Reminders: the Lower East Side Festival of the Arts is underway

In case you missed our post from Tuesday...

If you're looking for some free arts and entertainment this weekend, Theater for the New City is the place to be. 

TNC has scheduled more than 200 performing arts organizations, independent artists, poets, puppeteers, and filmmakers for its 29th annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts, which will continue through tomorrow.

Indoor performances will occur daily from 6 p.m. to midnight, using two of TNC's four theaters. Meanwhile, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday (today!), vendors and food sellers, including booths from nearby restaurants, will set up on the closed-off block of 10th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue during another series of performances. 

You can find the complete list of activities (and times) at this link. 

Admission is free, though TNC will gladly accept donations. 

TNC is at 155 First Ave. at 10th Street.

Get ready for 3 days of the Lower East Side Festival of the Arts

If you're looking for some free arts and entertainment this weekend, Theater for the New City is the place to be. 

TNC has scheduled more than 200 performing arts organizations, independent artists, poets, puppeteers and filmmakers for its 29th annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts, which will occur on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Indoor performances will occur daily from 6 p.m. to midnight, using two of TNC's four theaters. Meanwhile, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, vendors and food sellers, including booths from nearby restaurants, will set up on the closed-off block of 10th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue during another series of performances. 

You can find the complete list of activities (and times) at this link. 

Admission is free, though TNC will gladly accept donations. 

TNC is at 155 First Ave. at 10th Street.

'Orson’s Shadow' at Theater for the New City

Photo by Lola Sáenz 

"Orson's Shadow," written and directed by Austin Pendleton (pictured above), is wrapping up its two-plus-week run on Sunday at Theater for the New City. 

The play debuted in 2000 and had its NYC premiere in 2005 at the Barrow Street Theatre, where it had a 349-performance run. 

The plot, via Theater for the New City: 

"Orson’s Shadow," based on true events, takes place on the stage of the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin and later on the stage of the Royal Court Theatre. In his declining years, Orson Welles is directing a production of Eugène Ionesco's "Rhinoceros," starring Laurence Olivier and Joan Plowright. 

Olivier is fresh from his triumphant theatrical portrayal of vaudevillian Archie Rice in John Osborne's "The Entertainer" and is about to reprise the role in its film adaptation. He and Plowright are in the early stages of a romantic liaison and his tumultuous marriage to Vivien Leigh is all but ended. The noted critic Kenneth Tynan becomes entangled in the conflicts between Welles, Olivier, and Leigh, adding tension and complexity to their relationships and influencing their decisions and perceptions.

You can catch a performance Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. (Thursday is a pay-what-you-can performance.) Find tickets here. 

Theater for the New City is at 155 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street. And be sure to check out the art in the TNC lobby gallery — when you go to the play or just stop by... 

Tompkins Square Park is the last stop for this Theater for the New City production

The 2023 edition of the five-borough tour for the Theater for the New City's Street Theater Company ends tomorrow (Sunday!) afternoon in Tompkins Square Park. 

Crystal Field, executive director at Theater for the New City, wrote and directed "Life on the Third Rail, or A Subway Delay to the Future," this musical that "tells a story in which a violent hurricane floods the subways, sending a heroic subway crew into a new world." 

The free show starts at 2 p.m. Read more about the production here. 

H/T Steven!

Theater for the New City ready to take to the streets, starting with 10th Street today

Theater for the New City's Street Theater Company starts its 2023 five-borough tour today with "Life on the Third Rail, or A Subway Delay to the Future." 

Crystal Field, Theater for the New City's artistic director, wrote and directed this musical that "tells a story in which a violent hurricane floods the subways, sending a heroic subway crew into a new world." 

This production will tour parks, playgrounds and closed-off streets throughout the five boroughs through Sept. 17. 

You can catch the free show today (Aug. 5) at 2 p.m. on 10th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue ... adjacent to Theater for the New City's home at 155 First Ave. 

Other EV dates:

• Aug. 19, 2 p.m. at St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery

• Sept. 17, 2 p.m. in Tompkins Square Park 

Find more dates around the city and learn more about the musical at this link.

Saturday's parting shot

Photo by Derek Berg 

A moment on 10th Street today during the 28th annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts at Theater for the New City ... day 3 is tomorrow (Sunday!)...

The 28th annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts is this weekend at Theater for the New City

There is A LOT going on this Memorial Day weekend — today through Sunday — at Theater for the New City, which is hosting its 28th Lower East Side Festival of the Arts. 

