Editorials

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The museum’s boxy brick façade, with white trim. In front, a protestor holds a sign reading “this museum hosts facists”

“Meeting them where they are”: Museum of the American Revolution CEO on Moms for Liberty booking

Locals continue to rally against welcoming a “hate group”
Last week, the Museum of the American Revolution hosted a screening of Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia while protestors of an upcoming Moms for Liberty party at the museum gathered outside. Alaina Johns was there.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 5 minute read
The boxy, white-trimmed brick exterior and entry plaza at the museum on a sunny summer day.

Why are the Philly Marriott and Museum of the American Revolution opening their doors to Moms for Liberty?

Many in Philly say no to hosting “anti-government extremists”
The Philly Marriott and Museum of the American Revolution are drawing criticism for hosting the anti-government, anti-education, anti-LGBTQ+ nonprofit Moms for Liberty. It’s not just a difference of opinion. Alaina Johns considers.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 6 minute read
A multiracial group of 10 GPCA advocates hold signs supporting arts funding outside of Philly’s City Hall.

Arts advocates rally again to fight proposed cuts to the Philadelphia Cultural Fund

“Dare to imagine” what arts funding can do
In Fiscal Year 2023, the Philadelphia Cultural Fund received $5.5 million in city funding—a lifeline for 275 PCF grantees this year (including BSR). But the mayor’s 2024 budget proposes a $2 million cut. We speak with GPCA CEO Patricia Wilson Aden.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 6 minute read
Nézet-Séguin passionately conducts Trifonov on a gleaming grand piano, with orchestra members around them.

Are Philly arts-goers incapable of silencing their phones?

Even Yannick has had it.
At last week’s Philadelphia Orchestra concert, Yannick Nézet-Séguin was so frustrated by repeatedly ringing phones that he stopped the music. What’s behind the growing smartphone scourge? Alaina Johns considers.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 5 minute read
McAdams, with frosted feathery hair, stands by Fortson, with dark hair & a blue cardigan, looking uncomfy & embarrassed

Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, the movie, joins a modern movement for lifelong sex ed

Reading is a human right
A fairly faithful adaptation of Judy Blume’s classic 1970 novel is hitting theaters. It expands the stories of three generations of women, reminding us that it’s not just tweens who are in transition. Alaina Johns considers.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 5 minute read

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The moderators and 9 candidates, standing at individual black podiums in a slightly curved line on the Kimmel stage.

Will Philly’s next mayor fund arts and culture?

The Mayoral Forum on the Performing Arts and Cultural Economy
At this Kimmel Center debate, nine candidates for mayor took questions about how our cultural sector fits into their platform. Alaina Johns was there.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 6 minute read
Makoto, an Asian man, kneels and flamboyantly holds out a plate to Claire, a white woman, in front of their large beige couch

Philadelphia Theatre Company's Empathitrax is an unrealistic and irresponsible portrayal of mental illness

Spreading the anguish
The regional premiere of Empathitrax, now onstage at Suzanne Roberts, deals in troubling tropes of depression without preparing its audience. Alaina Johns considers.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 6 minute read
Sunset facing west on a South Philly street: pearly gray clouds give way to a golden sun where all the horizon lines converge

Why support arts journalism in 2023?

What is your attention worth?
One thing we've been hearing a lot this year is that people are fed up with the media. Are we a lost cause? Not if you invest in the professionals in your community.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 3 minute read
9 actors pose in a human sculpture at a crosswalk under a big bridge, hands touching each other's backs.

When I faced a cancer diagnosis this year, I had to get honest and get help.

We take care of us
When a crisis like cancer hits, it can feel easier to keep it to ourselves. But humans are not meant to cope alone. Vulnerability is where our real strength lies. Alaina Johns shares her experience.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Editorials 6 minute read
A nighttime photo of Broad Street packed with hundreds of baseball fans, many wearing red. A flag flies above the crowd.

This year’s World Series run reminded us what Philly needs—and what we deserve

We all know the feeling
The Phillies had a miraculous run to the 2022 World Series, and nowadays, you don’t have to be a baseball fan to relate to the need to hold onto heartbreak alongside the joy. Kyle V. Hiller was watching.
Kyle V. Hiller

Kyle V. Hiller

Editorials 5 minute read