The hottest Theater Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

How the Star of 'Wicked' Just Sabotaged Her Own Movie

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 356 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Theater Entertainment Performing Arts Social Issues
  1. Cynthia Erivo reacted strongly to a fan's edited poster of 'Wicked', claiming it was offensive and degraded her. Many thought her response was an overreaction and not necessary.
  2. This kind of response from Hollywood actors is becoming more common. Some stars seem to let their egos get too big, which can harm their own films.
  3. There's a growing trend where people in entertainment see themselves as victims of oppression. This makes it hard to enjoy their work when they focus on perceived grievances instead of celebrating their art.

Ketanji Brown Jackson Goes Broadway

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 6913 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Theater Entertainment Society Humor
  1. Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Supreme Court Justice to perform on Broadway. This was a special and historic moment for both her and the theater.
  2. She made a surprise appearance in a fun musical called '& Juliet,' which offers a twist on the classic Romeo and Juliet story. It's a modern and playful take that focuses on female empowerment.
  3. The musical is described as a campy satire, blending humor with social themes. It aims to challenge traditional narratives, making it memorable and possibly polarizing for audiences.

Is the Baroness in The Sound of Music a Nazi?

The Common Reader • 2055 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Literature History Art Theater
  1. The Baroness in The Sound of Music might be seen as a Nazi sympathizer due to her actions and lack of opposition to the Nazi regime. Her character does not openly challenge the views around her.
  2. She maintains a connection to Rolf, who is aligned with the Nazis, indicating a passive acceptance of his stance. This raises questions about her moral standing in the film.
  3. While the film is viewed as a beloved classic, the deeper analysis of its characters, like the Baroness, reveals complex themes related to loyalty and affiliation during a troubled historical period.

Orson Welles as Falstaff on Late Night TV

Castles in the Sky • 15 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Theater Film Television Literature Art
  1. Orson Welles performing Shakespeare on late-night TV was a bold and unique choice. Today, it would be surprising to see such dramatic performances on those shows.
  2. The film 'Chimes at Midnight' creatively combines multiple Shakespeare plays, which is a clever idea that could inspire others to mix classic storytelling with modern interpretations.
  3. There’s a desire to read all of Shakespeare’s plays, and a group reading challenge could make it more enjoyable. Having a community can motivate people to explore Shakespeare together.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Plays About the End of the World

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 222 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Theater Art Literature Media Performance
  1. New plays about AI are popping up everywhere, showing how people respond to new technologies. They don't predict an apocalypse, but they reveal our emotions and reactions.
  2. Theater might seem like a strange place to talk about complicated tech ideas. But these plays manage to make tough topics more relatable and human.
  3. Rather than traditional, boring themes, these plays bring fresh perspectives on current issues with technology that are important to us today. They offer entertaining yet thoughtful reflections on our future.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 38

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music History Photography Theater
  1. The C-17 Globemaster is a powerful military aircraft that's very maneuverable, like a sports car. It's known for its strength and versatility in transport missions.
  2. The Palais Garnier in Paris is a stunning opera house, and there are beautiful images showcasing its rich interior. It's a historic venue that attracts many visitors.
  3. The way we interpret classic literature, like 'The Great Gatsby', can change over time. A leading expert dives into how our understanding may have missed important themes.

The One and the Many

The Fry Corner • 21522 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Theater Philosophy Psychology Politics Statistics
  1. Groups of people can behave in predictable ways, even if individuals within those groups act randomly. This means we can anticipate the behavior of a crowd better than that of a single person.
  2. Statistics play a big role in predicting risks and behaviors. For example, actuarial tables help insurance companies set rates based on the likelihood of certain events, regardless of the reasons behind those probabilities.
  3. There is often a disconnect between how we view groups of people versus individuals. While we might feel negatively about humanity as a whole, we tend to appreciate and trust the individuals we meet in our daily lives.

The Profile: Larry Page’s money man & Hollywood’s favorite gangster

The Profile • 198 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Theater Acting Literature Music
  1. Al Pacino is a master actor known for playing memorable villains. His performance in roles like Michael Corleone is often seen as a benchmark for acting excellence.
  2. Pacino believes that to truly act, one must absorb the character deeply, allowing their personality to emerge rather than merely pretending to be someone else.
  3. Creating great art means connecting emotionally with the audience. If you tap into real feelings, your work can resonate much more and leave a lasting impact.

