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

Washington Square News
Three people sitting and reading newspapers. One paper reads “GLORY TO THE MARTYRS, VICTORY TO THE RESISTANCE.”
Faculty hold ‘die-in’ to honor thousands of Palestinian deaths in Gaza
A close-up shot of a man wearing a blue-striped shirt and brown pants sitting in a floral-decorated staircase with big white words that say “BEYOND N.Y.U.”
Beyond NYU: From 8th-grade star to Broadway regular
Large signs and cutouts of red flowers with photos of people in their centers hang on a fence. The largest sign says “HONOR THE MARTYRS OF PALESTINE” and a smaller sign above says “FREE PALESTINE” in green and “ARMS EMBARGO NOW” in red.
Students read names of Palestinian and Lebanese martyrs at vigil
The number 6 train arrives at the Union Square station. People stand on the platform and walk on an overpass above the tracks.
NYU Langone calls on Gov. Hochul to reduce travel tolls for patients
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Paulson Center hours after a police sweep of the second Gaza Solidarity Encampment. (Krish Dev for WSN)
Students, staff, admin discuss NYU’s response to campus protests
The number 6 train arrives at the Union Square station. People stand on the platform and walk on an overpass above the tracks.
NYU Langone calls on Gov. Hochul to reduce travel tolls for patients
A document with a green pen, two one dollar bills and six coins on top of it.
The precarity of student loans under a second Trump term
A group of people stand on the sidewalk. They hold flyers, posters and a large sign stating “FLIP YOUR BALLOT OVER VOTE YES ON PROP #1.”
Students rally to expand anti-discrimination laws in New York
A graph comparing university ranking methedologies.
Why NYU’s spot in national rankings depends on who you ask
A hand holds a piece of paper up with the words “LANDMARK N.Y.E.E.I.!” written on it.
The fight to landmark the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary
Three people sitting and reading newspapers. One paper reads “GLORY TO THE MARTYRS, VICTORY TO THE RESISTANCE.”
Faculty hold ‘die-in’ to honor thousands of Palestinian deaths in Gaza
Large signs and cutouts of red flowers with photos of people in their centers hang on a fence. The largest sign says “HONOR THE MARTYRS OF PALESTINE” and a smaller sign above says “FREE PALESTINE” in green and “ARMS EMBARGO NOW” in red.
Students read names of Palestinian and Lebanese martyrs at vigil
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the Paulson Center hours after a police sweep of the second Gaza Solidarity Encampment. (Krish Dev for WSN)
Students, staff, admin discuss NYU’s response to campus protests
How Trump’s administration could cut NYU’s research funding
How Trump’s administration could cut NYU’s research funding
An illustration of a three-person panel sitting in front of a crowd. The left person has a blue spotlight on them, the person in the middle has a red and blue spotlight, and the person on the right has a red spotlight.
‘Cackling, sneers and jeers’: College Democrats and Republicans squabble on the debate floor
An audience sitting in rows of wooden desks attentively listening in a well-lit conference room with large windows in the background.
NYU, UC Berkeley activists criticize crackdown on free speech at college campuses
A structure with draped white sheets that has the words “N.Y.U. FUNDS GENOCIDE” painted in black and red paint sits in the middle of a walkway with students confronting university staff.
Anti-Zionist Jewish group criticizes NYU ‘restrictions on movement’ at Gaza Solidarity Sukkah
(Danny Arensberg for WSN)
Jewish students set up Gaza Solidarity Sukkah in Schwartz Plaza
A police officer holds onto a metal barricade, blocking protesters holding Israeli flags from a space. A person in the foreground watches and the back of his jacket reads: “N.Y.P.D. COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.”
Zionist group accused of vandalism demands expulsion of NYU SJP
Protesters on one side of a street raise Palestinian flags and signs while protestors on the other side raise Israeli flags.
FSJP, NYU condemn ‘violence and vandalism’ from right-wing Zionist group
A large group of people sit on the large staircase inside the lobby of New York University’s Kimmel Center for University Life, with one person in the front row holding a sign with text “WOMAN LIFE FREEDOM” printed on it.
Students demand more from Hamilton on Iran demonstrations
The logo of New York University's Asian/Pacific/American Studies in white in the middle of leaves and flowers.
Asian/Pacific/American Studies major lacks adequate representation, students and faculty say
An exterior shot of the Bronfman Center. On the left is the entrance of the building with a New York University sign that reads “STILL REQUIRED FACE MASK.” On the right is a plaque that reads “New York University 7 The EDGAR M. BRONFMAN CENTER FOR JEWISH STUDENT LIFE”
NYU disputes failing grade on antisemitism report
Dr. Jonathan Haidt speaking in front of an audience with a presentation labeled “The Partisan Divide on Political Values Grows Even Wider” behind him.
Stern professor resigns from professional org. after refusing to write diversity statement
An illustration of a gray facade which reads “NYU School of Global Public Health”, with a purple banner that reads “NYU” on the right side, all against a pale background.
Women with disabilities more likely to report food insecurity, NYU study finds
A close-up shot of a man wearing a blue-striped shirt and brown pants sitting in a floral-decorated staircase with big white words that say “BEYOND N.Y.U.”
Beyond NYU: From 8th-grade star to Broadway regular
A girl standing next to a lifesized cardboard cutout of herself, with the words “BEYOND N.Y.U.” written to her left.
Beyond NYU: Turning a creative outlet into a personal brand
A man standing in a suit holding a trophy, with “STUDENT ACADEMY AWARDS” written on the wall behind him and “BEYOND NYU” written to the right.
Beyond NYU: Documenting human rights abuses on camera
A man posing in front of a white backdrop with the words “Beyond N.Y.U.” illustrated next to him.
Beyond NYU: From high school debate to the Broadway stage
A black and white image of a woman with the words “BEYOND N.Y.U.” illustrated next to her.
Beyond NYU: How a Tony Award-winning director took a passion for performance
Doctor Carl Zimmer speaks from the wooden podium in Hemmerdinger Hall. An audience sits in front of him. Behind him is a projector screen displaying two images.
How science journalists reported on the ‘story of our lifetime’
A man wearing a dotted tie, a white shirt and a black suit jacket speaks in an online conference session. Behind him are a bookshelf and five clocks displaying times in different time zones.
Minnesota prof criticizes public health response at COVID-19 lecture
An illustration of a COVID-19 vaccination card in the background with a half-full syringe on the left of the foreground and a bottle reading “COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTER” on the right.
Most NYU students haven’t received the bivalent booster, WSN survey finds
A building which has NYU and NYU Steinhardt flags hoisted from a walls.
After one month of checking visitor vax cards, NYU gives up
Seven students wear masks while sitting at their desks in an NYU classroom. A professor sitting on a table listens to a student.
Immunocompromised students concerned following mask mandate removal
An illustration of a woman standing in front of a large line of people, checking her watch. Large and flashy signs advertising a sale are randomly placed.
NYC Black Friday boot camp
An illustration of an oven roasted turkey against a light purple background.
Ranked: Thanksgiving foods
A look into the interior of a restaurant with people eating inside. In the back, a poster says “Qahwah House Welcome, Our House is Your House” next to several images of nature.
Where to dine halal beyond the cart
(Brianna Ly for WSN)
Crafting for the soul: 4 DIYs to unplug and unwind
An illustration of the words “STAFF RECS” written in white on a blue background with white stars. In the bottom right corner, a white cloud says “MEN’S EDITION.” Surrounding the text are illustrations of a razor, a cotton swab, cologne and lotion.
Staff recs: Men’s beauty products
An illustration of a woman standing in front of a large line of people, checking her watch. Large and flashy signs advertising a sale are randomly placed.
NYC Black Friday boot camp
An illustration of the words “STAFF RECS” written in white on a blue background with white stars. In the bottom right corner, a white cloud says “MEN’S EDITION.” Surrounding the text are illustrations of a razor, a cotton swab, cologne and lotion.
Staff recs: Men’s beauty products
An illustration of a girl in a t-shirt and sweatpants shrugging on an iPhone screen on a background of an array of different video stills adorned with the icons of TikTok, Youtube and Instagram. Some video titles include “DRESSES I TRIED BUT…,” “HOW TO DRESS LIKE A…,” “NEW SHOES!” and “ICONIC...”
Fashion influencers you need to follow
An illustration of various cowgirl boots on a blue background, with white text reading “Cowgirl Boots” in the upper-right corner.
Hold your horses: These are the cowboy boots you should actually buy
Illustrations of the back of people’s heads with various hairstyles and accessories in pink, blue and peach colors. Scattered around them are small hair pins and clips.
From bows to caps, here are 6 chic hair accessories to level up your look
An illustration of an oven roasted turkey against a light purple background.
Ranked: Thanksgiving foods
A look into the interior of a restaurant with people eating inside. In the back, a poster says “Qahwah House Welcome, Our House is Your House” next to several images of nature.
Where to dine halal beyond the cart
A golden teapot pouring a clear liquid over a dish of orange soup.
New eats near NYU: Ishq puts a modern twist on Indian cuisine
A hot pot layout of food, containing several uncooked pieces of beef, butter, vegetables, spices and a heated pan for cooking.
