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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

Netflix comedy specials are one way to laugh and pass time with ease. Here are some recommendations for your enjoyment. (Staff Illustration by Alexandra Chan)

Six Comedy Specials to Watch While Social Distancing

If you’re going stir-crazy, here are six Netflix Comedy specials guaranteed to make anyone laugh.
Liv Rocklin, Contributing Writer April 13, 2020

20 days ago, I was on an airplane from Paris to Chicago, a result of COVID-19 cutting my four-month study abroad down to six weeks. This is the same story as most college students...

“Outside The Box” was choreographed by Garet Wierdsma to “Little Boxes” by Malvina Reynolds and original composition by Zilu Chen, performed by Tisch dancers at the Jack Crystal Theater before spring break. With remote instruction comes the challenges of online dance classes as Tisch dancers share their experiences. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Dancing Through Distress: Tisch Dancers on Remote Learning

Three Tisch dance students share their experiences with online dance instruction.
Rachel Lee, Staff Illustrator April 12, 2020

Since the university announced that the rest of the semester would be happening remotely due to the COVID-19 outbreak, NYU students have been adapting to new routines to enable...

Dave Malloy posted a video of his original production “Ghost Quartet” on YouTube for all to enjoy during this time period. Featuring a five-part harmony and accompanied by a harp, cello, piano and violin, the characters tell their life stories in a musical song cycle. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

‘Ghost Quartet’ Is in All of Us

Dave Malloy’s “Ghost Quartet” is just the gift the world needs during this time of reflection.
Hope Cassandra, Contributing Writer April 6, 2020

In what seems to be a swanky, hole-in-the-wall lounge at the McKittrick Hotel, lit only by the candles on each table, a voice rises up from the shadows. With no pause, he launches...

While their main stage on Astor Place is closed, the Public Theater is making sure their audiences have access to thespian art through monthly podcasts. Each episode ranges from 24-45 minutes and features different individuals working with the theater and revolves around a different topic. (Photo by Taylor Williams)

The Public Theater Talks Show Business and Social Issues

The Public Theater’s “Public Square” podcast highlights artists and professionals as they share their experiences with The Public and discuss important issues affecting the arts community.
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer April 5, 2020

Remember the days when you could go out and enjoy live theatrical performances? From classic Broadway shows and funny off-Broadway shows in Midtown to experimental acts on local...

Playwright Terrence McNally has recently passed away due to complications from COVID-19. His award-winning work such as “Ragtime” should be celebrated and remembered, as his writing is still relevant today. (Staff Illustration by Alexandra Chan)

Terrence McNally’s Writing Must Live On

As we say a final farewell to Terrence McNally, we must not forget his writing in “Ragtime” and how relevant its vital message remains today.
Sasha Cohen, Performing Arts Editor March 30, 2020

When I learned Terrence McNally recently died of COVID-19 complications at 81 years old, my body went numb. McNally was one of Broadway’s most talented playwrights, writing...

There are many streaming services available on different platforms that are accessible to people staying home. The performing arts could be enjoyed digitally from home, and that should be taken advantage of during this time. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

The Pros and Cons of Streaming Performance

As streaming services for plays, dance and other performing arts continue to surface, people must evaluate the pros and cons behind watching performance online.
Sasha Cohen, Performing Arts Editor March 23, 2020

As people wait to be admitted into a theater, nothing builds anticipation more than colorful Playbills, anxious audience members and bright flashing lights boasting a show’s...

The Richard Rodgers Theater on Broadway hosts the award-winning musical Hamilton created by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Since a Broadway usher has reported testing positive for COVID-19, Broadway is now shutting down.(Staff Photo by Jake Capriotti)

Coronavirus Closes the Curtains on Broadway

New York restricts gatherings that consist of 500 people or more, which is forcing Broadway to go dark for a month.
Sasha Cohen, Performing Arts Editor March 12, 2020

The Great White Way is going dark for the first time in 19 years since 9/11. From March 12 through April 12, Broadway will be closed as New York attempts to prevent more coronavirus...

Student dancers performing “cellE.K.T SocieT.Y.” Second Avenue Dance Company’s March Concert “Investigating the We” enables choreographers to shine a spotlight on prevailing issues through dance and movement. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Tisch Dance Program Students Call for Societal Change

Second Avenue Dance Company’s March concert “Investigating the WE” featured student-choreographed dances and community engagement projects.
Sasha Cohen, Performing Arts Editor March 8, 2020

Excited supporters holding bouquets of roses anxiously awaited Tisch’s Second Avenue Dance Company’s March concert to begin. The concert, “Investigating the WE,” provided...

Famous for Nicole Kidman and Ewan Mcgregor, fearlessness, and undeniably catchy songs, “Moulin Rouge!” is a cinema classic. After finding its way to the stage of Broadway, it still managed to offer a fresh and engaging experience while remaining loyal to the film. (Staff photo by Alex Tran)

Does ‘Moulin Rouge!’ Deserve to Be on Broadway?

A classic story of star-crossed lovers set in late 19th-century France raises questions on whether the jukebox musical is necessary.
Sasha Cohen, Performing Arts Editor March 4, 2020

Imagine a burlesque night club that screams eroticism and intimacy. Lightbulbs line the edges of the theater while chandeliers and red drapes hang from the ceiling. All of the...

Mekleit Dix, a first-year Master’s student in Gallatin, was one of many artists who performed during the school’s “Say It Loud!” showcase. Concluding Black History Month, artists shared messages of unity and pride. (Photo by Destine Manson)

Gallatin Celebrates Black Artistry with ‘Say It Loud!’

Gallatin’s Say It Loud! showed immense support for black artistry in New York through powerful words from young poets in the NYU community.
Destine Manson, Staff Writer March 2, 2020

At the tail end of Black History Month, artists in Gallatin’s “Say It Loud!” showcase shared their art about the complexities of Black skin in a white world. Sponsored by...

Inspired by its Gothic source material, AMP sets the scene with eerie candlelight. Styled as “The Electrifying Story of Mary Shelley,” the one-woman show spanned the author’s life. (Photo by Dani Herrera)

A Mary Shelley One-Woman Show Electrifies Audiences

In a gothic retelling of Mary Shelley’s life, this production details the events that led up to the creation of “Frankenstein.”
Dani Herrera, Staff Writer February 24, 2020

A small desk and chair sit in the corner of a dark, foggy room containing stacks of dusty books. The room sits in an unsettling silence as the lights dim. Suddenly, thunder strikes,...

At Strand Bookstore, books of scripts line the shelves. Reading the script or screenplay of a production can give audience members a different perspective on the play than just viewing it in theaters. (Staff Photo by Sasha Cohen)

Here’s Why Scripts Deserve as Big of Spotlight as Books

Poems and prose are conventional materials for reading while plays are wrongfully excluded despite their many admirable qualities.
Sasha Cohen, Books and Theater Editor February 10, 2020

Who decided that books and poetry are mainstream? Seriously, I want to know who. Ever since we were young, teachers continuously shove these resources in our hands as if they are...