Arts Aug 17 Ann Patchett on the inspirations for her latest novel, ‘Tom Lake’ Amid the pandemic, a woman tells her three now-grown daughters a story of her youth, a love affair, a path she might have taken but didn’t. While they, in turn, tell her of their hopes and fears for the future.
Arts Aug 11 Hip-hop was born 50 years ago. Nelson George discusses its evolution and legacy Hip-hop is celebrating its 50th birthday. It started with a back-to-school party on August 11, 1973, in The Bronx. Clive Campbell, known as DJ Kool Herc, improvised and played snippets in a loop on two turntables to keep the music…
Arts Jul 24 Success of ‘Barbie’ film adds to doll’s cultural legacy Barbie. The one name conjures up feelings for many generations of women and men across the world. The plastic wonder is now featured in a new film raking in about $155 million this past weekend, making it the highest opening…
Arts Jul 21 Christopher Nolan on ‘Oppenheimer’ and the responsibility of technology creators Robert Oppenheimer was one of this country’s greatest scientists, the father of the atomic bomb and a victim of the McCarthy witch hunts. Now the complicated and fascinating man is the subject of a new film by director Christopher Nolan.
Arts Jul 18 First Latino head of Academy of American Poets on bringing poetry to more people Founded in 1934, the Academy of American Poets is one of the nation’s leading literary organizations and the largest funder of poets. Its new leader wants to emphasize and expand the linguistic diversity of poetry and boost interest in poetry…
Arts Jul 14 Carpenter Mark Ellison’s new book ‘Building’ offers lessons on life and good work Mark Ellison, the author of the new book “Building,” is a carpenter who knows his way around tools. But rather than a how-to book, this is about developing any kind of craft and skill, along with a few hard-earned lessons…
Arts Jul 13 Why Hollywood actors are on strike and what it means for entertainment industry SAG-AFTRA, the union representing 160,000 television and film actors, will go on strike after four weeks of failed negotiations with the studios. Jeffrey Brown spoke with Anousha Sakoui of The Los Angeles Times for a look at what’s behind the…
Arts Jul 07 Pulitzer-winning poet Carl Phillips on his work and the power of poetry What is poetry and what does it offer us? Carl Phillips has some answers. He's known for the beauty of his language, his depth of exploration and is a recent winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Jeffrey Brown went to St.
Arts Jun 26 Critics share the must-see films of the summer movie season It's another summer of movies, with big blockbusters returning to theaters and some comedy and horror indie films too. But will that combination be enough to finally draw people back to theaters? Jeffrey Brown zooms in with two film critics…
Arts Jun 26 8 blockbusters and indie gems to watch this summer The summer movie season is heating up with exciting blockbusters and independent films coming soon to theaters. Monday on the PBS NewsHour, Jeffrey Brown speaks with Ann Hornaday, chief film critic of The Washington Post, and Aisha Harris, host of…