Most of us are now hunkered down and isolated, inundated by 24/7 news coverage of depressing medical and economic conditions, compounded by failed White House leadership. To lighten our burden, just a bit, here is a list, with thumbnail reviews, of nine excellent documentary films about architecture and design.

Shakespeare saw the theatres closed two times in as many years due to the plague, and he subsequently must have viewed the world through the lens of what the epidemic wrought.

An Intimacy Director/Choreographer is responsible for creating and setting moments of intimacy onstage in a convincing, safe manner. The relatively new theatrical field of Intimacy Direction/Choreography is growing. Some see the field as vital in a post-pandemic world. South Florida theater companies are among those nationwide employing Intimacy Directors/Choreographers.

This was to be the breakout season for Berkshire artist Ricky Darell Barton. This week was to be the launch of a solo exhibition at Real Eyes Gallery in Adams. Three other solo and group shows by Barton are scheduled to follow throuth the summer. Social distancing, which is likely to extend for the coming months, changes everything. For now a single painting by Barton is displayed in the window of the gallery with more work available for on line viewing on the Real Eyes website.

Many of us sense that coming out of lockdown we will find ourselves in a very different world. Ideas that have emerged from isolation suggest ways in which a wider group of people, worldwide, can connect. Music is a universal language. Organizations like the International Contemporary Ensemble have led the way into a musical future unimaginable before the most recent technology revolution. Gathered to discuss subjects like how to make an audience out of disparate listeners and platforms available for cooperation and sharing, many other organizations offered insights.

There is a line from the movie “Tombstone,” spoken by Doc Holliday to Wyatt Earp: “There is no normal life, Wyatt. There is just life.”

Critics Association's new play committee has picked six finalists for new play award. The top prize is $25,000, while runners-up receive $7,500 each. The American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA) began honoring new plays since 1977. The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust has funded the Steinberg/ATCA honor since 2000. Past honorees have included playwrights such as August Wilson and Arthur Miller.

The internet is full of wonderful concerts and operas, some streamed-live and others are reprisals of deserving performances you'll want to hear if you missed them live or appreciate an opportunity for a reprise.

Tuning Meditation is presented by Ione, who lived with the composer, and Music on the Rebound. Participants from 30 countries joined on Zoom to listen for their own notes and others. Find a pitch that no one else is sounding. Tod Machover, America's most wired composer, was there. So too, quietly, piano and composing phenom Conrad Tao. The celebrated and willing joined together in unique sounds.

Then 27 the Institute of Contemporary Art was the first of many boards that Sydney Roberts Rockefeller joined. Director Andrew C. Hyde quit not long after the beginning of his second term. Left in the lurch was a planned conference on public art. When she stepped up to rescue the conference the board made her director. She was on site during the renovation of 955 Boylston Street. It was designed and largely funded by the architect Graham Gund.

For decades artist, curator, installer James Manning has covered Boston's emerging artists and alternative galleries. Other than when Bill Arning was at MIT List nobody has made a greater effort to interact with emerging artists and their galleries. He had his own gallery Art Vigor in East Boston and was director of Gallery FX, a pioneer of the SOWA art district. This activity was rarely covered by the mainstream media. This is an attempt to document a vibrant era . From 2008 until his death in 2018 Manning worked with curator Joe Ketner at Emerson College.

Tony nominated Broadway actor, Nick Cordero, is recovering after having his right leg amputated following Coronavirus complications.

A unique asset of Jacob's Pillow is its bucolic setting in the Berkshire woods. This week, on line, you can celebrate both dance and Earth Day. Here is an invitation from executive and artistic director, Pamela Tatge.

The Drama Desk Award's nominees have been announced. This year's ceremony will take place as a special presentation. The annual event honors outstanding achievement by theater artists.

William Christie's and Paul Agnew's Les Arts Florissants is skipping their US tour. In any case, tickets to their events are quickly snapped up. Fortunately these two Baroque specialists have arranged to present their spring festival virtually. It is a treat so far. Past performances are available. Future ones can be seen live or at your leisure.

A letter from Berkshire Jazz director Ed Bride. With some adjustments the music will continue.

Howard Cruse was a pioneering gay cartoonist and Berkshire neighbor. He passed away last year. His legendary Stuck Rubber Baby is having its 25th anniversary edition. The publication will be available this summer.

Ethiopia is a wondrous land of majestic mountains, ancient cultures, beautiful people and architectural treasures. Addis Ababa, the modern capital city; Aksum, the one time capital of the ancient Aksumite Empire, and the holy city of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with eleven rock-hewn churches, leave one with indelible memories.

With theatres closed for the pandamic many are posting their performances on the internet. Here are some productions for free viewing this weekend.

The world premiere of Denis and Katya took place last fall at Opera Philadelphia Festival 2019. Philip Venables is a riveting composer of opera. This work succeeded less well on stage than it does as the opening presentation of this Digital Festival.

Food, wine and travel writer Phil Kampe is a superb home cook. Hunkered down in the Berkshires he creates intutitive responses to family recipes and extrensive travel with Maria Reveley. We have much enjoyed his masterful cuisine.

To mark the beginning of another month in this surreal and uncertain time, Gallery NAGA will present the third solo exhibition of glowing, ephemeral paintings by Nicole Chesney and luscious, Irish landscapes on paper by Rick Fox.

Carl Chiarenza is a renowned photographer and art historian. This is what he had for lunch in Rochester.

There is a narrow two week window when foraging for ramps. Both the leaves and bulb of this member of the onion family are unique. Each year Phil Kampe returns to his secret spot for a culinary treat.

Anthony Davis wrote for dance first, so he sees his music as driving action. To the traditional forms of European opera, he brings the music of his people, African Americans. Charles Mingus and Duke Ellington are honored in his work. He likes to provide for improvisation, so that each performance is unique. The Central Park Five premiered in Long Beach Opera last year.