EgoPo Classic Theater, Papermoon Puppet Theatre, and Kalanari Theatre Movement present Ramayana

A heroic collaboration

Philly’s EgoPo Classic Theater builds on a partnership begun in the 1990s with two Indonesian theater companies. They bring Ramayana, a dazzling cross-cultural epic, to the Navy Yard for a weekend of free performances. Josh Herren reviews.

Josh Herren

Jun 14, 2024 · Reviews · 3 minute read

The Fabric Workshop and Museum presents John Jarboe: The Rose Garden

Exploring what drag does best

The latest phase of John Jarboe’s Rose project, an immersive multidisciplinary installation at the Fabric Workshop and Museum, interrogates rigid notions of gender with serious playfulness. Jake Foster reviews.

Jake Foster

Jun 11, 2024 · Reviews · 3 minute read

InterAct Theatre Company presents C.A. Johnson’s The Climb

Perfect for post-show conversations in Philly

The Climb, the latest world premiere onstage at InterAct, examines the white gaze in feminism, academia, and art, asking questions about power, consent, and commodification. Krista Mar reviews.

Krista Mar

Jun 11, 2024 · Reviews · 3 minute read

The Wilma Theater and New Georges present Kate Scelsa and Robert M. Johanson’s Hilma

A new opera about the artist Hilma af Klint fails to illuminate her

Hilma, a contemporary opera receiving its world premiere at the Wilma Theater, fails to capture the artistry or mystical charisma of its subject, the painter Hilma af Klint. Cameron Kelsall reviews.

Cameron Kelsall

Jun 10, 2024 · Reviews · 5 minute read

Inis Nua Theatre Company presents Abi Morgan’s Lovesong

A lyrical lack of specifics

Lovesong follows a British couple who comes to live to the US. In exploring memory, love, and the passage of time, the play’s ultimate vagueness makes it hard to empathize with the characters. Josh Herren reviews.

Josh Herren

Jun 10, 2024 · Reviews · 2 minute read

Power Street Theatre presents Erlina Ortiz and Robi Hager’s Siluetas

A thrilling trilingual debut

Power Street Theatre presents the world premiere of Erlina Ortiz and Robi Hager’s Siluetas, which brings Tony-winning star KO to Philly. The show could benefit from some more development, but it’s a thrilling debut. Josh Herren reviews.

Josh Herren

Jun 10, 2024 · Reviews · 3 minute read

Quintessence Theatre Group presents Suzan-Lori Parks’s Father Comes Home From the Wars

An American Odyssey

Quintessence Theatre Group’s production of Suzan-Lori Parks’s Father Comes Home From the Wars: Parts I, II & III only intermittently captures the grandeur of the text. Cameron Kelsall reviews

Cameron Kelsall

Jun 10, 2024 · Reviews · 4 minute read

Music and the Idea of a World, by Peter Kalkavage

The meaning of music, from the Greeks to the 20th century

A background in music theory will serve readers well in this trenchant and insightful tour of music throughout history, its meaning and function, and how it helps us understand the many worlds we live in. Gail Obenreder reviews.

Gail Obenreder

Jun 03, 2024 · Reviews · 4 minute read

Being Work, edited by Dorothy Dubrule

An intriguing look at performance artists in art galleries

More and more, artists worldwide are incorporating a performance-art element in their galleries. This slim, eminently readable collection brings us the voices of these unique performers. Gail Obenreder reviews.

Gail Obenreder

Jun 03, 2024 · Reviews · 4 minute read

Rock Music, Authority and Western Culture, 1964-1980, by James A. Cosby

The arc of rock

Civilization has always had its discontents, but few things reflect the spirit of resistance like
rock music. In this intriguing survey, local author James A. Cosby tackles a socio-political
history of rock and roll. Rob Laymon reviews.

Rob Laymon

Jun 03, 2024 · Reviews · 4 minute read