Welcome to What We’re Reading, in which we’ll share with you some of our favorite articles about theater and performance from all around the internet this week. 

Leighton Meester’s article in the Huffington Post, “I’m Not a Tart: The Feminist Subtext of Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men” is a fascinating look at the book, the play and this production’s audiences from someone who’s spent a lot of time with all three. I’m a big fan of feminist critiques of literature from The Canon. The opportunity to do that through theater is so exciting! (Warning: spoilers about Of Mice And Men within.)

“5 Reasons Why Walt Disney World Represents the Future of American Theater” by Zachary Stewart for TheaterMania is such a fun and interesting read. Though I don’t necessarily agree that theater should take a cue from each feature of Disney that Stewart identifies, it’s certainly interesting to think about how innovation can occur in the most commercial of places.

Finally, I have to take a moment to commemorate the great Elaine Stritch. This article is a great history of her career, and I also love Charles Isherwood’s piece, “The Consummate Performer, With Love Songs to the Audience.” Especially: “She made the complications of her own personality part of her art, indeed the wellsprings of it. And in acknowledging the depth of her needs, she touched a universal chord.” Rest in peace, Elaine.

Have an article you think we should check out? Leave it in the comments below! 

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