What are the odds? Here's a rare inside look at the reality of running an indie media outlet.
This is the part that the readers don't see.
A lot of our work here at BSR is visible to you, like the work we publish or the events we hold. But a lot of it is invisible to the public. We're talking about it for the first time. Alaina Johns explains.
Editorials
4 minute read
Theatre Exile presents Rajiv Joseph’s Gruesome Playground Injuries
Truly gruesome
Theatre Exile kicks off its 30th anniversary season with a time-hopping tale of two friends and the injuries and accidents they overcome. Jill Ivey reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
BalletX presents Loughlan Prior, Christian Denice, and Amy Hall Garner in its 2026 Fall Series
All that contemporary ballet can be
Loughlan Prior’s Prohibition-inspired Speakeasy opens BalletX’s 2026 Fall Series, a program that showcases the company’s consistent growth and artistic prowess. Melissa Strong reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
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InterAct Theatre Company presents Jonathan Spector’s This Much I Know
History and culpability through a personal lens
InterAct tackles authoritarian histories, in the US and abroad, through a personal lens with playwright Jonathan Spector’s ambitious This Much I Know. C.M. Crockford reviews.
Reviews
3 minute read
Icebox Project Space transforms into a micro mall through November 15
Presented by Collective Futures, the reimagined art gallery boasts a free salad bar on Wednesdays, VCR rentals, and more
Icebox Project's Timothy Belknap says malls are a "dream space," and hopes Icebox Mall invites people to slow down and into a nostalgic, communal space. BSR's Wi-Moto Nyoka previews.
Previews
4 minute read
Meet Daralyse Lyons, the revenue consultant who could help transform BSR's future.
Want to know more about our revenue drive? Tune in to this quick video conversation.
We are working to raise $10,000 by December 31, so we can add a revenue consultant to the BSR team for the first time ever. Find out what's at stake in the Readers Decide Revenue Drive.
Editorials
less than a minute read
Previewing the 2026 Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media Festival
Ensuring the lineup shows a "wide variety of perspectives," organizers say
BSR writer Stephen Silver has you covered for the Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media, which runs from November 12-21. This year's festival is the first since PJFM's merger with Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.
Previews
4 minute read
The Arden Theatre and People’s Light present Suzan Lori-Parks’s Topdog/Underdog
The battle of Lincoln and Booth
A co-production of Topdog/Underdog from the Arden and People’s Light lacks the wit and menace that makes this play by Suzan-Lori Parks a modern classic. Cameron Kelsall reviews.
Reviews
3 minute read
Bilingual publisher, doslenguas, opens in Philly
The launch boasts first English edition of "Amar: To Have and Not Hold" by Columbian author, Anabel Torres
Casa de Duende created a bilingual press to engage with people across borders often imposed by language. Constance Garcia-Barrio has the inside look.
Profiles
3 minute read
BSR Weekly roundup: November 4-10
A self-guided walking tour of Latine changemakers, Accessibility Open House, 25th Annual Peoplehood Pageant, Ulises Bookshop events, and more
As Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) peaks this week, catch West Philly's Peoplehood Parade, or check out the historic Strawberry Mansion's exhibit before it leaves on November 8. BSR's Vicky Diaz-Camacho rounds up.
Previews
6 minute read
The Readers Decide Revenue Drive could mean a big move for BSR
BSR readers will decide if we expand our team in 2027
For more than 20 years, BSR has run entirely on the power of part-timers who have no training in fundraising. We want to change all of that, so we need to hire a revenue consultant, with our loyal readers' help.
Editorials
4 minute read
Temple University Special Collections Present Philadelphia Unfolded
A pop-up family album for Philly’s intrinsically diverse history
With Philadelphia Unfolded, renowned pop-up book artist Colette Fu combines her work with a trove of vintage photographs showing Philadelphians from the 19th century to today. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.
Reviews
5 minute read
Wharton Esherick Museum presents Jennifer Johnson: All the Time in the World
A centennial celebration of an iconic artist’s remarkable home
Wharton Esherick broke ground on his studio in Malvern 100 years ago, and the museum’s centennial celebrations culminate in a triumphant exhibition of ceramics by local sculptor Jennifer Johnson. Emily Schilling reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
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Also on BSR
Piffaro presents At the Sign of the Crumhorn
Resonating beyond the Renaissance
For its 2026-27 season opener, Piffaro devoted a fascinating program to the innovative 16th-century composer, musician, and genius musical distributor Tielman Susato, in a concert captured for streaming. Gail Obenreder reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
Your Classical Music Guide: November 2026
Classical Interludes includes a free opera screening, Danzas del Ecuador, music at Bunker Hill, and more
Philly's November line-up of classical events runs the gamut, from Jorge Oviedo’s newly commissioned Kawsay to Italian Songs, Solos, and Sonatas set inside a period drawing-room salon. Gail Obenreder rounds up.
Previews
4 minute read
Your guide to November 2026 Philly theater
Playwright Jonathan Spector, the Philly debut of Boop!, a new Pippin, and more
November brings big acts, local debuts like Boop!, a twist on Pippin, and more. Cameron Kelsall has your theater guide.
Previews
3 minute read
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup: October 28-November 3
Step into Halloween with Philly’s oldest Fall Fest, escape to the Hairport, lucha libre, and more
The season is ripe for spooky costume contests, face-painting while watching lucha libre, and more this week. BSR's Vicky Diaz-Camacho rounds up.
Previews
4 minute read
On November 3, Philly voters will decide the fate of our city’s office of arts and culture
A “yes” on ballot question 2 will make Creative Philadelphia a permanent office, and send a message on arts funding
On November 3, Question 2 on the Philadelphia ballot will ask voters if we should make our city arts and culture office permanent, instead of subject to the whims of the mayor. Alaina Johns speaks to city leaders about the measure.
Features
4 minute read
Delaware Theatre Company presents Sam Kissajukian’s 300 Paintings
One man’s journey from comedian to painter to star solo artist
Australian comedian, storyteller, and visual artist Sam Kissajukian brings his globally popular show about living with bipolar through the power of art to Delaware Theatre Company. Gail Obenreder reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
Opera Philadelphia and Fisher Center LAB present Suddenly Last Summer, adapted from Tennessee Williams
A surprising adaptation explores trauma and truth
The Philly premiere of Suddenly Last Summer, developed by Opera Philadelphia and the Fisher Center LAB, was a shocking cultural experience audiences will not soon forget. Linda Holt reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
Four generations of a Japanese American family visit Noguchi to Asawa: Designing Postwar America at the Barnes
Remembering Japanese American internment, and the artists who emerged to shape U.S. culture
When never again is now, we must remember Japanese American incarceration during WWII. Rob Buscher visits Noguchi to Asawa: Designing Postwar America at the Barnes with family members who live that history.
Essays
7 minute read
Documentary about Philadelphia gay rights activist, KIYOSHI, makes world debut at Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival
"Social justice is intertwined"
A longtime activist gets his first feature-length film, set to kick off 19th Annual PAAFF. Evan Schares previews.
Previews
3 minute read
Philadelphia Artists’ Collective and Theatre Ariel present Israel Zangwill’s The Melting Pot, adapted by Jesse Bernstein
A forgotten play speaks to America today
Philadelphia Artists’ Collective and Theatre Ariel present their adaptation of Israel Zangwill’s The Melting Pot, a 1908 melodrama that asks provocative questions about identity and belonging. Cameron Kelsall reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read