This $159 all-you-can-eat Wagyu in Koreatown is worth every cent
A woman with wavy brown hair holds a tray of pink-frosted chocolate cupcakes.
For this NYU student, pastry is power
The interior of a small bookstore with a wooden floor, bookshelves lining the walls and globes and wooden birds hanging from the ceiling.
5 identity-based bookstores to explore
A barista makes a drink in a cafe kitchen filled with machines, ingredients and a pride flag. On the wall is a hanging poster with the word “Aiyo.”
4 tea-rrific spots for chai near campus
An illustration of a pumpkin carved with the sacred syllable aum and lit from inside on top of a purple, orange and white flower shape. Around it are lit purple oil lamps and glowing lotus and elephant shapes.
Crossover of the year: Celebrating Halloween and Diwali in 2024
Women sitting in a lecture hall looking forward.
A woman in business school: Charisma, confusion and closure
An art installation of a large house sculptural structure, displayed in a gallery space with a descriptive panel on the wall that says “This will pass" by Dalila Sanabria.
Review: ‘This will pass’ promises hope through Latin American mythology and history
An illustration of an oven roasted turkey against a light purple background.
Ranked: Thanksgiving foods
An illustration of a taco fighting french fries boxing in a ring.
Ranked: Fast food near campus
(Gia Sidhu for WSN)
Ranked: Microtrends
A collage of three photos. On the left, a model walks in a black, lace bodysuit with knee–length tassels hanging from the neckline. In the middle, a model stands in front of a flashlight, wearing a high khaki-beige collar with layered circular cut-out on two sides, with a side slit skirt and knee high boots. On the right, a model wears an oversized blue pinstripe suit and a beige hat. There is a red bandana tied around their neck and collection of small red knotted ropes attached to one breast of their jacket.
Ranked: The top 5 looks from WSN’s NYFW coverage
A hand holds a phone with images of four books on the screen.
Ranked: Book tracking apps
A model wearing a long light-blue spaghetti-strap dress walks in the middle of 10 other models standing in a circle.
WSN at New York Fashion Week
Six models wearing all black, walking down a runway in a single-file line.
Frederick Anderson delivers African glam and elegance in his Spring 2025 collection
A model wears a pink and green tweed jacket in front of clothing racks.
Californian brand St. John puts an edgy twist on vintage classics at NYFW
Two images of models side-by-side
Andrew Kwon’s ‘ephemeral’ embraces fantastical floral fashion
A model wearing a black hat and hoodie with orange accents, a white undershirt and black pants and shoes walks down a white tiled runway while carrying a beige bag with green leaves.
Flying Solo returns to NYFW, attempting to push the fashion envelope
A man and woman in historical costumes on a stage set resembling an office.
Review: ‘Oh, Mary!’ brings unhinged comedy to Broadway
A close-up shot of two women, with one wearing a headscarf and holding an orange container, while the other is standing next to her staring at it.
Review: ‘All We Imagine as Light’ is a triumphant portrayal of multi-generational womanhood
A collection of photographs pinned on beige boards on a white wall.
Review: Annie Leibovitz weaves together a tapestry of American culture
An illustration of Ariana Grande facing away and leaning against another version of herself.
The case for ‘eternal sunshine’
A purple sign with the phrase “MAKING HOME” and “SMITHSONIAN DESIGN TRIENNIAL, NOVEMBER 2, 2024 TO AUGUST 10, 2025,” on a black fence.
Review: ‘Making Home — Smithsonian Design Triennial’ vividly redefines the idea of home
A collage of four illustrations of book covers.
Books beyond Bobst: An activist’s self-help book, a new Percy Jackson novel and more
An illustration of four book covers. “The Art Thief,” “A Certain Hunger,” “Knife,” and “The Nightingale” are depicted.
Books beyond Bobst: An artsy true crime book, a novel about a woman eating her lovers and more
Against a blue, red and white background reminiscent of the Filipino flag, there's a yellow sun pattern in the center with the letters “F. A. H. M.” in blue type.
5 books to read as Filipino American History Month wraps up
A collage of four illustrated book covers.
Books beyond Bobst: An art criticism compilation, a romance set in Communist Poland and more
An illustration of a book cover with a woman in a yellow jacket holding swans in a bag. The title, “Scaffolding,” is in the middle in white and the author, “LAUREN ELKIN,” is in blue in the lower right corner.
Review: ‘Scaffolding’ tears down endless emotional barriers
A close-up shot of two women, with one wearing a headscarf and holding an orange container, while the other is standing next to her staring at it.
Review: ‘All We Imagine as Light’ is a triumphant portrayal of multi-generational womanhood
A staged wedding scene in a vintage living room featuring floral designs and curtains with guests sitting in a white folding chair applauding while the cameraman films the events. On the right is the bride smiling while wearing a short white dress and veil standing next to the groom in a powder blue suit.
Review: ‘Here’ is a disjointed, time-hopping mess
A person in a black shirt and white collar standing in front of a pink background.
Beyond awareness: Jane Schoenbrun’s radical trans future
A person wearing headphones holding a microphone in the middle of a forest path.
Review: ‘Allen Sunshine’ hooks the heart with friendship, music and the gentle art of healing
A blonde woman with bedazzled hoop earrings and a rose-patterned top stands in a room lit with neon red and blue lights.
Review: ‘Emilia Pérez’ takes big risks with little payoff
An illustration of Ariana Grande facing away and leaning against another version of herself.
The case for ‘eternal sunshine’
10 songs for your cold-weather playlist
10 songs for your cold-weather playlist
An album cover of a stone floating in an ether. The text surrounding the stone reads “the CURE”.
Review: The Cure takes on death in gothic rock fashion with ‘Songs of a Lost World’
An album cover of faces of girls with purple skin, white glowing eyes and various expressions with a vinyl peeking out. The girl in the center has blonde hair and a shirt with “LIL UZI” written on it as a key floats above her head.
Review: ‘Eternal Atake 2’ is Lil Uzi’s eternal mistake
A blonde person wearing a blue dress sitting on the floor near a white-blue Christmas tree with a white fireplace in the background.
Review: Megan Moroney’s Christmas EP pulls from heartbreak and Elvis
A man and woman in historical costumes on a stage set resembling an office.
Review: ‘Oh, Mary!’ brings unhinged comedy to Broadway
A man and woman stand facing the audience in adjacent rooms on a stage. The woman’s has a purple hue while the man’s is blue.
Review: ‘Maybe Happy Ending’ melts even the most robotic hearts
A woman hanging from a bed that is in the air, looking down at a man. Underneath them is a bed of flowers.
Review: Shakespeare takes on vaping, crop tops and energy drinks
A man stands on a stage holding a lantern while an ensemble of people stand and sit on a series of steps behind him.
‘Our Town’ returns to Broadway and proves that sometimes less is more
A bunch of men jumping on a stage in the rain, some having bloody faces.
Review: ‘The Outsiders’ is a golden adaptation of a celebrated classic
A collection of photographs pinned on beige boards on a white wall.
Review: Annie Leibovitz weaves together a tapestry of American culture
A purple sign with the phrase “MAKING HOME” and “SMITHSONIAN DESIGN TRIENNIAL, NOVEMBER 2, 2024 TO AUGUST 10, 2025,” on a black fence.
Review: ‘Making Home — Smithsonian Design Triennial’ vividly redefines the idea of home
A hallway that leads into an exhibit is painted black and dimly lit. The wall to the left says “SIENA” and the wall to the right says “THE RISE OF PAINTING, 1300-1350.”
Review: The Met’s newest exhibition breathes life into Italy’s colossal history
A blonde Barbie doll wearing a red jacket and gold necktie.
Review: ‘Barbie®: A Cultural Icon’ offers hope for women in uncertain times
(Courtesy of Tony Irons)
Review: ‘Heartwood’ connects the deterioration of our bodies and the earth
An illustration of Donald Trump on the left of the drawing pointing his finger, and on the right are a crowd of different colored hands raised and three signs in the middle with the letters “D.E.I.”
Opinion: Will DEI survive another Trump presidency?
A caricature illustration of a large man wearing a white nationalist pin while sitting behind a microphone and in front of an upside down American flag.
Opinion: How alt-right media influenced the Gen Z vote
The exterior of a public restroom in a park.
Opinion: Let New Yorkers be free to pee
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. talking at a podium with a screen of the American flag behind him.
Off Topic: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s concerns about health care should concern you
A three person panel sitting in front of a crowd. The left person has a blue spotlight on them, the person in the middle has a red and blue spotlight and the person on the right has a red spotlight.
Opinion: Student activism in the age of Trump
An illustration of a collage of different scenes, such as a war zone, the face of prime minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and a person holding a sign that says "BANS OFF OUR BODIES."
Editorial: Reflect. Recharge. Then get to work.
An illustration of a balancing weight scale with a box on each side. One says “LOCAL VOTE” and the other says “FEDERAL VOTE.”
Editorial: Think globally, vote locally
NYU students gather for a vigil in Washington Square Park mourning the loss of life in Lebanon on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 in New York.
Editorial: NYU needs to talk about Lebanon. Publicly.
(Krish Dev for WSN)
Editorial: NYU is stifling protest in an attempt to control its image
(Samson Tu for WSN)
Editorial: NYU must reckon with its actions at Gould Plaza
