'Smart People' Asks Hard Questions About Racism In America
Smart People is a thought provoking play that examines the difficulties of talking about race. Playwright Lydia R. Diamond discusses the genesis of the play.
Performing Arts
John Leguizamo Plays Professor In 'Latin History For Morons'
John Leguizamo has been in over 90 films and written and starred in six one-man shows. His latest project is called "Latin History for Morons," which tells the story of his search for an understanding of Latin history. NPR's Audie Cornish sat down with Leguizamo at the Public Theater in New York to talk to him about the process of learning Latin history.
Prince Contained Multitudes, New Book Confirms
Prince on defining his music: "The only thing I could think of, because I really don't like categories, but the only thing I could think of is inspirational."
The Nuyorican Poets Café, A Cauldron for Poetry And Politics
It embodies the belief that anyone can take the stage and interpret one of the most accessible art forms and "reveal poetry as a living art."
Clint Smith: What Do We Risk If We Don't Speak Up?
Clint Smith is a poet and doctoral candidate at Harvard. As a high school English teacher, he taught his students the dangers of staying quiet and the importance of finding their voice.
Wrestling Icon The Undertaker Retires In Wake Of Wrestlemania 33 Defeat
After nearly 30 years in the ring, pro-wrestler The Undertaker has retired. Or, at least, that's what fans believe, after he laid down his iconic hat and overcoat at Wrestlemania 33 last weekend.
Gary Austin, Founder of the Groundlings Improv Group, Dies
Austin, relatively unknown outside of entertainment circles, taught and inspired many big names in comedy.
We Are All Martha: Alison Wright On How Her 'Americans' Character Became A Hit
Wright plays an FBI secretary who falls in love with an undercover Russian spy. She says Martha is "who we would all most likely be" if we found ourselves in the world of The Americans.
Sandi Toksvig: Can Social Change Start With Laughter?
When comedian and TV host Sandi Toksvig came out as gay in the early 1990s, she used humor to recover from the onslaught of vitriol.Today, she says, humor can help bring about social change.
Kevin Breel: What Can Depression Teach Us About Comedy?
The image of the "sad clown" can seem like a cliche. But for Kevin Breel, it's very real. He describes how he struggled with depression while performing as a stand-up comedian.