Matt Devine

A futuristic take on William Shakespeare's historic tragedy serves as the narrative arc in acclaimed writer/director Chuck Griffith's latest work, Silicon Caesar, which has now come to Amazon Prime.

Laura Rathe Fine Art Presents Check Mate, a group show in Houston, TX Laura Rathe Fine Art is pleased to present Check Mate, a group exhibition featuring Gil Bruvel, with an opening on Saturday, July 12, 2014, from 6 - 9pm. The Check Mate collection will be on view through August 29, 2014. Gil Bruvel's new series of steel chess sculptures will debut in the Check Mate group show. These unique works convey the art of war and strategy through the game of chess. Bruvel's goal, by designing a thematic chess set, was to increase the sense of opposition between the two sides. As the design progressed, he also experienced a sense of fusion and complementarity between the two opposite sides. This theme relates to the evolution of styles and conceptions we have about what art means. On one side, the world is perceived and expressed with recognizable elements we can reference to perceived reality - the representational world. On the other side, the world as we conceptualize it using arbitrary elements, is expressed with how we value the contexts in which we understand it - the abstract world. Some elements may still be recognizable but they are just there to suggest and let the viewer form their own conclusions. Throughout his career, Bruvel has focused his energy on creating highly detailed surreal, representational work. Recently, he has challenged his artistic abilities by venturing into the world of the abstract. The creation of the chess set represents the challenge of meshing the past with the present genres and the pursuit of continuing to push the envelope in his creative journey. Other artists exhibited include Tony Magar, Mel DeWees, Meredith Pardue, Roi James, Matt Devine, Chris Martin, Katherine Houston, and Michael Scultheis, among others. The majority of these artists are established abstract expressionists working in oil, acrylic, encaustic, steel, photography and other mixed media. About Laura Rathe Fine Art Formally established in 1998, Laura Rathe Fine Art represents a dynamic artist roster including emerging, mid-career, as well as blue-chip contemporary artists. With a primary focus on abstract expressionist painters, LRFA also represents sculptors, mixed media artists, and photographers. Located in the heart of the gallery and design districts of Houston and Dallas, Texas, LRFA provides art consultation services, hosts exhibitions and actively participates in notable art fairs. LRFA artists have been acquired into important private collections, as well as world-renowned corporate art collections, including BBVA Compass and HKS Architects Headquarters.

Following a successful opening year, Dallas's Laura Rathe Fine Art marks its first year anniversary on Saturday, February 22nd from 6-9pm, with the 'ONE' exhibition and reception featuring various new works by established roster artists, as well as an exclusive first look at the gallery's debut artists. For the continuous support and patronage received throughout LRFA's inaugural year in Dallas, gallery artists will create 'ONE' signature and unique piece that will reflect an expression of gratitude. The 'ONE' collection will be on display through March 29, 2014. First Year Overview Since the gallery's introductory grand opening exhibition, 'See' in February 2013, Laura Rathe Fine Art has proudly shown various local and regional contemporary artists, including Meredith Pardue and Roi James, as well as internationally acclaimed photographer, Steve McCurry and California metal sculptor, Matt Devine. In addition to presenting artist openings and receptions, LRFA was a prominent exhibitor at the 5th annual Dallas Art Fair and Houston Fine Art Fair, and attended Art Basel in Switzerland, as well as Miami. Working closely with private and public collectors, several LRFA artists were acquired into world-renowned corporate art collections, including BBVA Compass and HKS Architects Headquarters. About Laura Rathe Fine Art Formally established in 1998, Laura Rathe Fine Art represents a dynamic artist roster including emerging, mid-career, as well as blue-chip contemporary artists. With a primary focus on abstract expressionist painters, LRFA also represents diverse sculptors, mixed media artists, as well as photographers. Located in the heart of the gallery and design districts of Houston and Dallas, Texas, LRFA hosts artist exhibitions, art walks, as well as provides art consultation services to private and corporate collectors and to the design industry.

Yesterday, Jan. 4, high-flying theater spectacle SPIDER:MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK took its final flight, with Billy Crystal's 700 SUNDAYS, the revival of ANNIE, BETRAYAL with Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz, and FIRST DATE with Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez following suit today, Jan. 5.

Casting controversies, the role of reviewers and another Broadway great turning 80 were among the stories that fired up theatre chat boards and fueled cocktail conversations at Sardi's during the past twelve months. Here are ten of the big issues theatre lovers talked about in 2011.

Following its historic matinee performance on Sunday, April 17, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark will take a brief, three-week hiatus for technical rehearsals before unveiling the new version of the mega musical on Thursday, May 12. The official opening night of the new Spider-Man is set for Tuesday, June 14th at the Foxwoods Theatre (213 West 42nd Street).

SiNNERMAN Ensemble presents their third production, the world premiere of 'Bible B-Sides,' an original, multi-media show including dance, puppetry, violence, and an original rock score and Pat Benatar-esque choreography, created from several lesser known Old Testament Bible stories, adapted by the ensemble and director Matt Miller. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes tragic, the company delves into the universal humanity, complex relationships and exciting discoveries of these inherently relevant and surprising stories.

SiNNERMAN Ensemble presents their third production, the world premiere of 'Bible B-Sides,' an original, multi-media show created from several lesser known Old Testament Bible stories, adapted by the ensemble and director Matt Miller. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes tragic, the company delves into the universal humanity, complex relationships and exciting discoveries of these inherently relevant and surprising stories. The Bible stories featured will include Abraham, Sarah and Hagar; Deborah; David and Bathsheba; David and Mephibosheth; Ehud and Eglon; Hosea and Gomer; Jephthah and his daughter; Lot and his daughters; and the rape of Tamar. 'Bible B-Sides' runs ninety minutes without intermission. SiNNERMAN, formed out of a Steppenwolf Theatre summer program, is spelled with all caps except for the 'i', and is named after the Nina Simone song.