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

Performing Arts

Saturday

Musicians in Their Own Words

Musicians in Their Own Words: Manuel Barrueco

Manuel Barrueco has been called an "aristocrat of the guitar" with "uncommon lyrical gifts." This summer, the Cuban-born musician takes his talents on the road with the Cuarteto Lationamericano.

Musicians in Their Own Words: Manuel Barrueco

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Culture

The Making of 'Downfall'

Downfall, directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, is among the Oscar nominees for best foreign film. The German-made effort details the last days of Adolf Hitler, played by Bruno Ganz. Hirschbiegel and Ganz talk about the film in a wide-ranging interview.

The Making of 'Downfall'

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Friday

The Evolution of Acting

Part 3: Just Act

For some actors, the Method has become an ossified idea instead of an evolving system -- which is what Stanislavsky first envisioned it to be. Now some actors and writers are trying a number of approaches that put a writer's words front-and-center.

Part 3: Just Act

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Thursday

Culture

A Conversation with Cicely Tyson, Part 2

Cicely Tyson starred in movies like The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and Roots, and was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in the classic movie Sounder. After a lengthy hiatus she returns to the big screen in two movies: Because of Winn-Dixie and Diary of A Mad Black Woman. In part two of Ed Gordon's interview, he talks to Tyson about her extraordinary film career.

A Conversation with Cicely Tyson, Part 2

Audio will be available later today.

The Evolution of Acting

Part 2: A 'Method' of Acting

Many Oscar winners have studied with famous acting teachers such as Lee Strasberg and Stella Adler. Their teaching methods remain a huge influence on the art of acting, both on the silver screen and on the live stage.

Part 2: A 'Method' of Acting

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Wednesday

The Evolution of Acting

Part 1: The Stanislavsky System

All actors, whether they know it or not, owe a debt to Constantine Stanislavsky, a businessman turned actor who revolutionized the art of acting. Stanislavsky set out to create what he called a "believable truth" onstage.

Part 1: The Stanislavsky System

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Saturday

Music Interviews

Marin Alsop: Conducting Musical Conversations

The principal conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in Great Britain talks about the challenges of working with orchestras when there is a language barrier. Most leading conductors spend their off season working as guest conductors with orchestras all over the world.

Marin Alsop: Conducting Musical Conversations

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Tuesday

Monday

Music

Grammys Pay Final Reward to 'Genius' of Charles

At the 47th annual Grammy Awards, Ray Charles' final album, Genius Loves Company, earns eight Grammys, including album of the year and record of the year, for his duet with Norah Jones. Singer Alicia Keys came away with four Grammys and R&B artist Usher won three.

Grammys Pay Final Reward to 'Genius' of Charles

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Saturday

Friday

Music News

Hawaiian Music Makes Its Grammy Debut

For the first time, Sunday's Grammy Awards ceremony includes contenders for best Hawaiian music album. The nominees include guitarists and singers who take different approaches to their state's musical traditions.

Hawaiian Music Makes Its Grammy Debut

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American Playwright Arthur Miller Dies at 89

An Appreciation of Playwright Arthur Miller

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Arthur Miller has died at the age of 89. The author of several classic American plays, including Death of a Salesman and The Crucible, Miller was widely acknowledged as the country's most important playwright. NPR's Karen Grigsby Bates offers an appreciation.

An Appreciation of Playwright Arthur Miller

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Thursday