February 2008
ArtsWest’s ‘An Octoroon’: Uncomfortable and Urgent
Intense and heady, 'An Octoroon' pushes us to examine race—and ourselves
From the outset, An Octoroon toys with expectations. A lengthy prologue sets the scene—kind of—introducing viewers to the playwright, New York City’s Branden Jacob-Jenkins’ (BJJ; played by actor Lamar Legend, pictured above), who appears wearing only black Calvin Klein briefs. He begins a monologue about being a “black playwright”—everything that means and implies, to himself…
Why Cars Won’t Be the Answer for Key Arena Traffic
When the NHL comes to Seattle (and when the Sonics return), could the Monorail be used to manage the inevitable traffic snarl?
As plans move forward for the makeover of Key Arena figuring out how to get to and from hockey, basketball games and concerts is crucial. The Seattle Times recently ran an editorial underscoring the importance of getting people in cars to and from events. That is, and will be, a challenge. The so-called Mercer Mess…
Oregon’s Painted Hills Are a Natural Wonder
Soak in the sun, and unique geology, of the Painted Hills in north central Oregon
This article appears in print in the May 2018 issue, as part of the “Sunny Getaways” cover story. Click here to subscribe. The russet-striped slopes of Oregon’s Painted Hills look like they’ve been draped in a gently rumpled Pendleton blanket. With their gorgeous bands of reds and golds undulating across the surface, the hills look like they were…
The Perfect Hats to Wear for the Royal Wedding
Seattle milliners are keeping the British tradition alive
This article appears in print in the May 2018 issue. Click here to subscribe. This month’s nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have many eagerly awaiting what’s sure to be a fashion extravaganza, with designer gowns, twinkling (crown) jewels and the de rigueur accessory: decorative headwear. Whether you’re a fan of the pillbox hat that was favored…
Meet SIFF Artistic Director Beth Barrett, the Reason It’s the Nation’s Biggest Film Festival
Barrett loves movies so much she volunteered with the Seattle International Film Festival for years before taking a staff position. She guesses she watches 600 films a year
This article appears in print in the May 2018 issue. Click here to subscribe. Sarah Wilke, the Seattle International Film Festival’s (siff) executive director, puts it simply: “Beth loves watching films.” She’s referring to artistic director Beth Barrett, who since October 2016 has been the master strategist of the small army required to pull off not only SIFF’s…
