Given that Tim Robbins founded the Actors Gang in response to a lack of opportunities for independent writers and actors to produce socially and politically salient new work, it’s no surprise that his response to the threat of a paralyzing budget crunch was to curate an ambitious ten-week festival of theatre, dance, music, conversation, performance, and education. The WTF?! Festival brings together scores of voices as diverse as those of Tom Morello, Naomi Klein, Gore Vidal, John Doe, Sarah Silverman, anti-war Veterans, and members of Cirque du Soleil — all in the name of saving one of the country’s bravest voices for progressive art by raising not only money, but awareness.
Flavorpill’s Shana Nys Dambrot caught up with Robbins on the eve of the LA festival to talk politics, art, and record collections. Read More »
If you’re in New York: Tonight’s SWEET comedy show at the Slipper Room features some funny people Judd Apatow hasn’t managed to recruit just yet.
If you’re in Los Angeles: Skylight Books hosts a party for all those tackling Infinite Summer, the project to read David Foster Wallace’s gargantuan Infinite Jest in its entirely. Unlike the summer reading you did as a child, this won’t require a book report at the end.
If you’re in San Francisco: John Doe & the Sadies make beautiful alt-country music together at the Great American Music Hall, with a special appearance by our girl Jill Sobule.
If you’re in Chicago: Born Yesterday (the 1950 version, not the one starring Melanie Griffith) screens at Grant Park as part of the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival..
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This is what happens when you repress your anger… you make us feel bad for Katy Perry. Also, it’s a little ironic for her to be pointing the one-hit wonder finger at anyone, even if it is Perry. (We’d argue that “Supermodel” and “Hot N Cold” are kind of tit for tat.) [via The Rumpus]
