From Taylor Swift to the Oscars, 400-year-old 'Hamlet' flourishes in the age of TikTok
NEW YORK (AP) — William Shakespeare's “Hamlet” is having a resurgence with various adaptations and performances worldwide. A National Theatre production is at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and a movie version set in London’s South Asian community stars Riz Ahmed. Anthony Hopkins is delighting fans on TikTok with some of Hamlet’s soliloquy. Eddie Izzard is taking her one-person production of “Hamlet” on a worldwide tour. Harvard scholar Jeffrey R. Wilson says “Hamlet” resonates today as it allows audiences to explore deep emotions and process angst. Director Chela De Ferrari's neurodiverse “Hamlet” highlights the play's timeless relevance.
An Iranian museum holds a rare exhibit of American art, reflecting on war
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — One of Iran's top museums is holding a rare exhibit of American artists, drawing art lovers at a time when the two countries are locked in conflict. Tehran’s Museum of Contemporary Art put on display six works by three American Pop artists of the 1960s, mainly chosen for their anti-war themes. The pieces come from the museum’s large collection of American and European modern art that was acquired by the wife of the former shah in the 1970s. Most of it has been kept out of view since the Western-backed monarch was ousted by the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Amy Grant reflects on her new album, resisting labels and writing dark songs
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Amy Grant's new album, “The Me That Remains,” reflects her journey of healing after a serious bicycle accident in 2022. The Grammy-winning musician has often defied labels throughout her career, moving between Christian and secular music. Her latest work explores themes of personal recovery and faith. Grant shares that writing music again felt therapeutic, helping her reconnect with her creative self. She acknowledges ongoing challenges from her accident but feels physically strong. Grant's willingness to explore darker themes in her music connects her to herself, others, and her faith, emphasizing honesty and curiosity in her artistic journey.
Movie Review: Billie Eilish and James Cameron make concert movie magic with 'Hit Me Hard and Soft'
NEW YORK (AP) — Billie Eilish's new concert film, “Billie Eilish — Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D),” offers an immersive 3D experience. Co-directed by Eilish and James Cameron, the film captures her performance at Manchester's Co-Op Live arena. Releasing Friday, it highlights Eilish's innovative approach to concert films, blending audience interaction and behind-the-scenes insights. The film showcases her minimalist set and energetic performances, offering fans a unique perspective. It also explores Eilish's desire to connect with her audience, making it a compelling watch for fans and newcomers alike.
Shakira teases new song for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Afrobeats star Burna Boy called 'Dai Dai'
NEW YORK (AP) — Shakira is back. The Colombian singer shared a minute-long teaser clip of a new song on social media Thursday. She wrote in the caption the song will be named “Dai Dai" and called it the FIFA World Cup official song for 2026 to be released May 14. She also included a mention of Afrobeats star Burna Boy. In the video short, Shakira appears on a soccer field joined by dancers. This is not new for Shakira. Her song “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)” was the official song of the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa.
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Joni Lamb, who started of one of the largest Christian TV networks, has died
Joni Lamb, who cofounded one of the world's largest Christian TV networks with her late husband, has died. The Daystar Television Network said she died Thursday after suffering from serious health issues. She was 65. The network says its ministry will continue and that Lamb made sure a leadership team was in place. Based in the Dallas area, the Daystar Television Network says it is broadcast in more than 200 countries. Joni Lamb was the network's president and could be seen on the air hosting her signature daily women’s show.
Man pleads not guilty to charge of threatening behavior toward ex-Prince Andrew
LONDON (AP) — A man has pleaded not guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behavior toward the former Prince Andrew near his home at King Charles III’s Sandringham Estate. Alex Jenkinson, 39, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday following accusations of threatening behavior toward Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor near the former royal's home earlier this week. The denial came after reports that Mountbatten-Windsor was threatened by a masked man while walking dogs near his home. Andrew moved to the Sandringham Estate after being evicted from his longtime home near Windsor Castle. He was stripped of his titles following scandals, including his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
‘The Sheep Detectives’ is the starry, family-friendly whodunit you didn’t know you needed
“The Sheep Detectives” is not your average talking animal movie. This family-friendly film, featuring voices like Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Patrick Stewart, follows a flock solving a murder mystery. Opening Friday, Hugh Jackman stars as a shepherd whose animals secretly understand his murder mystery bedtime stories. When he dies mysteriously, the sheep use their knowledge to help solve the case. Screenwriter Craig Mazin describes the film as more than just silly fun, with themes for families to discuss. In the almost 20-year journey to adapt Leonie Swann’s novel “Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story,” Mazin says they aimed high.
Music Review: On Muna's ‘Dancing On The Wall,' desire and dread meet on the dance floor
Los Angeles-based synth pop band Muna, composed of Katie Gavin, Naomi McPherson and Josette Maskin, returns with their fourth album. It is titled “Dancing On The Wall.” The album explores the emotional highs and lows of dating and desire against the backdrop of today’s political climate. But Muna’s songs remain danceable, queer, and unapologetically Los Angeles, as The Associated Press' Elise Ryan writes in her review. The album navigates a complex mix of emotions and fears, expertly captured in their signature sound. Gone is the weightless freedom of their breakthrough single “Silk Chiffon.” But the dance floor still calls.
Daniel Dae Kim explores booming South Korean pop, film, cosmetics and food influences for CNN series
NEW YORK (AP) — Daniel Dae Kim explores Korean culture in a new CNN series, “K-Everything: The Global Rise of Korean Culture.” The show debuts Saturday on CNN and HBO Max. Kim dives into K-beauty, K-pop, K-food, and K-film, sharing his personal journey as a Korean-American. He meets celebrities like Psy and BigBang's Taeyang and explores cultural phenomena like kimchi festivals and beauty standards. Kim hopes the series will help non-Koreans better understand Korean culture and address anti-Asian racism. He aims to be a trusted guide, inspired by Anthony Bourdain, and bring a global audience closer to Korean culture.

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