Jeff Lunden

A stage performance with two people, one standing on an elevated platform with DJ equipment surrounded by vibrant purple spotlights, and another seated at a piano below, illuminated by similar lights, with a disco ball overhead adding to the atmospheric setting.

‘Mexodus’ musical introduces audiences to a different Underground Railroad for people fleeing slavery

March 27, 2026Arts, Culture & Media

Most people have heard of the Underground Railroad, which helped enslaved people escape to the US North, but “Mexodus” is a new musical that brings to light a forgotten history of people fleeing slavery to Mexico.

A woman in a black top and jeans performs a dynamic dance move on a plaza with a historic red brick building in the background. Other people are walking by and trees line the square.

This tap dancer from Japan uses New York City landmarks as her backdrops

February 13, 2026Arts, Culture & Media

A group of seven people dressed in formal attire stand dramatically on a set designed to resemble a rocky outcrop, with a dark, earthy backdrop. Some are seated or kneeling, while one person stands with arms raised as though addressing an audience. They are surrounded by wooden props resembling spears and driftwood, suggesting a theatrical setting.

New play reimagines Australian history from Aboriginal viewpoint

January 26, 2026Arts, Culture & Media

A man stands in the center of a circular stage surrounded by seated participants and audience members. The stage features a large round table with microphones and nameplates. The setting appears to be a simulated conference or debate, with a backdrop displaying an abstract design. Multiple people are engaged in attentive listening or note-taking, creating a formal and immersive atmosphere.

New play ‘Kyoto’ looks at the global agreement that first aimed to curb greenhouse gas emissions

November 12, 2025Climate Change

Can robots fall in love? A sci-fi musical from South Korea is now a hit on Broadway.

February 26, 2025Arts, Culture & Media

Young classical musicians join forces in Middle Eastern ensemble

January 10, 2025Music

A group of young musicians in New York City have gotten together to form the Riwaya Ensemble featuring classical music by Middle Eastern composers of diverse nationalities. They perform music by Palestinians, Lebanese and Syrians.

‘Bad Kreyòl’ premieres in New York

November 12, 2024Arts, Culture & Media

A new play that premiered in New York last month tells the story of a pair of cousins — one from America, the other from Haiti — negotiating a difficult relationship, while highlighting the Haitian culture and diaspora.

New York’s Met Opera debuts ‘Ainadamar’ about Spanish poet and playwright Federico García Lorca and his muse

November 5, 2024Arts, Culture & Media

A new production at New York’s Metropolitan Opera sounds and looks different from anything presented at the venerable opera house before, featuring flamenco rhythms and dance.

Classical composer Gabriela Ortiz brings her distinctive, rhythmic Latin American style to Carnegie Hall

October 11, 2024Music

Gabriela Ortiz is one of Mexico’s best-known classical composers, and she’s gaining recognition in the United States. The Los Angeles Philharmonic has premiered many of her rhythmic, colorful compositions. This week, she begins a seasonlong residency at Carnegie Hall in New York that promises many exciting new pieces.

Belarusian play starring Olympic basketball player sheds light on life under a repressive regime

September 25, 2024Arts, Culture & Media

The Belarus Free Theatre has been banned by its country’s government, so the company is making plays in exile. The troupe’s newest production that opened this week in New York City tells the story of an Olympic basketball star from Belarus who becomes a dissident and comes out as gay.