Make Villains Evil Again

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1377 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Art Theater Traditions
  1. Villains are often given sad backstories nowadays, making them less scary. It's nice to see a movie where the villain is just pure evil, like in _Nosferatu_.
  2. The film _Nosferatu_ creates a chilling atmosphere, focusing on darkness and fear. It's set in a time when there was no electricity, which adds to the spooky vibe.
  3. Traditional Christmas decorations used to be very dangerous, like lighting trees with candles. These traditions reflect how people once dealt with the darkness of winter nights.

Shakespeare Schedule 2025

The Common Reader • 1275 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Theater Arts Education History
  1. There is a schedule for reading Shakespeare's plays throughout 2025. Each play will be discussed on a Sunday at 7 PM UK time over Zoom.
  2. The schedule includes various famous plays like 'Richard III', 'Midsummer Night’s Dream', and 'Macbeth'.
  3. Participants will receive a Zoom link the day before each meeting to join the discussion.

The Ancient Greek Play That Hilariously Mocked Collectivism and Democracy

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 138 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Theater Comedy History Philosophy
  1. Aristophanes' play "The Assemblywomen" cleverly mocks democracy and the absurdities of life in Ancient Athens. It shows how sometimes people in power can be foolish and self-serving.
  2. The play presents a humorous twist where women take over the political scene, highlighting the chaos that can come from trying to enforce equality and collectivism.
  3. The humor exposes the flaws of democracy—where not everyone making decisions may have the best interests of society in mind, showing how majorities can be just as dangerous as tyrants.

When DOGE was HUAC: The rise and fall of the Federal Theatre Project

The Octavian Report • 24 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Theater Arts Political History U.S. History Cultural criticism
  1. The Federal Theatre Project was a government-sponsored initiative in the 1930s that put many artists to work and helped them reach a wide audience. It showed how important theater can be for culture and democracy.
  2. The project faced backlash from political figures, leading to its closure by the House Un-American Activities Committee. This highlights how arts and politics can clash, especially in times of social change.
  3. The value of theater lies in its ability to bring people together and challenge their ideas. It’s essential for a healthy society, but it often struggles to receive the funding it needs.

The Sugar Plum Sisters

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 885 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Performing Arts Dance Theater Family
  1. Olivia and Mary Thomas MacKinnon share a deep love for dancing and perform together in 'The Nutcracker'. They have a close bond as sisters and roommates in New York City.
  2. When they were young, they had a friendly rivalry over the lead role in a special performance of 'The Nutcracker'. They decided to share the role, showcasing teamwork over competition.
  3. Their journey began in their living room, a reminder that even small spaces can become stages for dreams and creativity.

Rundell, Ibsen, Gogh, Yoshida, Tanizaki, Atwood, Dolan, Bate, Chaucer, Orbital, Liberalism, Future, Monsters, Justice, Autism, Ass

The Common Reader • 815 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Media Film Theater
  1. Katherine Rundell is a talented children's author, and her books are worth reading for both kids and adults. Her work promotes the importance of great children's literature.
  2. Ibsen's play 'Wild Duck' can be boring because it feels overly structured and focused on heavy themes. However, seeing it performed in Norwegian adds to its emotional depth.
  3. Van Gogh's exhibition has some beautiful works, even if he's not a favorite. Experiencing art with family can create lasting memories.

The Death of Scenius

The Ruffian • 288 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Music Theater Literature Urban Studies
  1. Urban creativity has declined because artists are less connected and no longer gather in cities like they used to. This lack of connection limits inspiration and collaboration.
  2. The concept of 'scenius' shows that creativity thrives when talented people are in close proximity to each other. Working together can spark new ideas and movements.
  3. Rising living costs and the internet's influence have made it harder for artists to meet and collaborate, leading to fewer innovative cultural movements today.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 620 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Music Literature Theater Media
  1. Watching art critiques can change how we think about creative work. It challenges our views and might make us rethink what art really is.
  2. Trying new things each week helps keep our minds fresh and engaged. It's a good way to discover more about what we like and care about.
  3. Going to see a show, like 'Wicked', can be a fun way to experience storytelling. Live performances bring a unique energy that can be really enjoyable.

