What the Butler Saw

Gabriel Grun’s work inhabits a surreal space between classical figurative techniques and contemporary narrative concepts. His richly detailed oil paintings blend Renaissance-inspired execution with fantastical, often unsettling hybrid figures and scenarios. They explore themes of metamorphosis, scientific inquiry, and the intersection of human and natural worlds. A self-taught artist deeply influenced by Old Master techniques, Grun utilizes traditional methods like verdaccio underpainting to achieve rich depth and luminosity. His subject matter, though, is undeniably modern,... Read more →

In Bess Wohl’s “Small Mouth Sounds,” silence becomes both medium and message. Director Beth Lopes navigates this innovative theatrical landscape where six strangers gather at a woodland retreat, their unspoken narratives creating a tapestry of human connection. The production challenges conventional theatrical discourse by privileging gesture over dialogue, transforming silence into an eloquent communicative tool. Lopes, known for her work with heightened text and fantastical elements, brings her distinctive directorial vision to this piece. The... Read more →

Jules Aaron’s direction of “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” at Theatre Forty promises to be a masterful rendition of Mark Shanahan’s stage adaptation. This production marks a significant moment in Christie’s oeuvre, bringing her 1926 novel - renowned for its groundbreaking twist - to life on the West Coast stage for the first time. Aaron, with his extensive directorial experience and numerous accolades, is set to navigate the intricate balance between Christie’s clever... Read more →

David Rambo’s “A Good Guy” at Rogue Machine Theatre grapples with the issue of gun violence in schools through an exploration of its aftermath. The play’s premise - a teacher who stops a school shooter - serves as a springboard for examining the complex repercussions of such an act. Rambo, drawing from his family’s multi-generational experience in public education, brings authenticity to the portrayal of teachers’ daily balancing act between professional and personal lives. The... Read more →

jinseok choi’s “Before the Last Spike” at ArtCenter’s Peter and Merle Mullin Gallery is a potent exploration of invisible labor and immigrant experiences. Through his use of reclaimed materials, choi weaves a narrative that’s both personal and political. His fabric installations, stained with rust from antique railroad spikes, serve as a resonant metaphor for the overlooked contributions of Chinese immigrant workers in America’s railroad history. The artist’s mask series, crafted from woodworking scraps, further emphasizes... Read more →

Leah Patterson’s direction of “DIVA The Play” marks a significant moment in contemporary theater. This production, centered on the life of fictional Australian opera singer Louisa McCrae, explores the intricate relationship between memory and identity. Patterson’s approach draws on her diverse background in theater, film, and voice work to create a multifaceted theatrical experience. The play’s premise - a renowned singer reliving her past through a fractured mind - presents unique directorial challenges. Patterson’s experience... Read more →

Lucas Hnath’s “A Doll’s House, Part 2” picks up where Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” (conversation with director Mia Christou here) left off, challenging our assumptions about Nora’s fate. Director Allen Barton’s vision breathes new life into this modern sequel, crafting a production that’s both thought-provoking and emotionally charged. The play’s strength lies in its exploration of consequences. Nora’s return after 15 years isn’t just a plot device; it’s a reckoning. Barton navigates the complex... Read more →

Mark Wilding’s “The Goddamn Couple Down the Hall (Oh…. and Merry Christmas!)” serves up a deliciously dark alternative to Hallmark holiday fare. Under Charlie Mount’s direction, this comedy-mystery unfolds in a Pasadena condo, where the Woodruff family’s Christmas gathering collides with the tempestuous relationship of their neighbors. Wilding, known for his award-winning television work, brings his sharp wit to the stage. The play’s premise - a family torn between yuletide cheer and morbid curiosity -... Read more →

Daniel Nakawatase’s approach to “Urinetown: The Musical” at the Studio Theater promises a compelling fusion of social commentary and theatrical satire. The production, set against a dystopian backdrop of water scarcity and corporate greed, challenges us to confront pressing societal issues through the lens of dark comedy. Nakawatase’s 12-year experience in theater arts, especially his focus on leveraging the medium for social change and community engagement, suggests a nuanced interpretation of the musical’s themes. The... Read more →

The rise of AI has fundamentally altered higher education. It offers new ways to personalize learning, increase engagement, and streamline administrative tasks. As it evolves, its use in education has grown, with tools that can identify at-risk students, tailor content, and create more inclusive environments. These benefits come with challenges. AI can deepen existing inequities, raise privacy concerns, and introduce ethical issues around surveillance and bias. Integrating AI into education requires a balanced approach that... Read more →

Artificial intelligence is dramatically reshaping higher education. As institutions grapple with how to integrate AI tools effectively and ethically, many questions remain about the implications for teaching, learning, and academic integrity. To explore these critical issues, I spoke with Ryan Lufkin, Vice President of Global Academic Strategy at Instructure, the company behind the widely used Canvas learning management system. With over two decades of experience in educational technology, Lufkin has a unique perspective on the... Read more →

Harold Pinter’s “One for the Road” finds a provocative staging under Miguel Perez’s direction at the Art of Acting Studio. Perez’s approach, which he terms the “West Coast Style,” forgoes traditional rehearsal methods in favor of a more spontaneous, intuitive performance. This radical departure from conventional theater practice promises a raw, unpredictable experience of Pinter’s exploration of power dynamics in a totalitarian regime. Perez’s decision to forgo blocking and dress rehearsals is a bold gambit.... Read more →

The advent of artificial intelligence has ushered in profound implications for higher education, challenging long-held assumptions about teaching, assessment, and the very nature of learning. AI tools, such as generative models like ChatGPT, have already disrupted traditional educational practices by enabling students to complete assignments with minimal human input, raising questions about the authenticity of student work and the reliability of assessments. This disruption has forced educators to reconsider the metrics used to evaluate student... Read more →