Arts

"It is a huge production and it is a lot of pressure," Seal says of The Passion, "but that's what we crave as artists."

Here's A Revelation: 'The Passion' Is Seal's First Acting Gig

3:04pm March 20, 2016

by NPR Staff

The singer plays Pontius Pilate in Fox's live TV musical event. He says he never thought to try acting before, but the songs — including "Mad World" by Tears for Fears — drew him to the part.

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In every home, the haftseen table is decorated with seven items â since seven is considered a lucky number. Each item begins with the letter sin (s) in Persian, and each item is a symbol of spring and renewal.

Nowruz: Persian New Year's Table Celebrates Spring Deliciously

12:19pm March 20, 2016

This ancient festival marks the beginning of spring and celebrates the rebirth of nature. And naturally, it has a lot to do with fresh, green foods just beginning to poke out of the ground.

In the new film Alone In Berlin, based on Hans Fallada's beloved but once-banned novel, Emma Thompson plays Anna Quangel. Real-life Anna Quangel and Otto Quangel were executed in 1943 for their acts of resistance against the Nazi regime.

Books
Arts

'Alone In Berlin' Features The Story That Continues To Revise And Resonate

10:40am March 20, 2016

by Susan Stone

An act of defiance in Nazi-era Germany is the subject of a film based on a novel that, when it finally came out in English, connected with readers. The director says its message still holds relevance.

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Cast members of the NBC drama The West Wing.

Arts

'The West Wing Weekly' Podcast Promises To Break Down Every Episode

8:35am March 20, 2016

Joshua Malina, who played Will Bailey on the show, and Hrishikesh Hirway plan to take a deep dive into the critically acclaimed series.

Books
Arts

A Love Story Rudely Interrupted By History

7:00am March 20, 2016

by Jason Sheehan

Peter Behrens' novel, Carry Me, follows the fortunes of two interconnected families through the World Wars in Europe, as well as the turmoil leading up to Ireland's War of Independence.

Midnight Special is a road movie that centers on 8-year-old Alton (played by Jaeden Lieberher), who is being pursued by groups of people who believe him to be an alien visitor or the savior of mankind.

Arts

A Father Protects His Mysterious Son From Authorities In 'Midnight Special'

12:18pm March 19, 2016

by Justin Chang

Director Jeff Nichols' new film centers on an 8-year-old boy who may or may not have special powers. Reviewer Justin Chang says Midnight Special is "a road movie that never stops moving forward."

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Arts

Not My Job: Actor Andre Royo Gets Quizzed On Quinoa

11:47am March 19, 2016

Since Royo starred in The Wire — a show more beloved to NPR listeners than their own children — we've invited him to answer questions about three other things NPR listeners won't shut up about.

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Jon Kushner was 11 years old when he died.

Books
Arts

'I Grew Up In The Shadow Of This': Writer Reflects On His Brother's Murder

10:53am March 19, 2016

by NPR Staff

David Kushner was 4 years old when his older brother Jon was killed. "I think with the loss of anybody, that person — they don't disappear," he says. Alligator Candy is his memoir of the experience.

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This still is from the first trailer for Nina, starring Zoe Saldana as singer Nina Simone. This image of Saldana in dark makeup and with a prosthetic nose helped reignite a controversy over skin color and casting.

Ta-Nehisi Coates On The Fight Over 'Nina Simone's Face'

9:26am March 19, 2016

by Leah Donnella

Many people have decried the casting of Zoe Saldana in upcoming biopic Nina, but Ta-Nehisi Coates digs deep into why this choice struck a nerve.

A statue of Juan Ponce de León in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Arts

#NPRreads: 3 Stories That Will Pass Into Legend

9:20am March 19, 2016

The deep history and literary roots of cowboy poetry. The messiness of family mythologies. And the visions — or delusions — for sale when athletes join forces with multi-level marketers.