This week, we’re trading in the familiar narratives for some new, previously-unheard ones: a plus-sized coming-of-age story, a pair of young poets of color and a lost classic of black female film making. Plus, a tribute to the late Dick Dale and a new weekly segment, replete with ideas for how to spend your weekend.
In the new Hulu series "Shrill," aspiring journalist Annie works to question and unlearn the toxic attitudes that others have imposed upon her body. Based on Lindy West's memoir, the show is a celebration of self-love.
Allyson Riggs / 2018 Hulu
Lindy West’s Memoir “Shrill” Adapted for Hulu - 1:30
The latest addition to the list of popular TV series made and set in Portland has arrived. "Shrill" centers on Annie (played by Aidy Bryant of "Saturday Night Live"), an aspiring young writer who happens to be fat. Annie is more interested in raising her game — both personally and professionally — than in conforming to others' ideas about her size. Based on writer Lindy West's memoir, "Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman," the show deals with some tough topics, but it's undeniably funny and poignant, and already generating considerable buzz. We spoke with Lindy West and producer Ali Rushfield back in the fall, as the show wrapped up filming. "Shrill" is now streaming on Hulu.
A Fond Farewell to Dick Dale - 11:45
The godfather of surf rock, Dick Dale, passed away on March 16 at the age of 81. Dale built his career on innovation, drawing upon a wide range of influences, both old and new. His most iconic track (and perhaps the best representation of his genre-fusing skills) is "Miserlou," a revamped and rocked-out version of a famous Greek folk song. Culling inspiration from his Lebanese heritage, Southern California's surf scene, and the rise of rock n' roll, Dale adapted and modernized each of them to create a genre — and a culture — of his own.
Tommy Pico (left) and Morgan Parker (right) onstage at Wordstock 2017.
Nick Hennessy / OPB
Morgan Parker and Tommy Pico Talk Poetry and Power - 17:15
Fair warning, folks – starting next Wednesday, Portland will be overrun with book nerds. The Association of Writers & Writing Programs is holding its annual conference at the Oregon Convention Center, bringing hordes of writers, editors and publishers to the city. Two electrifying young poets will be among them: Morgan Parker, who just released a new collection of work, "Magical Negro," and Tommy Pico, whose fourth collection, "Feed" is coming later this year. We spoke with them at the 2017 Portland Book Festival. You can see Pico and Parker reading their poetry at Tin House Books' AWP party on March 30. Tickets are available here.
Kathleen Collins' 1982 film, "Losing Ground" was one of the first dramatic features directed by an African American woman. It was Collins' last film before she died of breast cancer.
Courtesy of Milestone Film and Video
Black Filmmaker Kathleen Collins Gets Her Due - 33:30
From March 27-31, the Portland Oregon Women's Film Festival will pay tribute to the female innovators of cinema. This year, one of the festival's major draws is a rare screening of Kathleen Collins' "Losing Ground" (1982) on March 30. Collins was one of the first African American women to direct a feature film, and "Losing Ground" was her last. It centers on the lives of black intellectuals and artists as they work to reconcile their emotional and professional desires. We spoke with Collins' daughter, Nina, who will attend the screening and participate in a Q&A afterward; she's also got a creative project of her own, called The Woolfer. Tickets to "Losing Ground" are available here.
For Your Consideration - 44:40
Looking for something artsy to do this week? We've got you covered.
- Spoiler Room presents Mary Sutton and DJ Maxx Bass. March 24, 5-7 pm at Oaks Park (Portland).
- Closing ceremony of Intisar Abioto's photo exhibit, "Black Legend: Black Oregon" with dance performance by Akela Jaffi. March 29, 3 pm at The Governor's Office in the Capitol Building (Salem).
- Portland Opera presents "As One." March 22-30, Newmark Theatre (Portland).
- Tin House's 20th Anniversary Celebration. March 28, 8 pm at Holocene (Portland).
Music Heard On 'State Of Wonder'
A Spotify playlist to share all the music we feature on our show and anything else that inspires us while we’re making it.