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Doris Goodwin donates archives to Austin
The Briscoe Center for American History in Austin is about to become the home to collected archives of Doris Kearns Goodwin, and her late husband Richard Goodwin (1931-2018). Richard Goodwin’s “American Promise” speech for Pres. Lyndon Johnson, was a plea for the Voting Rights Act in the wake of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama. It […]
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New Insights into 18th Century Philosophy
This book offers, for the first time English, some of the most important early writings by the great German philosopher Johann Nicolaus Tetens (1736-1807). The first 36 pages consist of an introduction and analysis by the three editors; the next 240 pages contain a full translation of texts on language (etymology), anthropology, and the philosophical […]
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The Inheritance, Part 2
Many people in Texas will remember the halcyon days when Ann Richards, a Democrat, was Governor. The actress Libby Villari, from North Carolina, moved to Texas where she graduated from the University of North Texas with a B.A. in Theatre. In recent years she has toured in the state in a one-woman show, Ann, portraying […]
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Tchaikovsky and Ravel at Austin Symphony
The Austin Symphony Orchestra opened its 112th season with a superlative programme this past weekend. Acclaimed pianist Benedetto Lupo gave the audience a marvellously nuanced interpretation of Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major, first performed in 1932. It opens in quite a sprightly manner – first with the crack of a whip, then a perky […]
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Best Italian in London: La Mia Mamma
In June I dined at La Mia Mamma, the best Italian restaurant in London. This month I will be there again. Unique among Italian restaurants real Italian mothers are the cooks. They are flown in from Italy, from a particular region, so the menu reflects their style of cooking. Every few months they change. And […]
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Murders and Moontowers
A slice of Austin history is on display now at the Dougherty Arts Centre. It is in the form of a musical play, and while it is just an hour long, it is a sheer delight. While several of the tunes are corny by modern standards, they reflect the time period of the 1890s when […]
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Poetry on its own Terms
In the Republic, Plato famously remarked that “there is an old quarrel between philosophy and poetry.” He also refused to include most types of poetry in his ideal city. Without suggesting a causal connection, it seems that as poetry loses its prominence more and more in pop culture and public life, the world becomes less […]
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The Virgin Trial
In the year Elizabeth II celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, Elizabeth I is making a comeback. In the play The Virgin Trial, we see Elizabeth I before she became Queen. Mostly set in 1549, she is 15 years old, and fighting for her life. There is a historical parallel here: Elizabeth II, as a teenager, was […]
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Three Headed Beast
If you are a fan of silents, this Austin-made film may be your favourite of the year. Three Headed Beast is a typical love triangle story, told in a very untypical way. Of the 83-minute runtime, approximately 20 minutes has spoken dialogue. The rest is just noises and soundtrack. Directed and produced by Fernando Andrés […]
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Lembit Sarapuu: Reality and Actuality
The most famous Estonian artist is Lembit Sarapuu, celebrating his 92nd birthday this year. In honour of more than six decades of artistic output, the Kumu Art Museum in Tallinn, Estonia, is currently displaying some 150 of his works. It is a truly mind-bending experience. His work is divided into three themes, as explained by […]