The Arts Fuse Newsletter, June 11
The Spring Appeal Continues! Reviews of "The Phoenician Scheme," "Mrs. Warren's Profession" at Central Square Theater, a trio of superb Latin jazz albums, and a commentary on the Tony Awards
From The Editor's Desk:
The magazine has reached the halfway mark toward making our match of $2500 for this Spring Appeal. We need to balance our books. Please support the kind of arts journalism that is dedicated to independent critical thought — not the blather of promotion. These are — and will be in the future — difficult times for the arts and humanities, whose commitment to the imagination will be instrumental in defending our democracy from authoritarian shutdown. The Arts Fuse has plans to expand — not contract — its commitment to the kind of incisive coverage that is crucial in the fight for truth, justice, and equality in the arts.
Arts journalism like this is possible only because arts lovers join together to fund it.
As for the power of artists to inspire dissent, English dramatist Caryl Churchill recently withdrew a script for production at London’s Donmar Warehouse because one of the theater’s major sponsors, Barclays, has alleged links to defense companies supplying arms to Israel. Unsurprisingly, her decision has not been reported widely in our country’s mainstream media. But the choice of a renowned British dramatist to refuse a production—on humanitarian grounds—draws much-needed attention to the relationships between theater companies and their corporate funders. In Churchill’s words, “theatres used to say they couldn’t manage without tobacco sponsorship, but they do. Now it’s time they stopped helping advertise banks that support what Israel is doing to Palestinians.”
According to The Guardian, “more than 300 arts workers and creatives, including the actors Alfred Enoch, Samuel West, Tim Crouch, Harriet Walter, and Juliet Stevenson have signed an open letter supporting Churchill’s decision.” Aside from stimulating the debate about Israel’s actions in Gaza, Churchill’s choice highlights how giant banks have long gotten away with using arts sponsorships to improve their public image. For example, JPMorgan Chase was identified as the world's top fossil fuel financier in 2023, committing $40.8 billion in that year alone. Other humongous U.S. banks, such as Bank of America, Citi, and Wells Fargo, are also listed among the world’s largest lenders to big oil. Perhaps, someday soon, a noted American dramatist will publicize that issue by refusing to have a play produced by a theater company that receives money from banks that are funding the despoliation of our world.
As Mark 8:36 asks, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” At this point, what with global warming accelerating and oligarchy on a quick march, it is a question those who run arts organizations should be asking themselves.
—Bill Marx, Editor-in-Chief
Archive: From the Editor's Desk 2025
Film Review: “The Phoenician Scheme” — Visions from a Mad Magician’s Toy Box
By Erica Abeel
Bottom line: for all of The Phoenician Scheme‘s visual glories, the whimsical portrait of a shady arms dealer who becomes a mensch in the bosom of family rings hollow – especially at the present moment.
Theater Commentary: The 2025 Tonys Were a Mess — But the Season Was Glorious
By Christopher Caggiano
Once again, Tony voters proved that quality and integrity still matter.
Theater Review: “Mrs. Warren’s Profession” — Still Potent
By Bill Marx
Overall, this is a satisfying production of a turn-of-the-century play that still underlines enduring economic inequity.
Latin Jazz Album Review: Noteworthy Albums from Alex “Apolo” Ayala, Unity Quartet, and Adam O’Farrill
By Brooks Geiken
A trio of superb Latin jazz albums that run the stylistic gauntlet, from the traditional to the experimental.
Concert Preview: Sam Grisman Project, with Peter Rowan, Comes to New England
By Scott McLennan
Along with the legendary Peter Rowan, other multi-generational participants in this leg of the Sam Grisman Project tour are well versed in the bluegrass songbook.
Poetry Commentary: Antigone Kefala — Voice from Another Shore
By James Provencher
Like her sisters in the art of crystalline complexity, Australian poet and novelist Antigone Kefala persevered through years of isolation, obscurity, and critical neglect.
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Questions, comments, concerns?
Editor-in-Chief
Bill Marx
wmarx103@gmail.com
