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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 crowd of concert attendees stands in the foreground with a stage and a male performer singing on stage in the background.

The pop-punk revival: Not so simply planned

Just as people thought punk was dead, we entered three years of turmoil which brought it back to life.
Clara Scholl, Arts Editor September 12, 2022

After three years of social and political upheaval, it’s no wonder that our popular music has a bit more angst in it. Artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Willow Smith and Hayley...

On a theater stage, there is a girl wearing a yellow dress looking toward and talking to a guy wearing a red shirt and blue pants. Behind them is a backdrop with tepees.

Review: ‘The Trojan Women’ is a Native American Greek tragedy

AMERINDA’s adaptation of Euripides’ classic play centers the strength and resilience of Indigenous women in the face of colonization. Performances run until May 15 at Theater for the New City.
Sabrina Choudhary, Deputy Managing Editor May 5, 2022

I first saw “The Trojan Women” during a rehearsal in a dance studio at Abrons Arts Center, a few days before opening night. Even without the sets, lighting, music or costumes...

Multiple “Newsies” cast members stand behind microphones on a small stage surrounded by an applauding crowd.

Review: The ‘Newsies’ anniversary celebration reminded me of why I love NYC

The “Newsies” reunion at 54 Below brought the magic back for a longtime theater fan.
Caitlin Hsu, UTA Publishing Editor March 31, 2022

Anyone who knew me in 2014 could probably tell you that I was absolutely obsessed with the musical “Newsies.” Even though it’s now been years since I donned a newsboy cap...

Paul Lazar walks barefoot across a stage. He is wearing a black blazer, royal blue T-shirt and denim jeans that are cuffed at the ankle.

Structured theatrical chaos in ‘Cage Shuffle Marathon’

Paul Lazar’s latest performance is a joyous celebration of losing control.
Holden Lay, Staff Writer February 28, 2022

Paul Lazar’s “Cage Shuffle Marathon” began and concluded its sold-out limited run at the experimental theater La MaMa this week.  “The Cage Shuffle” is one of actor...

Stephen Sondheim, an American composer and lyricist, started his theater career by writing the lyrics for “West Side Story” in 1957. The eight-time Tony Award winner died on Nov. 26, 2021, at age 91. (Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Stephen Sondheim: a legend who lives on

Eight-time Tony Award and eight-time Grammy Award winning composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim died on Nov. 26, 2021, at age 91.
Sasha Cohen, Arts Editor November 30, 2021

A few days have passed since composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim's sudden death at age 91, and I am still struggling to make sense of my grief. I grew up with Sondheim. I sang...

Anna Deveare Smith’s play “Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992,” first premiered on Broadway in 1994. Now running at the Signature Theatre, the story of the Rodney King uprising is as relevant as ever. (Photo by Joan Marcus, Image courtesy of Signature Theatre)

Review: ‘Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992’ calls out America’s racial hypocrisy

Playing at The Signature Theatre, Anna Deveare Smith’s play about the Rodney King uprising is still tragically relevant.
Katie Brown, Contributing Writer November 2, 2021

In March 1991, officers from the Los Angeles Police Department kicked, manhandled and beat Black motorcyclist Rodney King on Interstate 210, sparking protests in which shops and...

(Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

A first look at a new concert by Tisch Dance students

Second Avenue Dance Company’s October concert will run Oct. 7-9 at the Jack Crystal Theater. Managing Editor Alexandra Chan brings you these photos from the dress rehearsal.
Alexandra Chan, Managing Editor October 8, 2021

Tisch Dance’s Second Avenue Dance Company will premiere its October concert this weekend. It will feature nine pieces, with guest choreographers Yin Yue and Dwight Roden each...

On Sept. 22, University officials made the decision to ban NYU’s performing arts clubs from meeting in person for the time being. This decision creates confusion when considering that most of NYU’s activities take place in person. (Photo by Nika Woodfill)

NYU, reverse the ban on in-person performing arts clubs

On Sept. 22, university senior leadership prohibited performing arts clubs from meeting in-person until further notice. But with a majority of university activity in person, this decision is unfair.
Sasha Cohen, Arts Editor October 4, 2021

Put yourself in an NYU student’s shoes.  You love choreographing with Pulse Dance Project, singing an alto harmony for the N’Harmonics, performing sketches for Friends...

The world is full of critics and people wanting to shut you out. That’s all the more reason to make your art. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Dear Artist: Risks have rewards

In a world filled with criticism, some artists feel pressured to conform to what is considered mainstream. However, now is the time for artists to reclaim what is truly theirs: art itself.
Sasha Cohen, Arts Editor August 30, 2021

Let’s face it: people are insecure. Between balancing the desire for social acceptance and putting forth our most authentic selves, we feel as if every decision we make puts...

Despite not looking or behaving similarly, Asian actress students are constantly mixed up by their NYU professors. U.S. media perpetuates racial microaggressions by either having stereotypical Asian characters or having white-washed characters played by white women. (Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

We are both Asian, but we look nothing alike

It’s not too late to recognize your subconscious microaggressions and how they induce anxiety and doubt.
Jennifer Ren, Performing Arts Editor August 25, 2021

It’s almost the year-and-a-half anniversary of the last time I performed for a live audience, and let me tell you: this has been the most maddening, daunting and self-doubting...

When the pandemic hit, the drag culture was hit just as hard. Many queens, such as Honey Davenport, turned to the internet and social media, attempting to translate the extravagance of a live performance to a camera. (Staff Illustration by Arnav Binaykia)

New York drag queens share struggles and successes of online performance

Drag queens speak on the drastic changes that New York City’s drag culture experienced during the pandemic.
Valentina Arrieta, Staff Writer May 6, 2021

Drag is a performance of gender expression, most commonly seen when someone performs femininity, or personifies a female character, as a drag queen. Regardless of gender identity,...

NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts is located at 566 Laguardia Pl. In March 2018, the center hosted performances of Gob Squad's 'War and Peace.' (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Revisiting Gob Squad’s performance techniques in a time of remote theater

While it’s been more than a year without live theater, the enlivening experience of Gob Squad lives on.
Perry Gregory, Contributing Writer May 6, 2021

On a Thursday night in 2018, I felt emotionally stagnant. I decided to see Gob Squad's rendition of "War and Peace" at NYU's Skirball Center. I left the theater in tears and came...