What is it like to travel the world as a blind person navigating different cultures, traditions and transportation systems? That’s what Dr. Mona Minkara explores in her travel documentary series, “Planes, Trains and Canes.”
After losing her sight, Minkara came to believe that vision is more than sight. And her vision has been to reimagine the travel show by highlighting stories of people who have disabilities. Today on The Culture Show, Minkara joins host Jared Bowen to talk about her travel experiences ahead of Vinfen's 17th Annual Film Festival, which sets out to platform the work of disabled filmmakers. The festival, which will show "Planes, Trains and Canes," sets out each year to challenge barriers and stigmas surrounding mental health conditions and disabilities.
From there playwright Ronán Noone joins The Culture Show to share how the other half lives — or rather works, sweats and toils to achieve the American dream. In his play “Thirst,” he takes us into the room where Eugene O'Neill's “Long Day’s Journey Into Night,” didn’t happen, focusing on the hired help servicing the Tyrone Family. Noone examines the Irish-immigrant experience, the perils of family loyalties and the push and pull of despair and hope. "Thirst" is onstage at the Lyric Stage Company through March 17th.
Finally, Grammy-award winning trumpeter, keyboardist, composer and essayist Nicholas Payton previews his upcoming performance at Scullers Jazz Club.
It's all on The Culture Show — listen to the full episode above!