The exterior of a public restroom in a park.
Opinion: Let New Yorkers be free to pee
Red text reading “EXEMPTION” overlays a stack of tax forms.
Opinion: NYU’s tax-exempt status puts other New York schools at a disadvantage
A red sign on top of a cardboard box reading “VOTE N.Y.C.” inside of a building.
Opinion: Understanding NYC’s 2024 ballot proposals
A birds-eye-view of the Lower East Side and Financial District in New York City.
Opinion: Student tenants need to stand up for themselves
A person walks through a subway turnstile next to an open emergency exit door.
Opinion: Punishing fare evasion isn’t fair
A caricature illustration of a large man wearing a white nationalist pin while sitting behind a microphone and in front of an upside down American flag.
Opinion: How alt-right media influenced the Gen Z vote
A cobblestone street with brick buildings on the left side and white buildings on the right.
Opinion: Language & Cultural Houses are more than just quaint cottages splattered across campus
An illustration of a white speech bubble that reads “This shit sucks” in black font. Next to it, another speech bubble that is blue and reads “Right?”. Both speech bubbles are against a gray grid background.
Opinion: A 3-step guide to complaining correctly
An illustration of a purple world map with four circles of club logos overlaying it. The top left circle has text “the French club” with the French flag drawn inside the letter “F” against a blue background. The top right circle has the tip of the Empire State Building lit with green, white and red lights and text “ITALIAN CLUB AT N.Y.U.” against a light blue background. The bottom left circle has text “C.M.S” in red and a red flower icon. The bottom right circle has text “Russian Club at N.Y.U” in red against a white background.
Opinion: NYU should promote more conversation clubs
An illustration of a tweet from user @A1exandraCohen with text “if i EVER get Twitter blue, just know it’s a cry for help.” against a blue background. The tweet has two likes.
Opinion: Students can save Twitter
An illustration of Donald Trump on the left of the drawing pointing his finger, and on the right are a crowd of different colored hands raised and three signs in the middle with the letters “D.E.I.”
Opinion: Will DEI survive another Trump presidency?
A three person panel sitting in front of a crowd. The left person has a blue spotlight on them, the person in the middle has a red and blue spotlight and the person on the right has a red spotlight.
Opinion: Student activism in the age of Trump
Opinion: NYU should reduce the amount of CAS core requirements
Opinion: NYU should reduce the amount of CAS core requirements
An illustration of Donald Trump pointing his finger at a group of figures wearing graduation caps. Behind them are flags of the world.
Guest Essay: Studying as an international student under a second Trump administration
A photograph of a building from across the street.
Opinion: NYU needs to provide medication abortions
A portrait of Eric Adams wearing a gray suit, white collared shirt and navy blue printed tie. He stands in front of a royal blue background and an American flag on a floor stand.
Off-Third: Eric Adams and Rudy Giuliani compete to be NYC’s most disgraced mayor
An illustration of a person with binoculars staring in awe at a woman wearing dark sunglasses and red lipstick.
Off-Third: How to stalk campus celebrities
An image of a N.Y.U. flag, with the color purple edited into pink.
Off-Third: NYU changes branding to save misled patients
A laptop with the screen open to “NYU Albert” is covered with a red X on the left, and a piece of paper with the NYU logo titled “Course Registration” is covered with a green checkmark on the right. The background is blue.
Off Third: NYU takes course registration completely off the grid
A crowd of students in a large lobby.
Off-Third: NYU to use students as human fire extinguishers following policy change
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: Silver School dean on the case for a tuition-free social work education
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: Wasserman Center director on the Handshake job search platform
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: CWS director on suicide response and mental health resources
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: NYU remains committed to NYU Tel Aviv
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: An open letter to President Hamilton
Protesters holding hands amidst a crowd waving a Palestinian flag and holding signs that say “CEASEFIRE NOW LET GAZA LIVE!"
Guest Essay: Why we protest
Five panelists sit on a stage in front of a red curtain and a screen that reads “Listening from the Heart.”
Guest Essay: NYU in Dialogue’s ‘Shared Grief, Shared Hope’ panel was heartbreakingly healing
(Krish Dev for WSN)
Editorial: NYU is stifling protest in an attempt to control its image
The photo is shot from behind a troupe of police in helmets surveying a group of protesters while the Washington Square Arch stands above them all.
Opinion: NYU’s hypocritical attitude toward student activism isn’t new
A student with long hair wearing five different graduation caps stacked on top of one another. There is a purple graduation cap falling off the top and the student is reaching out to catch it.
Opinion: NYU needs to give transfer students a better shot
A person wearing a keffiyeh is zip tied by a cop in protective gear.
Inside NYU’s 180-plus disciplinary cases against pro-Palestinian students and faculty
Students walking on NYU’s Abu Dhabi campus. (Sam Klein for WSN)
‘Extremely disturbing’: Concerns over academic freedom at NYU Abu Dhabi surface following policies restricting attire at graduation
A purple N.Y.U. flag hangs on a building.
A search firm failed to find misconduct allegations against NYU’s former athletics director. Here’s why.
File Photo: NYU Tisch School of the Arts located at 721 Broadway. (Katie Peurrung for WSN)
A Tisch professor disappeared during a misconduct investigation. Two semesters later, he’s scheduled to teach again.
A mural of a woman’s face holding up a chain with the word “LOISAIDA” and a gold cityscape. The words “el bohio murals” and “#BRINGARTBACK” are next to the woman alongside the words “CURATED BY … THRIVECOLLECTIVE.ORG.”
Activists’ 25-year fight to revive an East Village community center
A medic applies a black bandage to an N.Y.U. wrestler crouched on the ground in a purple leotard that reads “VIOLETS.”
In the Huddle: Trent Furman on his 100th career win and experience as a Violet
A white bracket with school names on against a black background. There are small, yellow volleyballs behind the bracket.
Staff predictions: Women’s volleyball return to NCAA tournament
A hand is folded to show off a gold and black ring with purple gems. The ring says “DEVENS” and “N.Y.U.” and has the silhouette of half of a basketball.
Women’s basketball rings in the new season with a 105-36 victory
An illustration of bold white text that says “Weekly Sports Update” on a purple background with light purple flowers.
Cross country regional champions, women’s soccer advance to Sweet 16 and more
A purple illustration of a person shouting “OUT OF BOUNDS" while holding a big whistle. Behind the person is Big Ben, the Berlin TV Tower and Puerto Madero's Puente de la Mujer footbridge.
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Buenos Aires, London and Berlin
A person in a white top, jeans and pink strawberry earrings sits on a park bench with a pink tote bag.
Style on the Square
(Krish Dev for WSN)
Finding school spirit at NYU
Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate on Gould Plaza holding a Palestinian flag and a sign that reads “No more dollar sign for Israel’s crimes.”
Inside the Gaza Solidarity Encampment at NYU
(Krish Dev for WSN)
‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’ becomes site of mass arrest at NYU
Two people run in front of the New York City skyline smiling.
NYU’s department of physical therapy hosts race to raise money for research
(Krish Dev for WSN)
Finding school spirit at NYU
Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate on Gould Plaza holding a Palestinian flag and a sign that reads “No more dollar sign for Israel’s crimes.”
Inside the Gaza Solidarity Encampment at NYU
(Krish Dev for WSN)
‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’ becomes site of mass arrest at NYU
Two people run in front of the New York City skyline smiling.
NYU’s department of physical therapy hosts race to raise money for research
The Toronto skyline at night.
Spring break snapshots: Grassy getaways to snow-stuck trucks
SLAM! at NYU celebrates the art of spoken word
SLAM! at NYU celebrates the art of spoken word
Mou Theatre brings together Mandarin-speaking theater enthusiasts at NYU
Mou Theatre brings together Mandarin-speaking theater enthusiasts at NYU
A woman hanging a Turkish flag on a curtain by a window at N.Y.U.'s Kimmel Center. Outside of the window is a red building.
Turkish NYU students commemorate 85 years since the death of republic founder
Barks in Tompkins Square Park: Annual Halloween Dog Parade returns
Barks in Tompkins Square Park: Annual Halloween Dog Parade returns
Rob Benevides applies a white wig to an actor wearing a prosthetic costume face.
An inside look at the art and design process of behind-the-scenes artists
An illustration of Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump, over a blue and red background.
The Election Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
Six models wearing all black, walking down a runway in a single-file line.
The Fashion Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Welcome home, class of 2028
The Housing Guide | Under the Arch Magazine
The Housing Guide | Under the Arch Magazine
Four people toast over dinner.
The Dinner Party Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
SPONSORED: Navigating mental health as a student: How Mid City TMS can support you
SPONSORED: How do I sublet my apartment this summer?
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
Guru Ramanathan

