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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Arts

The thumbnail of Ariana Grande's "thank u next" audio version. (via Youtube)

Ariana Grande Is Brutally Transparent on Her Latest Album

"thank u, next" sets itself apart as an extremely personal project for the pop megastar.
Ethan Zack, Staff Writer February 20, 2019

Having already transcended the status of a humble musician to become a veritable cultural phenomenon, Ariana Grande finally released her highly anticipated album “thank u, next”...

Ellen DeGeneres hosted the 86th oscars. (via Youtube)

Unpopular Opinions: Oscar Hosts

The Arts Desk is tired of giving hot takes on snubs and surprises and have decided to critique a different aspect of awards shows: the hosts!

Well, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences decided to forgo a host for this year’s Oscars, so what better way to ignore such a boring move than to celebrate the art...

New Netflix documentaries focus on Democrats Beto O'Rourke and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Netflix Could Be Influencing the Next Election

Everyone complains when celebrities get political, but what happens when the line between entertainment and politics blurs beyond repair?
Dante Sacco, Deputy Arts Editor February 19, 2019

Dating back to before his presidency, President Donald Trump has consistently crowned himself a master of ratings, possessing an undeniable talent for stoking interest in the American...

Facade of the NYU Department of Psychology (via NYU)

The Golden Age of Music, Defined in an NYU Psych Lab

Psychology professor Pascal Wallisch led a study with undergraduate students about generational music preferences.
Nicole Rosenthal, Music Editor February 19, 2019

To many in Generation X, the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s are idealized as the golden age of music. According to a new psychological study at NYU, younger generations might feel the...

Adam Kashmiry and Rehanna MacDonald in "Adam," the story of an Egyptian transgender man's reckoning with his gender identity. (Courtesy of the National Theatre of Scotland)

‘Adam’ Shines a Spotlight on the Trans Experience

The National Theatre of Scotland production, based on the life of star Adam Kashmiry, ran last weekend at Skirball.
February 19, 2019

Where the world stifles, theater liberates. “Adam,” which ran at the Skirball Center of the Performing Arts last weekend, tells the heroic journey of star Adam Kashmiry’s...

Arthur (Vincent Lacoste) dances with Jacques (Pierre Deladonchamps) after coming to Paris to comfort him during his treatment. (Courtesy of Plaire Aimer et Courir)

‘Sorry Angel’ Unveils the Highs and Lows of Queer Love

The French drama offers an unforgivably beautiful portrait of a gay love affair at the height of the AIDS epidemic.
Claire Fishman, Film and TV Editor February 19, 2019

A young man from the Brittany region of France, Arthur (Vincent Lacoste), and a 40-something-year-old writer, Jacques (Pierre Deladonchamps), meet by chance in a cinema, sneaking...

Media art for Billie Eilish (via facebook.com)

Billie Eilish’s ‘bury a friend’ Is a Terrifying Ode to Personal Demons

The rising pop star confronts unsettling themes with her latest single.
Michael Muth, Staff Writer February 15, 2019

Billie Eilish is about as close to an overnight sensation as one can hope for within the music world. After her first single in 2016, “Ocean Eyes,” Eilish, 17, put out her...

Advertisements for Glow (via facebook.com)

Best Female-Led Comedy Series

Instead of letting you rewatch “Frasier” or “The Office,” the Arts Desk is here to give some TV show recs for shows with female leads that are just as funny and worthy of binge watching.
Guru Ramanathan, Alex Cullina, Claire Fishman, Arts Desk February 15, 2019

The landscape of TV has changed a lot in the past decade and one central aspect is how much more of a favorable environment it has become for women — though of course, there...

Juli Jakab as the character Irisz Leiter in Sunset. (Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.)

‘Sunset’: More Than Just Hats, But Not Much More

“Sunset,” chaotic like an empire falling into war, lacks an affecting story to bring meaning to the mayhem.
Elizabeth Crawford, Staff Writer February 14, 2019

While most war films have either entered the conflict directly — most recently Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk” — or take place in the mere days or weeks leading up to bloodshed,...

The Cranberries's final album, In The End, is set to be released in April. (via facebook.com)

Cranberries Begin Final Chapter With Poignant New Single

Released after lead singer Dolores O’Riordan’s death in 2018, “All Over Now” sets the stage for the band’s last album.
Ethan Zack, Staff Writer February 14, 2019

Over a year after the death of the Cranberries’ vocalist Dolores O’Riordan, hearing her voice on the band’s newest single “All Over Now” feels melancholy, yet oddly comforting...

Neshla Caplan and Adam Kashmiry in "ADAM," running at the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts Feb. 14 - 16. (Photo courtesy of the Skirball Center)

A Starving Artist’s Guide to Arts Events This Weekend: Feb. 14 to 17

Stay entertained this weekend for $20 or less.
Alex Cullina, Books & Theatre Editor February 14, 2019

This Valentine’s Day weekend, whether you’re single and looking for something to take your mind off of romance or you’re having trouble thinking of a fun, outside-the-box...

Suggestions for Non-Cheesy Valentine’s Day Reads

Suggestions for Non-Cheesy Valentine’s Day Reads

If you’re looking for an alternative to Nicholas Sparks this February, here are some novels and short story collections that recognize love as the strange and idiosyncratic thing it is.
Julie Goldberg, Staff Writer February 13, 2019

Tolstoy wrote that “All, everything that I understand, I understand only because I love.” As Valentine’s Day approaches, many of us may find ourselves, happily or begrudgingly,...