The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, July 2-8, 2025
What to do for Independence Weekend
New exhibitions Queridos and Where I’m From take unique looks at “how we got here”, get hands on at the PMA, and talk to spirits with Conversations with Miranda. Kyle V. Hiller previews.
Previews
3 minute read
Books are dangerous. That’s why we need the freedom to read them.
This Fourth of July, I’m reading something radical.
Anndee Hochman grew up reading Judy Blume, unaware of how controversial her books were. Today, after raising her own daughter, she knows what book-ban proponents do not: reading is a fundamental freedom.
Essays
6 minute read
The Untied States: 249 years later, America’s still not great—but it could be.
This is our country’s first real chance at greatness. Will we take it?
The Trump administration has brought the United States to a crisis—but only because it revealed what has been there all along. Lindsay Gary asks if we have the courage to respond by making America great for the first time ever.
Essays
5 minute read
The moment of rupture: a conversation with Phantasmagossip author Sara Mae
What the ghosts say
Philly writer Sara Mae talks about their new poetry chapbook Phantasmagossip, writing songs with The Noisy, and themes of gender expansiveness and past selves. Kiran Pandey profiles.
Profiles
6 minute read
In today's America, parenting itself can be an act of patriotism.
Parenting toward what I know our country can be.
As a kid, Jill Ivey loved donning American flag fashion for the Fourth of July. Today, with her own child born between two Trump administrations, she marks the holiday in a different way, as a parent resisting injustice.
Essays
5 minute read
This Fourth of July, we need a narrative revolution.
Writers and artists lead America’s nonviolent fight for justice.
The Trump administration is trying to rewrite reality and history. Cass Lewis says we’re not going to let them, if writers and artists have anything to say about it.
Essays
5 minute read
In America today, joining the jury isn’t just a civic duty. It’s an ethical one.
American justice relies on jurors more than ever.
After serving on a jury earlier this year, An Nichols was surprised by her relationship to her fellow jurors, and learned about the outsize impact jurors can have at the local and national level.
Essays
4 minute read
I feared liberals, and then I became one. But I’m still evolving, and you can, too.
My political journey probably isn’t what you expected.
With partisan politics so toxically entrenched in America, it can be tough to admit that you’re open to change. This Fourth of July, Alaina Johns is thinking about her conservative upbringing.
Editorials
6 minute read
The Painter’s Fire: A Forgotten History of the Artists Who Championed the American Revolution, by Zara Anishanslin.
The little-known patriots whose art helped spark a Revolution
Some American patriots fought with words or swords, but others aided and abetted the Revolution with their art, both in the Colonies and abroad. They are illuminated in The Painter’s Fire, a new book by Zara Anishanslin. Gail Obenreder reviews.
Essays
4 minute read
Discover Revolutionary history on both sides of the river at Fort Mifflin and Red Bank Battlefield Park
Defending the Delaware
Looking for Revolution-themed summer or fall day trips? Learn about the history of Fort Mifflin, Fort Mercer, and the Pennsylvania State Navy with historic sites spanning the Delaware River. Bart Stump visits.
Features
6 minute read
The American Philosophical Society presents Philadelphia, The Revolutionary City
A Revolution through ordinary citizens’ eyes
A new exhibition at the American Philosophical Society about the lives of ordinary people in the Revolutionary Era brings an online history portal to life in the physical museum. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.
Reviews
6 minute read
BSR writers speak up about the June 14 No Kings protests in Philly and beyond
Marchers make history, instead of repeating it
The June 14 No Kings Day protest, organized to reclaim the American flag and oppose unconstitutional actions by the Trump administration in favor of democracy and the rule of law, drew millions of marchers across the country. BSR writers reflect.
Editorials
8 minute read
The BSR July 2025 repertory movie roundup
Spinal Tap, Con Air, Blobfest and four Hitchcock seminars
Summer movie screenings happening in the Philly area this month, including This Is Spinal Tap, Con Air, and a litany of Hitchcock seminars. Stephen Silver previews.
Previews
4 minute read
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The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Round, June 26-July 1, 2025
The Mini Art Show, Kyle Ayers: Hard to Say, Under the El Bazaar, and more
Previewing an exhibition that celebrates small-scale creativity, a performance that looks to laugh at a rare disorder, and a bazaar under the el in Fishtown. Kyle V. Hiller rounds up.
Previews
5 minute read
Martha Anne Toll revisits her early violist days in Duet for One
A book retracing hometown memories
‘Duet For One’ by Martha Anne Toll tells a personal Philadelphia music story. Margaret Hutton profiles.
Profiles
3 minute read
The Month in Philly Dance: July 2025
Dancing with Chocolate Ballerina Company, BalletX, PHILADANCO! and more
Fourth of July with Chocolate Ballerina Company, summer with BalletX, and a pair of PHILADANCO celebrates 55 years. Camille Bacon-Smith previews.
Previews
3 minute read
West Chester Dance Works presents Rachel Harris: One Woman Over the Line
Dancing the way to freedom
A June 22 performance of West Chester Dance Works’ Rachel Harris: One Woman Over the Line at the Performance Garage celebrated Juneteenth with a vibrant, relevant imagining of one real-life woman’s historic journey to freedom. Melissa Strong reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
PlayPenn’s 20th anniversary conference takes root in Philly neighborhoods
The 2025 New Play Development Conference goes local
Despite cruel NEA cuts, PlayPenn's 2025 New Play Development Conference opens on Saturday, July 5. Camille Bacon-Smith sits down with conference leaders and resident playwright Lori Felipe-Barkin.
Features
6 minute read
Brandywine Museum of Art presents This Earthen Door: Nature as Muse and Material
The art of Emily Dickinson’s garden
An elegant conceptual exhibition at the Brandywine Museum of Art explores conservation, the act of noticing, and the poetics of nature and art through the lens of Emily Dickinson’s garden and her historic herbarium. Gail Obenreder reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
Michener Art Museum presents Judith Schaechter: Super/Natural
Embracing the impermanence of beauty
In an eerie, exquisite show at the Michener Art Museum, stained-glass artist Judith Schaechter explores the darker emotions and stories that make beauty and joy possible by contrast. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
Go behind the scenes with Philly actor Ross Beschler of the Wilma's HotHouse Company
Exploring the Wilma's A Summer Day on the BSR Podcast
Listen in as podcast host Darnelle Radford gets an inside look at the Wilma's acclaimed acting company and their season-closing show, A Summer Day.
Podcast
1 minute read
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, June 19-25, 2025
Celebrating the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth
Rounding up a variety of Juneteenth events in Philadelphia. Kyle V. Hiller previews.
Previews
6 minute read
Journey Arts presents Table Sessions: Daniel de Jesús at Bartram’s Garden
Heartache, love, and Lorca
In a unique program at Bartram’s Garden, including an Andalusian-inspired dinner, composer/performer Daniel de Jesús honored Federico García Lorca with voice and music. Anndee Hochman reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read