A severed human ear lying in a perfectly trimmed yard, encircled by ants. A severely deformed man resting his head, knowing that he will die. A red room inhabited by a midget who speaks backward. Such images could only be the product of a deranged and disturbed mind. But, director David Lynch is at peace. The renowned filmmaker will speak about how he achieved this state in a lecture called "Consciousness, Creativity and the Brain" on Saturday at Emerson College's Cutler Majestic Theatre.
New York City is not only Boston's biggest rival, but it has also been at the core of many great writers' stories. Two writers, Bret Easton Ellis and Candace Bushnell, have carved out careers by spotlighting the seedy underbelly of the city, the hottest clubs and restaurants and the untouchable elite. Yet, whereas Ellis shows ruin, Bushnell proves that one can balance Bellinis, boys and big business. These authors both recently released another chapter of their respective canons.
What happens when someone dares to go against the system? In the Lyric Stage Company's production of Urinetown: The Musical, this old question is answered in a whole new way with the new twist of bodily functions. The show, a musical tale of repression and rebellion currently being performed at the YWCA on Clarendon Street, is entertaining, thought-provoking and just plain hilarious.