How Being Mistaken for Mexican Exposed My White Privilege

Robrt Pela recently wrote about why Phoenix feels so white, despite its racial diversity. Here, he reflects on his experiences with whiteness, brownness, and what they mean in a place bordering Mexico. It’s August 28, 1976, my first day of high school. Mrs. Travis, our over-effusive third-period algebra instructor, has…

Why Does Phoenix Feel So White?

It’s April 2016, and I’m at the Sheraton Grand in downtown Phoenix, trying like crazy to stay engaged with Mayor Greg Stanton’s state of the city address.  He got my attention with an opening nod to Mexico consulate general Roberto Rodriguez Hernandez, with whom he’s signed an agreement to promote…

Shh, Silent Reading Parties Are Taking Over Phoenix

It was only a matter of time before sitting and reading a book got “branded”; turned into a trend involving a crowd and a coffee drink; conceptualized as something other than a private pastime. Silent reading parties are now all the rage, and they’ve made their way to Phoenix. Changing…

iTheatre’s The Velocity of Autumn Brings Humor and Heart to Family Drama

There is plenty to like about iTheatre Collaborative’s new production of The Velocity of Autumn, now playing at the Herberger Theater Center. Carefully paced direction by iTheatre cofounder Rosemary Close lends a casual, real-time feel to Eric Coble’s melodrama, and performances from Judy Rollings and Brad Bond bring his long,…

Childsplay’s Pete, or The Return of Peter Pan Soars

There are no pyrotechnics to throw dazzle at Childsplay’s new Peter Pan. There are no Foys in the flies of Pete, or The Return of Peter Pan; no million-dollar special effects or scenic wizardry. None are needed: This comic adventure soars on skillful writing and clever performances.  The play by…