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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

Performing Arts

A self portrait by photographer Diane Arbus. Her work is a partial inspiration for "Fiction," a new experimental theater piece written and directed by 600 Highwaymen that questions fundamental assumptions about theater and art. (via facebook.com)

Tisch’s ‘Fiction’ Asks, ‘What Does It Mean to Be a Spectator?’

The new performance piece, written and directed by theatermakers 600 Highwaymen, explores the nature of art and spectatorship through the work of photographer Diane Arbus.
Alex Cullina, Theater & Books Editor February 28, 2019

What is theater? What is performance? What does it mean to watch? To be watched? Tisch Drama Stage’s “Fiction,” running through March 2 at Tisch’s Abe Burrows Theater,...

Mark Solari, David Mckittrich and Christopher Lowe (L to R) in “Catapult!” at Theater for the New City. The new play lampoons the hypocrisies of New York City's fine art scene. (Photo courtesy by Theater for the New City)

‘Catapult!’ Tackles ArtSpeak, #MeToo and the Dissolution of Privacy

Theater for the New City’s premiere of this subversive comedy struggles to balance several big ideas, but still delivers a thought-provoking commentary on New York City’s high society and gallery scene.
Julie Goldber, Staff Writer February 27, 2019

What happens when a workaday plumber becomes the hottest new artist in New York City? And just how readily will a downtown gallery’s posh patrons be convinced that a slipshod...

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...

Students in the production of “Rags”. (Courtesy of NYU Steinhardt)

Steinhardt’s ‘Rags’: A Tale of Trump’s America, 100 Years Ago

Steinhardt presents the newest version of an emotionally stirring musical tale of Jewish immigrants in turn-of-the-century New York City.
Alex Cullina, Books & Theater Editor February 11, 2019

Immigrants seek a better life for their children in the United States Unsympathetic government officials attempt to separate a mother and her child. Xenophobic nativists demand...

Still from "Gatz" the eight-hour-long theater adaptation of "The Great Gatsby" playing at Skirball until Feb. 3. (Photo courtesy of Elevator Repair Service)

‘Gatz’ at Skirball: ‘Gatsby’ Reimagined for the Stage

Elevator Repair Service’s staged reading of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel is a great work in its own right.
Alex Cullina, Books & Theater Editor January 28, 2019

Everyone knows the story of “The Great Gatsby,” one of romantic obsession, obscene wealth, free-flowing booze despite Prohibition — and that iconic green light. But you’ve...

Bryan Cranston in "Network," an adaptation of the 1976 film. (Courtesy of the National Theatre)

‘Network’ Is a Genius Adaptation of the Film

This new play featuring Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston hopes to find the same success it had on the West End on Broadway.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Contributing Writer December 3, 2018
This new play featuring Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston hopes to find the same success it had on the West End on Broadway.
The poster for "We Need This Musical To Stop Us From Killing Ourselves: The Musical!" The show is a raunchy, comedic take on weighty issues like suicide, self-worth and failure. (via facebook.com)

Do We Need This Musical To Stop Us From Killing Ourselves?

Claire Fishman, Staff Writer November 30, 2018
Writers Glasgow Lyman and Jeff Rosick debut their new musical “We Need This Musical to Stop Us From Killing Ourselves: The Musical!” at SoHo Playhouse.
The cast of "Living With...," a production by NYU Steinhardt's Drama Therapy department that explores the current HIV/AIDS crisis. (Courtesy of Sarah Binney, Steinhardt Public Affairs Specialist)

Steinhardt’s Original Production “Living With…” Addresses the AIDS Crisis of Today

“Living With…,” produced by the NYU Steinhardt Drama Therapy program, highlights the stories of newly diagnosed and long-term HIV/AIDS survivors through theatre and music.
Liv Rocklin, Contributing Writer November 30, 2018
“Living With…,” produced by the NYU Steinhardt Drama Therapy program, highlights the stories of newly diagnosed and long-term HIV/AIDS survivors through theatre and music.
A scene from the play "Chasing the New White Whale". A local play drawing inspiration from Moby Dick. (Courtesy of La Mama Experimental Theater Club)

In ‘Chasing the New White Whale,’ Heroin Ravages a Working-Class Community

Alex Cullina, Books & Theater Editor November 27, 2018
Mike Gorman’s new play uses “Moby-Dick” as a metaphor to examine the opioid crisis’ effects on a New England commercial fishing town.
Michael Urie and Michael Hsu Rosen in "Torch Song." (via facebook.com)

‘Torch Song’ Is About a Melancholic and Marvelous Life

Matt Markowski, Contributing Writer November 16, 2018
Harvey Fierstein’s tale of a drag queen’s search for love and family returns to Broadway 36 years after its premiere.
American Son's leads Kerry Washington and Steven Pasquale.

Kerry Washington Returns to Broadway in ‘American Son’

Liv Rocklin November 13, 2018
“American Son,” a new Broadway play, highlights the racial in divide in the United States, however, Washington’s Performance doesn’t meet expectations.
Photo via Facebook, Illustration by Rachel Buigas-Lopez

To Boycott or Not to Boycott: Jan Fabre’s ‘Mount Olympus’

Is art made by bad people still worth our time?
Claire Fishman, Staff Writer November 12, 2018
Is art made by bad people still worth our time?