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Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024
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Scene

LIAR LIAR — Shakespeare Theatre Company is putting on a production of Pierre Corneille’s “The Liar” that runs until May 23. Despite the fact that the play was written in 1644, David Ives’ adaptation breathes new life into an old plot.

17th century laughs modernized in Shakespeare Theatre Co.'s ‘Liar’

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At least, that’s the credo that our anti-hero Dorante lives by in “The Liar,” a brilliant adaptation of the original 1644 comedy by Pierre Corneille. Theater has never been more self-aware as it is in this hilarious piece of work abound with misunderstandings, iambic pentameter and convincing split personalities. Directed by Michael Kahn of the Shakespeare Theatre Company, the play debuts at the Lansburgh Theatre and runs until May 23.

The Eagle

'1984,' 'Bean Trees' among seven books that stand out

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Since this is my last column of the semester, I decided to give you more insight into who I am through my personality as a reader. I believe that what we read — and enjoy — shapes our personalities and lets everyone know what kind of people we are. Therefore, tada! These are some of my favorite books of all time. In no particular order, of course.

SUPER FLY— “Kick-Ass” is director Matthew Vaughn’s fresh take on the summer superhero genre.  The story centers around Dave Lizewski, who creates a super alter ego after being robbed at a comic book store.

'Kick-Ass’ changes superhero stereotypes

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A radioactive spider bit Peter Parker, Clark Kent was an alien and Dave Lizewski was robbed. Based on the comic book series by Mark Miller, “Kick-Ass” is one superhero film that provides a cynical but more realistic take on exactly what it takes for an average person to step up and be extraordinary.

ERASERHEAD — Two films from South by Southwest, “Crying with Laughter” and “Erasing David,” offer very different takes on the modern condition. The comedian of “Crying” must go to great lengths to cover up a misdeed, while the subject of the documentary “Erasing David” tries to disappear completely from the world.
News

Scottish film comes to SXSW

One Scene staffer reviewed two films from the SXSW Film Festival with two very different results. The first, a Scottish drama called “Crying with Laughter,” won praise for its angle on the life of a sinful comedian. “Erasing David” lost points for its lack of believability. They received A- and C-, respectively.




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News

Arctic Monkeys melt hearts in Baltimore

If there is any city that can truly handle the rock prowess of the Arctic Monkeys, it’s Baltimore. The Brit rockers slammed the city with a flurry of trip-hop and fast indie rock at Maryland’s answer to the 9:30 club, Rams Head Live!



The Eagle
News

Titus Andronicus bring new ideas to concept LP

When Titus Andronicus blew up in 2008, it was their lo-fi sound and literary references that endeared this New Jersey five-piece to hipsters of all stripes. They seemed like a decidedly cool band to like, and their off-kilter personalities and underground status made them an instant notch in the belt of indie kids everywhere.


LIGHTS
News

LIGHTS brings nerd cred to sci-fi indie-pop

For Canadian singer-songwriter LIGHTS, the boundary between reality and fantasy is flexible. A lover of “World of Warcraft” and all things sci-fi, the 23-year-old artist has a tattoo of a ray gun on her stomach and is ready to conquer the world — with music.


NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM — D.C.’s own Hirshhorn museum brought underground art to the mainstream this past Friday night with their event, Hirshhorn After Hours, which combined modern art with a party feel.
News

High life meets night life at Hirshhorn after-dark event

Modern art may need a facelift to get some popular appeal, but the Hirshhorn has a pretty good idea of how to pack people in to see some of their groundbreaking works. But the Hirshhorn After Hours, their semiannual party, was an event less about the art and more about the people who art seeks to affect.


THE NEVERENDING STORY— This summer, moviegoers expect a number of sequels to blockbusters of seasons past. Among the most anticipated is “Iron Man 2,” but the films feature more than just superheroes. Other returning characters include Shrek and Carrie Bradshaw.
News

Summer starts sequel season with 'Shrek,' 'Iron Man 2'

Comic book lovers, superhero nerds and regular citizens who secretly dream of possessing superpowers have been preparing for the premiere of “Iron Man 2” since the release of “Iron Man” in 2008. Embracing his bad boy reputation, Robert Downey Jr. played Tony Stark, the billionaire playboy, ...


DATE NIGHT
News

Fey, Carell star in bland ‘Date Night’

What happens when you take one part Steve Carell and mix him with one part Tina Fey in an action comedy with a vague title? Not as much laughter as you might have hoped. The movie will take you from Jersey to the mob. Scene staff gave this film a B-.


News

Allergic to food or just intolerant?

Though it is possible to develop a food allergy later in life (my father had his first allergic reaction to shellfish when he was 21) food allergies among adults aren’t all that common, and when they do occur, it is typically related to genetics — meaning if no one in your family is allergic to a food, you are less likely to be. Between 2 and 4 percent of adults are allergic to some food — usually dairy, fish, soy, wheat or nuts.


JACK THE RIPPER — Rock documentaries have a special place in the film canon, representing the intersection between different art forms. Big names like Martin Scorcese have contributed to the genre, but the new documentary “Under Great White Northern Lights” about the White Stripes has earned a place among this panthenon.
News

White Stripes star in new rock documentary

There’s nothing more essential to a music fan than the rock documentary. Over the years, fans have wanted to get every piece of the musician that they can, and films provide the perfect way to give fans that inside look behind the glamour and into the grit. You get to see rehearsals, tears and music performed live. Even in these days, when barely anyone buys CDs anymore, rock docs are still alluring for all fans of any band. Everyone from the Rolling Stones to Beyoncé has one, and now the White Stripes have one, too.


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News

Top 10: Time-wasting blogs to distract from final exams

Finals are coming up. So get ready for long sessions in the library, leaning over your computer in the same position for hours on end, risking permanent change in your spinal cord’s alignment. The books stacked next to your computer will threaten to topple over and take you out of your misery. And you will drink enough coffee to ensure the economy of Colombia stays afloat for the next few months. So let’s get working on those end-of-semester papers.


The Girl on the Train
News

'Train' plot falls off wagon

The conflict at the heart of French drama “The Girl On The Train” is the plucked-from-the-headlines, real-life story of a gentile girl who claims to be the victim of a violent, anti-Semitic attack on the Parisian Metro. Yet the movie is about a lot more — and a lot less.




CITY ISLAND
News

Small family issues enlarged in ‘City Island’

Simple can be grand and, in the case of “City Island,” it is spectacular. It is a film beautiful?in its simplicity and wonderful in its humanity, showcasing all the flaws and shortcomings and wonderful secrets that?constitute?what it means to be human — all for a raucous amount of?heartfelt?laughter.



Section 202 hosts Connor Sturniolo and Gabrielle McNamee are joined by fellow Eagle staff member and phenomenal sports photographer, Josh Markowitz. Follow along as they discuss the United Football League and the benefits it provides for the world of professional football.


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