Guru Ramanathan, Under the Arch Managing Editor

Guru Ramanathan is a senior in Tisch majoring in Dramatic Writing. Born in India, but living in Boston for most of his life, he was initially very confused by the lack of Dunkin’ Donuts in New York City but grew to love Starbucks’ hot chocolate. Guru lives and breathes film to the point where every other thing he says is probably a movie quote, and he was also a tennis and piano player for 10 years each. If you ever need to find him he will probably be writing something on the seventh floor of Bobst or the Dramatic Writing department’s half of the seventh floor in Tisch. Follow him on Instagram @i.am.gru and listen to his podcast, “The Passion Project.”

All content by Guru Ramanathan
Guru Ramanathan

Guru Ramanathan

Guru Ramanathan • May 7, 2020

I didn’t expect myself to spend my entire college career in the WSN basement, but perhaps that’s a virtue of choosing to graduate early. While I’ve been fortunate enough...

Housing Guide 2020

Housing Guide 2020

Guru Ramanathan, Under the Arch Managing Editor • February 20, 2020

Quantitative and Emotional: the Many Contradictions of Wayne Carino

Quantitative and Emotional: the Many Contradictions of Wayne Carino

The Wagner grad student and NYU Sustainability Fellow does what he calls “background work,” but has been instrumental in and out of NYU to provide environmental policy solutions for marginalized communities and developing countries.
Guru Ramanathan, Under the Arch Managing Editor • December 5, 2019

When Wayne Carino enters the NYU Office of Sustainability, he barely says a word to anyone before sitting down to work. Within minutes of coming into the office, he immediately...

Does My Breakdown Need a Doctor’s Note?

Does My Breakdown Need a Doctor’s Note?

At a school where absences are rarely excused, it becomes hard to know when we’ve reached our breaking point.
Claire Fishman, Arts Editor • November 18, 2019

One recent Sunday morning, I awoke to a queasiness in my stomach that, within minutes, prompted me to stumble out of bed and onto my knees in front of my toilet. I was violently...

The Scandinavian Scholar Fighting for Planet Earth

The Scandinavian Scholar Fighting for Planet Earth

From music festivals to museum to J-PopCon, Louise Lessél uses her creative technology expertise and numerous media degrees to create art and experiences. Now, as a master’s student at ITP, she reflects on her educational career and her aspirations to spread awareness of overlooked issues.
Claire Fishman, Arts Editor • October 14, 2019

Louise Lessél looks like she wandered off the page of a Scandinavian lifestyle magazine. Freckled and fair, she meets me in clean, white clothes. As we shake hands, I mention...

(via YouTube)

Staff Recs: Pretentious Films to Impress Your Fake Friends

Need to sound like you know about movies? Here are a few of our go-tos.
Claire Fishman, Fareid El Gafy, Ethan Zack and Julie Goldberg • September 11, 2019

Your friends told you to watch it. It was on your Amazon recommended list. And now the Arts Desk of WSN, a group of complete strangers, is going to reinforce everything that they’ve...

Larry David at a film festival in 2009. (Via Wikimedia)

Unpopular Opinions: Unconventionally Hot Girl Summer

The Arts Desk weighs in on some underrated hotties in the entertainment industry.
Kaylee DeFreitas, Ethan Zack, Fareid El Gafy, Claire Fishman and Julie Goldberg • September 9, 2019

Hot Girl Summer is ending and with so many unconventionally attractive additions to the Hot Girl Summer canon (Lizzo, Billie Eilish, Beto O’Rourke), we at the Arts Desk thought...

Tyler Cooperman sits on a custom painted Patrick Church couch in his exhibition at 117 Beekman. (Staff Photo by Claire Fishman)

Art Business ‘Takes a Village’; Meet its Mayor, Tyler Cooperman

A day in the life of 2018 grad Tyler Cooperman: artist representative, curator and secret finance bro.
Claire Fishman, Arts Editor • September 3, 2019

It is a Friday afternoon in the Financial District. The sun beats down at 86 degrees even though the forecast promised a more mild afternoon. On Beekman Street, Tyler Cooperman...

The facade of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of New York’s must-see art destinations. (Photo via Flickr)

The New York City Art Scene: An Introduction

With so much wonderful art in New York City at our fingertips, it’s hard to know where to start. Here are a few helpful suggestions.
Claire Fishman, Arts Editor • August 24, 2019

The New York City visual art scene is a daunting one. With so many distinguished museums, galleries and pop-up exhibits, it’s nearly impossible to decide how to spend your weekend....

Go Digital Or Go Home

Go Digital Or Go Home

As the presence of online journalism continues to grow, we must strive to use all forms of digital storytelling to our advantage.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor • May 8, 2019

There is more than one way to tell a story. In the age of digital resources, social media and streaming, it is imperative that this notion is not just begrudgingly acknowledged...

PEN America, the free expression nonprofit, presents the 15th annual World Voices Festival through May 12. (via Wikimedia)

A Starving Artist’s Guide to Arts Events This Weekend: May 10 to 12

Stay entertained this weekend for $20 or less.
Alex Cullina, Theater & Books Editor • May 8, 2019

It’s the last week of class and my final column of the semester. To celebrate the end of the school year and/or Mother’s Day — this Sunday, don’t forget to call your mom!...

Niri (Lima Das) making her feature debut in “Aamis.” (via Metanormal Motion Pictures)

‘Aamis’ Team on Their Flesh-Eating Romance at Tribeca

WSN sat down with the director, lead actress, producer and composers of the Assamese film.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor • May 6, 2019

For all the surprises it holds, “Aamis,” writer and director Bhaskar Hazarika’s latest film, looks regrettably generic at first glance. A married clinician named Nirmali...

Left to right: guitarist Brian Robert Jones, Ezra Koenig, Chris Baio and touring guitarist Greta Morgan, of Vampire Weekend. The band played an impromptu acoustic show in Washington Square Park on the release day of their new album "Father of the Bride." (Staff photo by Katie Peurrung)

Vampire Weekend Plays Surprise WSP Set

The Grammy-winning indie rock group played an acoustic set in Washington Square Park earlier today, the same day they released their first album in six years.
Alex Cullina, Theater & Books Editor • May 3, 2019

Indie rock royalty Vampire Weekend played an impromptu acoustic set this afternoon in Washington Square Park to a small, hushed crowd. The band played a mix of classics and...

