Jean Genet’s “The Maids,” an expressionistic and thematically repetitive play that’s loosely based on a sensational 1930s French murder case, can be more penitential than gripping. In her production of Genet’s classic at A Noise Within in Pasadena, director Stephanie Shroyer grasps her potentially elusive material with a firm hand. The sisters engage in elaborate role-playing games in which they assume the persona of Madame while simultaneously plotting to kill her. When discussing HBO's new series "Insecure," writer-producer-actress Issa Rae says allowing viewers to "watch black people be regular, to live their lives ... is an exciting thing for me." When discussing HBO's new series "Insecure," writer-producer-actress Issa Rae says allowing viewers to "watch black people be regular, to live their lives ... is an exciting thing for me."

Source: Los Angeles Times October 05, 2016 14:37 UTC