Compiled by sarah norris
Dance
American Repertory Ballet
From Twyla Tharp’s “Baker’s Dozen”
American Repertory Ballet
We don’t hear the words “Twyla Tharp” and “free” nearly enough in this town. That’s why patient readers who make it to the next sentence will be pleasantly surprised. On April 9, American Repertory Ballet presents three works by Graham Lustig, Kirk Peterson and Twyla Tharp — for free. The dances are: Lustig’s “Rhapsodia,” Peterson’s “Roses and Clover,” and Tharp’s “Baker’s Dozen.” Created for her own company to piano compositions by Willie “The Lion” Smith, it opens with relaxed groupings that commence as duets and build to trios — then to quartets and sextets before finally arriving at dances that include the full ensemble of twelve. That ought to answer the old question as to what you expect for free. Thursday, April 9, 12:30p.m. At the stage of the World Financial Center Winter Garden, 220 Vesey Street. Call (212) 945-0505 or visit www.artsworldfinancialcenter.com.
Film
The Chelsea Hotel
THE CHELSEA HOTEL ON FILM
Anthology Film Archives celebrates the artistic legacy of The Chelsea Hotel with a collection of films set in, or inspired by, the legendary “rest stop for rare individuals.” Selections include the U.S. premiere of “Blogging From Bohemia.” It’s the last documentary filmed during the era of much-loved, now-deposed manager Stanley Bard (as seen through the eyes of Chelsea resident and blogger Ed Hamilton). Also on the bill: Alex Cox’s 1986 biopic “Sid And Nancy” and Andy Warhol’s 1966 “Chelsea Girls” – plus the world premiere of Harry Smith’s newly restored “Film #23.” April 9 through 12, at Anthology Film Archives. 32 Second Avenue. 212-505-5181 or www.anthologyfilmarchives.org.
Books
Some of the books that will be on display
POET’S HOUSE SHOWCASE
In an exceedingly well-timed event meant to honor National Poetry Month, Poets House Showcase presents their 17th annual free display of all the U.S. poetry books published in 2008 and the first few months of 2009. From micro-press chapbooks to masterworks to major commercial publishers to DVDS and CDs; over 2,000 titles are gathered together for an event that, like NYC’s perfect spring weather, lasts one week. April 4th through 11th, at the Jefferson Market Branch Library; Sixth Avenue and 10th Street. Free; call (212) 431-7920, or visit www.poetshouse.org.
Performance
Karen Kandel
MONEY, TOFU AND DESTINY OF A MAN
Wildly popular in Japan and on YouTube, the Japanese comic storytelling form known as “Rakugo” gets a rare English-language performance courtesy of acclaimed Theatre Japan director Takase Kazuki and Obie Award winning actress Karen Kandel. Rakugo, which literally translated means “fallen words,” has the storyteller sitting alone onstage and depicting a comical story using spoken words, pantomime and mime to portray all of the story’s characters — and all without standing up from the “seiza” sitting position. Friday, April 3 and Tuesday, April 7 at 8p.m.; at CRS, 123 4th Ave, 2nd Floor. $20; call 212-352-3010.
Poetry
Nathaniel Reicher
“Tenement Talks” curator and poetry editor Stephen Wolf
I SPEAK OF THE CITY: POEMS OF NEW YORK
Stephen Wolf curates this installment of the Lower East Side Tenement Museum’s “Tenement Talks” series. The free event will feature Hip-Hop poet Kevin Coval, New York actor Chris Hurt and others reading excerpts from Wolf’s “I Speak of the City: Poems of New York.” It’s the most extensive collection of poems ever assembled about New York — with selections representing the city from back when it was New Amsterdam through the aftermath of 9/11. At the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, 108 Orchard Street. Tuesday, April 7th, 6:30p.m.; Free. 212-982-8420 or wwwtenement.org.
