1:00 PM: Thursdays
Bookwaves/Artwaves presents in-depth interviews with authors of fiction and narrative non-fiction, delving deeply into political and social issues, literary technique, and the life of the author, along with interviews devoted to theatre and film, and archive interviews from Bookwaves and Probabilities. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
Joseph Heller, author of “Catch-22” and its sequel, “Closing Time,” in conversation with Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff, recorded in San Francisco on October 17, 1994. In this interview, never before aired in its entirety, Heller talks about both books, the film based on “Catch-22” and some of the themes of his works. Also, reviews of “Parade” at the Orpheum Theatre through June 8, 2025, and “Pacific Overtures” at Brava Theater Center through June 15th. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
J.K. Fowler, Executive Director of the Bay Area Book Festival discusses the festival’s line-up and his own involvement in the process. Legendary folk singer and artist Joan Baez talks about her career and her most recent book. Plus reviews of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” at San Francisco Playhouse and “Yellow Face” at Shotgun Players Ashby Stage. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
Today’s episode of Bookwaves/Artwaves is preempted by special programming for KPFA’s 2025 Spring Fund Drive. Mitch Jeserich reads excerpts from the classic writings The Way of Chuang Tzu, translated by Thomas Merton. Thomas Merton composed a series of his own versions of the classic sayings of Chuang Tzu, the most spiritual of Chinese philosophers. Chuang … Continued
Today’s episode of Bookwaves/Artwaves is preempted by special programming for KPFA’s 2025 Spring Fund Drive. Mitch Jeserich speaks with historian and author William Dalrymple about his book The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World. His earlier books include The Anarchy: The East India Company, Corporate Violence, and the Pillage of an Empire. To … Continued
Walter Mosley in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded March 5, 2025 discussing his two most recent novels, “Been Wrong So Long It Looks Like Right,” a Joe King Oliver novel, and “Farewell, Amethystine,” an Easy Rawlins novel. Today, Walter Mosley is one of America’s leading authors. He is best known for his series of mystery … Continued
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive: PFA Associate Curator Kate MacKay discusses a retrospective of films directed by John Cassavetes featuring Gena Rowlands, which runs from May 2 – May 14. Senior Curator Susan Oxtoby discusses the life and films of director Agnes Varda. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
A discussion about the 1971 film “Bushman,” now restored and available for free viewing on the two public library apps. Plus, unaired excerpts from a 2003 interview with the late actor Richard Chamberlain. Also: A review of “Two Trains Running” at ACT’s Toni Rembe Theatre through June 4, 2025. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
Composer/lyricist William Finn (1951-April 7, 2025) and James Lapine discuss their show “Falsettos” and their careers in this 2019 interview. Martin Amis (1949-2023) examines the lives of concentration camp guards and families during World War II in his novel “The Zone of Interest.” Also, a review of “Here There Are Butterflies” at Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theatre through May 11, 2025. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky (photos of William Finn and James Lapine).
David Thomson, film critic and historian, discusses his latest book, “The Fatal Alliance: A Century of War on Film” with host Richard Wolinsky. Author of over forty books, most of which deal with film and film history, David Thomson here discusses how movies have influenced how our society sees and understands war. Photo from”1917″ courtesy Pacific Film Archive. Also: Review of “The Heart Sellers” at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley and “Eddie Izzard Hamlet” at ACT Strand.
Richard Chamberlain (1934-2025), who died on March 29, 2025, talks about his memoir, “Shattered Love,” and coming out of the closet in this interview recorded June 10, 2003.
Michael Socrates Moran, Executive and Co-Artistic Director of Oakland Theater Project talks about his career as a director, the history of the theatre company, and the upcoming season.
Also: A review of “Fat Ham” at San Francisco Playhouse through April 19, 2025.
Hosted by Richard Wolinsky.
