Arts & Culture :: Culture

Rainbow reading: Pride books round-up

Rainbow reading: Pride books round-up

  • by Jim Piechota
  • Jun 20, 2023

To help usher everyone into the Pride spirit, here is a selection of newly-published LGBTQ books for the ultimate rainbow reading audience.

Frameline47's coming-of-age films

Frameline47's coming-of-age films

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Jun 13, 2023

Looking through this year's Frameline film selections, a majority of the films focus on young adult LGBTQ people and their concerns. Out of 71 films, 50 are in the teens-to-35 category.

Director Lear deBessonet on "Into the Woods"

Director Lear deBessonet on "Into the Woods"

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Jun 13, 2023

The director of the new production of the 1987 musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, playing a limited engagement at the Curran Theater next week, discusses the timeless themes in the hit musical.

Indictin', enlighten: The Lavender Tube on the name games in politics and programs

Indictin', enlighten: The Lavender Tube on the name games in politics and programs

  • by Victoria A. Brownworth
  • Jun 13, 2023

Happy Pride Indictment Month! Our intrepid TV columnist covers political news, including inanely antigay GOP remarks, plus more uplifting network quotes from singer-actress Janelle Monáe and actor (now author) Elliot Page.

His lion eyes: Henry Hoke's 'Open Throat'

His lion eyes: Henry Hoke's 'Open Throat'

  • by Tim Pfaff
  • Jun 13, 2023

There's such sinewy, feral strength in the voice that powers Henry Hoke's new novel, "Open Throat" that the term "genre-bending" doesn't suffice. The novel is literally in a class of its own.

Going Out, June 8-16, 2023

Going Out, June 8-16, 2023

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jun 8, 2023

Along with the arts events in this week's issue, we've got dozens more in our expansive coverage, with comprehensive LGBTQ bar and nightclub listings. It's rainbowlicious!

'Breaking the Rules' — Paul Wonner and Theophilus Brown at the Crocker Art Museum

'Breaking the Rules' — Paul Wonner and Theophilus Brown at the Crocker Art Museum

  • by Robert Brokl
  • Jun 6, 2023

Sacramento's new dual exhibit, "Breaking the Rules," benefits by the association that Crocker Art Museum curator Scott A. Shields had with both gay artists during their lifetimes.

Going Out, June 1-9, 2023

Going Out, June 1-9, 2023

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jun 1, 2023

While you may not yet have your full-tilt Pride on, never fear. June is already filling up this first week with fun arts and nightlife events. Get going out.

The Wiz, kids: Director Sam Pinkleton rethinks Oz for the stage

The Wiz, kids: Director Sam Pinkleton rethinks Oz for the stage

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • May 30, 2023

We're off to see...the movie? That's the question that's been cycloning around my mind ever since last April, when American Conservatory Theater first announced its planned production of "The Wizard of Oz," now in previews with opening night June 7.

Fangs, but no thanks: 'Let the Right One In' at Berkeley Rep

Fangs, but no thanks: 'Let the Right One In' at Berkeley Rep

  • May 30, 2023

Imagine if John Hughes made a vampire movie, set in Sweden. Well, that's what's on the menu — along with big gulps of stage blood — at Berkeley Repertory, in the National Theatre of Scotland's mystifying production of "Let the Right One In."

Anastacia-Renée's 'Side Notes From the Archivist'

Anastacia-Renée's 'Side Notes From the Archivist'

  • by Laura Moreno
  • May 30, 2023

Anastacia-Renee is an award-winning writer. Her fascinating new book of poetry is called "Side Notes from the Archivist," a historical document that provides insight into five decades of American history.

Brandon Taylor's 'The Late Americans'

Brandon Taylor's 'The Late Americans'

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • May 30, 2023

In Brandon Taylor's 'The Late Americans,' intelligent millennial characters argue with each other about race, power, politics, and especially class, trying to ascertain how social forces have shaped their identities, which seem in constant flux.

Magic Theatre's 'The Ni¿¿er Lovers' daring satire

Magic Theatre's 'The Ni¿¿er Lovers' daring satire

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • May 23, 2023

If you're uncomfortable with satire that takes a showbizzy scalpel to America's original and ongoing sins, by all means shuffle off and shy away from the final performances of Marc Anthony Thompson's excruciatingly humorous playwriting debut.

Aaron Hamburger: 'Hotel Cuba' author on his third novel

Aaron Hamburger: 'Hotel Cuba' author on his third novel

  • May 23, 2023

Even though it only spans two years in the life of immigrant Pearl, Aaron Hamburger's third novel "Hotel Cuba" has the feel and weight of an epic.