Update: A few days ago I put up the post for our November outing, to go to see a show at the Chocolate Factory on the 30. This seemed like a good plan, until I recalled that I had ages ago agreed to be part of a panel discussion on documentation in contemporary performance, also on the 30th … so, errrr…now we have a new November outing!And it’s free!
What: Publishing Performance in the 21st Century: Ugly Duckling Presse
When: Nov. 30, 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: The Graduate Center, CUNY, 365 Fifth Avenue
Why: Ugly Duckling Presse, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit publisher run by a volunteer collective and the home of the “Emergency” series (the former Emergency Gazette, Emergency Playscripts’ and Emergency INDEX), brings together this performance-infused forum addressing issues in performance criticism, documentation, and the relationship of writing and performance. A panel discussion with performance publishers, critics, and curators will be followed by short performances by artists and playwrights based on critical writing about their own work and an open discussion between the panelists, artists, and audience members. The series editors will also present a preview of UDP’s first annual Emergency INDEX, in which artists reflect on the work they created in the past year. With Antje Oegel, Aki Sasamoto, Esther Neff, Claudia La Rocco, Sylvan Oswald, Jim Findlay, Matvei Yankelevich, and others.
Afterwards we’ll find someplace nearby for drinks and frivolity. But where…? Hmmm. There’s always Maui Tacos. Or Korean bbq. Please let me know if you’re coming, so we can figure out how big a group we are.
And we’ll save the C. Factory for December. Information about that event below, in my slightly edited original post (I still wanted to talk about how unnecessarily overgrown and under-curated Performa is, even if it’s not stretching into December. Yet. Just wait until 2013, and the Nine Month Super Deluxe Edition). If by chance you have already ordered a ticket for the 30th and want to switch it to the 3rd, this can be done, just let me know:
I know I said we were going to a Performa event this month.
But … we aren’t. The thing just started and I already have biennial fatigue. I was wading through the calendar trying to think of an event that wouldn’t be a madhouse, wouldn’t be a celebrity mill and might spark good conversation. And I got tired. Then I thought, what could we do that would be the total opposite of this? Something small and selective and thoughtfully chosen ….?
And then I read this blurb:
“a science fiction romantic tragedy about a couple who enter into a delusional world of art, architecture, childhood and parenting where desire and violence create the ambiance for mythical acts.”
And, well, I’m sort of a sucker for lots of these things, beginning with science-fiction. And also for shows that sound like they don’t have much of a chance to land in the middle ground between stinker and sublime.
And, and, and. So:
Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 3, 8 p.m. We’ll be heading to the Chocolate Factory to see “SAND,” a new work by Peter Jacobs and his Assistant Theater.
Tickets are just $15, and you can get them through the CF web site or by calling (212) 352-3101. If you can’t make it on the 3rd but want to be a part of the discussion online, the show runs Wednesday-Saturday Nov. 30 through Dec. 10.
I don’t know much about Jacobs, although he’s been around for awhile. And he’s working with lots of folks I do know, including Beth Gill and Daria Fain. I’m curious to see for myself. And looking forward to seeing you all there, and after, at a local spot of our choosing. Please let me know if you plan on attending, so I can figure out how big (or small) a place we need.