Briefly: 

It is a non-stop performance fest — over the three days, over 200 artists, collectives, poets, puppeteers, filmmakers, dancers, and everything in between are scheduled to perform in and around TNC's theaters. This year's event will address the struggle to combat climate change: "The Heat is On."

Find the full list of activities here. 

Theater for the New City is at 155 First Ave. at 10th Street.

Check out these 'Creatures of the Night' at Theater for the New City

"Creatures of the Night," a new group art show curated by MarcusGlitteriS, opens tonight in the gallery space at Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave. near 10th Street. 

The show, up through February, explores NYC nightlife from a variety of perspectives. 

The opening is 5:30-8:30 this evening with a few special guests. 

If you can't make it tonight, the gallery space is generally open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — later when there's a performance at TNC.

Theater for the New City ready to take it to the streets with a new production

Photo by Lola Sáenz 

At the Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave. at 10th St., where their Street Theater Summer Tour begins tomorrow with a production of "Teacher! Teacher! or PS I Love You." 

Free performances will be outdoors citywide on weekends through Sept. 18 ... including locally: 

• Saturday, Aug. 6 @ 2 p.m. outside Theater for the New City on 10th Street 
• Saturday, Aug. 20 @ 2 p.m. at Abe Lebwohl Park outside St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery, 10th Street at Second Avenue. 
• Saturday, Aug. 27 @ 2 p.m. in Washington Square Park
• Sunday, Sept. 18 @ 2 p.m. in Tompkins Square Park 

Read more about the play here.

'Room With Stars' at Theater for the New City

"Room With Stars" is currently in production at Theater for the New City on First Avenue. 

This partly autobiographical play, written by Nina Howes and directed by longtime EV resident Elizabeth Ruf, "evokes the culture and music of the height of the Vietnam War era on the Lower East Side." 

Here's more:

Teenaged Samantha’s dreams of a scholarship to college are shattered when she's expelled from high school and locked up for her anti-war activities. Her hard-working mom is no help, and her Puerto Rican boyfriend actually wants to enlist. Samantha finds an ally in her boyfriend's fiery aunt, Angelina, a volunteer at the Catholic Worker. The playwright and the community-minded artistic team of "Room With Stars" hope to inspire new generations to speak out against the atrocities of war and all forms of injustice.

EVG contributor Steven caught an opening-weekend performance and gives it high marks...

The play runs through June 19, with showtimes Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. There's a 3 p.m. matinee on Sundays. Find more info here. 

Theater for the New City is at 155 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street.

Photos courtesy of Andreas Weigelt

The 27th annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts is this weekend at Theater for the New City

Via the EVG inbox...

The 27th annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts is on for three full days this Memorial Day weekend, from Friday, May 27-Sunday, May 29, at Theater for the New City, with a wide array of free indoor and outdoor offerings that include theater, music, dance, video, film, poetry, cabaret, an art exhibition, and a youth program, along with food and vendors. 

Find the full list of activities here. 

Theater for the New City is at 155 First Ave. at 10th Street.

At a rehearsal for 'Hamlet in Harlem' at Theater for the New City

Tomorrow (April 7) sees the debut of "Hamlet in Harlem" for a 3-week-plus run at Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave. at 10th Street.

The new play is written and directed by Alberto Ferreras. Here's a quick overview of the self-described "politically incorrect comedy that promises murder, mystery, offensive stereotypes and cultural appropriations."

"Hamlet in Harlem" is the story of an empathetic caucasian filmmaker Jason Harriman who dreams about producing an all-Latino version of Hamlet that takes place in "el Barrio." The only problem is that he doesn’t know much about Latinos, he doesn’t know much about Harlem, and he doesn’t know much about Hamlet either.

EVG contributor Stacie Joy stopped by the theater for rehearsal on Monday...

Ferreras is known for his award-winning novel "B as in Beauty" (Hachette 2009). He is the creator of "Habla," the long-running HBO documentary series about the U.S. Latino experience (2003-2022), and "Somos," a new video-installation about Latino identity commissioned by the Smithsonian Institution for the National Museum of American History.

You can catch the 70-minute play on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with a 3 p.m. matinee on Sundays. Find ticket info here. "Hamlet in Harlem" runs through April 24.

A group art show opens today at Theater for the New City

There's a new group show, dubbed "April Fools Not 4 School," in the gallery space at Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave. near 10th Street. 

The show's opening, featuring "art, music and energy," takes place from 3-6 p.m. today (April 2, and sorry for the late notice — I only just received the info).

Don't fret! The work will be up all month in the gallery space, open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Curated by Marcus Chae.

Go 'Crazy' at this group show at the Theater for the New City

Theater for the New City is hosting a new group show titled "Just Act Normal, That's Crazy Enough Already." 

