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The Path of Most Resistance

November 10, 2016 in Country Matters, Listing

selmaYesterday I sat shiva for our country. I cried, ate shitty carbs, was sick to my stomach. I sat on a hard box and even covered my mirrors. That night, I went to the protest in Union Square and then saw Party People, Liesl Tommy’s powerfully resonant musical about the Black Panthers at the Public Theater. Being unified with others in beautiful resistance was all I could bear. Many times during the play I and other audience members–even the actors–broke out in tears. Afterward, we all talked seriously and hugged each other, even people who did not know each other. We sobbed as hard as we do at funerals. I was broken-hearted but so grateful for the solidarity, for the sense that we cousin outsiders still belong to some aspect of U.S. history–the part that has its roots in social justice rather than manifest destiny. Continue Reading →

Election as Entertainment

November 6, 2016 in Book Matters, Country Matters, Film Matters, Listing, Theater Matters

primary colorsAs we head into the final days of the 2016 presidential campaign, election ennui has become a problem. Regardless of how you’re casting your ballot, chances are good that words like “rigged,” “pantsuit,” “orange,” and, of course, “Skittles” long ago lost their appeal. (Who knew candy could prove so controversial outside of dentistry conventions?) To take the edge off this malaise, I’ve nominated some political novels, television shows, plays, and films to put the entertainment back into the election.

ADAPTATIONS

“Primary Colors” (1998)
The gold standard of modern election entertainment, this thinly disguised account of Bill Clinton’s first run for U.S. President is adapted from a Joe Klein novel. Directed by Mike Nichols from a screenplay by his old comedy buddy Elaine May (swoon), in a genius bit of casting, it stars John Travolta as Governor Jack Stanton (aka Bill) and Emma Freaking Thompson as Susan Stanton (aka Hillary). Continue Reading →

A Reading List for Trump (No Cliffs Notes)

October 24, 2016 in Book Matters, Country Matters, Listing

feminism is for everyoneAs we head into the final stretch of the 2016 presidential election, there may be only one point on which all Americans agree: This country has never experienced anything like it. What would have been the headline in any other year – that a woman is running for Commander in Chief for the first time in U.S. history – has been largely eclipsed by the antics of Donald J. Trump, the Republican candidate who, in the second debate of presidential nominees, literally (or at least physically) eclipsed his opponent.

The lewd, crude behavior of Mr. Trump has raised the hackles of people on both sides of the aisle, and the most recent polls suggest he is falling further behind Secretary of State Clinton. Here at Signature we believe that when the going gets tough, the tough get reading. Some, of course, might protest that the Donald does not actually read, but the fact that he takes issues with bad press suggests the contrary. To that end, we have compiled a handy reading list for his edification – or our amusement. Tomato, tomawto, as the song goes. Continue Reading →

"All, everything I understand, I understand only because I love."
― Leo Tolstoy