Staff Picks No. 32
Tiny Conversation Hearts: Lina Azalea Dahbour, Alexa West, Dominica Greene, Emily Kessler, Nyhne, Holy People
Issue Project Room
Friday, February 9th 2024
Lina Azalea Dahbour curates an evening of sound, dance, uncertainty, and wild trust at Issue Project Room. Dahbour has tasked movement artists Dominica Greene and Emily Kessler, and soundmakers Nyhne and Holy People, to create, in isolation, new works in response to a score by Alexa West. No one knows what the others are doing, at all. We’ll all find out, as they perform together in two pairs, an experiment in unfastened collaboration. Come through!
Staffer: Joshua Dumas
On Set with Theda Bara: Joey Merlo
The Brick Theater
February 6th - March 9th 2024
I caught this last year when it was a part of the Exponential Festival and I am so glad it's coming back because I have been telling people about it nonstop. I mean, it's a trippy, beautiful one-person show that turns inwards on identity. Add to it a phenomenal set and a performance (by David Greenspan, king) that blew my mind. What more could you ask for !!! Catch it before tickets sell out!
Staffer: hillary gao
Look at Mr. Joseph Merlo himself! Back in town for this BIG RETURN with Theda Bara! I read it when we were at Brooklyn College. Saw it during last year's premiere. And, now I get to see it's rebirth and I am so so so excited to see Joey's whimsy and wonder brought to life by David Greenspan once again.
Staffer: Marissa Joyce Stamps
V E S S E L // F E R M E N T archive alchemy (make it a prayer): Yves B. Golden & Myssi Robinson, curated by Seta Morton
Pageant
February 15th - February 16th 2024
Seta has been curating and writing about dance and performance for years. Her hands have shaped the field through her role at Danspace and beyond. I am thrilled to see more from her in the Beyond(TM) arena with this event. Also ..... Myssi forever. Sure to be a beautiful night, some impt details below:
A multi-sensory wayward archive of encounters. All for the memory and miracle of being Black, present and surviving.
On Feb 15th, all are invited to gather in a night of shared envisioning, craft and creative labor to build an environment to support an exclusively Black gathering that will follow on the 16th.
On Feb 16th, Black community will be held within an installation designed for remembering, reflection and nourishment.
Staffer: Lena Engelstein
Lula 19/85 & the Pearl of the Bekaa: Rawya El Chab
La MaMa
February 8th - February 11th 2024
Rawya El Chab doing sci-fi dystopian ASMR? Yep.
I have become a fan of Rawya from seeing her in the pieces of so many other artists and from hanging out late after shows and from cackling in the face of monstrosity. She is one of those artists that you experience and then you never miss another thing they do. I have had my ticket for a long time and the show is this weekend, so you should get yours.
Staffer: Theresa Buchheister
Crawl Space Fundraiser Party: Mya Ison (Playwright), Nola Latty (Director)
Mood Ring
Friday, February 19th 2024
I do like me a party. I do like me Black artists. I do like me going to parties supporting Black artists so they can do their work AS THEY SHOULD! This is a fundraising party for Mya Ison's new play, CRAWL SPACE, which is being directed by Nola Latty! Pull up for a night of music, poetry, and delicious vibes.
Staffer: Marissa Joyce Stamps
METCH = Music, Exhibition, Texts, and Choreography: Ivo Dimchev
La MaMa
February 15th - February 25th 2024
I'm trying not to read too much promotional material about the show, but go to this show if you want to be shocked, laugh uncomfortably, and have some Performance Art 501 level thinking. Desi Stop & Deli is also a great spot for a cheap eat before or after the show.
Staffer: Travis Amiel
Munich Medea: Happy Family: Corinne Jaber, Lee Sunday Evans
WP Theater
January 30th - February 25th 2024
Crystal Finn and Heather Raffo as childhood friends reunited? Sign me UP. That partnership, along with a WP and PlayCo co-pro, get me excited about good things coming together.
Staffer: Billy McEntee