There are some big events coming up in Philly over the next three weeks, from massive public concerts to parades to FIFA World Cup games. Even at home in my neighborhood in South Philly, I can see more visitors than usual: people with sensible shoes and cross-body bags consulting maps on their phones and speaking in a foreign language, or wrapped in their country's flag. I hope they're having a great visit to Philly.
As Philly celebrates America's 250 with splashy events, we are proud of our work at BSR highlighting the institutions where artists are interrogating our history and exploring a way forward -- work that might not otherwise get a mention in the media. Our reviewers have been to Freedom Dreams at the Barnes (through August 9), Citizen Artist at Delaware Art Museum, and now America Today: Voices in Contemporary Print at The Print Center. Critic Pamela J. Forsythe acknowledges that "America’s 250th birthday doesn’t come at our Yankee Doodliest moment," but the mirror these artists hold up may help us correct course. Look out for more BSR coverage of 250th-themed exhibitions and shows that aren't breaking through anywhere else.
This week, our writers also took in some June theater openings, including the return of Jennifer Childs and Scott Greer's popular Two Outta Three, now onstage at People's Light. Critic Cameron Kelsall recommends it. Meanwhile, C.M. Crockford heads to a production at Playhouse West Philadelphia, where he says a script from 1996 about two men who refuse to act like adults holds up extremely well today.
Next week, we'll be coming to you with some significant news from our organization. Thanks for sticking with us into the summer.
Alaina Johns
BSR editor-in-chief
