Not sure why this news hasn't rocked the Theatersphere, but it was recently announced that Brooklyn-based playwright Sheila Callaghan is one of ten emerging writers to be honored with this year's Whiting Award. If there's a single writer out there who deserves the recognition and a check for $50,000, it's her. Sheila was also kind enough to let me read her incredible new screenplay, Fish Bites Fish's Tail, one of the best I've ever read, which was a finalist in this year's Nicholl's Screenwriting competition. Look here in the future for an interview with Sheila on writing for the screen!

In other news I'm thrilled about, Yep Roc Records has re-released the first three post-Soft Boys albums of indie-rock iconoclast Robyn Hitchcock, in the box set I Wanna Go Backwards. Also available separately, Black Snake Diamond Role is an atmospheric pop-rock gem, with Robyn backed by members of the Vibrators, The Psychedelic Furs, and Thomas Dolby. I Often Dream of Trains and Eye are dark and acoustic, reminiscent of Plastic Ono Band and perfect listening for the approaching darkness of fall.

"Like books, records deserve to be in print. But Graham Greene didn't have to keep coming up with bonus tracks each time they reprinted Brighton Rock." -- Robyn Hitchcock