And what a Lovely Tale it is: ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’
Barry Jenkins uses James Baldwin’s classic novel to create one of the best films of 2018.
Here’s Why I ‘Hate’ It: ‘The Hate U Give’ – A Black Man’s (angry, incoherent) Review
Angie Thomas’ best-selling novel becomes a hypocritical melodrama that exploits BlackLivesMatter.
A Less-Perfect Union: ‘Sweat’ at the ACT
Awkward tonal shifts and a jagged narrative sink this winner of the 2015 Pulitzer.
Not quite Detroit’s Finest: ‘Detroit ‘67’ Bay Area Premiere at Aurora Theatre
One of the most volatile events in US history is the backdrop for an ultimately toothless story at the Aurora.
Drowning in White Tears: ‘White’ at Shotgun Players
Shotgun hosts the West Coast premiere of James Ijames’ scathing satire of White privilege in art.
Of ‘Rags’ and Richies: ‘Ragtime’ at Berkeley Playhouse
Though the script is over-packed with characters, the combination of great direction, performances, and tech make this another winner for Berkeley Playhouse.
I saw ‘Black Panther’ last night and My Life is Better for it (My Non-Spoiler Review)
Black Panther isn’t “a hero who happens to be Black”. Rather, Black identity is central and crucial to the story of his fantastic first MCU solo film.
I’m Lovin’ ‘Black Lightning’ for all the same reasons I Hated ‘Luke Cage’ (and I’m an MCU fan!)
The unapologetic Blackness of this superhero show makes it a must-watch.✊🏿
Pillar of Salt: Looking back at the Best and Worst of 2017
Sorry, Frank – it was NOT “a very good year”.
Still, there were bright spots to be found.
Distant Relation: ‘Sister Act: The Musical’ at Berkeley Playhouse
Although the script veers into cliched (if not racist) territory, strong performances and lavish set design save Berkeley Playhouse’s production.
The Thinking Man's Idiot (Charles Lewis III) 