This weekend at La MaMa: 'The Shell-Shocked Nut'

From the EVG inbox...

An Alternative Adaptation of The Nutcracker, set in the East Village, inspired by true stories.

Conceived and directed by Martha Tornay, artistic director. East Village Dance Project with choreography and direction by Dante Brown, Victoria Roberts-Wierzbowski, Martha Tornay, Hilary McDaniel-Douglas, Naomi Goldberg-Haas in collaboration with the performers.

Performed by 25 youth performers (age 4-19) from East Village Dance Project,and a group of professional performers, including Dante Brown|Warehouse Dance, Project in Motion, and a host of East Village luminaries and guest artists.

Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Clare Farris, Duke Ellington, Steve Wonder, David Lowery, The Ramones and more…

ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE
"The Shell-Shocked Nut" (premiere) is very loosely based on E.T. Hoffman's "The Nutcracker," set in the East Village, with the urban theme of post-traumatic stress and the joy of being alive. Two main characters: A war vet and an elementary school student travel the familiar streets and locations near Tompkins Square Park and meet characters of all sorts.

BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT
In late October 2012, when SuperStorm Sandy hit Avenue C, there was a need to celebrate something positive. The Avenue C Studio, located at 55 Avenue C between East 4th and East 5th Streets was not flooded inside, but out in the street was chaos ... and the studio lost heat and electricity.

Inspired by requests from some of the young dancers to learn material from "The Nutcracker," East Village Dance Project decided to embark on the process of creating a local version which would be built on the theme of stress and recovery. Using Tchaikovsky’s classic score as a jumping off point, "The Shell-Shocked Nut" reworks the story and choreography to make a uniquely Avenue C style creation. In December 2012, for three days, parents and caregivers came to the studio to see a 35-minute work in progress that was the much needed uplifting of spirits

Jan. 3 at 7 p.m.
Jan. 4 and 5 at 3 p.m.
Ellen Stewart Theatre
66 E. Fourth St., between Second Avenue and Bowery
212-475-7710
Tickets: $20 adults, $15 seniors, students and children 12 and under
More info here

The East Village-based adaptation of 'The Nutcracker' returns tonight

The fourth annual production of the alternative, East Village-based adaptation of "The Nutcracker" begins tonight.

La MaMa Experimental Theater in association the GOH Productions presents this production of "The Shell-Shocked Nut," featuring an intergenerational cast of dancers and musicians.

Here's more info via the EVG inbox...

In this unconventional take on the seasonal staple, a wandering child and a war veteran suffering from PTSD take a magical voyage through the East Village. The pair of characters visit Tompkins Square Park, Economy Candy Store, St. Mark’s Place, and other East Village landmarks while exploring themes of loss and recovery.

"The Shell-Shocked Nut is conceived and directed by Martha Tornay and co-directed by Victoria Roberts-Wierzbowski. The pair also spearhead East Village Dance Project (EVDP), a dance development program that has offered after-school classes in ballet, modern and choreography in lower Manhattan since 1997.

The show first emerged as a studio showing in the weeks after Superstorm Sandy created as a means of brightening spirits after a challenging time for the community. “I started thinking about the cathartic process of working through a stressful situation,” Tornay said.

The sister and daughter of war veterans, Tornay was inspired to use the structure of the Nutcracker to tell a more personal story of the effects of trauma, while maintaining the accessible, family-friendly nature of the traditional ballet.

In the years following its inception, the piece has grown to a full-scale production, featuring young students from the dance program alongside an array of professional performers, artists and guest choreographers from NYC and beyond.

"The Shell-Shocked Nut" is tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20, and $15 for seniors, students and children 12 and under. You can buy tix online at lamama.org or at the box office: (212) 352-3101.

Contributor Stacie Joy, who has covered the production in the past (here and here) for EVG, shared these photos from rehearsal last night...

A sneak peek at 'The Shell-Shocked Nut'

Photos and text by Stacie Joy

The East Village Dance Project (EVDP) at 55 Avenue C invited me for a rehearsal for its alternative, East Village-based adaptation of "The Nutcracker" and it’s marvelous!







I watched kids of all ages (well, ages 4 to 17, 25 of whom are paired with 25 ballet/dance professionals) work closely with director and superstar choreographer Martha Tornay while codirector Victoria Roberts-Wierzbowski educated me about the piece and its significance to the area.

This nontraditional take on the holiday mainstay includes a magical journey through iconic locations such as Tompkins Square Park, CBGB, a tenement apartment, a local community garden and a neighborhood favorite – Economy Candy.

