award For 2020
“The award’s judges said they took the decision because they felt ‘the public had been subjected to too many bad things this year to justify exposing it to bad sex as well’. … But the judges warned authors not to take the cancellation as a ‘licence to write bad sex’.” – The Guardian
Philadelphia Orchestra’s New Principal Guest Conductor: Nathalie Stutzmann
“The much-loved French contralto and conductor … expects to conduct about three weeks each year in the main subscription series, plus additional concerts at the orchestra’s summer homes in Vail, Colo., Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and on tour.” – The Philadelphia Inquirer
Saving England’s Christmas Pantomimes From COVID
In York, they’re taking the panto around to socially distanced audiences at community centres in every neighborhood. In Coventry, they’re streaming from a studio and using sound effects in place of audience responses. In Liverpool, they’re acting in cinemas with scenery projected on the screen. A South London actor shot a panto in his back garden. Several cities are hosting drive-in pantos, and the BBC has hired major stars for a broadcast. – BBC
2021 May Be The Year Europe Gets Serious About Returning Looted African Cultural Objects In Museums
A consensus has been building over the past few years that statues, ceremonial objects, and other items taken from Africa during the colonial period should be given back — but few items have actually been transferred so far, largely due to European laws on museum deaccessions. Naomi Rea reports on why, next year, the logjam may finally break. – Artnet