The Rise of the Theater Kids

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 310 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Theater Film Music Pop culture Media
  1. The success of the movie 'Wicked' shows that theater kids are becoming really popular in pop culture. Their high energy and performances are winning everyone's attention.
  2. With a huge budget and lots of marketing, 'Wicked' is shaping into a big cultural event, drawing people into the world of musical theater.
  3. The film's success at the box office proves that theater adaptations can be very profitable, marking a win for theater kids everywhere.

Bun. Chapter Ten: The Language Burrow

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 483 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Narrative Essay Theater
  1. Reading is changing a lot. It feels more like playing a game where people want quick and clear information instead of deeper engagement with texts.
  2. People are becoming less patient with complex writing and instead prefer simple language that matches their existing beliefs.
  3. Even in difficult times, like illness, there's a return to moments of joy and beauty in everyday life, reminding us of human connection and the cycle of nature.

Dragons in the Dungeons of Mind

The Lifeboat • 275 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Theater Political art Psychology Sociology
  1. The dragon represents harmful leaders or systems that seem powerful and unchallengeable, but people often accept their existence without questioning. It's important to recognize how society can normalize oppression, making it hard for individuals to imagine a life without it.
  2. Killing the dragon is not enough; the mindset of the people can still hold onto oppressive ideas. After a tyrant is gone, a new leader can take over if the collective consciousness doesn't change first.
  3. The play highlights the risk of becoming complacent under tyranny, as people may believe they have no choice but to accept their fate, leading them to become complicit in their own oppression. It shows that true freedom requires mental liberation alongside physical change.

Zone of Interest and Anatomy of a Fall

Castalia • 359 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Film Literature Theater Art Media
  1. The film 'The Zone of Interest' explores the mundane lives of a Nazi family but reminds viewers of the horrors they are involved in. It struggles between showing normality and hinting at the evil actions taking place nearby.
  2. In 'Anatomy of a Fall', the story focuses on a couple's troubled relationship and the complexities of love, blame, and domestic life. It questions if challenges in marriage can lead to tragic outcomes.
  3. Both films touch on broader themes about humanity and morality. They suggest that ordinary lives can hide deep frustrations and darkness that, if unchecked, can spiral into serious issues.

Emilia Pérez Is Not a Progressive Message Movie

Gideon's Substack • 9 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Music Identity Art Theater
  1. The film 'Emilia Pérez' is unique and not exactly what you would expect for an Oscar movie. It's got a strange plot, focusing on a drug lord who changes her identity and tries to redeem her past.
  2. The main character shows that change isn't just about surgery or a new identity. Even after transforming, she still struggles with her old problems and selfish behaviors.
  3. This movie challenges the idea that all characters representing marginalized groups should be perfect heroes. It presents a flawed character who doesn't fit neatly into progressive narratives, which makes it stand out.

Curator

Castalia • 439 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Theater Music Literature Art
  1. American theater is struggling because it relies too much on the Broadway model, which doesn't connect with local communities. The solution may be to create smaller, more personal theater experiences that focus on direct connection between actors and audiences.
  2. The idea of the avant-garde in art is losing its meaning as artists grapple with historical context and the pressures of a changing society. It’s important to create art that speaks to personal experiences rather than just following trends or societal expectations.
  3. Music is being flooded with AI-generated content, making it harder for human artists to stand out. Even though AI can produce a lot of music quickly, the value of true art comes from human experience and creativity, which cannot be easily replicated.

From the Archives: Sarah Kane and the Death of Theatrical Modernism, by Adam Lehrer

Safety Propaganda • 216 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Drama Theater Literature History
  1. The theater industry has lost touch with originality and bold vision since Sarah Kane's time.
  2. Sarah Kane's work confronted the brutality of humanity and challenged audiences to reexamine their understanding of violence and love.
  3. Kane's plays retained a classical structure while introducing a radical form of storytelling, emphasizing the beauty in despair.

i was a murder mystery dinner theater actor

Both Are True • 357 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Theater Acting Entertainment Performing
  1. Participating in a murder mystery dinner theater can be a thrilling and unique experience, blending acting with interactive storytelling.
  2. Stepping into a different persona at work or in social situations can bring a sense of liberation and freedom from societal expectations.
  3. Embracing the opportunity to be whoever you want to be every day can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling existence.