Erturk graduated from Tisch in 2016 and premiered his feature film debut at Tribeca. (via Cenk Erturk)

Tisch MFA Alum Cenk Ertürk’s Journey to Tribeca

WSN sits down with Tisch MFA alum Cenk Ertürk to talk about “Noah Land,” his feature debut at Tribeca.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor • May 2, 2019

When Turkish immigrant Cenk Ertürk first set foot in the United States, he came with a dream of being a filmmaker despite having no formal education in the craft. Little did he...

The Brooklyn Museum. (via Wikimedia)

A Starving Artist’s Guide to Arts Events This Weekend: May 3 to 5

Stay entertained this weekend for $20 or less.
Alex Cullina, Theater & Books Editor • May 1, 2019

The end of the semester — and finals season — is fast approaching. I’m sure many of us could use a little distraction from the stress of studying, so check out one of these...

Promotional poster for season eight of "Game of Thrones." (via Flickr)

Popularity, The Displeasing and ‘Game of Thrones’

“Game of Thrones” is both one of television’s most popular and least decent shows.
Dante Sacco, Deputy Arts Editor • May 1, 2019

Few elements of the American experience even approach ubiquity. The internet, thousands of TV channels and cultural polarization have led to a nation of enclaves and isolation,...

Stephen Curry (pictured) of the Warriors won his first Most Valuable Player Award in 2015. (via Wikimedia)

In Appreciation of the NBA’s Middle Class

How staying the course and refusing to tank paid off for a few non-contenders in the Western Conference.
Dante Sacco, Deputy Arts Editor • April 28, 2019

One looming, immutable fact weighs on the mind of every NBA fan at the beginning, middle and end of every season. There are 30 teams, and only one of them can end the season with...

The Tisch School of the Arts hosts many majors that require in person instruction. Students at Tisch and other schools have begun to worry about the possibility of a virtual fall semester. (Photo by Alina Patrick)

A Starving Artist’s Guide to Arts Events This Weekend: April 26 to 28

Stay entertained this weekend for $20 or less.
Alex Cullina, Theater & Books Editor • April 24, 2019

Finals are just around the corner, and I know y'all are stressing — use one of these arts and entertainment events to get your mind off of that test stress and enjoy the wonderful...

Sharpay had some valid points, OK? (via Disney)

Unpopular Opinions: When the Villain Was Right

Our staff gives you some of their best hot takes on some of pop culture’s most notorious bad guys.
Nicole Rosenthal, Dante Sacco, Alex Cullina and Sakshi Venkatraman • April 23, 2019

It’s one of the most fundamental, elemental tropes in storytelling — the good guy vs. the bad guy, light vs. darkness, good vs. evil. The examples are infinite — Harry Potter...

Student cinematographer, Jason S Lee is a junior at Tisch. (Staff Photo by Alina Patrick)

How a Tisch Junior Ended up Shooting for Chanel

Meet Jason Lee, the Korean international student who networked his way into shooting magazine editorials.
Claire Fishman, Film & TV Editor • April 22, 2019

Jason S. Lee likes to say that he’s lucky. After only a year of handling a camera, he won a Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Award at 16. Only a few months later, Lee’s...

NYU’s Skirball Center of the Performing Arts (via NYU).

A Starving Artist’s Guide to Arts Events This Weekend: April 19 to 21

Stay entertained this weekend for $20 or less.
Alex Cullina, Books & Theater Editor • April 18, 2019

With 4/20, Easter and Earth Day all approaching back-to-back, I’m sure everyone’s weekend schedules are packed. But on the off chance you have some free time in the next few...

A poster for the Lizzie McGuire Movie. (via wikimedia commons)

Staff Recs: Best Disney Channel Original Movies

We’ve talked about some of our favorite childhood Disney series, but let’s not forget how one of our favorite channels was churning out classic T.V. movies at this time as well.
Guru Ramanathan, Nicole Rosenthal, Claire Fishman and Melanie Pineda • April 18, 2019
We’ve talked about some of our favorite childhood Disney series, but let’s not forget how one of our favorite channels was churning out classic T.V. movies at this time as well.
Molly Shannon and Susan Ziegler in "Wild Nights with Emily." The new biographical comedy-drama depicts the love affair between poet Emily Dickinson and her sister-in-law and muse Susan Huntington Dickinson with warmth and humor. (via P2 Films)

Tisch Alum’s Film Shines New Light on Emily Dickinson

Writer and director Madeleine Olnek’s new dramedy “Wild Nights with Emily” uses relatively recent insights into the poet’s private life.
Alex Cullina, Theater & Books Editor • April 16, 2019

Everyone knows the story of the 19th-century American poet Emily Dickinson: she was a spinster and a recluse, and she wrote her poems without intending for them to ever be published. “People...

The movie poster for Moonlight, an A24 film. (via A24)

Unpopular Opinion: A24 Films

Before you watch “Under the Silver Lake,” let’s revisit past A24 films and break down if they’re really as good as Tisch kids say they are.
Nicole Rosenthal, Guru Ramanathan, Alex Cullina and Dante Sacco • April 16, 2019

Over the past few years, indie film studio A24 has taken over the independent movie zeitgeist, and certainly captured the love of the NYU community to the point where everyone...

“Turbulence" is a theater piece exploring the “experiences of Black and People of Color (BPOC) in clinical settings and society at large.” (via nyu.edu)

A Starving Artist’s Guide to Arts Events This Weekend: April 12 to 14

Stay entertained this weekend for $20 or less.
Alex Cullina, Theater & Books Editor • April 10, 2019

New York City is the cultural capital of the world, people! Go out! Explore! Do stuff! Like, for example, one of these arts and entertainment events? Steinhardt presents “Turbulence”...

Book cover of It's Kind of a Funny Story. (via Hyperion)

Unpopular Opinions: Young Adult Novels

The Arts Desk gives some fresh takes on novels for younger audiences.
Guru Ramanathan, Dante Sacco and Alex Cullina • April 9, 2019

A new young adult novel adaptation, “After,” hits theaters this weekend, and for once it’s not based on a book by John Green or Nicholas Sparks. But instead of needlessly...

The Gallatin Arts Festival runs April 8-12. The showcase of work by Gallatin undergraduates celebrates the school's unique interdisciplinary approach, focusing on work that straddles themes and media. (Staff Photo by Min Ji Kim)

Gallatin Arts Fest Embodies School’s Unique Spirit

The annual showcase of visual and performing arts work by Gallatin students celebrates the school’s interdisciplinary academics and community spirit.
Alex Cullina, Theater & Books Editor • April 8, 2019

The 26th annual Gallatin Arts Festival, a weeklong showcase of artwork and performances by students in the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, kicks off tonight with a gallery...

The Fusion Film Festival. (via Facebook)

A Starving Artist’s Guide to Arts Events This Weekend: April 4 to 7

Stay entertained this weekend for $20 or less.
Alex Cullina, Theater & Books Editor • April 4, 2019

Midterms are done with, and finals are still a ways away — or so I’d like to think. Why not enjoy the mid-semester lull — and the beautiful weather — by checking out one...

Arts Issue | Spring 2019

Arts Issue | Spring 2019

Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor • April 3, 2019

(Photo by Katie Peurrung)

Danielle Braga Jones | A Brazilian Bostonian Photographs New York City

Dante Sacco, Deputy Arts Editor • April 3, 2019

(Photo by Katie Peurrung)

Alexandra Muhawi-Ho | Arab-Chinese Filmmaker Seizes Freedom of Choice

Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor • April 3, 2019

(Photo by Katie Peurrung)

Luca Renzi Smith | From Bethlehem to Bleecker Street, It’s Queer Dance Jesus

Claire Fishman, Film Editor • April 3, 2019

(Photo by Katie Peurrung, Collage by Sophia Di Iorio, Additional Images via the New York Public Library)

Devanshi Khetarpal | An Indian Poet Finds the Sublime in the Everyday

Alex Cullina, Theatre & Books Editor • April 3, 2019

(On the left side, top to bottom) Fish Night, Beyond the Aquila Rift, Alternate Histories, (The right side, top to bottom), When the Yogurt Took Over, Three Robots, Zima Blue.(Courtesy of Netflix)

‘Love, Death & Robots’ Is Good, Great and Forgettable

From farmers fighting aliens in mech suits to a cup of yogurt taking over the world, the new Netflix anthology series can be an emotional rollercoaster.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor • April 1, 2019

David Fincher helped bring Netflix’s popularity to new heights with the critically acclaimed “House of Cards,” one of the streaming service’s first big hits. He came back...

