Arts & Culture

Marianne Gillmer was born in Germany during World War II. Growing up in her village during those tragic years was tough on her family, especially after her father died in battle. She was aware of death at a young age, but she and her best friend still found ways to remain playful and adventurous. In this story, she tells her daughter Susan about one of her most peculiar playgrounds – the local cemetery.

This week on Open Air, KALW’s weekly magazine of arts and cultural events, host David Latulippe talks with members of the women’s vocal ensemble Kitka; with Greg MacKellan, the artistic director of 42nd Street Moon, about their production of “Pal Joey”; with Linda Bouchard, composer and director of "Murderous Little World" at ODC; and with Heklina, who is featured in upcoming drag queen productions of “The Golden Girls: The Christmas Episodes”.  Originally broadcast on November 29, 2012.

California voters may have paved the way for a cleaner future when they passed Proposition 39, but they’re still famous for the gas-burning way they get around. California commuters often drive the same route, sometimes so frequently they might think they can navigate it blindfolded.