Category: New York City

Meet Zoe Aqua & Between the Threads

“Between the Threads, (Jewish Women Project)” directed by Coral Cohen, HERE
Photos by Emily Hewitt. (emilyhewittphotography.com)
Name:  Zoe Aqua
Tell us about you. 
I’m a violinist and composer based in Brooklyn. My specialty is klezmer and Eastern-European music, although I perform in a number of other genres as well.
Tell us about your current project? 
“Between the Threads” is a devised theater piece built from the family stories and musings of 5 Jewish women actors as well as director Coral Cohen. I’m contributing original music using a loop/ effect pedals to build textures with my solo violin. Some parts are influenced by klezmer, some by Mizrachi (Middle Eastern Jewish) music, and other parts are more influenced by minimalist and electronic music. It’s my first time using a loop pedal so that is a fun and exciting thing for me! And the actors are very thoughtful and creative– it has been interesting to see how this piece has come together.
Where are you performing your show and why is it a good fit for your production? 
We’re at HERE Arts Center in Soho, in the smaller theater underground. The space is a good fit because we’re performing an intimate piece based on family histories, some engaging with trauma. It’s powerful to able to see the audience react as they travel with us through the piece.
What’s next for you? 
Working on original music for 2 projects that I co-lead, Tsibele (https://tsibele.bandcamp.com/releases) and Farnakht (https://farnakht.bandcamp.com/releases). Also, I will be performing with amazing dancer/choreographer Joya Powell in the upcoming Estrogenius Festival on March 15 and 16.
What is the name of the last show you saw?
JOAN, at HERE Arts Center! It’s great, I recommend it.
Any advice for your peers?
Keep supportive friends and colleagues close who can help you push push PUSH through the challenge of working as an artist! Because it is a challenge, and artists need networks of support to survive and thrive.

Show Information: 

When: Through Feb 10
Where: HERE Arts Center at145 6th Ave, New York, NY 10013
Tickets:  http://here.org/shows/detail/2038/; /https://www.facebook.com/jewishwomenproject/
by Categories: New York City, TheaterTags: , , , , Leave a comment

Join Ghostlight Project TONIGHT!

IMG_8693.PNGTONIGHT, January 19 at 5:30 PM

On January 19, 2017 at 5:30 pm in each time zone across the country, members of the theatre community (from Broadway to regional theatres to high schools and colleges and community theatres) will gather in front of theatres and art spaces to launch The Ghostlight Project. This collective action will signify an ongoing commitment to social justice in the coming years, taking a variety of forms and actions for individual artists and institutions.

Inspired by the tradition of leaving a “ghost light” on in a darkened theater, artists and communities will make or renew a pledge to stand for and protect the values of inclusion, participation, and compassion for everyone—regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Many of you already serve as models for people newer to community engagement. We need not be uniform, but should be united as a field in championing our values. Continue to work daily/weekly/monthly for social justice in your world.

CLICK HERE to see Ghostlight Project’s website for host theaters around the country.

Here’s an incomplete list of New York City “hubs” you are welcome to join tonight at 5:30pm:

Midtown Manhattan
Times Square (on the red steps) and the ART/New York Theatres, 53rd Street/10th Avenue

Downtown Manhattan
The Public Theater and HERE Arts Center

Uptown Manhattan
The National Black Theatre

Downtown Brooklyn
The steps of the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)

Bushwick, Brooklyn
Bushwick Starr

The Ghostlight Project is: Claudia Alick, Saheem Ali, Daniel Beaty, Alexandra Billings, Sammi Cannold, P. Carl, Rachel Chavkin, Lear deBessonet, Sarah Flamm, Rachel Hauck, David Henry Hwang, Christine Jones, Moisés Kaufman, Mia Katigbak, Jenny Koons, Lisa Kron, Tina Landau, Lorin Latarro, Zhailon Livingston, Rebecca Martinez, Jennifer McGrath, Okieriete Onaodowan, Lisa Peterson, Sam Pinkleton, Clint Ramos, Randy Reyes, Leigh Silverman, Kristyn Smith, Jeanine Tesori, Liesl Tommy, Stephanie Ybarra, David Zinn, and YOU.

