Compiled by Scott Stiffler, Scott@thevillager.com
Theater
THE RIVER OF TIDES
It took 400 years, but Henry Hudson (who took a 1609 journey on the river that now bears his name) has finally become the subject of a play. “River of Tides,” written by Native American novelist, storyteller and poet Joseph Bruchac, combines Indian legends and the diary of a Hudson crewmember to fill in the blanks neglected by other current Hudson celebrations. Questions? Ask them to the director and actors, who host a talkback session after the show. Sat, Sept 26, 5 p.m., at Pace University’s Schimmel Theater (3 Spruce St., east of Park Row, near the corner of Gold Street). Free, but reservations suggested. Call 212-868-4444 or visit www.SmartTix.com.
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Smith and Pace University
Joe Cross (Caddo Nation of Oklahoma) as Old Turtle
Exibit
A FACE ON MARS
Some look at a piece of toast and see Jesus. Some find Lincoln’s profile when a potato chip is held just so; and some were sure there was a giant human-like face on Mars when staring at a 1976 Viking 1 image from the red planet. Virginia Martinsen sees this need to project humanity upon lifeless objects as a bid to find familiarity in the unknown. The result of her fascination with our need for companionship and search for a higher power? “A Face on Mars” — Martinsen’s first solo exhibition of paintings. Through Oct 17, at ATM Gallery (621 W. 27th St.; btwn. 11th and 12th Aves). Gallery Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tues-Sat. Call 212-375-0349 or visit www.atmgallery.com.
Photo courtesy of ATM Gallery Installation view of “A Face on Mars”
MEDEA
“I’m one of the kind whose life is all glory.” The source of that boast? Not a modern pop culture flash in the pan. It’s the title character from the Euripides play “Medea” — which gets its due in this cross-cultural production offering a modern, poetic translation of the classic Greek play through the use of dance, visual arts, film, theater and experimental music. By evening’s end, you’ll have absorbed what a guy from 431 BC has to teach us about gender roles, submission to power and familiar obligations. 8 p.m., Sept 24, 25, 26. Free (donations accepted); at Le Petit Versailles (346 East Houston St., at Ave. C). Call 212-529-8815 or visit www.lpvtv.blogspot.com.
Photo by Paul Curtis Euripides goes multi-media
Art
THE PEN & BRUSH
The Pen & Brush’s “Fall Brush Exhibition” is an international group showing of canvas, paper and mixed media creations. Curator Margaret Kelly Trombly has assembled a collection of classic and contemporary works whose differing styles set the stage for an energetic dialogue about art’s ability to engage and surprise us. The opening reception takes place Thurs, Sept 24, 4-7 p.m.; the exhibit runs through Oct 18 (Gallery Hours: Thurs-Fri, 4-7 p.m.; Sat/Sun, 1-5 p.m.). At The Pen & Brush (16 E. 10th St.). Call 212-475-3669 or visit www.penandbrush.org.
Image courtesy of the artist Alexis Winslow’s “The Forecast” / Acrylic, 20” x 30”
Events
ART IN ODD PLACES
Tours of manhole covers; portable fountains; parades featuring electro-acoustic bicycles and fashions made from recycled paper clothing bearing phrases culled from NYC street slang. If that sounds odd, well, that’s the point. Art in Odd Places (AiOP) aims to present art that stretches the boundaries of communication in the public realm. Their festival, “Art in Odd Places 2009,” explores the ordinary and ingenious to be found in the spectacle of daily life. For those who care to look, there’s no better place to find odd than 14th Street. That’s where you’ll discover uncanny, uncategorizable works from over 60 participating artists. Oct 1 through Oct 26. Locations vary; 14th Street, from Avenue C to the Hudson River. For a schedule of events, visit www.artinoddplaces.org.
Photo by Pam Payne “Physical Graffiti,” by Pam Payne
