A look at” Black and Desi encounters” in the wake of Kamala Harris; an investigation of “Othello” through the issues of 2020, a “concert cabaret requiem” for those we have lost — these are among the forthcoming shows in announcements yesterday by two reliable Off-Broadway theater companies and two of our most inventive Off-Off Broadway theaters. In a season unlike any in memory, some of what was announced is unprecedented as well, and also uncertain.
Ars Nova
Ars Nova has launched a new digital streaming platform to present works during its 2020–2021 season
Sonia Denis is this month’s host for this variety show and party
Laura Galindo in Concert!, October 16
In this first 20 minute installment of a four-part “docuseries” written and performed by Dylan Guerra: Late one night, a guy told Dylan he wanted to disappear; the very next day he did. Dylan leads us through his obsessive (and obsessively gay) deep dive for truth.
In the wake of Kamala Harris’ vice presidential nomination, and counting down to the 2020 Election, a queer interracial couple attempt to situate their relationship in a larger constellation of Black and Desi encounters. Created by Shayok Misha Chowdhury and Kameron Neal
A Blue Moon Study by O-die, October 31
A 45-minute show created by Lim. (Please read the description at the link. I didn’t understand it.)
The theater will also launch Ars Nova Experiences, which is an experimental hybrid that includes what the theater calls “off-screen happenings.” The first such experience is entitled “PS.” in which audience members will receive letters that two pandemic-isolated characters exchange with each other every few weeks. “The final act of P.S. will culminate with a live, in-person performance that reunites these characters — and welcomes audiences back — for a cathartic recognition of the historic period we’ve endured.”
Bushwick Starr
More details to come (such as specific dates)on the Bushwick Starr website
Red Bull
Othello 2020 will present a deep dive into the intersection of race and classical theater, from October 5 to 28.
A conversation with Patrick Page, October 5
In Exploring Othello 2020, a series of weekly seminars, Keith Hamilton Cobb, Franchelle Stewart Dorn, Jennifer Ikeda, Anchuli Felicia King, Harry Lennix, Madeline Sayet, Jessika D. Williams, and more will read a portion of Shakespeare’s play and discuss its intersections with 2020, every Wednesday afternoon in October
Keith Hamilton Cobb will perform his solo show American Moor on October 12, about a Black Shakespearean actor. (My review when it was on stage at the Cherry Lane.)
There will be a reading of the play Keene by Anchuli Felicia King on October 19. Tyler is writing a thesis on Iris Aldridge, the 19th century African-American Shakespearean actor, and starts dreaming about him. Meanwhile a Japanese musicologist named Kai develops a crush on Tyler. As dreams start to merge with reality, Tyler and Kai are brought closer together
WP Theater
Fifteen artists have been selected for the 2020-2022 WP Lab. The two-year residency begins now and culminates with the biennial WP Pipeline Festival.
Playwrights: Gethsemane Herron-Coward, Nambi E. Kelley, Haruna Lee, Zizi Majid, Daaimah Mubashshir
Directors: Miranda Haymon, Chika Ike, Sophiyaa Nayar,
Machel Ross, Katherine Wilkinson
Producers: Iyvon Edebiri, B.J. Evans, Kristin Leahey,
Ayana Parker Morrison, Cynthia J. Tong