Most of the kids are local (about 95 percent are from the neighborhood), and consider this a "gift to the community." Its conception came soon after Superstorm Sandy caused so much damage to the area, including taking out the boiler and the electricity at the dance space.

Even without lights and dependent on space heaters and heavy clothing, the students got together and performed that year. They begged their teacher to stage "The Nutcracker" as a way to lift their spirits and give back to the community.



Ms. Tornay finally agreed, with the provision that they do a nonstandard, community-based adaptation. And so "The Shell-Shocked Nut" was born!

The nonprofit arts-services EVDP welcomes all students without consideration of their financial situation or economic means. It receives part of the Charlotte Ruby Cantor scholarship fund and also is running a woefully underfunded crowd-sourcing campaign if you are interested in lending a helping hand.

"The Shell-Shocked Nut" will be staged at La MaMa Ellen Stewart Theatre tonight through Sunday. Please see the website for times and tickets.

Special thanks to Bonnie Stein, executive director, for reaching out and coordinating the coverage.

Con Ed unveils new signage to warn pedestrians and their pets of stray voltage

Last night, Con Ed displayed its first, new warning sign in the East Village along an electrified sidewalk in front of the Key Food recycling center on East Fourth Street and Avenue A. Con Ed created these signs to more clearly communicate possible electrical danger (as opposed to some tape and cones and some dude sitting in a car with an orange vest on).



East Village resident Garrett Rosso, a board member of NYCdog (the New York Council of Dog Owner Groups) told us this last night:

Perhaps it's too soon to know whether the new signs will be effective in warning pedestrians and dog owners of the danger of electric shocks in the area. Or perhaps New Yorkers are too busy to even notice.

NYCdog urges dog owners to recognize Con Edison's new signange. People walking pets should change their route whenever they see the signs. The area is usually safe for pedestrians to pass because their shoes provide some insulation. However, dogs can recieve shocks anywhere around the area through their bare paws — especially when the ground is wet.

This past weekend, Bella, an 11-year old pit bull terrier mix, was electrocuted by frayed wiring from a scaffolding light on Clinton Street.

This prompted the following warning from NYCdog:

NYCdog (the New York Council of Dog Owner Groups) has issued a emergency alert for dog owners in all 5 boroughs. There have been numerous reports of dogs and their owners being shocked from sidewalk voltage.

The predicted warm weather combined with street flooding over the next few days are likely to trigger more incidents of dogs and their owners recieving shocks.

NYCdog urges all pet owners to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. Avoid manhole covers, sewer caps, metal gratings, Con Edison repair locations as well as all overhead scaffolding at constructions sites. The public is urged to call 911 if you or your dog is shocked.

If you suspect your dog is recieving a shock, dog owners should not touch their pet or the ground. Pet owners are adivised to immediately about face and use their leash or other non-conductive object to maneuver their pet away from the area — voltage may increase as you travel forward.

For more information, please email: info@NYCdog.org

There were several reports of stray voltage around the East Village back in December … The stray voltage reportedly shocked several dogs… and some residents were upset that Con Ed took too long to respond to the issue… as well as did a lousy job of communicating, what, exactly, all the tape and cones were for on sidewalks.

Following this, Community Board 3 officials as well as Councilmember Rosie Mendez's office contacted Con Ed officials about how to better manage and communicate issues related to stray voltage.

Con Ed officials will also be present to answer any questions or hear any concerns at the CB3 Public Safety/Transportation meeting on March 11 at 6:30 p.m. Location: University Settlement at Houston Street Center, 273 Bowery.

'The Shell-Shocked Nut' returns to La MaMa

Words and photos by EVG contributor Stacie Joy

For the second year, I had a chance to get a sneak peek at the East Village Dance Project’s annual performance of "The Shell-Shocked Nut" (an alternative take on "The Nutcracker") at La MaMa.









Conceived and directed by Martha Tornay, and co-directed by Victoria Roberts-Wierzbowski, the all-ages production opens tonight and runs through Sunday, Dec. 20. The story features local spots like Tompkins Square Park, community gardens, and Economy Candy, and has bad guys like an unnamed real-estate developer. There’s even a live rock band during the CBGB’s ghost portion of the performance.









The East Village Dance Project, located at 55 Avenue C , offers classes to all, regardless of income, and has a scholarship program named after Charlotte Ruby Cantor, a young student of Martha’s who died at an early age in 1999. Her family developed the scholarship to support local young people whose families cannot afford the expense of dance classes.

Tickets — which help support the scholarship fund, and are subject to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit status — and additional information can be found here.

