PCS Theater's premiere of "The Ballad of King Henry" features a unique blend of music genres, with Barg contributing 17 songs to the narrative. The production includes foot-stomping drinking anthems and full-blown musical theater ensemble numbers. A standout performance comes from Abraham Bogale as King Henry's Scottish enemy, the Earl of Douglas, who sings a country song that blends traditional country music with the turbulent "sturm und drang" German artistic movement.
https://whyy.org/articles/swarthmore-shakespeare-ballad-king-henry-players/The exhibition challenges the notion of race as a biological reality, instead viewing it as a social construct used to establish systems of power and privilege in societies like the United States. The show features 82 sculptures created between 1792 and 2023, allowing for comparisons between historical and contemporary works that aim to spark dialogue and reflection on issues of power and identity.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/03/28/Trump-Smithsonian-executive-order/9931743136785/US President Trump has issued an executive order targeting several museums in Washington D.C., including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Women's History Museum, and the American Art Museum. The order aims to prevent "ideological indoctrination" and "divisive narratives" in these institutions, with a focus on ensuring that they promote "shared American values." Trump also wants to reinstate monuments and statues removed since 2020, citing concerns about "false reconstruction of American history" and "partisan ideology." The Smithsonian Institution's chief spokesperson, Linda St. Thomas, has declined to comment on the order.
https://www.mlive.com/news/us-world/2025/03/trumps-new-order-on-improper-ideology-targets-funding-for-the-smithsonian-the-worlds-largest-museum.htmlThe US Secretary of the Interior has been directed to review monuments and memorials within its jurisdiction for potential removal or alteration due to partisan ideology. This directive comes after President Trump's efforts to cleanse institutions, including the Kennedy Center, of what he considers "woke" content. The Kennedy Center has seen dozens of high-profile productions canceled, with artists such as Issa Rae and Ben Folds withdrawing from events. The center had previously ousted its board and installed Trump as chairman, who has expressed grievances over the institution's programming.
https://deadline.com/2025/03/trump-smithsonian-order-improper-ideology-national-monuments-1236352842/The Nafız Gürcüali Turkish Theater and its Kabare Kabare troupe are actively representing Turkish theater, receiving symbolic support from the Kosovo Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. They participate in festivals held in Türkiye throughout the year, showcasing their performances to new audiences.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-theater-enthusiasts-realize-their-dreams-in-kosovo-207399The art market is experiencing a shift towards younger collectors, with Powerhouse Arts reporting significant growth among Gen Z and Millennials. This trend is evident in the increasing number of new collectors joining the market, as well as the popularity of art fairs such as those organized by IFPDAA.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/03/28/ifpda-print-fair-brooklyn-fine-art-print-fair-new-yorkThe Robert Rauschenberg Foundation is showcasing his work around the world, with exhibitions in Milan, New York, Houston, Madrid, Hong Kong, and Austria. The shows include "Round the World with Rauschenberg," which explores his global influence, and "Five Friends: John Cage, Merce Cunningham, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, Cy Twombly," which highlights his relationships with fellow artists.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/03/28/robert-rauschenbergs-centenary-celebrations-are-starting-with-old-friendsThe National Heritage Board in Singapore is awarding individuals who are preserving traditional culture and heritage with the Stewards of Intangible Cultural Heritage Awards. These individuals, including those involved in drumming and rangoli art, are being recognized for keeping traditions alive in a fast-paced urban environment like Singapore.
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/tea-drums-and-rangoli-these-stewards-culture-and-heritage-are-being-honoured-preservingThe Trump administration has issued an order targeting the National Museum of African American History and Culture, claiming it presents a "revisionist" view of US history that emphasizes systemic racism as a core aspect of the narrative. The order also criticizes the planned celebration of male athletes in women's sports at the American Women's History Museum. This move aligns with Trump's efforts to dismantle diversity and inclusion programs nationwide. Donald Trump, who recently became chairman of the Kennedy Center, has been critical of renaming or removing Confederate statues and monuments, and has defended white nationalists in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he sparked outrage by downplaying the role of hate groups during a 2017 protest.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/03/28/rewriting-history-trump-issues-eo-for-ideological-purge-at-smithsonian/171148