The Arts Fuse Newsletter, January 31
Trevor Fairbrother’s commentary about the ethical and cultural dilemma raised for Boston’s MFA by the location of Cyrus Dallin’s monumental statue “Appeal to the Great Spirit” sets up some interesting questions about what might be done. The once controversial issue has now, unaccountably, cooled off considerably. Why? Perhaps because a solution might be contentious. Relocating the statue would be a reasonable possibility. But what would replace it? One plausible suggestion: a super-sized version of “Protest of the Sioux,” a more assertive statue of an Indigenous figure made by the same local artist. (See photo above)
Other fine pieces this week: Peter Keough is skeptical about director/screenwriter Charlie Kaufman’s attempt to spread cheer via the animated feature “Orion and the Dark.” On the admiring side, Steve Erickson welcomes Boston Globe film critic Odie Henderson’s celebratory view of Blaxploitation cinema in his entertaining book Black Caesars and Foxy Cleopatras and Robert Israel blesses SpeakEasy Stage Company’s stellar production of A Case for the Existence of God. All that, and so much more.
—Bill Marx, Editor-in-Chief
Visual Arts Commentary: The Problematics of Multiculturalism at the MFA — On The Dallin Front
By Trevor Fairbrother
Boston’s MFA owns the ethical and cultural dilemma regarding the location of Cyrus Dallin’s monumental statue Appeal to the Great Spirit, acquired as a gift in 1913.
Coming Attractions: January 28 through February 12 — What Will Light Your Fire
Compiled by Arts Fuse Editor
Our expert critics supply a guide to film, dance, visual art, theater, author readings, and music. More offerings will be added as they come in.
Book Review: “Black Caesars and Foxy Cleopatras” — Celebrating Blaxploitation Cinema
By Steve Erickson
Black Caesars and Foxy Cleopatras celebrates Blaxploitation as a positive as well as a necessary turning point in American cinema.
Film Reviews: Music at Sundance 2024 – Rap in Irish, Devo’s Satire, Brian Eno’s Reflections
By David D’Arcy
Among the memorable films at Sundance 2024, a trio of music films led the way.
Film Review: The Swing Jazz of Eddie Durham — Credit Well Deserved
By Steve Provizer
I may not agree with some of the documentary’s spin, but the film gives the viewer a clear and entertaining picture of Eddie Durham’s long and important musical career.
Book Review: Charles Dickens — Chronic Liar
By Bill Littlefield
The book’s most damaging and embarrassing charge against Charles Dickens: he was a reckless syphilitic who infected his wife and children.
Theater Review: “A Case for the Existence of God” — Cry Hallelujah
By Robert Israel
In terms of the joy that theater can provide, this Speakeasy Stage production sets the bar high.
Film Review: “Orion and the Dark” — The Big Blackout
By Peter Keough
Screenwriter, film director, and novelist Charlie Kaufman tries to lighten up in this Netflix animated film. He is teamed up with DreamWorks Animation and director Sean Charmitz in an adaptation of Emma Yarlett’s picture book.
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Editor-in-Chief
Bill Marx
wmarx103@gmail.com
