When life handed him lemons, Arnold Mesches did one better than make lemonade ““ he made “contemporary illuminated manuscripts.” The octogenarian artist, who was the subject of extensive surveillance by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 27 years, managed to acquire the secret files of his life and transform them into art. Read more...

“Giselle” has got a brand new bag. On Sunday, UCLA’s Theater Underground, an independent, student-run organization that provides the means to stage student productions, presents a modernized rendition of the 163-year-old ballet “Giselle,” infusing the classical with contemporary dance styles and music. Read more...

Before every screening at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, which concluded last Sunday, a series of “Sundance Myths,” performed by Muppet-style versions of artsy independent filmmakers, introduced each film. Read more...

Take My Breath Away” was one of the quintessential songs of the ’80s, but Berlin, the band that wrote the song, faded from memory quicker than Chia Pets. Read more...

Anyone in search of an object lesson in humility need look no further than a job promoting a small, alternative film festival held at the same time as the Sundance Film Festival. Read more...

“Primer” Written and Directed by Shane Carruth Winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Dramatic Feature If the goal of the Sundance Film Festival is to reward truly independent films that rely on well-crafted stories, then “Primer” is by far the obvious choice for top honors this year. Read more...

At first glance, the New Wight Gallery looks like it’s closed or awaiting a broom and a mop. But pedestrians have been poking their heads into the propped-open door to investigate the sounds and lights echoing from the dark room. Read more...