The Washington Times

Get Out: ‘The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs’

Get Out/Mike Riggs

Pick of the Pack

Theater: ‘The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs‘ by Mike Daisey

Mike Daisey’s reputation as a monologing reporter — or reporting monologist — took a major hit this year when it was discovered he had fabricated elements of his much-heralded show, “The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs.” The lengthy one-man piece about working conditions at Foxconn, the Chinese factories where Apple products are made, was revealing, enraging and filled with mistruths. Mr. Daisey took a beating when his translator contradicted the most incensing scenes in his piece, and he has since edited them out, turning his public excoriation into part of the show. To some people, the fibs aren’t the biggest problems with Mr. Daisey’s piece, but rather the underlying assumption that global capitalism is a raw deal for the working class. While Chinese peasants clearly disagree, Mr. Daisey’s show is nevertheless a fascinating and entertaining piece of theater.

Through Aug. 5 at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW

Phone: 202/289-2443

Enlarge Photo

Puppeteer Matthias Kutcha’s adaptation of “The Wolf and the Seven Little Goats” ... more >

Web: www.woollymammoth.net

Puppetry: Brothers Grimm

Children raised on Dora the Explorer and the Wiggles likely haven’t had much exposure to the Brothers Grimm. The 19th-century German anthropologists collected folklore from across their native land and compiled them in “Children’s and Household Tales,” a collection of harrowing stories about what happens to naughty, greedy and naive children. Many of the tales are downright terrifying and bizarre, and Americans no longer consider them good bedtime fodder. They nevertheless are compelling fables, and a good warning for children about the dangers of letting their appetites override their better judgment. Like his German predecessors, puppeteer Matthias Kutcha is a big believer in being real with kids. His puppet adaptation of “The Wolf and the Seven Little Goats,” in which a wolf deceives and then eats a gaggle of kids, is a lighthearted advisory against opening the door to strangers when mom is away.

Through Saturday at Wolf Trap, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, Va.

Phone: 703/255-1851

Web: www.wolftrap.org

For Kids: Strathmore Art Camp

Despite record heat and widespread power outages, Washington has survived July — barely. But that still leaves another month or so before area youngsters go back to school. For parents at the end of their rope: Fear not, camp season is still going strong. If yours is an “indoor kid” (thank you, “Wet Hot American Summer,” for recognizing those of us who would rather read and craft than swim and shoot), Strathmore has you covered. While Session I, which runs from Monday through Friday, is already sold out, Session II, which runs from Aug. 6 through Aug. 10, still has slots. And trust us: Now is the time to buy. Painter Rosanna Azar teaches crafting and painting, as well as the principles of green architecture (a resume booster if ever there was one).

Through Aug. 10 at the Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, Md.

Phone: 301/581-5200

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