Whistler’s MILF

quite useless • 334 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art Opera Restaurants Literature Theater
  1. Visiting storied restaurants for lunch at off-peak times can offer the same menu at a discount.
  2. Opera at the Metropolitan Opera showcases phenomenal music and acoustics, making it a must-visit for Mozart enthusiasts.
  3. Attending live performances, like the play 'A Doll's House,' can provide an intense emotional experience and a chance to see brilliant acting.

Appropriate

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Theater Art Literature Race Society
  1. The play 'Appropriate' mixes two heavy themes: family conflict and the dark legacy of racial issues in America. It shows how families often ignore the painful truths of their past.
  2. The character Toni is deeply complicated, carrying a lot of anger and grief. Her struggles highlight the pressures women face in society, but her character can sometimes feel less connected to the play's main themes.
  3. Overall, the play's best moments come from its sharp writing, but it has some issues with tying together its different storylines. The photographs symbolize a history that cannot be easily resolved or forgotten.

Guest post: Jenn Zuko

The Recovering Academic • 217 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Theater Academia Gender Dynamics
  1. The author reflects on the challenges faced as an adjunct theatre professor and the lack of recognition or support received after many years of service.
  2. The narrative highlights the profound impact of the decision to leave, detailing the mixed reactions and emotional moments during the announcement.
  3. Despite the author's anticipation of theatrical reactions to their resignation, the reality was met with unexpected, mostly silent responses during a faculty meeting.

Curator

Castalia • 259 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🎭️ Culture Art Media Theater Psychology Social Issues
  1. There's a cultural shift where therapy and acting classes are now influenced by performance, politics, and social justice, which can lead to people feeling pressured rather than genuinely understood.
  2. Art has become bland and unoriginal, often falling into the trap of needing to fit into institutional standards, instead of embracing creativity and individuality.
  3. The Great Resignation reflects a change in how people see work; many are valuing their time and personal interests more than just traditional job expectations.

Give Stephen Glass a Break

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 78 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Theater Journalism Redemption Scandal
  1. The story of Stephen Glass, a journalist involved in a major scandal, continues to be retold in different forms over the years.
  2. Despite his past mistakes, Stephen Glass has led a life focused on redemption, showing dedication to ethical work and helping others.
  3. Society may struggle to grant second chances, despite the potential for growth and positive change by individuals like Stephen Glass.

On Thornton Wilder's Town and Moments in Eternity

Vremya • 59 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
📚 Literature Authors Theater Narrative Philosophy
  1. Thornton Wilder's play _Our Town_ shows everyday life in a small town, focusing on universal themes like love, death, and the passage of time. It's a unique look at how special everyday moments can be.
  2. The play highlights how people often miss the beauty of life while they are living it. Characters in the story find it hard to appreciate their lives until it's too late.
  3. Wilder suggests that artists, like saints and poets, can capture and share the meaning of life. Their work helps us pause and reflect on life's significance, making it easier to appreciate our experiences.

Tár

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Film Art Literature Theater Performance
  1. Todd Field, the director of Tár, had a long break from making films due to Hollywood's complicated processes, but his return with Tár showed he still has great talent. His films often dive deep into themes of power and tragedy.
  2. Tár explores complex issues around power dynamics and the consequences of unethical behavior. The film uniquely portrays a female abuser, challenging traditional narratives around power and accountability.
  3. The ending of Tár suggests that her true fulfillment comes from being able to create and manipulate time through music, rather than from traditional values of success or art, highlighting a deeper understanding of what power can mean.

Why Realism

Castalia • 159 implied HN points • 21 Jan 23
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Theater Writing Philosophy
  1. Realism in art and literature is often neglected in favor of more stylized or formal innovations. Many artists overlook the beauty of capturing everyday life and genuine experiences in their work.
  2. Annie Baker is a key example of how realism can be powerful and relevant. Her approach to writing feels natural and connects deeply with the audience, showing that simplicity can provoke strong emotions.
  3. There's a lost opportunity for artists to create work that reflects reality and connects to people's lives. Instead of chasing trends, focusing on honest storytelling can make a lasting impact.