cultural commentary

More than five hundred performers, writers, and behind-the-scenes professionals from Broadway and beyond have signed an open letter condemning legendary stage actress Patti LuPone for a series of disparaging remarks about fellow performers Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis. The letter, published on May 31, 2025, demands that LuPone be disinvited from the upcoming Tony Awards and calls for immediate action from industry organizations such as the American Theatre Wing and the Broadway League. Below is an in-depth look at how these events unfolded, the context of LuPone’s original comments, the responses from affected artists, and the broader implications for respect and accountability in the theatre community.

There are films you expect an Academy Award-winning, EGOT-honoured actor like Viola Davis to headline — G20 isn’t one of them. The political action thriller, now streaming on Prime Video, positions Davis as the President of the United States in a chaotic, near-parodic plot driven by surface-level feminist themes and overt pro-US sentiment.

As The White Lotus barrels toward its hotly anticipated season three finale — ominously titled Amor Fati ("love of fate") — fans are bracing for bloodshed and bombshells. Creator Mike White's Thailand-set chapter opened, as ever, with a corpse and a mystery. This time, it was Belinda's son, Zion, stumbling upon a body in the pond following a burst of gunfire. Now, with one episode to go, the internet is ablaze with theories about who dies, who kills, and why monkeys might be to blame.

In a world where perfectly polished images dominate the screens of our social media feeds and magazine covers, pop star Billie Eilish’s candid embrace of her natural appearance is creating a buzz that goes far beyond superficial trends. Her minimalist style, characterized by minimal makeup and an unapologetically raw presentation, has become a focal point for discussions about authenticity, self-acceptance, and a much-needed shift in beauty standards.

Hanif Kureishi’s memoir Shattered is not for the faint-hearted. In this raw, unvarnished account, the renowned British author—best known for his keen observations on race, sex, and class in 1970s London—opens up about his life after a devastating accident that left him a tetraplegic. With brutal honesty and caustic humor, Kureishi takes readers on a journey that is as harrowing as it is transformative. He recounts how a single, fateful fall turned his private life into a public spectacle, forcing him to confront the indignities of his new existence while also discovering unexpected love.

The fourth and final Bridget Jones film presents a protagonist who is both familiar and profoundly changed. Renée Zellweger returns as the beloved Bridget, yet she is now a grieving mother of two, struggling to move forward after the tragic loss of Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) in a landmine accident. This transformation, Zellweger argues, was essential to continuing Bridget's journey.

Explore the vibrant world of Kiwi humor as we celebrate the comedic genius of Guy Williams and legendary duos like Clarke and Dawe. This blog post highlights the funniest moments in New Zealand's online landscape and discusses how humor serves as a vital antidote to negativity. From amusing political anecdotes to cultural commentary, discover how New Zealand's unique comedic acts reflect everyday life and connect us all through laughter. Join us in appreciating the lighter side of life and the unifying power of comedy in the face of serious narratives.