For more information and to sign up
to participate, please visit:
http://www.theghostlightproject.com  

 

by Categories: New York City, NYC Theatre, TheaterTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Meet Rob Reese & Ciphered Bridges: A Cipher-Art Performance by Køvvånng

Name: Rob Reese

What is your current project?

Ciphered Bridges: A Cipher-Art Performance by Køvvånng

Where are you performing it and why is it the right fit for your piece?

This goes up at The Idio Gallery in Bushwick, which is a champion gallery and performance space that fosters iconoclastic arts. One doesn’t get any more iconoclastic than Køvvånng!

What’s next for you?

In the spring I’ll be directing “Flash Operas” for Experiments in Opera: six short modern operas adapted from short stories.

Who is your biggest inspiration right at this moment and why?

Køvvånng has dictated that we be directly inspired by Wasily Kandinsky, the architects of Ales Stenar, and Sid Vicious.

Want More?

Website: www.amnesiawars.com

Twitter: @hellorobreese

Køvvånng is an individual and collective conceptual artist based worldwide but currently soul-situated at the mast-point of Ales Stenar on the Kåseberga ridge in Scania. The obfuscation of Køvvånng’s award-winning, critically acclaimed (and frequently derided) identity for this Cipher is intentional and necessary.

The Amnesia Wars Company brings together acclaimed and award winning dancers, musicians, and actors from an amazing array of backgrounds, including veterans of The Wooster Group, Pilobolus Dance, HERE Arts Center, Queen of the Night, Fuerza Bruta, Bombay Rickey, Anti-Social Music, Anthony Braxton’s Orchestra, Opera On Tap, The Second City, The Improv Olympic, Miranda, Yahweh’s Follies, Keanu Reeves Saves the Universe, Einat Amir’s “Our Best Intentions”, and more.

Rob Reese is a New York based Director, Playwright, and Librettist who has made theater throughout the U.S. and in a dozen countries over five continents. Rob’s recnet credits include the theological musical comedy revue Yahweh’s Follies (Ars Nova), Kamala Sankaram’s Chamber Opera Miranda (Here Arts Center) which received the 2012 Innovative Theater Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical, Ray Leudke’s Pocket Opera Viva Pablo Neruda (Voice Afire), The New Zealand remount of Keanu Reeves Saves the Universe (The Basement Theatre) Rob is the Artistic Director of Amnesia Wars Productions and is an inductee of the Indie Theater Hall of Fame.

Show information (venue, dates, ticket info)

Ciphered Bridges
A Cipher Art Performance & Exhibition by Køvvånng

Performances Thursday, Friday, Saturday;
November 17,18,19
General Exhibition and bar open at 7:00pm
Time-Based Performance begins at 8:00pm
Idio Gallery: 976 Grand Street Brooklyn NY 11211

Tickets on sale at amnesiawars.brownpapertickets.com/

For more information visit http://amnesiawars.com

Artist’s discount code: AWFriend

by Categories: Art, New York City, TBB Interviews, TheaterTags: , , Leave a comment

Harvey: Meet Mary Lynch

13624716_10208763929189400_949484974_nName: Mary Lynch

Character: Director of “Harvey”

Why did you want to be a part of this production?
I love theater. It was another chance to be with like-minded people.

What’s next for you?
Finishing my play, “Bollywoodside”

What’s your favorite animal and what is its name?
Cat; Sheeba ( who’s really Heeba, but nobody looked😁)

Mary Lynch loves theater. This explains why she would rather be in basements with actors and crews than on beaches. Mary has worked with Black Henna, TheatreTime, Beari, Attic Ensemble as well as many other theater groups in the metro area. Her favorite roles have been ‘M’Lynn’ ‘Ma’ ‘Elaine’ ‘Blanche’ ‘Mrs. Danvers’ but right now her heart belongs to “Harvey.” Here’s a review: Times Ledger

HARVEY by Mary Chase

Director: Mary Lynch

Producers: Paul Morisi and Stef Morisi

Tickets: $10 General Seating (all tickets sold at the door)

July 14 at 7pm
July 15 at 7pm
July 16 at 7pm
July 17 at 2pm

Location:
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall
70-01 Kessel Street Forest Hills, NY 11375
PLEASE USE THE ENTRANCE OF JUNO STREET. Elevator is available on the side of the church.

