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Apparently, Wolff's books ward off fire as well as fools. (Illustration by Hannah Kaplan for BSR.)

Michael Wolff's fire hazard and fury at the Free Library of Philadelphia

Fireproofing the Free Library

When Michael Wolff spoke at the Parkway Central Library, the staff wasn't prepared for the crush of listeners. Wolff has a way of really surprising people. Alaina Mabaso considers.

Alaina Johnsand Illustration by Hannah Kaplan

Jan 18, 2018 Essays 5 minute read

Valley Forge Military College professor and Soldiers Theatre artistic director Sean Chambers in action. (Photo by Stephen Silver.)

Soldiers Theatre and the power of educational arts programs

Artists and warriors

As battles rage over government funding for arts programs, one professor at Valley Forge Military College knows what a difference those programs make for participating cadets. Stephen Silver visits.

Stephen Silver

Dec 26, 2017 Essays 3 minute read

(Illustration by Hannah Kaplan for BSR.)

Broad Street (Christmas) run

Where N. Broad meets the North Pole

Christmastime is tough on musicians, what with all the rehearsals, concerts, composing, copying, arranging, and more. Who has time to slow down and shop for a tree? Kile Smith considers.

Kile Smithand Illustration by Hannah Kaplan

Dec 19, 2017 Essays 5 minute read

The "McGlinchey twins" as young children. (Photo courtesy of Gina Pisasale.)

Another response to People's Light's 'Aladdin: A Musical Panto'

When did it cross your line?

People's Light's resident dramaturg says context matters, and when it comes to the company's 'Aladdin: A Musical Panto,' the lenses audiences use matter too. Gina Pisasale considers.

Gina Pisasale

Dec 19, 2017 Essays 5 minute read

"What was I to make of this world?" (Illustration by Hannah Kaplan for BSR.)

Adventures in cultural appropriation

Lift every voice

When it comes to composing music, who owns the cross-cultural inspirations behind it? Kile Smith considers.

Kile Smithand Illustration by Hannah Kaplan

Nov 28, 2017 Essays 4 minute read

AIDS Library co-founder John Cunningham takes in the art and messages at 'Still Fighting for Our Lives.' (Photo by Holly Clark)

William Way AIDS Library's 30th anniversary and 'Still Fighting for Our Lives'

'Still Fighting for Our Lives,' a new gallery exhibition, remembers the fight against the HIV epidemic and commemorates 30 years of William Way LGBT Community Center's AIDS Library. Adryan Corcione reviews.

Adryan Corcione

Nov 13, 2017 Essays 3 minute read

Artist Sonya Clark joins a participant during her performance piece, 'Unraveling.' (Photo by Alaina Mabaso.)

PAFA presents Sonya Clark's 'Unraveling'

Philly takes down a Confederate monument

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts hosted a Forum on Art and the Election, featuring a panel and a timely piece that let Philadelphians combat a painful symbol. Alaina Mabaso was there.

Alaina Johns

Nov 07, 2017 Essays 5 minute read

We could learn a thing or two from the gentle baboons of Forest Troop. (Illustration for BSR by Hannah Kaplan.)

Humans going ape

It's time for us to evolve

The mass shooting in Las Vegas was just another sign that something in our culture is fatally flawed. Maria Corley thinks she knows what that might be.