Arts and Humanities

Louisville's Actor's Choice theater company opens a production of Kentucky native Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Topdog/Underdog” this week. 

"Topdog/Underdog" is the story of two adult African American brothers who struggle with poverty, work, racism, the lure of crime and their own close yet tense relationship. Directed by Kathi E.B. Ellis, "Topdog/Underdog" opens  January 10 at the Henry Clay Theatre. 

Favorite classical albums for 2012:

Rhízōma, Anna Thorvaldsdottir

The expansive sounds from Thorvaldsdottir are exactly what I would imagine Iceland would sound like. Her writing is more than texture, though. There are lines and figures that appear and disappear. She has imagination, and that’s a rarity these days.

Louisville’s Pandora Productions will produce a staged reading of Academy Award-winning writer Dustin Lance Black’s marriage equality docu-drama “8” this week. 

Black wrote “8” using trial transcripts, interviews with participants and first-hand observations of the 2010 Federal District Court trial that overturned California’s Proposition 8, a ballot initiative that stripped California residents of their right to same-sex marriage. The playwright won an Oscar in 2009 for his screenplay “Milk,” about the life and assassination of San Francisco activist politician Harvey Milk.

In no particular order:

Mirage Rock, Band of Horses

I'm a big fan of Ben Bridwell's vocals and every song tells a distinct story with beautiful arrangements.

The North, Stars

This makes the list mostly because Hold on When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give It is my favorite song of the year. 

Fear Fun, Father John Misty