News, Investigations, and Breaking Stories
D.C.’s Gay Bars: An Oral History: On the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, City Paper looks back at some of the city’s gone but not forgotten queer bars and clubs of yesteryear. Co-written with Ella Feldman; June 2024
The Show Goes On, but Where? Theater Alliance Searches for a New Space Following the Loss of Its Longtime Home at Anacostia Playhouse. Co-written with DC Theater Arts Editor Nicole Hertvik; May 2024
Glenstone Employees Move to Unionize: The museum’s leadership, including billionaire cofounder Mitchell Rales and his wife, Emily Rales, have so far opted not to voluntarily recognize the Glenstone Museum Workers United, prompting a potential union election. May 2024
A New Bill Would Close an Existing Gap in Sexual Assault Survivors’ Rights: Survivors have a legal right to request a rape kit without law enforcement involvement; recently introduced legislation seeks to ensure those kits are protected. July 2023
One in Two Finds Black Queer Joy: Director Raymond O. Caldwell and Pose star Ryan Jamaal Swain contemplate the importance of capturing the magic of Black gay men on stage and off. May 2023
With Groundbreaking Training Program, DC Forensic Nurse Examiners Provide Trauma-Centered Care: The 10-year-old organization works with forensic teaching associates to give sexual assault nurse examiners feedback and patient-focused training. March 2023
Coachella Is Suing Moechella Organizers: Yaddiya says it’s an attack on D.C. culture: The massive southern California music festival is asking the federal court for an injunction, damages, and attorney fees from the free go-go music protests. Feb. 2023
Spooky Action’s Richard Henrich Retired After Allegations He Created a Toxic Work Environment: But Henrich will keep his position as president and treasurer on the theater’s board until his term ends in January 2023. Oct. 2022
Kahina Haynes Is Helping the District Rediscover Its Dance Communities: “The array of dance forms present in this city is mind-blowing.” Sept. 2022
Spooky Action Theater’s Artistic Director Was Placed on Leave of Absence. But Is It Enough? Affiliated artists and production staff want Spooky Action Theater’s leadership to address their ongoing concerns about Artistic Director Richard Henrich’s behavior. June 2022
Howard Dean Phylicia Rashad Tweets Support for Cosby, Draws Backlash from HU Community: Black Survivors Healing Fund sees increase in donations; Rashad is scheduled to begin her new position July 1. June 2021
Implementation of Expanded Advocacy Program Paused As Advocates Push to Center Rape Survivors: “We cannot conceive of any reason that it benefits survivors for half of them to be handed off to another organization.”
A GoFundMe for Current and Former Howard Students Puts Money in the Hands of Survivors: The Black Survivors Healing Fund is for current and former students who’ve survived sexual violence during their time at Howard. Sept. 2020
Biannual Art Guides
2024 Spring Arts Guide: You might think that after three years I’d be bored with our biannual arts guides. Haven’t we seen and done it all, you might ask? After all this time steeped in the arts in D.C., am I not immune to her charms? The reality is that each and every time I start sifting through events, assigning shows to preview and artists to profile, I fall in love with this city all over again.
2023 Fall Arts Guide: Without further ado, welcome to the 2023 Fall Arts Guide. Hollywood may be striking, but in the District there’s no shortage of mesmerizing entertainment.
2023 Spring Arts Guide: As a new season arrives, take a moment to rediscover D.C.’s abundant local arts scene.
2022 Fall Arts Guide: How we create and consume art has changed, and local artists were forced to adapt. Many are rediscovering themselves as the scene comes back to life.
The 2022 Spring Arts Guide: Locals to the Front. (Our last guide in print.)
Reviews
Not a Coming-Out Story: Enjoy a Slice of Messy Queer Life in Bryna Turner’s At the Wedding: The comedy puts a fresh spin on a classic rom-com setting and reminds us why it’s thrilling to see works created by voices outside the cishet canon. March 2024
Sorry/Not Sorry Uses the Fall and Rise of Louis C.K. to Prove Cancel Culture Isn’t Real: The New York Times-produced documentary rightly focuses on the women C.K. violated, and comedy’s inability to hold him accountable. Nov. 2023
They’re Coming to Get You, D.C.: Adapted from George A. Romero’s film, Rorschach’s Night of the Living Dead is a brilliant zombie comedy that still contemplates humanity. Nov. 2023
Scary Stories Make Life Less Scary: Kenneth Branagh’s A Haunting in Venice blends mystery with the paranormal for an exhilarating watch and lingering eeriness. Sept. 2023
For This Barbie, Life in Plastic Isn’t Really That Fantastic: With tongue firmly planted in cheek, Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie’s much-anticipated, star-studded film starts a conversation on all things gender. July 2023
This White Noise Doesn’t Offer Comfort: Suzan-Lori Parks’ White Noise, playing at Studio Theatre through Feb. 20, raises plenty of questions but offers no answers. Feb. 2022