Saturday news and reviews
Here's a look at what Twin Cities arts reporters are writing about:
Art
Vasili Nechitailo - Russia's Mid-Century Master Craftsman
Andy Sturdevant muses on the extensive retrospective of paintings by mid-20th century master Vasili Nechitailo, on view at the Museum of Russian Art, and on an alien art historical track running parallel to that with which we're familiar in the West.
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- Andy Sturdevant, mnartists.org
Dance
U of M Dance students challenge stereotypes of "black dance"
This fall, the University of Minnesota's dance department has been examining the stereotypes of what "black dance" means, and exploring the possibilities of the work of female African American choreographers working in different contexts.
- Sheila Regan
Movies
"Black Swan" is a mesmerizing miracle from Darren Aronofsky
The film takes every ballet cliché--the catty corps, the hard-driving and lustful silver-fox company director, the ballerina as simultaneously a little girl and a jaded adult--and whips them into a mezmerizing pageant that puts us inside the head of a rising prima ballerina as she tries to stay on her toes and in her right mind.
- Jay Gabler, TC Daily Planet
Maggie Ryan Sandford reflects on SWIM, a new poetry-film project by writer Jen March and filmmaker Peter Hogan, who've recently formed a collaborative production outfit for more such creations, called Co-Kisser.
- Maggie Ryan Sandford, mnartists.org
Music
Ozzy postpones Sunday's Target Center concert
Decades of drug abuse and infamous debauchery didn't deter Ozzy Osbourne's career, but an ear infection has sidelined him for the weekend, forcing a postponement of his concert Sunday at Target Center in Minneapolis
- Chris Riemenschneider, Star Tribune
Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus offer fun, festive -- and moving -- holiday show
How would you like your Christmas music? Yuletide carols being sung by a choir? A small group of harmonizers having some laughs with seasonal pop tunes? How about the resonant tones of a handbell choir? All of the above can be found in this year's edition of the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus' annual holiday concerts.
- Rob Hubbard, Pioneer Press
Theater
This ragged, charming stab at telling the Christmas story could use a shot of energy, even if some moments shine like a star.
- Graydon Royce, Star Tribune
Peter Vitale and Michael Donley ready to showcase talents in '2 Pianos 4 Hands'
For Peter Vitale and Michael Donley, this week has been crunch time. The two performers have been sharpening their acting and piano playing for 2 Pianos 4 Hands... at the Park Square Theatre.
- Ed Huyck, City Pages
T. Mychael Rambo says 'Black Nativity' defines him, but he's missing it this year for a role in 'Joseph'
- Ross Raihala, Pioneer Press