Cast:
Nicole O’Connor
Cecilia Vaicels
Victoria Lardieri
Jim Haines
Malini Singh McDonald
Nick Radu
Jeremy Lardieri
Michelle Ruggieri
Rich Feldman
Kevin Abernethy
Chris Martens

For more info email FirstStringPlayers@gmail.com

Flyer designed by Steve Morisi

Director: Mary Lynch

Producers: Paul Morisi and Stef Morisi

Tickets: $10 General Seating (all tickets sold at the door)

July 14 at 7pm
July 15 at 7pm
July 16 at 7pm
July 17 at 2pm

Location:
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall
70-01 Kessel Street Forest Hills, NY 11375
PLEASE USE THE ENTRANCE OF JUNO STREET. Elevator is available on the side of the church.

Cast:
Nicole O’Connor
Cecilia Vaicels
Victoria Lardieri
Jim Haines
Malini Singh McDonald
Nick Radu
Jeremy Lardieri
Michelle Ruggieri
Rich Feldman
Kevin Abernethy
Chris Martens

For more info email FirstStringPlayers@gmail.com

Flyer designed by Steve Morisi

FSP_Harvey_Flyer

by Categories: Independent Theatre, New York City, Queens, TheaterTags: , , , Leave a comment

Guest Blogger Nick Radu Reviews Bedroom Farce

Bedroom Farce

If you’re looking for a good time, a good show and a few good laughs you need only go as far as the bedroom; or three bedrooms, as it is in Alan Ayckbourn’s Bedroom Farce. Under the creative and talented eye of director Andrew Block, the title and the performances do not disappoint when it comes to comedic farce.  The entire play takes place in three separate bedrooms, owned by three of the four couples in the play.  Ian McDonald did a spectacular job of creating the space, with three full beds, as well as walls and doors and other nooks and crannies to differentiate the playing spaces. But it’s Block’s clever blocking that keeps this play moving, and from becoming a giant mess of beds vs people.

Trevor and Susannah, played by Simon Pearl and Alexandra O’Daly, respectively, are a couple whose marriage is on the rocks, and everyone else knows about it.  These two actors have great chemistry as they battle it out in the most awkward of places; other people’s bedrooms.

Trevor’s parents, played by Viki Boyle and Mitch Giannunzio, give us a wonderful insight into married life during middle age.  They seem to have the experience and the answers, but we are privileged to watch these playful actors as their true colors come out when they’re forced to deal with unmentionable topics.

Nick, played by John Gazzale, makes us all cringe as the bed-ridden character agonizing over a slipped disc.  We have the joy of watching his wife, Jan, played by Mel House, deal with her husband’s pleasantries during this crazy romp.  The two have the best moment in the play as these great physical actors give the audience their money’s worth!

In fact, the entire cast has wonderful comedic timing, but the scene stealers are clearly Joscelyne Wilmouth, playing Kate, and Toby MacDonald, playing her husband, Malcolm. These two have it all: chemistry, timing, physicality, you name it.  MacDonald has such a great take-charge way about him, while still being adorably funny.  Wilmouth shows the most range as she interacts with the other characters and deals with her own bedroom shenanigans.

Stop down to the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church and catch one of the remaining performances of Bedroom Farce. You’re in for a treat!

