Here’s what’s making us happy this week.

The article highlights how the Lit Hub staff is embracing art forms tied to specific times, such as live theatre and film festivals, rather than traditional reading. October is described as a month that encourages appreciation for experiences that are best enjoyed in the moment, like a play in a theatre or a film screening. This shift reflects a broader cultural trend toward valuing live, communal artistic experiences over solitary, time-flexible ones like books. The staff's choices emphasize the unique energy and immediacy of these formats, which are often enhanced by shared settings like a warm theatre or a bustling film festival.

James Folta enjoyed a new play titled ANON: A Tempest at Our Kitchen Table, written by Anne Washburn, a noted dramatist known for her unconventional and thought-provoking works. The play explores the cultural divisions between two Texas households, framing their differences as a modern culture war. Washburn is recognized for her sharp dialogue and surreal staging techniques, which create an immersive and often unsettling experience for audiences. The play is directed by Anne Kauffman, and features standout performances by Crystal Finn and Izabel Mar. It is currently running off-Broadway at the MCC Theater until November 1, 2026.

Dan Sheehan plans to attend a production of Eugene O'Neill's A Moon for the Misbegotten as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival. This classic play follows an immigrant Irish family adapting to rural life in Connecticut and is known for its length, running over three hours. Sheehan expresses concern about falling asleep during the performance but acknowledges the reputation of Garry Hynes, the director from Ireland's Druid Theatre, for bringing dynamic energy to productions. The festival, which runs in Dublin, is a major cultural event showcasing theatre from Ireland and beyond.

Molly Odintz is celebrating the Jewish holiday Simchat Torah by listening to the song Simkhes-Toyre by the Klezmatics, a band known for blending traditional Jewish music with modern influences. The song is described as energetic and nostalgic, evoking strong memories for Odintz. Simchat Torah is a Jewish holiday that marks the completion of the annual cycle of reading the Torah, often celebrated with music, dancing, and joyful gatherings. The Klezmatics, formed in the 1980s, are celebrated for reviving and reimagining klezmer music, a traditional Jewish musical genre.

Brittany Allen attended several screenings at the New York Film Festival, an annual event held at Lincoln Center in New York City. The festival features hundreds of films and attracts film enthusiasts who often have strong opinions about genres, directors, or cinematic movements like the Criterion Collection (a curated selection of classic and contemporary films) or the Korean New Wave (a movement in Korean cinema known for its innovative storytelling). Allen highlights three films that emphasize human connection and grace: Once Upon a Time in Harlem, a documentary about a historic cultural salon; Tender Loving Care by Mike Leigh, which focuses on acts of care in relationships; and Possible Love by Lee Chang-Dong, which combines social critique with deeply human performances.