Staff Picks No. 5
Drunk Shakespeare
The Ruby Theater
Okay, go with me: this show is just a lot of fun. I went on a Sunday night (a Sunday night!) and got roasted, got tipsy, and got...into Shakespeare for the first time since Mrs. Florio in tenth grade said she says, "Sweets to the sweet" to her trick-or-treaters. (It's what Gertrude says at Ophelia's grave, obvs.) The highlight is watching tourists — and the whip-smart, playful cast — genuinely enjoying themselves while including us in the fun.
Staffer: Billy McEntee
OFF WE GO (Поехали!): Rueven Glezer and Rachel Ackerman
The Tank
Sunday, August 6th
This is a prime example of a show that is happening once and I hope it happens so well that it happens again, since I cannot make it this Sunday. So, I want everyone to go and support and will it into further existence! I feel like outer space is right up there with cult stuff and ghost stuff for me. I will be immediately interested if those things are mentioned and then hope that the interest evolves into fandom of the art and artist. It does not always end up that way, but my gut says this one will be a goodie!
Staffer: Theresa Buchheister
Jordan Show: Jordan Coley, Maya Binyam, Abhi Janamanchi, Chanel Beads
Life World
Sunday, August 6th
Self-described as a late night talk show experience. Don't ask yourself so many questions. Don't feel the need to justify your behavior with information. Just go. It's at Life World. It will be fun.
Staffer: Lena Engelstein
"art for human sake": Max Mooney, Jordan Powell, WESHHH, A. Plancher
The Wild Project
Friday, August 18th
Woo! Fundraising! Art! And multiple mediums being expressed at the same time! I have a sweet spot in my soul for events that have multiple shows across different mediums. It makes me feel like my head is a kaleidoscope when I walk out, and all the different thoughts are colliding upon one another.
Staffer: kanishk pandey
Stop Making Sense Dance Party: Romeo Alfa DJ
Wonderville
Saturday, August 12th
*taps wrist with fervor* hello A24, when is the Stop Making Sense 4K restoration being released??!?! In the meantime, Wonderville—the coolest arcade in Brooklyn—is screening the documentary twice, with a new wave-y club set in between.
Staffer: Travis Amiel
Julia Bryan-Wilson on Louise Nevelson: Julia Bryan-Wilson, Bridget R. Cooks, and Trevor Paglen, with Hannah Treasure; Louise Nevelson
The Brooklyn Rail (online)
Thursday, August 3rd 2023
I’m on the road this week so my pick is a zoomo. On Thurs Aug 3 at 1pm EDT, The Brooklyn Rail is hosting an online conversation with brilliant art historian Julia Bryan-Wilson about her gorgeous new book(s) on Louise Nevelson. In a recent interview, Bryan-Wilson poignantly notes: “I realized that what I had been doing all along was thinking with and through wood.” Tune in!
Staffer: Joshua Dumas
CRAVE: Stairwell Theater
La Mama Shares
Thursday, August 3rd - Sunday August 13th
Sometimes you go to the work. Sometimes the work comes to you. This show was thrust in front of me and I whole--heartedly accepted it. I was in at "radically stripped down and physically volatile". The description mentions "eddies of desire", which aptly describes my last two weeks. So I will definitely be swirling around in the audience of that show. I hope you will too.
Staffer: Lena Engelstein
NO ONLY: Lane Dombois, Fernando Gonzalez, Leonie Bell and Nic Adams
Governor’s Island
Wednesday, August 9th - Sunday, August 20th
A journey, an album release, a little time to turn inward and expand my emotional landscape... I am there for it.
Staffer: Theresa Buchheister
Watch This!: Heather Dutton
HERE
Wednesday, August 9th - Thursday, August 10th
I was captivated by the video preview of this piece on Heather Dutton's website: performers co-wearing a gigantic shirt, popping in and out of sleeves and holes forming impossible, grotesque but silly body shapes.
Staffer: Travis Amiel
The Fool Volk: The Fool Volk
La Mama Galleria
Friday, August 4th
The Fool Volk is a collective run by my friend Harris Singer and I really think the Volk is doing something special—in residence at La Mama Galleria, making site-responsive work and presented in a variety format. Go go go!
Staffer: Laia Comas