Activists Marcella Gilbert (Oohenumpa and Ihanktowan Bands of the Lakota and Dakota nations) and Madonna Thunder Hawk (Oohenumpa Lakota, enrolled citizen of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe), in the documentary "Warrior Women." (Photo by John G. Larson, courtesy of NMAI)

A Starving Artist’s Guide to Arts Events This Weekend: March 28 to 31

Stay entertained this weekend for $20 or less.
Alex Cullina, Books & Theater Editor • March 27, 2019

Spring has finally sprung, people! This is not a drill! Go outside and do stuff! Steinhardt’s “Opera Now: Three to See” at Provincetown Playhouse, March 28 - 31 Come...

(via 20th Century Fox)

Unpopular Opinions: Animal Characters

No animals were harmed in the making of this list.
Guru Ramanathan, Dante Sacco and Alex Cullina • March 26, 2019

The live-action “Dumbo” remake comes out this week, and it got the Arts Desk thinking about the countless animal characters that have graced the silver screen, especially in...

Aml Ameen plays a young courier named ‘D’ in 'Yardies'. (Courtesy of Rialto Pictures)

‘Yardie’ Is a Jamaican Throwback to Gang Dramas of Old

Idris Elba tries his hand at directing in “Yardie,” based on Victor Headley’s novel.
Dante Sacco, Deputy Arts Editor • March 25, 2019

They are the familial and relational conflicts that preface and define their violent stories: Grangerford or Shepherdson, Greaser or Soc, Shark or Jet, Native American or Dead...

Anupam Kher as "Oberoi" in director Anthony Maras' Hotel Mumbai, a Bleecker Street release. (Courtesy of Mark Rogers / Bleecker Street)

Anupam Kher on Tragedy and Compassion in ‘Hotel Mumbai’

The acclaimed Bollywood thespian spoke with WSN about playing a real-life character in his new film.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor • March 25, 2019

Eleven years ago, the Indian metropolis of Mumbai was brought under siege by Pakistani terrorists in a deadly attack. A popular restaurant, two hospitals and the Taj Mahal Palace...

Poster for the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. (via Facebook)

A Starving Artist’s Guide to Arts Events This Weekend: March 15 to 17

Stay entertained this weekend for $20 or less.
Alex Cullina, Books and Theater Editor • March 14, 2019

St. Patrick’s Day is this Sunday — if you want to escape the inevitable onslaught of intoxicated revelers this weekend, check out one of these arts and entertainment events....

Movie poster for Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase (2019). (via Warner Bros. Pictures)

Unpopular Opinions: Children’s Book Series

In honor of the new Nancy Drew movie coming out, the Arts Desk is giving its hot takes on children’s book series.
Nicole Rosenthal, Guru Ramanthan, Dante Sacco and Alex Cullina • March 12, 2019

If you weren’t already aware, “Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase” is coming out this week. Since it’s based on the popular children’s book series, the Arts Desk is...

The Outlying and Malicious Tuition Policy of NYU

The Outlying and Malicious Tuition Policy of NYU

How NYU’s per credit tuition policy lags behind its peers.
Dante Sacco, Deputy Arts Editor • March 11, 2019

You would be hard pressed to find an NYU student clamoring for more responsibilities in their schedule. But when it comes to academic classes, the responsibility required is remunerated...

NYU Professor’s ‘NYLON’ Makes a Complex Plot Work

NYU Professor’s ‘NYLON’ Makes a Complex Plot Work

The past is at the forefront in this new play by Tisch Dramatic Writing professor Sofia Alvarez.
Dante Sacco, Deputy Arts Editor • March 11, 2019

Nylon is a polymer plastic. It’s a long and durable molecule notable for its ability to hold things together, used in products like ropes, stockings and parachutes. In the new...

Promotional media for the Philip K. Dick Film Festival. (via Indiegogo)

A Starving Artist’s Guide to Arts Events This Weekend: March 7 to 10

Stay entertained this weekend for $20 or less.
Alex Cullina, Theater & Books Editor • March 7, 2019

This weekend is the famed Armory Show, a four-day modern and contemporary art fair in Hell’s Kitchen. The fine art extravaganza has inspired a full week of fairs and exhibitions...

A scene from "Dinner for Schmucks," a remake of the French comedy "Le Dîner de Cons." (via Paramount)

Unpopular Opinions: Remakes and Reboots

With A24’s “Gloria Bell,” the remake of the Chilean film “Gloria,” receiving a lot of early praise, the Arts Desk is looking at other remakes and reboots that are also up to par with, or better than, their predecessors.
Guru Ramanthan, Alex Cullina, Nicole Rosenthal and Dante Sacco • March 6, 2019

From “A Star Is Born” to the upcoming live-action “The Lion King,” remakes and reboots have been mainstays in Hollywood for decades. Though it is easy to immediately discredit...

How Football Is Keeping Women From the Boardroom

How Football Is Keeping Women From the Boardroom

Sorry, Sheryl Sandberg. I tried to lean in, but tipped over a goal post.
Claire Fishman, Film and TV Editor • March 6, 2019

There’s a very peculiar phenomenon in the American workplace. The movies brush over it and the employee handbooks never mention it, but somehow it always manifests itself in...

Sofia Alvarez, a playwright, screenwriter and professor in Tisch’s Department of Dramatic Writing. She co-founded the Blockchain Theater Project, a theater company that seeks to dismantle institutional barriers in theater. (Photo by Min Ji Kim)

Dramatic Writing Professor Brings Blockchain to Theater

Sofia Alvarez, a Tisch professor and the screenwriter of Netflix’s “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” is the co-founder of the Blockchain Theater Project, which draws on blockchain’s peer-to-peer model to dismantle the institutional barriers of the theater world.
Alex Cullina, Theater and Books Editor • March 4, 2019

It was late 2017, the height of the bitcoin boom, and Sofia Alvarez, playwright, screenwriter and professor in Tisch’s Department of Dramatic Writing, was looking for a way to...

Paula Beer and Franz Rogowski star in the German drama “Transit”. (Courtesy of Music Box Films)

‘Transit’ Is a Bumpy Ride That Still Bores

Officially selected for the New York Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, the German film is a fascinating character drama that is let down by a poor script.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor • March 4, 2019

Like its title suggests, “Transit” is mobile, unable to find solace in any one mood, setting or genre, oscillating back and forth between being an interesting character drama,...

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,...

Acclaimed poet Claudia Rankine, who will be speaking with Layli Long Soldier at the New School on Friday. (via facebook.com)

A Starving Artist’s Guide to Arts Events This Weekend: Mar. 1 to 3

Stay entertained this weekend for $20 or less.
Alex Cullina, Books & Theater Editor • February 28, 2019

With Oscars season finally over and the first of the summer blockbusters still months away, we’re in a bit of an entertainment doldrums at the moment. If you want to keep yourself...

Unpopular Opinions: 2000s Disney Channel Shows

Unpopular Opinions: 2000s Disney Channel Shows

The Arts Desk is here with takes on some of your childhood faves.
Guru Ramanthan, Dante Sacco and Nicole Rosenthal • February 27, 2019

While we recover from the Oscars, it’s time to take another stroll down memory lane and revisit our childhoods. In the past, the Arts Desk has written about some of our favorite...

A view from the street of Steve Locke's “A Partial List of Unarmed African-Americans who were Killed By Police..." Locke's work examines the intersection of the personal and the political, addressing his own inescapable connection to oppressive power structures like racism and homophobia.(Staff Photo by Julia McNeill)

Gallatin Galleries Show Meditates on Sexuality, Masculinity, Race

In “Steve Locke: in the name of love,” the multimedia artist ponders what it means to be black and gay in America today.
Alex Cullina, Books & Theater Editor • February 25, 2019

Steve Locke isn’t just angry. The artist’s work, spanning painting, sculpture, prints and other media, foregrounds the connections between anger, power, shame, desire and love....

A still of Pete Holmes, from the HBO show Crashing. (Courtesy of Craig Blankenhorn)

Pete Holmes Talks ‘Crashing’ and Comedic Identity

Comedian, actor, writer, podcaster and producer Peter Holmes spoke with WSN about the new season of his HBO show “Crashing” and gave his thoughts on modern comedy.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor • February 25, 2019

For Pete Holmes, the essence of comedy is truth. This is perhaps why he incorporated several real-life events, like how his ex-wife’s infidelity led him to pursue comedy, into...

