Arts & Entertainment

A&E

“Little Oblivions” explores the links between doubt and ecstasy

By Joanna Ashley Clark | March 3, 2021

The 12-track record is by no means mindless background music — "Little Oblivions" demands the attention of the listener.

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A&E

Exploring movement, expression and the dance industry with choreographer Maya Taylor

By Katelyn Ragland | March 2, 2021

Throughout last week, Taylor worked with the Department of Drama and, as part of her residency, held an Artist Talk followed by two days of masterclasses.

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A&E

Brighter days to come and being 'Way Less Sad'

By Katelyn Ragland | February 26, 2021

In the heat of the pandemic and a toxic social and political climate, AJR's latest single "Way Less Sad" reflects on the mental health struggles brought on by today's world.

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A&E

Leave Britney alone: How we failed the pop singer

By Eva Sirotic | February 26, 2021

Imagine a barrage of cameras following you every day, capturing every vulnerable moment. That's how Britney Spears felt in 2007. 

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A&E

Remembering Ann Lowe, the Black designer who shaped socialite fashion

By Lauren Whitlock | February 25, 2021

Lowe was frequently referred to as “society’s best kept secret,” a Black woman highly sought after by the wealthiest members of society, but never publicly given credit for her work due to her race.

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A&E

Best songs for taking a walk to Grounds

By Darryle Aldridge | February 19, 2021

What was once a commonplace, mundane and for some, a dreaded task during a normal school year, is now a rare and treasured event in the presence of virtual learning. 

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A&E

‘To All the Boys: Always and Forever’ feels like a warm hug

By Olivia Garrone | February 17, 2021

A quintessentially high school finale exuding warmth, the film wraps up Lara Jean and Peter’s love story with a candy-colored bow.

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A&E

Zendaya and John David Washington exceed in portraying a volatile relationship

By Omari John | February 14, 2021

While the actors do a great job of depicting Malcolm and Marie's relationship, but the screenplay does not express a clear message, which detracts from the excellent acting and direction of the film.

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A&E

A playlist for all the different types of love on Valentine’s Day

By Jamie Jeong | February 14, 2021

A collection of songs about anticipation, butterflies in stomachs, infatuation, unrequited feelings, the honeymoon stage, complication of relationships, breakups and anything else you might be feeling.

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A&E

Amanda Gorman’s Super Bowl poem reminds viewers what is at stake

By Eva Sirotic | February 11, 2021

Gorman's poem, "Chorus of the Captains," celebrated three community leaders who were named honorary Super Bowl captains by the NFL.

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A&E

Five things to watch during Black History Month

By Keyandra Morris | February 11, 2021

Far too often do people fall into the trap of watching white savior films or films that only capture the trauma and none of the joy of the Black experience.

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A&E

An Americana reflection of 2020 in America

By Will Gunderson | February 7, 2021

"Strawberry Mansions" addresses everything from the pandemic to social inequality to sobriety to religion in 22 stunning songs.

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A&E

A&E Book Club: Three books to read this month

By Olivia Garrone | February 2, 2021

Three novel recommendations featuring love stories for you to savor like the box of chocolates you are bound to receive — if not this year, one day. 

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A&E

Tied for First: 'Penitentiary Philosophy' by Erykah Badu

By Stefan Lizarzaburu | January 29, 2021

I could have never fully prepared myself for the intro track — you guessed it, Erykah Badu's "Penitentiary Philosophy" — the greatest song of all time.

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A&E

Horror Therapy: Can horror movies help people cope with trauma?

By Kalista Diamantopoulos | January 28, 2021

A peculiar phenomenon suggests that confronting fears head-on through horror movies — even if you are watching through splayed fingers — may actually be therapeutic and improve fear-response.

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A&E

“Bling Empire” is a surprisingly fresh and dazzling addition to reality TV

By Mahika Ghaisas | January 26, 2021

While some may see “Bling Empire” as an uninspiring take on “Crazy Rich Asians,” it's a fresh addition to reality television. 

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A&E

Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Drivers License’ attests she’s the next big artist to look out for

By Isabel Carino | January 17, 2021

Rodrigo’s storytelling in “Drivers License” is raw and emotional, conveying the pain of going through a heartbreak, and it is no wonder it has garnered so much attention. 

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A&E

‘Whole Lotta Red’ is an imperfect representation of Playboi Carti’s brilliance

By Joseph Riley | January 8, 2021

"Whole Lotta Red," while fitfully enjoyable, is far from the last word on Playboi Carti's output in 2019 and 2020. 

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A&E

The up-and-coming artists to watch

By Sarah Howorth | January 5, 2021

Even though it is easy to stick with the artists we do know during these “challenging times,” those we don’t know are still on the fast track to receiving widespread critical acclaim.

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A&E

Virginia Players embrace their digital ‘Natives’

By Kyndal Harrison | January 3, 2021

 “Natives” was presented as a roughly 90-minute movie, shown from December 17 through 19 on the Virginia Players’ Youtube page.