Short Takes

On the Receiving End of “Crisis”
Noemí Fierros revisits Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera’s 2023 discussion in light of the current crisis facing college humanities departments.
Noemí FierrosNov 8
- Education
Disproportionate Influence
Before you check out the new essay anthology edited by Dan Sinykin and Johanna Winant, Ben Wasson urges you to revisit Sinykin’s illuminating examination of the unsavory machinery of the po-biz.
Ben WassonOct 21
Call It “Pop”
Faith Siegel revisits Jon K. Lauck’s 2019 review of Midwestern literature, calling for increased literary exposure for the American heartland.
Faith SiegelSep 9
Everything Old Is New Again
A very old Balanchine feels fresh and a new ballet feels timeless in American Contemporary Ballet’s double bill, as reviewed by Dorie Chevlen.
Dorie ChevlenAug 1
Hail, Caesar
Friends, Romans, countrymen: Nathan Jefferson lends his ears (and eyes) to the immersive “Julius Caesar” production at Heritage Square Museum.
Nathan JeffersonMay 8
The Whole Idea of Knowing the Truth
Elizabeth Barton trawls through the newly opened Joan Didion archives at New York Public Library to learn about the making of the author’s first book.
Elizabeth BartonApr 30
Jackpot!
“Nothing is clearly defined” in Julia Yerger’s art exhibition, which Keith J. Varadi finds to be a big win.
Keith J. VaradiMar 17
My Date at the Holocaust Ballet
Dorie Chevlen attends “Memoryhouse,” an abstract, cinematic performance that still managed to dance around comparisons to contemporary injustices.
Dorie ChevlenFeb 12
Sleep No More, No More
In a special dispatch from NYC, Brittany Menjivar is but a walking shadow in the background of immersive “Macbeth” production “Sleep No More.”
Brittany MenjivarJan 4
I’ll Be Home for “Chritsmas”
A. J. Urquidi escapes from L.A. to uncover lovable Christmas goofery and holly-jolly IP infringements at Candy Cane Lane in Pacific Grove.
A. J. UrquidiDec 29, 2024
A Million Blessed Buddhas to You
Launder, JJUUJJUU, and friends abolish shoegaze and swap consciousnesses in Echo Park, as A. J. Urquidi reports.
A. J. UrquidiDec 27, 2024
Going Bananas for Balboa Island
Brittany Menjivar says “snow way!” when she bumps into Frosty, Olaf, and Ronald Reagan in Newport Beach.
Brittany MenjivarDec 24, 2024
I Heart Christmas
All Brittany Menjivar wants this holiday season is to be rockin’ around the Christmas tree at IHEARTCOMIX’s anniversary party.
Brittany MenjivarDec 20, 2024
Merry Christmas, Ya Filthy Angelenos
A. J. Urquidi battles winter temperatures, Trump cameos, and banh mi wait times to reevaluate the first two “Home Alone” movies at an L.A. outdoor screening.
A. J. UrquidiDec 11, 2024
Hermes in the Greenhouse
After an oil Mordor detour, Steve Kado meets artist-orchidist Jason Gomez and the plant perverts at CSU Bakersfield’s gallery.
Steve KadoDec 10, 2024
Nothing Is Certain Except Death and Taxidermy
Brittany Menjivar stuffs herself with trivia on the art of museum dioramas.
Brittany MenjivarDec 5, 2024