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!
Guru Ramanathan, Claire Fishman, Alex Cullina, Nicole Rosenthal and Dante Sacco • February 20, 2019

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...

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...

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...

Unpopular Opinions: Romantic Comedy Protagonists

Unpopular Opinions: Romantic Comedy Protagonists

Valentine's Day is coming up and the Arts Desk cannot wait! Thus, they’ve decided to critically analyze rom-coms in anticipation of the big day.
Guru Ramanathan, Claire Fishman, Alex Cullina and Nicole Rosenthal • February 13, 2019

People generally tend to fall on two extremes with romantic comedies: they either desperately want to love them or they consider the plots just too cheesy to be appreciated. A...

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...

Cover art for "Fyre" on Netflix (Courtesy of Netflix).

Fyre Festival Scam Continues

The music festival scandal that led to a social media riot culminated in two competing documentaries, but even they were unable to escape ethical issues in their production.
Dante Sacco, Staff Writer • February 11, 2019

Fyre Festival, the brainchild of practiced millennial manipulator Billy McFarland, was a 2017 ultra-luxe music festival in the Bahamas imagined to appeal to the basest desires...

Attendees of last year's Black Comix Expo in cosplay. BAM is hosting the second annual expo this Sunday. (via Facebook)

A Starving Artist’s Guide to Arts Events this Weekend: Feb. 8 to 10

Stay entertained this weekend for $20 or less.
Alex Cullina, Theater & Books Editor • February 7, 2019

Rather not spend this unseasonably warm weather stuck inside but in a bit of a budget crunch? Here are six fun ways to spend your weekend without breaking the bank. Phantom...

Promotional poster for the Netflix series "Sex Education." (via Netflix)

‘Sex Education’ Should Replace Sex Education

Netflix’s “Sex Education” could be described as “The Inbetweeners” meets “Glee.”
Claire Fishman, Film & TV Editor • February 7, 2019

I am typically quite cautious about seeing television written by adults with the intention of teaching teenagers a lesson. Frankly, after I read the synopsis of “Sex Education,”...

Danny DeVito in M&M's Super Bowl commercial. (via Facebook)

Unpopular Opinions: Super Bowl Commercials

In which the Arts Desk gives hot takes on what is the most important of the big game, anyway.
Guru Ramanathan, Nicole Rosenthal, Claire Fishman and Alex Cullina • February 6, 2019

The Super Bowl is one of the most watched TV broadcasts every year, but there is more than one reason hordes of fans tune in to watch teams lose to the Patriots year after year....

Terrance Hayes, poet and NYU professor, gave a reading at the Lillian Vernon Creative Writing House last Thursday. (Courtesy of the MacArthur Foundation)

Terrance Hayes Talks Trump, Teaching at NYU

At the Lillian Vernon Creative Writing House, the award-winning poet and NYU professor read published and unpublished work from a series he started after the 2016 election.
Alex Cullina, Books & Theater Editor • February 4, 2019

Terrance Hayes, the acclaimed poet and NYU Creative Writing professor, came to NYU’s Lillian Vernon Creative Writing House on Thursday for a discussion and reading of some of...

Jefferson Mays as Dr. George Hodel in “I Am The Night.” (Photo by Clay Enos, Courtesy of TNT)

Tony Winner Talks ‘I Am The Night’

WSN sits down with actor Jefferson Mays to talk about his role in TNT’s new limited series “I Am the Night,” co-starring Chris Pine.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor • February 4, 2019

Jefferson Mays has been a storyteller his whole life. In his childhood, his family did not have a television set, so he and his parents would read books out loud to each other...

Chris Pine as reporter Jay Singletary in I AM THE NIGHT. Photo courtesy of TNT

‘I Am The Night’ Is A Few Steps Short of Success

TNT’s new neo-noir limited series is based off a fascinating true story, but isn’t the home run many hoped it would be in its first episode.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor • January 30, 2019

Murder, mystery and conspiracies — all juicy elements that are necessary to concoct a pulpy noir. From film classics like “Double Indemnity” to contemporary series such...

via flickr.com

Unpopular Opinions: ‘Black Mirror’

The first spring 2019 edition of one of the Arts Desk’s acclaimed weekly series deals out hot takes on Netflix’s Emmy-winning sci-fi series.
Alex Cullina, Guru Ramanathan and Nicole Rosenthal • January 30, 2019

Technology in the 21st century: what’s not to love? From smartphones and supercomputers to virtual reality and artificial intelligence, technology has radically altered our way...

Karen (Anne Hathaway) brings turbulent tides to Baker Dill (Matthew McConaughey) as his past resurfaces in "Serenity." (Courtesy of Aviron Pictures)

‘Serenity’ Sunk by a Ludicrous Script

The Matthew McConaughey-Anne Hathaway starrer starts off as a fishing neo-noir and derails halfway through into a clumsy, existential thriller.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor • January 29, 2019

Oscar-nominated director Steven Knight’s new film “Serenity” is a confounding experience, but not because it challenges the viewer on some profound, artistic level. From...

Concept Art by Lee Milby from the advanced short film "Cow-Boy," a drama about fraternity hazing (Courtesy of Bronson Aznavorian).

Funding Your Cinematic Dream

Tisch Film & TV seniors discuss crowdfunding thousands of dollars for their advanced short films.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor • January 28, 2019

“The very fact that a movie gets made is a miracle,” the Chief Operating Officer of FilmNation Entertainment said to Tisch Film & TV senior Bronson Aznavorian during his...

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...

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

How to Win an Oscar in 2019

A satirical guide of how to potentially win big at the 91st Academy Awards.
Claire Fishman, Film Editor • January 28, 2019

Pick a subject. No, not that one. Pick a subject you’re not supposed to talk about at the Thanksgiving table. Think racism (“Blackkklansman”), politics (“Vice”) or gay...

Tom Schilling as painter Kurt Barnet. (Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics)

‘Never Look Away’ Paints an Expansive Portrait of Germany’s Art History

The celebrated German film finally expands into wide release in the United States on the heels of being nominated for two Oscars at the 91st Academy Awards.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor • January 24, 2019

After watching his 188-minute period epic “Never Look Away” — loosely based on the life of German artist Gerhard Richter — two things became clear about German filmmaker...

Yakuts carrying wooly mammoth tusks on the New Siberian Islands. Courtesy of KimStim.

Sundance Documentary Winner ‘Genesis 2.0’ Hits IFC Center

A look into the making of Christian Frei’s documentary, which follows hunters in their search for dead wooly mammoths and scientists working to clone them.
Guru Ramanathan, Arts Editor • January 3, 2019

Every summer dozens of Yakutian men leave their homes to trek the remote New Siberian Islands in search of a unique treasure: wooly mammoth tusks. They desperately hack at the...

Yalitza Aparicio and Marco Graf in a scene from "Roma." (Courtesy of Netflix)

‘Roma’ Is Human — Simultaneously Moving and Frustrating

The 2018 Mexican Oscar entry is Alfonso Cuarón’s first film since winning an Oscar for directing “Gravity.”
Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor • December 3, 2018
The 2018 Mexican Oscar entry is Alfonso Cuarón’s first film since winning an Oscar for directing “Gravity.”
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.
Will Ferrell as Buddy in "Elf," a classic Christmas film that promises to deliver laughs and holiday spirit year after year. (via facebook.com)

Staff Recs: Best Holiday Films

Ali Zimmerman, Daniella Nichinson, Nicole Rosenthal, Guru Ramanathan and Alex Cullina • November 30, 2018

As November comes to an end and we recover from the pounds of turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce consumed at Thanksgiving, the holiday season begins to close in. Whether...

Poster for the third annual Chanukahstravaganza: 'Twas the Night Before Chanukah.' The event will take place at Union Hall this Saturday. (via unionhallny.com)

A Starving Artist’s Guide to Arts Events this Weekend: Nov. 30 to Dec. 2

Stay entertained this weekend for $20 or less.
Ali Zimmerman and Alex Cullina • November 29, 2018

Temperatures are dropping and the New York City streets are getting less welcoming by the minute, but that doesn’t mean you should let the weekend pass you by. Whether you take...

