Compiled byScott Stiffler
Art
The Humvee, reimagined as a weapon of love
LOVE ARMOR
The traveling exhibition “Love Armor” began as a way to show compassion and concern for those (ours and theirs) in the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan. Like most good ideas, though, the project quickly morphed into “a profound message of hope” meant to expand its timely message into a timeless meditation on the lasting power of community. Proving that the best defense is an offense backed by love, artist Shirley Klinghoffer and collaborative partner Sarah Hewitt have transformed a war icon (the Humvee) into a symbol of peace and comfort — by rendering the destructive behemoth with materials and techniques which reference feminist textile and anti-war art of the 1960s and 70s. Through June 27th, at Brenda Taylor Gallery, 511 W. 25 Street, #401. Call 212-463-7166 or visit www.brendataylorgallery.com.
Courtesy of CITYarts Inc.; photo by Eva Cockcroft
“History of Chinese Immigration to the United States” by Alan Okada (1972)
PROTEST AND CELEBRATION
“On the Wall: Four Decades of Community Murals in NYC” is an insanely comprehensive, lovingly researched, beautifully rendered work which deserves a summertime place on your coffee table and a permanent place of honor on your bookshelf. The authors, Janet Braun-Reinitz (predsident of Artmakers Inc) and writer Jane Weissman will be joined by Amy Goodman (host of Pacifica Radio’s “Democracy Now”) for “Protest and Celebration: Community Murals in New York City.” It’s an evening which promises to delve deep into how NYC’s murals educate, organize, beautify and motivate action. Tuesday, June 9th, at Bluestockings; 172 Allen Street (between Stanton and Rivington); call 212-777-6028 or vist www.bluestockings.com.
Science / Theater
Photo by Dan McCarthy
Cafe owner Robin Hirsch, left, demonstrates the effect of soda water on Nobel Laureate Roald Hoffmann
ACQUA!
Cornelia Street Café further solidifies their reputation for the funky, entertaining, informative and eccentric with June’s edition of their “Entertaining Science” series — curated by Nobel Laureate Roald Hoffmann. “Acqua! The Sounds and Science of Water” delivers entertainment and experiments from a downtown duo who explore the unusual acoustic properties (and musical potential) of wind, water, earth and metal. Pablo Debenedetti of Princeton (an expert on fluids and amorphous solids) collaborates with Katie Down and Matt Darriau (the musicdal duo who comprise “Lyrebyrd”). What happens when art and science collide is anybody’s guess; but it’s virtually impossible to theorize that the results will be anything other than utterly unique and uniquely entertaining. $10 cover; Sunday, June 7th, 6:00p.m., at Cornelia Street Café, 29 Cornelia Street. Call 212-989-9319 or visit www.corneliastreetcafe.com.
Theater
Photo by Suzanne Trouve Feff
Bruce Li, left, as the adopted son and Hector L. Hicks as the grandfather
IN THE SILENCE OF THE HEART
Created for the inmates in Sing Sing Correctional Facility (and first produced there by Rehabilitation Through The Arts), this family drama penned by Joanna Chan is presented in English/Spanish with Chinese subtitles. Yangtze Repertory Theatre’s Production boldly tackles the murky moral issues surrounding revelation, conflict and kinship. Ten years ago, a Chinese boy was adopted by an African American family (whose patriarch worked with the boy’s father — who was killed on duty). Soon after that tragic accident, the patriarch leaves home. He finally returns on Labor Day weekend, 2008 — throwing the tightly knit family into turmoil. Thursday through Saturday, 7:30p.m. and Sundays at 3:00p.m., through June 14th; at Theater for the New City, 155 First Avenue. $20 general admission; seniors/students: $15.00. To purchase tickets, 212-254-1109; visit www.theaterforthenewcity.net and www.yangtze-rep-theatre.org.
Theater
Photo by Maria DeSchneider
Jacqueline Brookes, left, as Uta; Roberta MacIvor as Connie
STUCK
June 3rd through June 14th, catch the world premiere of John Bale’s “Stuck.” As the title implies, it’s all about the holding patterns we get into when we lose our professional ambition around the same time our will to go on dissipates. Claude Canny (Michael Sorvino, of the Sorvino family acting dynasty) is a sculptor and cartoonist who’s lost the desire to create. Jacqueline Brookes (known for her signature soap opera roles) is next door neighbor Uta. A Holocaust survivor and homeopathic healer, Uta tries to broker the marital conflict between Claude and wife Connie. When her touchy feely intervention fails, Claude shows Uta the door and shows Connie the bedroom. The result? A set of triplets who grow up to become artists with issues and struggles of their own. June 3rd through 14th; At Center Stage NY, 48 W. 21st Street, 4th Floor. $18 general admission, $13 for students/seniors. For tickets, call 347-230-2388.
