Please don’t let theatre die

Happening in the World: Six American detainees were freed from Venezuela after a visit by Richard Grenell, President Trump’s envoy for special missions, who met with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. has no formal diplomatic presence in Venezuela, but after the meeting, Maduro said the talks had had “zero agenda” and that he sought a “new beginning in bilateral relations” with the US. (NYT)

Happening in the US: Without evidence, President Donald Trump blamed the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) diversity initiatives for a plane crash in Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people. This criticism echoes broader opposition from some conservatives to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, such as those advocated by many top U.S. companies. DEI supporters argue that such initiatives help broaden the talent pool, improving business outcomes by fostering a more inclusive workforce. (NBC)

Happening in NYC: A New York doctor, Dr. Margaret Carpenter, was charged by a Louisiana District Attorney for providing abortion pills to a Louisiana resident, marking the first criminal charges against an abortion provider for sending pills into a state with an abortion ban. Governor Hochul expressed support for Dr. Carpenter, claiming the state would shield her from extradition. (BBC)

Happening in Our Community: Chinese director Wang Chong will give a talk titled “Is Theatre Dying?” on February 3, from 6 to 8 pm at Sulzberger Parlor in Barnard Hall. Wang, founder of the Beijing-based Théâtre du Rêve Expérimental and the most internationally commissioned Chinese theater director, will discuss the future of theatre in conversation with Barnard Assistant Professor Yizhou Huang. (Barnard College Events)

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