Updated: Last day for you pervs to ogle XOXO models on Fifth Avenue

As you may have already read ... some XOXO models have been camping out the last few weeks in an empty storefront on Fifth Avenue at 38th Street... and the models seem to be causing a sensation....



I came across the scene earlier in the week...a scene that was both hilarious and horrorfying...First, you put two models in a window who prance about in bra and panties and seductively brush each other's hair...then you hire a security guard to yell "keep moving -- you can't stand here on the sidewalk" over and over. Like we're really going to move.





And all this is on the other side of the street from the decking-the-halls holiday windows at Lord & Taylor. So there are a lot of tourists who are shocked -- shocked! -- at all this. One mom said to her twentysomething daughter, "You'd never see this back in [Elk Snout, Pigsknuckle -- didn't catch the name of the town]. And then you have a bunch of horndogs with cameras. (Uh, yeah, well, I was technically working...)




The show ends Sunday...the model hours are 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Anyway, it all seems pretty tame after the shows at The Standard.

And in response to the comments, YES, there is video...via the XOXO site...





For further reading:
Naked City (Jeremiah's Vanishing NY)

Con Ed reviewing what was done about stray voltage warnings on East Village streets

[Avenue A on Sunday]

Several media outlets picked up our post about resident reports of stray voltage on East Seventh Street and East Second Street … (The reports were at the Post … Fox 5 and CBS New York …)

New York News

The stray voltage reportedly shocked several dogs… and some residents are upset that Con Ed took too long to respond to the issue… as well as did a lousy job of communicating, what, exactly, all the tape and cones were for on the scene.

As one resident told us on East Seventh Street: "This area has had current running through the detailed area for days, with none of the residents receiving any information on the danger. The area has NO SIGNAGE warning of the danger of electrical shock."

Community Board 3 has been in contact with Con Ed officials about the situation. Here's what a Con Ed official had to say about the matter on Tuesday afternoon, via CB3 officials:

We have made all repairs on 2nd and 7th Streets to eliminate any stray voltage. We understand the concern that you and others have raised. We have a comprehensive program in which we frequently inspect for stray voltage and secure an area if any stray voltage is found until the repairs can be made. The program has been very effective and we have been able to promptly find and correct stray voltage, whether it’s from Con Edison equipment, equipment belonging to property owners, or the City.

I understand that there are particular concerns about the setup of cones and warning tape on 7th Street. We are reviewing what was done there and will also take a close look at how we are securing locations in general. Our goal is to keep the area safe. We are happy to discuss the matter with you and the Community Board.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Beware of 'stray voltage' here on Avenue A and East 2nd Street

Resident shocked about Con Ed's nonchalance over stray voltage

In Memoriam: Roger M. Lane

Report: 'Jodie Lane Place' sign is gone; City says it will be replaced

3 years later, school emerging from behind scaffolding and construction netting

Just noting the recent reveal of part of The Neighborhood School and PS 63 on Third Street between Avenue A and First Avenue ...



Back in June, everyone finally had enough of the three-year renovation via the aptly named Kafka Construction company ... Per The Neighborhood School’s Health and Safety Committee:

The co-located elementary schools ... have been covered in scaffolding for three years, blocking all sunlight into classrooms and creating a neighborhood eyesore. Local politicians and DOE officials who toured the schools in early June were shocked by what they found. It was enough to compel the SCA to take “drastic actions,” firing Kafka and bringing in an emergency contractor to complete the work, ostensibly by the beginning of next school year.

While there's still work to do, parents have said they are pleased by some progress...



The Department of Education are reportedly banning the Queens-based Kafka from taking new jobs with the city School Construction Authority for at least two years.

A walk in Alphabet City in 1978: 'I was in love. I stayed.'

EVG reader and East Village resident ilyse kazar recently shared a few photos from 1978... Shot on East Sixth Street and East Seventh Street between Avenue B and Avenue C.





I asked ilyse if she had any memories to share with the photos. Here's what she said:

In 1978 I took a long walk with my camera, heading eastward from my apartment on 2nd Avenue. As I strayed farther and farther into the burnt out and rubble-lot blocks of Alphabet City, I was simultaneously shocked by the desolation and desecration and urban neglect and conditions people had to live in, and awed by the subcultures and the bright and energetic spirit of the people.

Here and there the community was beginning to claim this land and these buildings that had been redlined by banks, burned down by owners, and ignored by government. Some lots had been cleared, some little gardens started. Amidst the drug dealing and desolation were murals and interesting stores and kids playing stickball.

