It’s 1983 at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and I didn’t go to class much. I took Theater 101 as an elective because I thought it would be easy (it wasn’t). One Tuesday in October, the professor ditched the day’s syllabus and spent the next 75 minutes...
Virgil Ortiz is a Pueblo artist inspired by two loves: the traditional figurative ceramic style he learned from his mother, and Star Wars. These influences resulted in Revolt 1680/2180, a sculpture series retelling the story of his ancestors’ rebellion against Spanish colonizers in 1680, complete with laser blasters and an ancient astronaut vibe....
Looking back at 2017, it was such a whirlwind politically for the country, as well as for Virginia and Richmond, that it’s easy to forget that our city has such a vibrant, thriving, and unbelievably diverse culture. From muralists and other artists, to emerging fashion trends, to the ever-burgeoning local craft beer scene, to becoming a top food...
RVA Magazine expands our coverage and reach in our 31st issue, doubling down on our winning formula of culture and politics. We bring unique perspectives and informed analyses of local and national events to the largest audience of young people in central Virginia and throughout the Commonwealth. We’ve been at the forefront of the governor’s...
The slight shock was what hurt the most. He felt just a small one, behind his left ear. If he took enough of the yellow pills, the sting might go away. But when he opened his eyes and looked around, he saw the same thing he'd looked at for the last two years. White steel bars and white walls, with no decoration save the black and white photo...
“The Nutcracker” on opening night was something to behold. On Sat. Dec. 9, Richmond Ballet premiered its annual festive production at the Carpenter Theatre for families and dance enthusiasts alike. With extravagant costumes and detailed set design, Richmond Ballet’s rendition of “The Nutcracker” is iconic. The performance’s symphony played in the...
I remember some years ago, I was waking up on a futon in my grandmother’s house; drool clung to my mouth as allergies had forced my mouth open as I slept in my work clothes. I wasn’t planning on going to work though. I woke up and took a shower. My roommate at the time, who had recently been reunited with his mother and sister, complained that I...
Year’s end typically brings about various group shows, yuletide-themed events, and the culmination of yearly titles such as residencies and fellowships for the art community. Whether you are an artist or an appreciator of art, now is also the time to reflect on all the awesome (or not so awesome) work which has been made or seen this year. For...
A “spaghetti western” for the opera is woven with suspense and adventure through Giacomo Puccini’s “The Girl of the Golden West.” Virginia Opera’s production of this classic, which opened last Friday at Dominion Arts Center, is pitch perfect, making for a wonderful evening for the whole family. In a performance on Friday, Nov. 17, at the...
The moment you feel the blow -- the weight of his right shoe arc between your thighs and buttocks and strike your pubic bone -- you are looking at a picture book of San Francisco. It leans against a high shelf in the garage. As you are sent inches above the concrete floor, you are thinking about the city’s hills and streets, as you have since you...
