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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

All content by Natasha R. Roy
A band performing on a stage with amps in Washington Square Park, with pastel colored guitars, a saxophone and a drum set. Two of the band members wear N.Y.U. merch, and the lead singer is wearing sunglasses. A brightly colored banner with a spiral design hangs behind them, and reads “Stolen Gin,” the name of the band.

Stolen Gin, the soundtrack to your spring 

Meet the NYU grads with an eclectic sound that is equal parts Grateful Dead and Daft Punk.
Natasha R. Roy, Contributing Writer May 3, 2023

If you ambled through Washington Square Park at any point on 4/20, chances are you caught the steadily growing crowd dancing to Stolen Gin’s jazzy performance. If you noticed...

A gray-and-white painting of an old man gazing at the viewer. He has wrinkles on his face and has a sleek side parting in his hair. He wears a coat. A blemished sketch of paintbrushes is being held by his right hand. A blank canvas peeks out from the left side of his face.

‘Pollock & Pollock’: American labor history through abstract expressionism

The unconventional documentary, depicting the Pollock brothers’ complicated relationship with the political legacy of abstract expressionism, is currently streaming on Ovid.tv.
Natasha R. Roy, Contributing Writer December 15, 2022

Abstract expressionism retains its purchase in contemporary discourse due in large part to its role in American cultural policy. During the Cold War, it was the favored aesthetic...

An illustrated portrait of author Calum McCann in a black shirt and blue blazer against a light orange background.

Q&A: Colum McCann says ‘storytelling is the most democratic thing that we have’

In his novel “Apeirogon,” National Book Award winner Colum McCann writes about Palestine, and Irish literature beyond Ireland.
Natasha R. Roy, Contributing Writer September 29, 2022

Spoiler warning: This article may include spoilers for “Apeirogon.” Colum McCann is an Irish writer based in New York City. In 2009, he won the National Book Award for his...

An illustration of a baby lamb against a brown background.

Review: ‘Lapvona’ encapsulates abject apoliticism

As Ottessa Moshfegh’s trademark gallows humor grows formulaic, her newest novel does little more than snicker at a group of Slavic peasants.
Natasha R. Roy, Contributing Writer September 7, 2022

Everything about Ottessa Moshfegh’s newest novel, “Lapvona,” is noncommittal. It is set in a vaguely medieval era, in a vaguely Eastern European village, and espouses a completely...