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Performing Arts News, interviews, and commentary on theater, the arts, music, and dance.

Performing Arts

Tuesday

Scenes I Wish I Had Written

The Hills Are Alive for Suzan-Lori Parks

Writer Suzan-Lori Parks has won acclaim for depictions of African-American life. The author of Topdog/Underdog discusses two of her favorite dramatic scenes, from The Sound of Music and Taxi Driver.

The Hills Are Alive for Suzan-Lori Parks

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Monday

Friday

World

One-Woman Show on Iraq Draws Accolades

A new play about Iraq is drawing strong reviews in New York. Nine Parts of Desire is a solo performance by Iraqi-American actor Heather Raffo, who gives voice to nine different Iraqi women. NPR's Deborah Amos reports.

One-Woman Show on Iraq Draws Accolades

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Music Interviews

Diana Krall, Singing Her Own Song

Diana Krall is known for her interpretations of old favorites from the American songbook. But her latest release, The Girl in the Other Room, includes newer songs and — for the first time — her own music. She talks about her craft with NPR's Steve Inskeep.

Diana Krall, Singing Her Own Song

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Tuesday

Scenes I Wish I Had Written

Beckett's Plays Still Speak to Edward Albee

Playwright Edward Albee tells NPR's Susan Stamberg that Irish playwright Samuel Beckett created two scenes that make Albee a bit jealous: one in Happy Days and another in Krapp's Last Tape.

Beckett's Plays Still Speak to Edward Albee

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Monday

Sunday

Music Interviews

Michael Tilson Thomas' New World Symphony

Some of the country's best young classical musicians congregate in Miami each year to participate in the New World Symphony. In the first of a three-part series following the symphony, NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with the orchestra's artistic director Michael Tilson Thomas.

Michael Tilson Thomas' New World Symphony

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Saturday

Music Interviews

It's 'Deja Vu' for John Fogerty

John Fogerty, the creative force behind the '60s rock group Creedence Clearwater Revival, has released his sixth solo album. It's his first CD of new material in seven years. NPR's Scott Simon talks with Fogerty about his life and music.

It's 'Deja Vu' for John Fogerty

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Thursday

Where Science Meets Art

MIT-Trained Artist Blurs Technology and Art

An artist educated at MIT has a unique perspective on his trade. Using lasers, heart monitors and other technological gadgets, Christopher Janney explores the nature of creativity and origin of the soul.

MIT-Trained Artist Blurs Technology and Art

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Tuesday

Monday

Culture

Modern Dance Master Pina Bausch's Latest Work

German choreographer Pina Bausch is one of the giant figures of modern dance, and her work gained greater notoriety when director Pedro Almodovar featured one of her works in his film Talk to Her. On Tuesday, the notoriously press-shy choreographer premieres For the Children of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

Modern Dance Master Pina Bausch's Latest Work

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Sunday

Culture

The Evolution of 'Peter Pan'

Productions Peter Pan have reflected changing social attitudes toward children over the years. The result is that until recently, Peter, the boy who wouldn't grow up, was played by a woman. NPR's Pat Dowell explores the history of the character.

The Evolution of 'Peter Pan'

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Saturday

Music

The Return of Honky Tonk Heavyweights BR549

The Grammy-nominated honky tonk band BR549 lost two founding members in 2001. Front man Chuck Mead and drummer Shaw Wilson tell NPR's Scott Simon how they set out to record and tour again.

The Return of Honky Tonk Heavyweights BR549

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