If political cartoonist and painter William Gropper were alive today, he’d be so busy he wouldn’t know what to do with himself.
The chronicler in illustrations of American political life began his sketches of U.S. Senate turmoil in the 1930s for publication in Vanity Fair. He later became a radical mainstay in a variety of left-wing publications and ultimately was subpoenaed and blacklisted by Sen. Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s.
“William Gropper: American Agitator,” a small but compelling collection of Gropper’s satires of and comments on American politics is the subject of an exhibition opening Saturday at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. The exhibit features works on loan to the museum from Gropper’s grandson.
It’s serendipitous that SDMA is presenting this exhibition at this turbulent time in the U.S. “He (Gropper) was very aware of the nature of different forces coming into conflict with each other,” said Rachel Jans, associate curator of modern and contemporary art at the museum. “He sees America as being animated by these vital forces.”
In addition to the Gropper images on display are curiosities such as a Western Union telegram that the cartoonist received from the head-hunting McCarthy along with Gropper’s written statement defending his ideals.
Alas, “All of his work dried up after he was blacklisted,” Jans explained. “The nature of newspapers changed as well.”
But the points Gropper tried to make with his work have lost none of their urgency — “the importance of public debate, public engagement and a real awareness of the workings of our society,” Jans said. “All of those things should be discussed and made open so people can participate in everyday life and in our democracy.”
Movie and music
Comic-Con attendees looking for evening activities this weekend should be tempted by a film screening Friday at the Civic Theatre downtown. Tim Burton’s 1989 film “Batman,” which reignited interest in the Dark Knight, will be shown on a big screen and accompanied by a live orchestra conducted by James Olstead.
In all the Batman films since with all the different actors in the lead role, none has topped this original. Michael Keaton remains the best Bruce Wayne/Batman in filmdom. The Gotham City designed by Anton Furst has never been bettered for atmosphere. Of course this was also the first time Burton collaborator Danny Elfman scored a “Batman” film. The music is variously dark, rousing and playful. It’s what you’ll hear on Friday night ringing through the old Civic Theatre.
Rock music
The Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach could be called Cracker’s San Diego home away from home. The indie band fronted by vocalist David Lowery turns up there just about every year, sometimes accompanied by of the outfit that in part inspired Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven.
Cracker returns to the Belly Up on Saturday night. Never mind that these guys haven’t released a studio album in 10 years or a live recording in 14. Its catalog is so revered by its fans that as long as the band plays “Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now),” “Low” and “Euro-Trash Girl,” no one will be disappointed. The alt-folk rockers Trouble in the Wind open the show.
Pop music
If you missed Lea Salonga’s performance last year at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, fret not. The Broadway star of “Miss Saigon,” “Allegiance” and the hit revival of “Once On This Island” is back, this time at Sycuan Casino Resort’s Heritage Event Center on Friday night.
Back to “Miss Saigon”: Just last month Salonga performed a concert at London’s Drury Lane Theatre, the same place where she debuted her most famous role as Kim 35 years ago. She was 18 years old at the time. I’m a fan of both Salonga and of this musical, which is often criticized as spectacle but is much more profound and affecting than that.
Film screening
I recently finished reading Mel Brooks’ autobiography “All About Me!” which I highly recommend to anyone who loves Mel and his films. If your devotion goes even beyond mine, think about a road trip Saturday to the Peacock Theater in downtown L.A. That’s where Brooks will appear for a live conversation with actor/producer Kevin Salter and a screening of Brooks’ 1974 film “Blazing Saddles.”
That spoof of the American Western was released half a century ago. I my parents wouldn’t let me go see it so I had to wait for it to turn up years later in drive-ins. Drive-ins? Wow, it has been a long time. Visit peacocktheater.com.
U-T arts stories you may have missed this week
- Theater review: Old Globe’s engrossing ‘Henry 6’ an eye-popping thriller
- San Diego Music Hall of Fame announces its 2024 inductees
- La Jolla Music Society’s SummerFest 2024 will offer new aural adventures
- La Jolla Playhouse stirs up a storm with ‘Derecho’ world premiere
- The Dish: Food and Wine fest lineup unveiled, new restaurant openings and more
- La Jolla Playhouse-born Idina Menzel musical ‘Redwood’ announces Broadway dates
- Brewery Rowe: Utah’s beer-brewing scene is bubbling up
- Old Globe play gives a female twist to Sherlock Holmes mysteries
- For legendary L.A. punk band X, there’s a final album and tour, but not a farewell
Comic-Con coverage
- For these San Diegans, being a superhero isn’t just a Comic-Con affair. It’s all year long.
- 29 things to do outside Comic-Con without a badge
- Expect more star power at San Diego Comic-Con this year
- Her Universe Fashion Show at Comic-Con will feature 25 contestants competing with ‘geek couture’ designs
- Hot weather will greet the 130,000 people at Comic-Con this week in San Diego
- Comic-Con 2024: 26 things you need to know
- Comic-Con 2024: Here’s your Thursday schedule
- Comic-Con 2024: Here’s your Friday schedule
- Comic-Con 2024: Here’s your Saturday schedule
- Comic-Con 2024: Here’s your Saturday schedule
UCTV
University of California Television (http://www.uctv.tv) invites you to enjoy this special selection of programs from throughout the University of California. Descriptions courtesy of and text written by UCTV staff:
“Revisiting the Classics: ‘When Harry Met Sally’”
Actress Meg Ryan ed Brad Silberling in a delightful conversation exploring the enduring appeal of the classic romantic comedy “When Harry Met Sally.” Ryan shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes, including the collaborative environment fostered by director Rob Reiner and the spontaneous creation of the famous deli scene. Silberling highlights the brilliance of Nora Ephron’s screenplay, which captures the evolving dynamics of male-female friendships and its question of whether men and women can truly be just friends — a question that continues to resonate with audiences today. Their discussion offers a rich exploration of the film’s legacy and the elements that make it a beloved favorite.
“Cops, Capitalism and the War on Black Life”
Robin D. G. Kelley, distinguished professor at UCLA, explores how police in the modern era, along with state and corporate entities, have become tools for generating profit and power. Kelley argues that police actions not only take lives but also make life harder for the communities they control, especially Black communities. This increase in police power has weakened democracy and strengthened oppressive systems. However, Kelley highlights that these communities are fighting back by organizing for a better future without oppression, exploitation, war, poverty, prisons, police and harmful economic systems, aiming for a world of true equality and justice.
“Before and After Lucy: The State of Knowledge on Human Origins”
The discovery of Lucy 50 years ago marked a transformative moment in paleoanthropology, greatly impacting our understanding of human origins. In this program, Donald Johanson discusses Lucy’s legacy and how her discovery provides a benchmark to contrast what we knew in 1974 with what we know in 2024. Entering the field in 1970, Johanson has championed a collaborative, multinational, and transdisciplinary approach. This method, combined with new theoretical and technical innovations, has enriched our understanding of human origins in both Africa and Eurasia. Today, research offers better insights into the environments our ancestors lived in and how they survived. Johanson’s integrated approach, highlighted by the discovery of Lucy, is crucial for expanding our understanding of human ancestry.
And finally, top weekend events
The best things to do this weekend in San Diego: July 26-28.
David L. Coddon is a freelance writer.
