Delaware State of the Arts Podcast

Kathak is more than movement. Rooted in rhythm, mathematics, storytelling, and expressive gesture, this centuries-old Indian classical dance form carries cultural traditions from one generation to the next.

In this episode of Delaware State of the Arts, host Andy Truscott speaks with Ananya Goswami, an award-winning Kathak artist, choreographer, educator, visual artist, and founder and artistic director of Srishti – The Kathak...

Delaware Shakespeare is known for bringing live theater to audiences under the stars at Rockwood Park—but its work reaches far beyond the traditional stage.

In this episode of Delaware State of the Arts, host Andy Truscott speaks with Mariah Ghant, Producing Artistic Director of Delaware Shakespeare, about the company’s statewide Community Tour. Each year, DelShakes brings intimate, professional performances into librari...

What if a story about addiction was fast, funny, and fiercely compassionate—and left you more connected than when you walked in? We sat down with New Light Theatre’s artistic director Lena Mucchetti, co-directors Allison Heishman and Charlie DelMarcelle, and actor Owen Corey to unpack The White Chip, Sean Daniels’ candid, high-velocity play about substance use disorder and the hard-won road to recovery.

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A diner outside Richmond. A napkin. And a flash of inspiration that turned into a global invitation to write. We sit down with author and ghostwriter John Riddle to unpack how I Love to Write Day began, why it stuck, and what keeps it thriving twenty-plus years later. From a long drive to a Writers Digest interview to an unexpected USA Today spotlight, John walks us through the turning points that helped a simple idea become a move...

 In celebration of the 125th anniversary of Arden’s founding, the Arden Artisans Collective presents A Living Legacy, a two-part exhibition series that honors the vibrant, ongoing tradition of creativity in the Ardens. Featuring the work of past and present artists from this unique Arts and Crafts community, the exhibitions span generations and mediums—offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience the unbroken...

What does it feel like when time slips away and creativity flows effortlessly? For Gina Wilson, this unexpected state of "flow" during writing became the bridge between her established career as an executive coach and her emerging identity as a novelist. 

Wilson brings a unique perspective to her writing, grounded in her Master's degree in Cognitive Psychology and years of helping leaders overcome burnout and self-doubt...

Storytelling has the power to transcend barriers, even prison walls. Meet Cassandra Lewis, an award-winning writer whose creative journey illuminates how literature can build bridges where society often constructs divides.

When Lewis began mentoring through PEN America's Prison and Justice Writing Program, she expected to guide an incarcerated writer. What emerged instead was a profound partnership with Geneva Phillips, an a...

What does it mean to be fearless? To be American? To pursue your dreams against all odds? These questions lie at the heart of "Fearless," a groundbreaking new opera by composer Derrick Wang that tells the extraordinary true story of Hazel Ying Lee, one of the few Chinese-American women to serve as a pilot during World War II.

Derrick Wang, known for his critically acclaimed opera "Scalia-Ginsburg" about the unlikely friendsh...

Unlock the cultural richness and transformative power of art with Estefania, the dynamic new executive director of the Hispanic American Association of Delaware (HAD). Estefania shares her compelling vision of empowering Latino families through art and culture, revealing the heartbeat of community programs that celebrate heritage and foster belonging. From the vibrant Folkloric Ballet that educates and entertains with traditional M...

Ready to be inspired by the literary world? Join us for an engaging conversation with Tanerra Willis, the powerhouse author and visionary behind The Amazing Corner. Tanerra shares her journey to becoming a beacon of empowerment for self-published authors, especially women and teens. Discover how her online bookstore and community hub are breaking down traditional publishing barriers, all while promoting diverse literature and encou...

Discover the fascinating tapestry of Delaware's history and culture with our special guest, Laura Earls, the director of Read House and Gardens. Laura's passion for museums and local history is infectious as she takes us on a journey through Delaware's rich past. From exploring the architectural gems of the Reed House to uncovering its connections to Declaration of Independence signer George Read, Laura provides a captivating look ...

Unlock the future of ballet in Delaware with our special guest, Joan Beatson, from  First State Ballet Theatre. Learn how Delaware's only professional ballet company is revolutionizing the local arts scene, with their academy ranking in the top 5% of U.S. Ballet Academies. Discover the magic behind their intimate "Up Front on Market" series, offering a unique close-up experience for both dancers and audiences, and get an insid...

What happens when a state representative doubles as a stand-up comedian? Meet Representative Madinah Wilson-Anton, who took the unconventional path from Delaware's 26th District to the halls of the state legislature, with a side gig in the comedy clubs. Initially inspired by her comedian uncle and Saturday Night Live, Madinah's career took a sharp turn during a revealing internship at the Delaware State House, steering her from int...

Have you ever wondered how one can transition from a taxing job at a student loan company to becoming a celebrated fiction writer and filmmaker? Join us as we sit down with Jon McConnell, whose journey from computer engineering to creative writing is nothing short of inspiring. Jon sheds light on his initial struggles and how his acceptance into Emerson College's MFA program became a turning point in his life. You'll learn how this...

When Fred and Cora Reed opened their hearts to the children of Wilmington, they sparked a revolution with Reed's Refuge Center, and their story is one that will inspire and uplift you. Their dedication has created a sanctuary where music, education, and comprehensive support blend into a harmonious symphony of hope for at-risk youth. In our intimate conversation, we uncover the depths of their passion, discussing how the center's g...

Get ready to transport yourself to the vibrant performing arts scene of Southern Delaware with our special guests, David Button, the Artistic Director and Stephanie Hudson-Whitcomb, the Director of Development and Outreach at Clear Space Theatre Company. They'll take you behind the scenes of their inspiring journey and the intriguing story behind the theater's unique name, pulling back the curtain on some of their exciting shows li...

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of choral music as we sit down with David Christopher, the Founder and Artistic Director of Delaware ChoralArts. This is a fascinating journey into the heart of an organization that's not just about music, but about building community and nurturing talents in Wilmington and beyond. Listen closely as David shares the unique dynamics of a chorus that can expand and contract depending on the p...

Prepare to be captivated as we delve into the enchanting world of opera with the Wilmington Concert Opera. We explore their upcoming performance of Hansel und Gretel, a German opera that's rarely seen on stage but holds a wealth of beauty and emotion. Attendees of the family-friendly performance on November 12th are in for a treat with crafts, snacks, and a gingerbread house building activity. We also delve into the significant ben...

Join us as we highlight our remarkable guest - Jill Althouse-Wood, an emerging DDOA fellow in the world of visual arts, whose work is heavily influenced by the culture of Arden, Delaware and the serene landscapes of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Jill shares her artistic evolution, from gilded abstract forestscapes to the forest as a symbol of mystery and transformation, and how she's managed to keep her creativity alive in the ch...