The official opening is today (Saturday) from 2-6 p.m. in the theater's gallery, 155 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street. 

The show is up through Jan. 3. The gallery is open during the week for viewing as well.

Thanks to Lola Sáenz for the flyer!

The Lower East Side Festival of the Arts returns for in-person events this weekend

The 26th annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts takes place this weekend at the Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave. at 10th Street... and it will be in-person after last year's virtual proceedings. 

Expect to find a mix of theater, music, dance, comedy, poetry, film and fine arts indoors and out on Friday through Sunday. You can check out the extensive offerings at the Theater's website. 

The events are all free of charge. Theater officials have also noted the following about admission:

[S]adly, we cannot be as uninhibited and laissez-faire with our audience as usual. So, we must let you know that you WILL BE ASKED TO SHOW US YOUR VACCINATION CARD or a NEGATIVE COVID TEST NO MORE THAN FIVE DAYS OLD, IN ORDER TO BE ADMITTED! There will be masking and social distancing, and we will adhere to the most recent rules promulgated by the CDC, State and New York City.

In addition, TNC's Lobby Art Gallery is displaying the work of local artists...

Thanks to Lola Sáenz for the photos. Lola also has a work on display in the art show.

A special performance and discussion tonight for the Lower East Side Festival of the Arts

The Theater for the New City's 25th annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts is taking place online this weekend.

A highlight to note this evening at 8:

A live concert of performances by David Amram, William Electric Black, Phoebe Legere, F. Murray Abraham, Penny Arcade, Austin Pendleton and Charles Busch.

Following their performances, these major LES artists will do a virtual "sit around" and discuss theater, politics and “where we go from here.”

Find the Vimeo link for this program here. And find the full program (PDF) here.

Time for the 24th annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts at Theater for the New City

The Theater for the New City is presenting its 24th annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts, the performance marathon in and around its space at 155 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street starting Friday at 6 p.m. ... and happening through Sunday.

Find the full rundown of performers and artists and times here.

Meanwhile, the Lower East Side Festival of the Arts Exhibit continues... and the opening reception is tomorrow (Wednesday) night from 5:30 to 8.



The multidisciplinary art exhibit features painting, sculpture, photography, collage and mixed media... and it will be up at the Theater for the New City through June 30.

A 'Lucky 20' reminder: Group show opening reception tonight at the Theater for the New City Art Gallery

Tonight is the opening reception for "Lucky 20," a group show curated by East Village resident (and EVG contributor) Lola Sáenz at the Theater for the New City Art Gallery, 155 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street.

The exhibit features works — paintings, sculpture, photography and mixed media — by artists who live or have worked in the East Village/Lower East Side. (The show includes photos by James Maher, who, for five-and-a-half-years, contributed the feature Out and About in the East Village to this site. We miss you James!)

The opening reception happens tonight (April 10!) from 5:30 to 8. And the gallery is open for viewing daily from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. through May 11.

Previously.

'Lucky 20' opens today at the Theater for the New City Art Gallery

EVG regular Lola Sáenz is curating a group show titled "Lucky 20" that opens today at the Theater for the New City Art Gallery, 155 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street.

The exhibit features works — paintings, sculpture, photography and mixed media — by artists who live or have worked in the East Village/Lower East Side.

"Lucky 20" features art from the following: Blanka Amezkua, Marcus Carter, Kathy Creutzburg, Selear Duke, Klay-James Enos, Kris Enos, JT Gray, Blake Greene, James Maher, Alisa Muir, Kanako Nagayama, Rochelle Pashkin, Carolyn Ratcliffe, Irene Rodriguez, Daniel Root, Bonnie Rosenstock and Sáenz.

The opening reception is April 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. And the gallery is open for viewing daily from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Deconstruction at Theater for the New City; Homo Eruptus at Howl! Happening

A new group show opens this evening (5-8) at the Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street.

Per the Facebook event page: "Deconstruction will deal with the use of construction signs and materials through a means of artistic expression."

The work will be on display through March 29.

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East Village-based artist Scooter LaForge has a new exhibition opening tomorrow evening (6-9) at Howl! Happening, 6 E. First St. between Second Avenue and the Bowery.

Per the Howl! website:

Homo Eruptus [is] a new body of work by Scooter LaForge including large, mural-size paintings that mine the artist’s fertile inner emotional realm. Whether it’s expressed on the mammoth pictorial canvases on view at the gallery, or a t-shirt or cast-off article of clothing — Scooter paints with an earnestness that responds in the moment to what he sees and hears and feels about the world around him.

The show will remain up through March 13.