Spray-painted on the side of one building alongside a rubble-filled lot was "Milagro de Loisaida," with a big flower springing up from the destruction.

I was in love. I stayed. I raised my kids here. I'm growing old here. I cling to the little scraps of evidence that the renegade, tenacious, creative spirit still lives amidst the alarming suburbanization of my neighborhood.

Looking forward to seeing more of ilyse's photos from this time...

[Photos © by ilyse kazar. Reposted with permission]

Con Ed talks stray voltage with concerned residents

[Stray voltage possibility on East 9th Street from Monday via Bobby Williams]

After a winter of numerous stray voltage reports in the neighborhood, Con Ed officials attended last night's CB3 Public Safety/Transportation meeting to hear concerns/answer questions, etc.

BoweryBoogie was there for the presentation. Read their account of it here.

As readers here have pointed out, Con Ed's new warning signs are just a little too small. And low.


[EVG file photo]

Per BB:

For one thing, the little flyers are affixed too low to the ground and with illegible print. Not to mention, the message is not stern enough. Chair David Crane posited alternative wording to the effect of, “Warning: possible electrical shock hazard.” Other suggestions included making the signage at eye level, introducing red lights, or getting pet owner warnings in the advanced weather advisories before storms.

One EVG reader who attended the meeting said Con Ed had plenty of graphs and charts, but too few concrete answers about the stray voltage problems.

Per BB: "Con Edison will take the feedback and allegedly make some improvements. When that will happen is anyone’s guess."

Previously on EV Grieve:
Con Ed unveils new signage to warn pedestrians and their pets of stray voltage

Resident shocked about ConEd's nonchalance over stray voltage

[Updated] What is happening at Gem Spa?

Several readers were shocked this morning to see that Gem Spa, a 24/7 hub of activity on the southwest corner of Second Avenue and St. Mark's Place for years, was closed.

Steven took these photos just before 9.



Last week, we heard that Gem Spa was going to reduce its hours, closing from midnight to 7 a.m. Business has been off at the shop since April, when Gem Spa lost its license to sell lottery and tobacco products (with the exception of e-cigs) due to an employee twice selling cigarettes to an undercover underage buyer. The state suspended the store’s license for six months, which apparently also leaves them unable to apply for a license to sell beer.

The Patel family has owned the store since 1986. Mr. Patel has been in declining health, and his daughter Parul is handling the store’s management. EVG contributor Stacie Joy spoke with her outside the shop on Sunday. While she acknowledged some issues with the landlord (he wants a clean look out front, for instance), she didn't give any indication that the shop was in danger of closing. She had ideas on how to help business in the interim, such as offer an "egg cream happy hour."

Meanwhile, the Zoltar machine along with the newspapers were removed from outside the shop in late May. Parul said they don't make a lot of money on newspapers and so the margins are too slim (people also steal them all too often).

Another sign making regulars nervous: The everything-must-go notices outside. According to Parul, they're simply thinning out the back stock of hats, scarves and sunglasses ...




[Photo in April by Stacie Joy]

We'll update this post as soon as we learn more.

Updated 10:40 a.m.



Gem Spa is open, per Steven. Their new hours are 8 a.m. to midnight. And their iced coffee is only $2.

Updated:

Jeremiah Moss has a post on Gem Spa here.

Previously on EV Grieve:
A visit to Gem Spa

Reverend Jen departs her LES home, and Troll Museum, for now

Longtime downtown performance artist Reverend Jen Miller has been evicted from her apartment, which also doubled as the Troll Museum, after 20 years.

Last Thursday, a Marshal reportedly entered her apartment while she was only wearing a towel after a shower and served the eviction notice via landlord Misrahi Realty. (There is a video of the incident here.)

Miller said that she was given three minutes to leave the sixth-floor, rent-stabilized walkup on Orchard Street where she has lived since 1995.

Miller told Gothamist that a series of illnesses landed her in the hospital several times last year, and that she fell behind on the rent. She wanted to work out a payment plan with the landlord.

[S]he insisted she never received warnings of an impending eviction. "On Thursday, they came to tell me I was post-eviction," she said, and "I was shocked." For now, Miller hopes to get a stay for at least three months, she said, but warned that if she's not granted a stay, she may refuse to leave anyway. "I'm at the end of my rope," she said, shaking her head. "I guess they can arrest me. Let them."

She was able to return to her apartment today to gather her things. She invited friends to help pack up (and take some of) her belongings. EVG contributor Stacie Joy stopped by...

Slum Goddess has more photos and a video here.