GAL APPROVED! KOP on Broadway. Metaverse’s Tercera Cultura From Miami Art Week. Tattoo Artist muralist Debbi Snax on Sailor Jerry Podcast

By The DivaGals | December 2, 2022 | Entertainment, Gal Approved

Luna-in-KPOP_photo-by-Matthew-Murphy-Evan-Zimmerman

KPOP Explained on Broadway

The phenomenon known as K-pop may be a mystery to anyone over 25, so the new musical KPOP the musical is a great way to get a crash course. It revolves around three stories: RTMIS, a K-pop girl group about to make their American debut and fearing anything that could derail it; F8, the K-pop boy band whose Korean members are upset over the group’s newest addition, a Koren American who doesn’t really speak their language. Then there’s MwE, played by real-life K-pop megastar Luna, who shows us the grittier side of reaching the pinnacle of K-pop status, like working countless hours to achieve perfection starting at age 9, and the sacrifices that must be made to stay on top.

_The-cast-of-KPOP_photo-by-Matthew-Murphy-Evan-Zimmerman

While the stories get a little monotone, the singing and dancing in KPOP is absolutely fantastic: a bright, bubbly sparkling composition of precise dance moves, perfectly pitched notes and exquisite costuming. The large ensemble cast brings the spirit of K-pop alive, showing us just how much work goes into making these groups shine.

KPOP, now playing at Circle in the Square Theatre in New York City. Get tickets.

Jump into the Metaverse

Metaverse Culture Series: Tercera Cultura META

Miami Art Week is in full force, and Meta has gotten into the action. It’s launching the fifth installment of the Metaverse Culture Series: Tercera Cultura (Third Culture), exploring Latinx culture, identity and equity in the metaverse. For the experience, Meta partnered with next-gen multimedia artist COVLn (D’ana Nunez) to create “Nuevo Norte” (New North), a mixed-reality installation that can be experienced in VR in Meta Horizon Worlds. It premiered as a 2D mural & an AR extension on the ground at Art Basel Miami on December 1 inside the Meta House. A companion docu short featuring several Latinx culture shifters exploring identity, authentic expression and equity is featured, which includes Jillian Mercado, a physically challenged model; activist Sara Mora; sprinter and social media influencer Tori Ortiz; and photographer Juan Veloz. Watch the short below.

Get Tatted

Atlanta-based tattoo artist and muralist Debbi Snax is on the Sailor Jerry Podcast, a bi-weekly show hosted by punk legend Matt Caughthran. As one of the few Black artists in a predominantly white space, she shares the influence of her family on her work and finding her way in the industry.

photo credits: KPOP: The Musical Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman, Meta, Sailor Jerry Podcast