VENUE:
Jones Auditorium
Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church
7 West 55th Street
(on the 3rd Floor)
PERFORMANCE DATES:
7 pm Saturday, April 16
2 pm Sunday, April 17
7 pm Tuesday, April 19
7 pm Wednesday, April 20
7 pm Thursday, April 21
7 pm Friday, April 22
7 pm Saturday, April 23
2 pm Sunday, April 24
Visit HERE for more info.
by Categories: Guest Blogger, Independent Theatre, New York City, Reviews, TheaterTags: , , , , Leave a comment

A Retreat for Women on April 3rd – You’re Invited

Capture.JPG

I am so thrilled to be presenting my PR in a Pinch seminar at the Salon Creative Lounge on Sunday at University Settlement.

We would love to have you join us. There will be two panels and plethora of workshops. Here’s the info as well as the link to the Facebook event.

EVENT DATE: Sunday, April 3, 2016​

VENUE: University Settlement, 184 Eldridge Street, NY 10002

RESERVATIONS: Advance Reservations: $16 for a full-day pass – including complimentary refreshments, access to all workshops (subject to availability) and one raffle ticket for the Lounge-Lottery.

Day of Event: $20 ticket on the door.

http://saloncreativelounge.brownpapertickets.com/

WHAT YOU GET:

  • Access to All Available Workshops
  • Panel Discussions & “Basics of” Classes
  • Resources from Arts & Services Organizations
  • Open mic/screen/stage/easel/networking
  • Hourly Raffle for Great Prizes
  • Refreshments All Day & DJ Wrap Party

Two panels:
Working Across Disciplines to Achieve Parity (2:30pm)
Working Across Disciplines to Build Audience (7:00pm)

Workshops to choose from (subject to change):
Finding Artists’ Resources
Branding
PR in a Pinch
Making Your Art Your Business
Online Security
Collective RealEstate Buying for Work and Living Space
Grant-writing & Research Tips
Writing a Dynamic Bio and Elevator Pitch
Event Planning
Healing
Sing for Joy
Emotional Freedom
Insurance for Artists
Vocal Power
Meditation
Sustainability Practices
Artivism
Wellness Workout

Other open salon ‘Basics of’ classes:
Pilates Matt
Painting
Acting
Drawing
Guitar
Rhythm for community and creativity
Crowdfunding video creation
Website creation
and more

The International Women Artists’ Salon, created and curated by Heidi Russell, is a cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural organization of women creating in The Arts around the world today. Our aim as an organization is to bring creative work by women to the fore of each creative discipline arena as well as local communities around the globe through exhibitions and events, exchanges, regular salon style gatherings, and an online forum for members and interested parties. Our shared vision is to create a community of individuals and organizations with the resources and passion to gain critical visibility in the creative world for women artists of all backgrounds, ages, stages of career, and cultures, in every creative discipline. Currently over 3,200 women creatives and organizations are connected.

Current Projects include ongoing exhibitions and events in collaboration with festivals and other organizations around the world, bi-annual multi-disciplinary exhibition, bi-annual conference, monthly gatherings at local locations for women creatives for connecting, dialogue, and presenting work; Salon Radio, a project of International Women Artists’ Salon, is a weekly 55-minute internet radio show that features a women-founded or women-lead arts organization/group/special project/or collaboration as well as an individual woman performer or writer. We also research and present a sampling of news about what has happened the previous week for women creatives around the globe along with sampling of happenings that Salon members around the world are presenting.  The show broadcasts live and is archived for on-demand listening on City World Radio Network; Salon Solo is a program that promotes solo work by Salon members, currently hosted at partner venue, Producers’ Club in NYC; Salon Lounge at Dixon Place which is a monthly showcase of women’s performance, literature, and film/video at our partner venue,

The OPTimistiks is a group of international theatre artists learning and living in New York City. Working with American collaborators we express the unique experiences of our countries of origin in the context of our shared experiences as aliens in America. We will always find the funny side and thus hope to increase the positive impact of performance +! Old world words: new world voices.

Developed in 2007, The Performance Project at University Settlement provides established and emerging artists – as well as local audiences – with opportunities to connect and enrich each other’s lives. Our aim is to encourage greater participation in the live arts and to help cultivate diverse and creative communities.

