The popular fascination with Robert Moses, "master builder of New York" and one of the most prominent figures in planning history, continues.
A new play by Sir David Hare, titled "Straight Line Crazy," opened at the Bridge Theatre in London on March 23. The play stars Ralph Fiennes as Robert Moses—the so-called "master builder" of New York, one of Planetizen's "Most Influential Urbanists" of all time, and the subject of Robert Caro's tour de force biographical tome, The Power Broker.
In roughly the past decade, Moses has been the subject of a movie, a musical, an opera, and multiple video games, not to mention political speeches and a failed HBO movie directed by Oliver Stone.
So now it's time for a plan, and the reviews for "Straight Line Crazy" are in. We've collected some of the links to stories about the new play and Robert Moses's unparalleled ability to inspire artists of many genres well past his death.
- Straight Line Crazy review – Ralph Fiennes enthrals as the man who shaped New York (The Guardian, March 23)
- ‘Straight Line Crazy’ Review: Ralph Fiennes Plays Robert Moses in David Hare’s Talky New Play (Variety, March 25)
- How Robert Moses, a master urban planner, reshaped New York (The Economist, March 24)
- Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs Go to London (The New Yorker, March 26)
FULL STORY: Ralph Fiennes Leads World Premiere of Straight Line Crazy, Opening March 23 at London's The Bridge
Robert Moses Inspires 'Motherless Brooklyn'
A new movie starring Edward Norton, based on the novel of the same name by Lionel Essrog, gives a central role to a Robert Moses doppelgänger, as portrayed by Alec Baldwin.
New York Poised to Become a Biking City
Could the pandemic be a tipping point for a century of car-centric planning in New York City's to give way to a more bike-friendly city?
Revisiting the Legacy of Robert Moses
A visit from the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to see Robert Caro, author of "The Power Broker," provides a refresher on the works of Robert Moses and Caro's writing.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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