Top Picks: Philip Kerr's book 'The Lady from Zagreb,' the TV program 'American Ballet Theatre: A History,' and more
Poetry in motion
The American Ballet Theatre and its performances have been an important part of culture for decades, and a new documentary directed by Ric Burns looks at the history of the theater for its 75th anniversary. The documentary includes interviews with current stars and footage of performances at the theater. airs as part of the 鈥淎merican Masters鈥� program on PBS on May 15 at 9 p.m.
Salty seas
on 鈥淣OVA鈥� looks at the effect of the increase in carbon emissions on our oceans. As the acidity of the water rises it threatens the development of shells and sea creatures. What can be done? This new episode centers on scientists who are looking for solutions. 鈥淟ethal Seas鈥� airs on PBS on May 13 at 9 p.m.聽
Hard-boiled mystery
Gallows humor defines Bernie Gunther, the German noir detective in the 10th and latest installment of Philip Kerr鈥檚 historical fiction series. In Bernie once again finds himself trying to save a sliver of his sanity and decency in Hitler鈥檚 Germany. The novel鈥檚 femme fatale is a star in propaganda movies and lures Bernie into the baffling violence and vengeance of the Balkans.聽
Illuminated art
Former Monitor correspondent and art critic Carol Strickland has published an e-book and a new way of experiencing art in . Strickland鈥檚 book, designed for tablets, provides an illuminated tour of the French artists who endured scathing criticism to create a pivotal movement of their own. Embedded info boxes serve as curatorial guides, explaining everything from brushstrokes to societal influences. Students and art history fans alike will appreciate this work. It鈥檚 available at the iBooks Store for $8.99.聽聽
Classical crossover
Ludovico Einaudi is a musical mixologist. On , the popular composer shakes up classical music convention with this potion of trance music from West Africa; Turkey; and Salento, Italy. Guitarist Justin Adams and ritti player Juldeh Camara 鈥� both from Robert Plant鈥檚 band 鈥� play African riffs that gust through traditional Italian folk music like the hot sirocco winds that begin in the Sahara and move across the Mediterranean. Einaudi contributes meditative piano to 鈥淣uvole Bianche.鈥� A potent concoction.