The Performance Project stands out among local opportunities for performing artists to present original work. We seek artists who are philosophically aligned with the spirit of the Settlement House movement, who value process as much as product, launch experimental investigations into storytelling and narrative structures, and believe that engaging in artistic activities has inherent social and cultural value. Through our Artist-in-Residency program, Public Presenting Series, SHARES and Salons, The Performance Project finds concrete ways to reestablish and articulate the importance of the arts within the community at large.

###

International Women Artists’ Salon http: //womenartsalon.blogspot.com/

The OPTimistiks: http://theoptimistiks.org/home.php

The Performance Project at University Settlement: http://www.universitysettlement.org/us/programs/arts/

For more information please contact Heidi Russell at heidirussellpublicist@gmail.com
or 646.272.8879

by Categories: International Women Artist Salon, New York City, TheaterTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Downtown Urban Arts Festival Features Anghus Houvouras & Dine & Dash

CapturePlaywright’s Name: Anghus Houvouras

Tell us about your latest project:  

Dine and Dash is a dark comedy about a blind date that takes some sinister twists and turns. She wants to get into his head. He wants to get up her skirt. By the end of the night, only one of them will survive.

What excites you about being a part of the Downtown Urban Arts Festival?

The chance to come to New York and for one night be a part of the theater scene. To be part of that electric current that runs through the city every night is something I always wanted to do. I’m a huge fan of the theater and comedy scene of NYC. It’s where the best work is being done. Razor sharp writing and seasoned performers entertaining audiences seven nights a week. Every time I visit NYC I walk the streets and think about the history there. The vaudeville shows of the 20s and 30s. The dynamic Broadway shows of the golden age. Cutting edge stuff like National Lampoon’s Lemmings in the 1970s. The comedy club stand ups of the 1980s. Being able to stage a show as part of this year’s DUAF has put a big grin on my ridiculous mug.

What’s your upcoming project after the Festival?

I’m working on a new play called A Civilized World which tells the story of a dystopian future where the unproductive of society are sentenced to death. The play chronicles one of the victims as they are processed through a final interview before their execution. There’s some twists and turns as we learn about what happens to the condemned as well as the faltering beliefs of the bureaucrat tasked with conducting the final interview.

Website: 

http://mycareersuicidenote.tumblr.com

Facebook Page:

http://www.facebook.com/anghus

Twitter: @anghusFM

SHOW INFO

Thursday, March 31 at 7pm

HERE (145 Sixth Avenue – enter on Dominick Street)

Tickets are $18 at www.here.org or by calling 212-352-3101

by Categories: Beyond Broadway, Downtown Urban Arts Festival, New York City, Profiles, TBB Interviews, TheaterTags: , , Leave a comment

Downtown Urban Arts Festival Features Tommy Jamerson & Rags to Bitches

575500_366575300061087_1668848070_n12809550_10101393081540544_4873688745399835533_n[1] (1)Playwright’s Name: Tommy Jamerson

Tell us about your latest project:

RAGS TO BITCHES: A Battle of Wits & Wigs tells the tawdry and bawdy story of two long-time drag rivals duking it out backstage at the US Open’s Legs Drag Pageant. But tucked under the sequins and just beyond the duct tape, there’s also a tale about insecurity, friendship, and learning to admit when you’re wrong. It’s basically an educational show for children, but with female illusionists’ and cursing.

What excites you about being a part of the Downtown Urban Arts Festival?

DUTF has a rich and wonderful history of helping out playwrights both green and seasoned. Being able to work with such an inviting and encouraging group has not only been a dream come true, but has also helped me reshape and see my play in a way I never thought possible. It’s not often a writer is given a chance like this, and DUTF has provided me with an invaluable (and artistically rewarding) opportunity.

What’s your upcoming project after the Festival?

