OPINION.

Essays, criticism, and reflections
on performance, live art,
and the world around them.

Beyond the news cycle.
Art, culture, and politics on Skene's terms.

This conversation examines how performance engages political structures, social movements, and systems of power. These pieces reflect on protest, policy, censorship, labor, and the risks artists face when art confronts authority.

The Risk of Political Art: How Female Artists Threaten Governments

It’s a fascinating paradox: how can artists—often dismissed as creating mere luxury items with no practical purpose—be considered threats to the state? The answer lies in art’s unique power to bypass rational defenses and speak directly to people’s hearts and minds.

This conversation gathers timely editorial responses to major events, awards, controversies, and shifts within the performing arts. These pieces provide context and analysis without committing to a continuous news cycle.

This conversation brings together reflective writing on artistic process, ethics, failure, care, and sustainability. These pieces examine how artists work, think, and persist within changing creative and economic conditions.

Of being a “professional” artist.

What makes an artist “professional”? Natalia Martinez Sagan reflects on creativity, family legacy, and what it really means to create.

This TOOLKIT focuses on tools and strategies for sharing work and building audiences. These guides address promotion, visibility, and communication practices relevant to artists and organizations working in live performance.

This TOOLKIT explores theatre scenes and independent stages across different cities and cultural contexts. These guides highlight local performance ecosystems and alternative spaces beyond major commercial centers.

This conversation centers on criticism, reflection, and response to performances, exhibitions, anniversaries, and cultural milestones. These pieces situate works within broader artistic and historical contexts rather than offering consumer-style reviews.

OPINION pieces appear within curated editorial conversations and may rotate over time. Not all published OPINION articles are actively featured. OPINION reflects Skene’s editorial perspective and critical engagement with the field.

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