This Week in Culture: 3/28-4/2

by Rebecca Castillo

From Germany

Raif Badawi’s book, 1000 Lashes- Because I Say What I Think will be released by German publisher Ullstein Verlag on April 1. Raif Badawi has been imprisoned since 2012 for speaking up against Saudi Arabia’s oppression of speech. He was sentenced to over 10 years in jail, a large fine, and one thousand public lashes.

From Canada

Mysterious Tumblr blogger created a “Gluten-Free Museum.” It consists of regularly updated famous works of art that have had all traces of gluten removed.

From Japan

Kazushi Ono will become the music director of the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Opera in April. He is determined to change the sound of the orchestra and have them perform religious pieces. Tickets for two of the talented director’s concerts have already sold out.

From Australia

Mark Ruffalo’s latest credits include Infinitely Polar Bear, the story of a manic depressive father who is left in charge of his spunky, free-spirited daughters when his wife goes off to graduate school. The movie was released in Australia in early March and has since received positive feedback.

From France

Palais de Tokyo of France has announced the release of a new festival called “Do Disturb.” The festival will showcase works premiered in France as well as international creations. The event will break down barriers, push boundaries, and unite artists.

From England

Jeremy Paxman, host of the game show “University Challenge”, has spoken out about the sexism on the show. The apparent lack of women has outraged many viewers and become a major controversy in British television.