I am primarily a children’s playwright, so I have a family show opening in Indiana (FROM HAIR TO ETERNITY: THE UNBEWEAVEABLE ADVENTURES OF RAPUNZEL) in May, as well an adaptation of Pinocchio (entitled ONCE UPON A PINE) premiering in New Orleans in the summer. I also have an adult, campy comedy (ETERNAL FLAME: THE BALLAD OF JESSIE BLADE) that’s currently playing here in New York at the Corner Office Theatre.

Website: http://tommyjamersonplays.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Widman/100009158036703

SHOW INFO:12809550_10101393081540544_4873688745399835533_n[1] (1) 575500_366575300061087_1668848070_n

Friday, April 1 at 7pm

HERE (145 Sixth Avenue – enter on Dominick Street)
Tickets are $18 at www.here.org or by calling 212-352-3101
by Categories: Beyond Broadway, Downtown Urban Arts Festival, New York City, NYC Theatre, Profiles, TBB Interviews, TheaterTags: Leave a comment

Downtown Urban Arts Festival Features Irene Hernandez & One Size Fits All

CapturePlaywright’s Name:  Irene Hernandez

Tell us about your latest project: 

One Size Fits All – a one act play about women of different sizes and shapes trying on clothes in a department store fitting room. Out of frustration, the women break the fourth wall and confide in the audience about their experiences with insecurity, body shaming , objectification and finding the right outfit.

What excites you about being a part of the Downtown Urban Arts Festival?

I’m happy to be a part of the festival with my work for the third year in a row. DeVante and Marc are great and the crew working are supportive and excellent.

What’s your upcoming project after the Festival?

I will continue acting, writing, producing and directing a comedic web series I created, called Brand New Me. I also just finished writing my first musical.

Website: http://www.dancingfrogtheatercompany.weebly.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irene.hernandez.75491

Twitter:  @dancingfrogthco

SHOW INFO:

Friday, April 1 at 7pm

HERE (145 Sixth Avenue – enter on Dominick Street)
Tickets are $18 at www.here.org or by calling 212-352-3101
by Categories: Beyond Broadway, Downtown Urban Arts Festival, Independent Theatre, New York City, Profiles, TBB Interviews, TheaterTags: , , Leave a comment

Downtown Urban Arts Festival Features Matthew Widman & Stop and Frisk

Stop and Frisk - DUAF - ANNOUNCEMENT
Playwright’s Name:  Matthew Widman

Tell us about your latest project: 

Stop and Frisk is a social drama about a stop and frisk encounter in an urban park between two plainclothes police officers and two young men heading to work. It’s fiction but it’s a composite based on media accounts, posted footage, personal experience and the experiences of friends and acquaintances. This play is about the abuse of power that has made Stop and Frisk such a controversial policing policy. It’s one account of what happens when human nature meets public policy and it exemplifies the potential dangers of the intense human interactions that result.

What excites you about being a part of the Downtown Urban Arts Festival?

Besides being the nicest and most professional folks in the world and an unbelievable pleasure to work with, DUAF is a cutting edge theater and film festival that’s unafraid to tackle gritty political and social issues as well as to entertain. They’re not about making money and they’re not about celebrity, so that affords them the integrity to host plays and films that they believe in.

The urban space is where people come together and try to figure out how to interact. Urban issues and themes are human issues that speak universally to race, class, sexuality, identity, romance – the things we’re all trying to figure out and negotiate. It’s a real privilege to be part of the DUAF.

What’s your upcoming project after the Festival?

I’m working on a couple of full length plays, a comedy, Kill the Dog, about parenting, self-absorption and community and another dark comic drama examining the current state of anger and alienation that seems to be pervading American politics and society.

Website: http://memorycareplays.org/about/playwrights/15-playwrights/7-matthew-widman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Matthew-Widman/100009158036703

SHOW INFO:

Tuesday, March 29 at 7pm

HERE (145 Sixth Avenue – enter on Dominick Street)
Tickets are $18 at www.here.org or by calling 212-352-3101
by Categories: Beyond Broadway, Downtown Urban Arts Festival, New York City, Profiles, TBB Interviews, TheaterTags: , , Leave a comment