The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, February 20-26, 2025
Object Memory, up-and-comers in Philly music, and more
A trio of solo performances, multidisciplinary art exhibitions, and music from young composers lights up Philly. Kyle V. Hiller rounds up.
Previews
5 minute read
Philadelphia Theatre Company presents Night Side Songs
Honoring caregivers on and off the stage
Philadelphia Theatre Company's premiere of Daniel and Patrick Lazour's show gives care and attention to a community of people who often go unthanked. Anna Fiscarelli-Mintz previews.
Previews
2 minute read
If it "didn’t accomplish anything" last time, why do I keep marching?
“We’re gonna keep on moving forward”
Anndee Hochman has spent years protesting for human rights. This year, some people are discouraged. A friend told her it doesn't make a difference. So Anndee shares the reasons she isn't going to stop marching.
Essays
5 minute read
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BSR Classical Interludes, more in February 2025
Elevating the voices and the soul of Philadelphia
Wrapping up classical music performances happening in February throughout the Philly area. Gail Obenreder rounds up.
Previews
3 minute read
The Print Center presents its 99th ANNUAL Solo Exhibitions
Artists head for the borders
The Print Center’s ANNUAL International Competition draws hundreds of applications. Solo shows from this year’s three winners enlighten us on people who are dismissed, denigrated and demonized. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.
Reviews
5 minute read
The National Liberty Museum presents Word Powered
Using their words
The National Liberty Museum presents the second of three exhibitions in its aspirationally titled “Year of Free Speech.” Word Powered examines this human right through a juried selection of multidisciplinary visual art. Wendy Rosenfield reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
Can the Eagles’ 2025 Super Bowl game make Philly feel like home for all of us?
The narratives Philly loves—and the ones we escape
Kyle V. Hiller's relationship with sports has always colored his relationship with Philly. We're a city of contradictions, always fighting that not-good-enough narrative. What can we learn about our city in the Eagles' latest shot at the Super Bowl?
Editorials
6 minute read
Philadelphia Magic Gardens presents Lost Landscapes: The Skin of the Bride
Recovering and preserving a vision
The story of artist Isaiah Zagar’s remarkable decade-long mural project from the 90s and how the Philadelphia Magic Gardens is working to preserve the masterwork that was nearly completely demolished. Anndee Hochman profiles.
Profiles
3 minute read
Blind filmmaker David Y. Block is finally telling his own story
The life behind Born Blind
David Y. Block, a blind journalist and filmmaker, has been telling other people’s stories through his documentaries for years. But as he tells Anndee Hochman, now he’s learning to turn that lens on himself.
Features
5 minute read
Remembering Carrie Gorn, Philly theater publicist extraordinaire
The woman who powered Philly theater from behind the scenes
For more than 10 years, theater critic Cameron Kelsall heard from publicist Carrie Gorn each week, tirelessly pitching clients’ work with her distinctive joy for the art form. Here at BSR, it’s painful to imagine our job without her.
Essays
4 minute read
Six reasons my friends aren’t calling Congress, DEBUNKED
If you hate picking up the phone, these tips are for you
This is no time to wring your hands. If you care about US democracy and its role in our cultural sector, it’s time to act. For some people, that means calling Congress for the first time. Alaina Johns has tips.
Editorials
5 minute read
What to do if you’re grieving on Valentine’s Day
Tips for navigating loss as everyone celebrates love
Valentine’s day can bring romance, tenderness, and fun, but it can also be a painful time if you’re experiencing grief. Constance Garcia-Barrio connects with Philly grief experts and resources to help you through this day and every day.
Features
6 minute read
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Also on BSR
BalletX presents its 2025 Winter Series with works by Nicolo Fonte, Caili Quan, and Gregory Dawson
Another victory for the athletes of dance
As Philly celebrates the Eagles, BalletX flexes its own muscles with two world premieres in a dramatic Winter Series. Melissa Strong reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, February 13-19, 2025
Valentine’s Day shenanigans, President’s Day events, Gay Mis, and more
Celebrating Valentine’s Day and President’s Day in Philly—and not just an Eagles parade. Kyle V. Hiller previews.
Previews
4 minute read
Villanova’s Center For Irish Studies presents Lost Lear
Fragmented reality with a purpose
The North American premiere of Dublin-based theatermaker Dan Colley’s Lost Lear takes on a Shakespeare classic through the lens of memory and dementia. Dara McBride previews.
Previews
2 minute read
A Valentine’s Day counter-romance roundup
Eight media picks to explore love outside of sex, romance, and marriage
Three hundred and sixty-four days a year, most of society puts romance above any other kind of relationship. Then, on Valentine’s Day, the message gets even harder to escape. Alaina Johns loves these alternatives.
Editorials
5 minute read
InterAct Theatre Company presents Damon Chua’s Quixotic Professor Qiu
Continuing a streak of timely shows
Quixotic Professor Qiu, now getting its world premiere at InterAct, follows a Chinese American math professor targeted by the FBI in a satire with timely resonance for Philly. Alaina Johns reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
Filament presents Rococo Dialogues
The birth of the keyboard sonata
Anne Louise Brillon de Jouy, a friend (and paramour?) of Benjamin Franklin, was famous in her time for her keyboard sonatas. Early music trio Filament gives her music a well-deserved modern premiere. Gail Obenreder reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
The Crossing presents what can I know?
“America’s most interesting choir” lives up to its reputation
Following a fourth Grammy award, The Crossing presented a concert in Chestnut Hill featuring the world premiere of Sebastian Currier’s Mysterium and the North American premiere of Linda Catlin Smith’s Folio. Gail Obenreder reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
Dive into Philly's winter theater scene with interviews featuring the Wilma's Suli Holum and BRT's Phyllis Johnson
Go behind-the-scenes on The Half-God of Rainfall and Fires in the Mirror
On these podcast episodes, Darnelle takes you inside two exciting regional productions: the Wilma's Half-God of Rainfall (by Inua Ellams) and BRT's Fires in the Mirror (by Anna Deavere Smith).
Podcast
2 minute read
BSR Classical Interludes, February 2025
It takes an ensemble to tango
Classical music performances in the greater Philadelphia area this February, with hints of Argentine tango and classics both contemporary and centuries old. Gail Obenreder previews.
Previews
3 minute read
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, February 6-12, 2025
New exhibitions throughout the city and more Black History Month events
Screenings at the Weitzman and Asian Arts Initiative, new exhibits at the Schuylkill Center, Penn Museum, and FRIEDA, and Black History Month at AAMP and Chestnut Hill. Kyle V. Hiller rounds up.
Previews
4 minute read