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Every week, Essential Arts covers the depth and breadth of Southern California’s complex cultural sphere: the latest biennial, the avant-garde building design, a groundbreaking opera and the Pulitzer Prize-winning play — along with all the bits of related news emerging from the region and beyond.
This begins with the voices of our award-winning critics, who bring a depth of reporting and experience to the region’s cultural scene: Christopher Knight’s profound knowledge of art in Los Angeles; Mark Swed’s longtime immersion in classical music; Charles McNulty’s deep understanding of theater, and his ability to identify the idea that stays with you long after the performance is over.
But it also includes our reporting: investigations, profiles, interviews, photo essays and explanatory pieces produced by a team of longtime journalists who know what’s happening in the creative corners of L.A. — and beyond.
Latest Essential Arts newsletters
Plus, Derrick Adams’ selected works, and the arts news you might have missed.
Henry Winkler and Chrissy Teigen read to kids at the Hammer Museum’s annual fundraiser in support of free kids arts programs.
The Times’ top picks for the weekend will take you to downtown L.A., Pasadena and the Joshua Tree region.
A review of L.A. Opera’s “Madame Butterfly” and a rundown of what to do in arts and culture this week.
Plus, the NEA’s new pilot program, the L.A.-based winner of the Whitney Museum’s Bucksbaum Award and more arts news you might have missed.
The Getty hosted a ritzy after-hours party in honor of PST ART; Cold Blue Music at Monk Space; and tenderness blossoms at Costco (in a play)
A new and electrifying Norton Simon exhibit, a Jane Fonda narration and the return of two notable artifacts.
“Hamilton” arrives at the Pantages on the cusp of its 10-year anniversary, and Gustavo Dudamel closes out the summer in grand style at the Hollywood Bowl.
Plus: Dudamel’s homecoming, Pasek and Paul’s EGOT win and a salute to the late, great James Earl Jones.
This isn’t your grandmother’s ‘Cyrano de Bergerac.’ Pasadena Playhouse brings Martin Crimp’s update to life.