Unpopular Opinions: Actors

Unpopular Opinions: Actors

Daniella Nichinson, Guru Ramanathan, Nicole Rosenthal and Alex Cullina • November 28, 2018
Hot takes on Hollywood Hall-of-Famers.
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.
A scene from the Palm d'Or-winning film "Shoplifters." (via facebook.com)

Cannes Favorite ‘Shoplifters’ Arrives at IFC Center

Hirokazu Kore-eda’s drama won the Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, and should be your next stop at the IFC Center.
Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor • November 26, 2018
Hirokazu Kore-eda’s drama won the Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, and should be your next stop at the IFC Center.
Viola Davis as the grieving Veronica Rawlings in heist thriller "Widows." (Courtesy of 20th Century Fox)

‘Widows’ Ranks Among the Best Heist Films

The follow up to his Oscar-winning “12 Years a Slave,” co-writer and director Steve McQueen returns with an arthouse heist thriller with the ensemble of the century
Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor • November 18, 2018
The follow up to his Oscar-winning “12 Years a Slave,” co-writer and director Steve McQueen returns with an arthouse heist thriller with the ensemble of the century
The cast of "A Fish Called Wanda." (via flickr.com)

Staff Recs: Best Film Ensembles

Every so often, a movie ensemble absolutely blows audiences away and makes us ask ourselves, “How can one movie could contain so much talent and power?”
Ryan Mikel, Daniella Nichinson, Guru Ramanathan and Alex Cullina • November 16, 2018
Every so often, a movie ensemble absolutely blows audiences away and makes us ask ourselves, “How can one movie could contain so much talent and power?”
The poster for Tisch Festival of the Voices. (Courtesy of NYU Tisch Institute of Performing Arts)

A Starving Artist’s Guide to Arts Events this Weekend: Nov. 16 to Nov. 18

How to experience arts if you're pinching pennies.
Ali Zimmerman and Alex Cullina • November 15, 2018
How to experience arts if you're pinching pennies.
Wyatt Russell in "Overlord." (via facebook.com)

‘Overlord’ Is an Amazing WWII B-Movie That Offers Zombies Too

Though advertised as a generic zombie flick, the J.J. Abrams-produced film is secretly a stellar World War II action-thriller flying under the radar.
Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor • November 12, 2018
Though advertised as a generic zombie flick, the J.J. Abrams-produced film is secretly a stellar World War II action-thriller flying under the radar.
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?
From left to right, clockwise: “Lush” by Snail Mail, “Sounds of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel, “Magic Potion” by The Black Keys and “Collection” by Soccer Mommy. (via spotify.com)

Staff Recs: Best Albums for Fall

Ryan Mikel, Daniella Nichinson, Nicole Rosenthal, Guru Ramanathan, Alex Cullina and Ali Zimmerman • November 9, 2018

“Lush” by Snail Mail Ryan Mikel, Arts Editor I am not going to lie: I fell in love with the album “Lush” when I discovered Snail Mail early last spring. I was lucky...

Dennis Hopper in "Blue Velvet." (via twitter.com)

Staff Recs: Best Villains

Get your watch queue ready for the baddest villains of them all.
Ryan Mikel, Daniella Nichinson, Nicole Rosenthal, Ali Zimmerman, Guru Ramanathan and Alex Cullina • November 1, 2018
Get your watch queue ready for the baddest villains of them all.
A photo of "Canstruction" at Brookfield Place in 2014. (via artsbrookfield.com)

A Starving Artist’s Guide to Arts Events This Weekend: Nov. 2 to Nov. 4

Stay entertained this weekend for $20 or less.
Ali Zimmerman and Alex Cullina • October 31, 2018
Stay entertained this weekend for $20 or less.
NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

The Realities Behind Working on Set in Tisch

First-hand accounts from Tisch Film & TV students about their experiences as production assistants on set and how they’re preparing for their future careers.
Claire Fishman, Contributing Writer • October 30, 2018

The Tisch School of the Arts is sometimes fascinating and sometimes bizarre. While the school is made up of a variety of majors covering different forms of art, one of its most...

Unpopular Opinions: Supernatural Villains

Unpopular Opinions: Supernatural Villains

This week we’re getting spooky niche with our unpopular opinions and taking a look at supernatural villains!
Daniella Nichinson, Ryan Mikel, Nicole Rosenthal, Alex Cullina and Guru Ramanathan • October 30, 2018

The spookiest day of the year is upon us: Halloween. All the ghosts and goblins come to play on this night of tricks and treats. Halloween is a pop culture phenomenon — the basis...

A promotional poster for the third season of "Daredevil." (via Facebook.com)

‘Daredevil’ Season 3 Is the Perfect Action Noir

Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor • October 29, 2018
The latest season of "Daredevil" provides more over-the-top action and subtle drama than fans could have hoped for.
Shevaun Mizrahi, an NYU Master of Fine Arts graduate, spent six years filming her upcoming documentary “Distant Constellation” at a retirement home in Istanbul. (Photo courtesy of Shevaun Mizrahi)

The Six Years Behind a Tisch Grad’s Debut Film

Over a six-year process, Shevaun Mizrahi crafted a continuing emotional narrative in her debut film.
Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor • October 29, 2018
Over a six-year process, Shevaun Mizrahi crafted a continuing emotional narrative in her debut film.
John Travolta and Uma Thurman in a scene from "Pulp Fiction," which boasts one of the most iconic soundtracks in cinema history. (via facebook.com)

Staff Recs: Best Movie Soundtracks and Scores

Ryan Mikel, Nicole Rosenthal, Guru Ramanathan, Daniella Nichinson and Alex Cullina • October 25, 2018
The release of "Mid90s" has reminded audiences of the importance of a great soundtrack. Check out WSN's top picks for best movie soundtracks and scores.
Illustration by Rachel Buigas-Lopez

Unpopular Opinions: Albums

Daniella Nichinson, Nicole Rosenthal, Guru Ramanathan and Ali Zimmerman • October 23, 2018
Think you have a hot take on an underrated or overrated record? See how it holds up against WSN's picks in Unpopular Opinions: Albums edition.
luciana achugar from the interactive dance performance "Brujx." (Courtesy of NYU Skirball)

‘Brujx’ and the Excruciating Monotony of Labor

Karl Marx Festival "Brujx" dance performance reflects on the labor that goes into theater from both the audience and performers.
Claire Fishman • October 22, 2018

Friday night, in the foyer of Skirball, Luciana Achugar greeted her audience nervously; Achugar doesn’t normally give speeches before her performances. “I went back and...

Faraday Okoro winning $1 million grant at Tribeca Film Festival. (via facebook.com)

The Million Dollar Story of Faraday Okoro

Guru Ramanathan, Film & TV Editor • October 22, 2018
WSN talks to NYU MFA grad Faraday Okoro, inaugural winner of the AT&T and Tribeca Film Institute's "Untold Stories" prize, about his debut film "Nigerian Prince."
Masked serial killer Michael Meyers in "Halloween." (via facebook.com)

Staff Recs: Scariest Horror Movies

Ryan Mikel, Nicole Rosenthal, Guru Ramanathan, Ali Zimmerman, Daniella Nichinson, Alex Cullina and Melanie Pineda • October 18, 2018
Halloween is creeping up, so here are our picks for Scariest Horror Movies to terrify you on a dark, lonely night.
Unpopular Opinions: 20th Century Authors

Unpopular Opinions: 20th Century Authors

Daniella Nichinson, Nicole Rosenthal, Guru Ramanathan, Ali Zimmerman, Alex Cullina and Ryan Mikel • October 16, 2018
The 20th century birthed a plethora of renowned authors, some overrated and some underrated. This week, the Arts Desk tackles Unpopular Opinions: 20th Century Authors.
The South Park title-card since season 17. (Wikimedia)

‘South Park’ Takes Pride in Being Canceled for a 22nd Season

'South Park' is still the unabashedly raunchy and provocative series we all know and love (and fear).
Claire Fishman • October 15, 2018

Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s “South Park” comes back for a 22nd season this year after an ingenious ad campaign called #cancelsouthpark was made to mock organizations that...

The poster for the Karl Marx Festival. (Courtesy of Skirball Center)

A Karl Marx Festival in the Age of Late Capitalism

Alex Cullina, Books & Theater Editor • October 15, 2018
WSN talks to the director of Skirball and curator of the upcoming Karl Marx Festival.
Next Page »