Compiled by scott stiffler
La MaMa 50 BLOCK PARTY
Renowned in NYC, and the world over, La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club is launching its 50th anniversary celebration with a block party taking place on the very street that’s home to their three performance venues. This family-friendly event offers food, puppet and mask-making, a puppet parade and performances by Blue Man Group, Silver Cloud Singers, Middle Collegiate Gospel Choir, Circus Amok, DJ Rabbi Darkside, Carmelita Tropicana, Heather Christian, Nicky Paraiso, Douglas Dunn & Dancers and others.
There will also be free tours of the La MaMa Archive and the private collection of their main mama (the late Ellen Stewart, who founded La MaMa in 1961). To reserve a space on those tours, which take place between 1pm and 2pm, visit lamama.org. For more info, visit that website or call 212-475-7710. All activities and entertainment are Free. Sun., Oct. 16, 2-6pm, (on E. 4th St., btw Bowery and 2nd Ave.).
WE IN SILENCE HEAR A WHISPER
The Red Fern Theatre Company’s world premiere of Jon Kern’s “We in Silence Hear a Whisper” concerns the challenges faced by a Darfuri refugee as she attempts to lay her brother’s soul to rest. Combining action, drama, unexpected humor and puppetry, the play “explores the redemptive power of connection and how the greatest tragedies only happen when we look away” by following the young woman’s quest through the wilds of Sudan. Thurs.-Sat., 8pm and Sun., 3pm. Through Oct. 23, at The Theater at the 14th Street Y (344 E. 14th St., btw. 1st and 2nd Aves.). For info, visit redferntheatre.org. For tickets ($25), call 866-811-4111 or visit theatermania.com.
EAST VILLAGE EATS TASTING TOUR
Fourth Arts Block — champion of that Renaissance patch of side street that’s home to some of the city’s most reliable and innovative arts organizations — will get all of the funds raised by the “East Village Eats Tasting Tour 2011.” A reasonable $50 fee gets you access to tasty bites at Downtown eateries and bars. Top noshes include Destination Bar’s IPA-Mustard Pretzels, Jimmy’s No. 43’s Banh Mi Sandwiches, Hecho en Dumbo’s Carnitas de Costilla, spicy Korean Fried Chicken at MONO+MONO, a half pint of craft beer at Idle Hands and Luke’s Lobster Shrimp Roll. Just tell yourself you’re going to walk it off — which you will! Sat., Oct, 22, 1-5pm. Ticket are $50. To purchase, visit fabnyc.org. To learn more about Fourth Arts Block: facebook.com/fabnyc and twitter.com/fourthartsblock.
