Leisure

Reviews and think pieces on music, movies, art, and theater.

Leisure

In Conversation: “Awareness, Action, and Dissent”

In light of its current exhibition, “Ai Wei Wei: Trace at Hirshhorn,” which showcases Lego portraits of individuals whom the artists consider to be political activists, the Hirshhorn has collaborated with... Read more

By November 6, 2017

Leisure

Biting Into Black Theater Ensemble’s “The Hand That Feeds You”

As the old precautionary adage goes: “don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” In other words, demonstrate loyalty to those who have sustained and contributed to the attainment of your... Read more

By November 4, 2017

Leisure

Critical Voices: Snoop Dogg, Make America Crip Again

No matter how long it’s been since his last project, every so often hip hop fans seem to find themselves hearing the familiar, yet always surprising news: Snoop is back.... Read more

By November 4, 2017

Leisure

Concert Review: Bad Suns, Oct. 29, 9:30 Club

As Bad Suns took to the stage at the 9:30 Club on Oct. 29, lead vocalist Christo Bowman proclaimed his pride of finally headlining at the venue. The band has... Read more

By November 4, 2017

Leisure

Critical Voices: Ty Dolla $ign, Beach House 3

It’s easy to forget that Ty Dolla $ign turned 30 in 2015, especially so considering he’s nearly impossible to overlook in 2017, seemingly singing the hook to every other top... Read more

By November 3, 2017

Leisure

Concert Preview: Ariel Pink, November 5, 9:30 Club

Following the release of his most recent album, Dedicated to Bobby Jameson, American songwriter Ariel Pink is touring North America and will be playing at the 9:30 Club in Washington,... Read more

By November 3, 2017

Leisure

Suburbicon is a Paradigm of Directorial Disaster

When you cross a Coen Brother screenplay with a race-relations subplot set in the 1950s, things are bound to get a little interesting. However, in the case of Suburbicon, this... Read more

By October 31, 2017

Leisure

Concert Review: Louis the Child, Oct. 25, 9:30 Club

Chicago-based DJ duo Louis the Child have come a long way since their first hit “It’s Strange” was recommended personally by Taylor Swift on Instagram. After numerous shows at intimate... Read more

By October 30, 2017

Leisure

Oaxaca meets Wisconsin Ave: Luis Pablo at The Phoenix

Boutiques parade up Wisconsin Avenue. Slick acrylic furniture and uninteresting floor-lamps grow up into the windows with looming price tags—reminders of empty wallets. In the window of the Phoenix, one... Read more

By October 30, 2017

Leisure

“The Utopian Projects” Combines Fantasy and Post-Stalinist Russia

“The Utopian Projects,” an exhibition which will be on display at the Hirshhorn Museum from Sept. 7 to March 4, is a culmination of works by two of the most... Read more

By October 29, 2017

Leisure

Concert Preview: Flying Lotus in 3D, Nov. 5, Echostage

Since releasing his debut album, 1983, eleven years ago, Flying Lotus (born Steven Ellison) has rocketed to the elite of a very distinct and unorthodox community of musicians, directors, and... Read more

By October 29, 2017

Leisure

Murder at the Renwick: An Exploration of Forensics Pioneer Frances Glessner Lee

A doll hanging from a noose is exactly the sort of image that sends a shiver down the spine — after all “dolls and death” are a pretty unsettling duo... Read more

By October 27, 2017

Leisure

“What Absence is Made Of” Proves that Less is More

During a cursory walk around “What Absence is Made Of,” it’s easy to become confused or disoriented by the artwork’s variety of styles.  This is because as the title suggests,... Read more

By October 27, 2017

Leisure

Nomadic Theatre Balances Comedy and Domestic Violence in Exit, Pursued By a Bear

A figure struggles against the duct tape that binds him to a sofa-chair. A stripper and a man dressed as a cheerleader console a conflicted woman. The floor is littered... Read more

By October 27, 2017

Leisure

Concert Review: LCD Soundsystem, October 17, The Anthem

LCD Soundsystem is back. After playing their “last show ever” at a legendary Madison Square Garden concert on April 2, 2011, the band decided they would rather be liars who... Read more

By October 26, 2017

Leisure

Critical Voices: King Krule, The Ooz

British artist Archy Ivan Marshall debuted the stage name King Krule with his album Six Feet Beneath the Moon (2013). Despite the generally positive reception of the album, it was... Read more

By October 24, 2017

Leisure

Jackie Chan Deserves Better in The Foreigner

Action thriller The Foreigner marks the return of Jackie Chan to the silver screen. His last large role was in 2010 with The Karate Kid, but he’s had minor roles... Read more

By October 23, 2017

Leisure

Critical Voices: Pink, Beautiful Trauma

From start to finish, Pink’s latest album Beautiful Trauma is a proud declaration that she has matured but hasn’t lost a single ounce of the unapologetic brashness that put her... Read more

By October 20, 2017

Leisure

Colorful Worlds and Colorful Faces at the Touchstone Gallery

The Touchstone Gallery in downtown DC has two new exhibits for art lovers to immerse themselves in. The exhibits: “beg borrow + steal: works on cardboard by Dana Brotman” and... Read more

By October 19, 2017

Leisure

Goodbye Christopher Robin Grapples With War and Public Persona

Goodbye Christopher Robin tells the story of A.A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson), the former playwright and creator of Winnie the Pooh. Going into the movie, one may think that this subject... Read more

By October 15, 2017