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The director of Russia's Bolshoi theater defends a decision to fire a popular ballerina. Her employer says Anastasia Volochkova was [too tall -- and at 109 pounds, too heavy -- to perform.] NPR's Lawrence Sheets reports.

The lap steel guitar, operated by sliding a steel bar along steel strings, is both an instrument and a style of playing. A new CD, Legends of the Incredible Lap Steel Guitar, explores the wide variety of musical traditions -- from Hawaiian to Western Swing -- that have evolved around the lap steel. NPR's Melissa Block talks with Cindy Cashdollar, an artist featured on the CD.

The new novel The Great Fire is the first work of fiction from Australian expatriate Shirley Hazzard since 1980. The story is set in Japan just after the end of World War II. Alan Cheuse has a review.

In the 1980s, Vusi Mahlasela was a voice of the revolution in South Africa. His music gave expression to the political ideals of the anti-apartheid movement. Now he's beginning to tell South Africa's story on a global stage. NPR's Gemma Hooley profiles Mahlasela.

The new HBO program K Street seeks to tell the story of Washington lobbyists and politicians. Produced with just a few days turnaround time, it is based on people and events in the week's news. NPR's Lynn Neary reports.

Canada's film industry struggles for success -- and seeks its own spotlight in the shadow of Hollywood. Canadian films account for just one percent of box office totals in Canada. A new campaign seeks to raise that to at least five percent. David D'Arcy reports.

The CD The Soul Sessions is making a major impression on the music world. The singer is Joss Stone -- white, British and just 16 years old. Stone's mentor and producer is African-American soul legend Betty Wright. Hear Stone, Wright and NPR's Scott Simon.

Entertainer Sheb Wooley, best known for his 1958 hit song "Purple People Eaters," dies from complications from leukemia. He was 82. Wooley also had a successful acting career that included roles in such films as High Noon and Giant. All Things Considered has a remembrance.

The daughter of acclaimed director Francis Ford Coppola, Sofia Coppola made her directorial debut with the well received Virgin Suicides. Her new movie, Lost in Translation, which features Bill Murray as a TV star struggling to find himself, is already generating Oscar talk. NPR's Bob Mondello has a review.

Joss Stone is 16, blond and British, but critics say she sings like a southern soul veteran. For her first CD, The Soul Sessions, she recorded with American R&B players in Miami. Jim Fusilli offers a review.