As the midterm season finally comes upon us (and probably won’t fade out until late April), we at the Arts & Entertainment section think that now is the best time to ignore all your responsibilities and spend a night at the theater or curled up with a good book!
Return to the bleak, sand-covered landscape of Arrakis in the captivating sequel to the first Dune movie starring the swoon-worthy — or sickly Victorian child (depending on who you ask) — Timothée Chalamet. But if you’re looking for drama and intrigue set against a historical background rather than a futuristic one, be sure to check out the new show Shōgun, noteworthy for its majority Asian cast. And, for a good old action-packed thriller in the same vein as the Jason Bourne movies, check out season two of The Tourist.
In the world of book releases, prepare yourself for tears with this week’s picks, a variety of novels that deal with the ramifications of death and trauma, and how the people left behind struggle to pick up the pieces.
For music, listen to the debut album from a rising star in the music scene, South African R&B artist Tyla. Or, enjoy a new rap album from American artist ScHoolboy Q’s sixth album.
For live events, it was a struggle to narrow down all the amazing things going on this week! Check out the new production by the Dunbar Baldwin Hughes Theater Company, Chicken & Biscuits, which is sure to be a heartwarming and hilarious experience. For more theater goodness, see the second performance of Asa Woo’s gender-bent performance of musical theater hits. Or, take a walk across the street to Bird in Hand to experience an innovative poetry reading from Nikola Madžirov, an acclaimed European poet. And, finally, satisfy your classical music cravings with a barrage of short but wonderful pieces in the Hopkins Symphony Orchestra’s collaboration with WYPR this weekend.
To watch...
Shōgun, created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks — Feb. 27
This historical drama follows a powerful Japanese daimyo, Lord Yoshi Toranaga, as he battles against numerous formidable enemies. Watch as his life intertwines unexpectedly with those of John Blackthorne, a shipwrecked English sailor, and their translator, a mysterious Christian noblewoman.
The Tourist Season 2, written by Harry Williams and Jack Williams — Feb. 29
Don’t miss the second season of this action-packed show about an Irishman who wakes up in the middle of the Australian outback with no recollection of who he is or why people are trying to kill him.
Dune: Part Two, directed by Denis Villeneuve — March 1
In this follow-up to the first wildly successful Dune film, return to the desert planet Arrakis to continue the epic journey of Paul Atreides as he allies with the Fremen desert people against House Harkonnen.
To read...
Wandering Stars, by Tommy Orange — Feb. 27
This novel explores the different facets of generational trauma inflicted on Native American families. In Colorado, a survivor of the 1864 Sand Creek massacre is forced to learn English and practice Christianity in Fort Marion prison castle, and his son later must deal with the same. In 2018, in Oakland, a Cheyenne woman must hold her family together after a shooting nearly kills her nephew.
After Annie, by Anna Quindlen — Feb. 27
After a woman dies, her family and her closest friend must find ways to grieve and move forward in her absence. Watch them grow and learn their own strengths in this hopeful and cathartic novel about grief.
The Other Valley, by Scott Alexander Howard — Feb. 27
In this speculative novel, an isolated town is bordered on both sides by its own past and future: twenty years ahead in the east and twenty years behind in the west. A teenage girl wants a spot in the Conseil, the group that determines who gets to cross the borders between past and present, only to be sworn to secrecy once she finds out from the future that her closest friend will die soon.
To listen...
TYLA, by Tyla — March 1
South African R&B Artist Tyla will be releasing her first studio album on Friday. The album includes “Water,” which won Best African Music Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, and it will contain 14 tracks in total.
Blue Lips, by ScHoolboy Q — March 1
American rap artist ScHoolboy Q will be releasing his sixth studio album, which includes the previously released track “Yeern 101.” It will also include tracks like “Funny Guy,” “Pop” and “Love Birds.”
Live events...
Asa Woo and Her Miscast Review at Merrick Barn — Feb. 27 at 8 p.m.
Junior Asa Woo stars in this night of musical delight, which features a variety of musical songs traditionally performed by men, gender-swapped in this fun new cabaret. She is joined by fellow students Katelyn Kociancic, Amelie Wang and Farid Shahid. It is free to attend.
Nikola Madžirov: Remnants of Another Age (with Dora Malech) at Bird in Hand — Feb. 29 at 6 p.m.
Acclaimed Macedonian poet Nikola Madžirov will be coming to Bird in Hand bookshop to give a reading from his new poetry collection, Remnants of Another Age, which is his first full-length American collection. The talk will be moderated by Writing Seminars professor Dora Malech, and tickets are free.
DBH Presents - Chicken & Biscuits by Douglas Lyon at Arellano Theater — March 1–3
The Dunbar Baldwin Hughes Theater Company will be presenting this unexpectedly hilarious play by Douglas Lyon about a family who gathers to mourn the death of their father, only for long-buried family secrets to finally be revealed. The play will take place in the Arellano Theater under Levering Hall. Tickets are $8 for students who book online or $12 at the door.
HSO & WYPR Present Classical Music 4 People w/ Short Attention Spans at Shriver Hall — March 2 at 7:30 p.m.
The Hopkins Symphony Orchestra is teaming up with radio station WYPR to present several short pieces in this hour-long performance, including “The Unanswered Question” by Charles Ives, “Leonore Overture No. 3” by Ludwig van Beethoven, “In the Steppes of Central Asia” by Alexander Borodin and “Nessun dorma” from Turandot by Giacomo Puccini, led by tenor Min Jin. The performance is free for students.
