Another devastating week, right? We are not without bright spots or growing patches of resistance, but the latest news keeps threatening to swamp me with despair, including arson at our own governor's home hours after his family's Seder. And of course it doesn't help that yesterday was Tax Day -- sometimes I think the US tax code was specifically designed to hunt down and squash freelancers, who make up so much of the BSR community and our city of artists more broadly.
If the injustice of it all has you struggling, don't forget to take regular small actions (like calling your reps). And remember that supporting artists and independent local journalists is an act of resistance, too. We are so grateful that with everything in the world screaming for your attention, you choose to spend some of it on us. Our writers definitely deserve it.
We have so much on deck in the coming weeks! We are proud once again to be a media partner for the Arts Affair gala from Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. This is a really fun party, with great food, drinks, and entertainment, including host Cookie Diorio. It's coming up on Thursday, May 15. Get your tix here while you still can (this party sells out!). The BSR crew will be there. And if you're a Friend of BSR, sit tight! We have a chance for free tickets coming right to you (one of many benefits for our monthly donors). Look out for a special email later this week. Anyone who becomes a Friend today (just $5/month or a one-time gift of $60 or more) can get in on this.
In other news, we're looking forward to BSR Book Week 2025, running June 1-7. Book lovers, mark your calendar for the evening of Wednesday, June 4. We have an exciting virtual panel event lined up with some amazing Philly authors. Stay tuned for the announcement!
And of course, our writers are hard at work this week as always, including yours truly. I reviewed the rolling world premiere of Rift, or White Lies at InterAct, and my reaction was mixed. Meanwhile, Cameron's review of the latest at People's Light is a rave. We've got coverage of Curtis Opera Theatre's Candide, and a rare quiz testing your knowledge of the news.
Keep strong. Keep soft enough to appreciate the world's beauty, especially from artists. And keep supporting local media like BSR, even if that's just sharing one of our stories with a friend.
Alaina Johns
BSR editor-in-chief
