Ouch: This Week in Theatre
And from the belly of the heaving bastard they ripped the dangling, puke-covered, festering, imp of a baby. Then they all blew themselves up and barbequed some genitalia. They called it…theatre.
In honor of our Austinist pick of the week, we thought we’d get all Sarah Kane on your ass. If you’re not already familiar with the playwright that shocked the crap of every English theatre-goer right up until she killed herself in 1999, here’s your chance to get the skinny. Although her first play, Blasted, was described as a “disgusting feast of filth” (which, if you’ve read it, isn’t a completely ridiculous assertion), Kane went on to become a real big wig of the British theatre, heavily influencing what seems like every emerging British playwright – especially anyone who gets produced at the famous Royal Court Theatre (Britain’s most prominent producer of new work). Kane paved the way for the In Yer Face theatre movement of the 90s (a movement which lingers on despite its un-inspired name), and buddied up to Caryl Churchill, Edward Bond, and other enormously famous/influential playwrights of the modern era.
Who’s bringing her work to Austin? Why the VORTEX Repertory Company, of course, in association with Renaissance Austin Theatre. We’re not sure what “renaissance” Kane was a part of, but nevertheless, this theatrical partnership will present Kane’s final play, 4:48 Psychosis – directed by Bonnie Cullum and Lorella Loftus. It opens this Friday at 8pm, tickets, info, and even more Sarah Kane trivia in the Vortex Internet Dimension, or by calling 478-LAVA.
In the mood for something lighter? No worries, we’ve got that too – right after the jump.
THE ADVENTURES OF SAILOR STEVE COTIGAN
Ah, another radio serial from those Violet Crown Radio Players. These people produce real-live radio drama, live, for you to watch – complete with silly old skool sound effects. What a crazy concept. This Sailor Steve adventure is called Waterfront Fists, which sounds as good a reason as any to go check it out. Opening tonight, May 4th at the Hideout. Tickets and info via telegram, or, more simply, at the Violet Crown website.
GYRE
Local dance sensation Ariel Dance Theatre brings us a story of “science, magic, people, their memories, history, and the earth”. Sounds expansive. We saw what we bet was a little preview of this work at Spank Dance’s Dance Carousel way back in FronteraFest, and can tell you this much: if you’re a dance fan/think global warming blows, you won’t want to miss it. Gyre features some seriously talented local performers – Graham Reynolds, Martin Burke and Jason Amato just to name a few – and opens tonight, May 4th at the Blue Theater. Tickets galore at the Austix website, or by calling 474-TIXS.
HELLO DOLLY
Yes! Admit it, you love this cheesy old musical. We do – just don’t tell our pretentious, intellectual theatre colleagues, or we’ll be totally ousted from the coffee shop discussions on the nature of art. Actually, on second thought, do tell them – we’re not very good at sounding intelligent anyway. Thank you Georgetown Palace Theatre for bringing back this old fav. Gonna go see it? We recommend making a day of it, seeing the sights, and enjoying a little time away from our increasingly frenzied little A-burg. Info about the show at the Georgetown Palace Theatre website, or by calling 512.869.7469
INTO THE WOODS
Speaking of camp musicals, we’ve got another one for ya. Admittedly – joking about pretentious theatre folk aside – we don’t really like musical theatre. We kind of, well…think it’s dumb. Except when it’s Into the Woods! We love this little work of Steven Sondheim genius. It’s just so funny! Plus, they make fun of fairy tales, which provides more comedic fodder than breast implants on fire. Presented here by The Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired's drama department. Opening Friday at 8pm at TSBVI. More info by calling 206.9234
ACC DANCE DEPARTMENT: SPRING CHOREOGRAPHERS SHOWCASE
There are three good reasons to see this showing of faculty and student work. One, it benefits the Dance and Drama Scholarship Fund. Two, ACC pumps some serious dance talent into our little arts community. Three, it’s $6 (hell, only $3 if you’re a student). Good cause, good dance, cheap-as-shit. Check it out. This weekend only at the ACC Main Stage Theater, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 6pm. Tickets and info at 223.3384
But wait, that's not all. There's still everything that's still running from last week.
DECAMERON DAY 7: REVENGE. Read our review. Presented by the Rude Mechs at the Off Center. Now held over through May 6th!. Tickets and info at the Rude Mechs website.
STATIC, by Jason Pavelchik. Read our review. Presented by Salvage Vanguard Theatre at the Woodward Hotel through May 6th. Tickets and info.
RICHARD III
Austin Shakespeare Festival at the Sheffield Hillside Theatre in Zilker Park. Running through May 13th. ASF's squeaky-clean internet portal has more info, if you fancy. Free.
TINTYPES
Violet Crown Players at the Dougherty Arts Center. Call 512.301.3656 for tickets and info.
CYMBELINE
Running through May 7th. South Court of the UT Tower, UT campus. Free.
WOE: THE MODERN ROMEO & JULIET
Johnny Z. Gonzalez directs, this Friday at 6pm, Saturday and Sunday at 8pm. Winship Bldg, Room 2.810, UT campus. Free.
CHEATER
Shrewd Productions at Hyde Park Theatre. Call 695.7405 for tickets, or do it internet style over at the HPT website.
THE ODD COUPLE, presented by Austin Playhouse through May 7th. Tickets and info.
9x9x9. Coda Theatre Project at the Play! Theatre. Thursday thru Saturday at 8pm. Call 809-0050 or visit the Coda Theater website for tickets and info.
THE EXONERATED, presented by Zach Scott Theatre through May 7th. Tickets and info.
BAD DATES, presented by Zach Scott Theatre through May 7th. Tickets and info.
TRIPLE ESPRESSO
Presented at the State Theatre Wed thru Fri at 8pm, Sat at 4pm and 8pm, & Sun at 2:30 and 7pm. Running through May 14th. Tickets and info here.
Image by Andre Veron at Stock Exchange.
