Bernie’s Apt.
Federico Garcia Lorca’s The House of Bernarda Alba, about six women under one roof in Spain, is reimagined in a contemporary household. This time, the matriach is living in a West Coast apartment and her brood of young girls hails from foster care. This world premiere by playwright Rose Cano features an all-Latina cast and represents what is possible for the local theater community: diversity on stage as well as diversity back stage (the crew features five Latinos). It's a co-production between Cano’s eSe Teatro and ACTLab. Read more about how Cano uses theater to bridge cultural divides.
If you go: Bernie’s Apt., ACT’s Bullitt Cabaret, Through May 28 (Tickets start at $20) — F.D.
Women on the Brink
You might have noticed that our arts listings this week and last week have been giving attention to the work of some of Crosscut’s recent Color of Race salon panelists. And how could we not when they’re delivering such interesting, timely work? Here then comes Tracy Rector, a filmmaker/activist/educator and now art curator with her Women on the Brink group show. The show riffs on the theme of edges, borders, boundaries and includes installation, film, visual art as well as music and literary arts. Opening night is May 12 and it’s part of the Capitol Hill art walk. I guarantee you the evening will be slammin'.
If you go: Women on the Brink, Vermillion Art Gallery and Bar, May 12 through May 31 — F.D.
Working Stiffs: Tales from the Grind
Working Stiffs: Tales from the Grind is a night dedicated to the great many jobs we’ve all loved and lost, or perhaps more likely, “quit in a frenzied rage.” This edition will feature writers, poets, and storytellers Quenton Baker, Aaron Counts, Brangien Davis, Brendan Jones and Shobha Rao. It’s really fun and a great introduction to the work of local writers. This is one of only a handful of events before the Hugo House moves (a couple times) so enjoy its quirky charm, and the beer and wine available at its tiny bar.
If you go: Tales from the Grind, Hugo House, 7 p.m. May 13 (Free)— N.C.
Native Art Market
The Burke Museum hosts this celebration and marketplace of Native art, showcasing over a dozen “emerging and established Native artists” from all around the Pacific Northwest. Throughout the day, there will be demonstrations and the chance to talk to artists specializing in everything from woodwork to linoleum prints to apparel design.The entire event is rounded out by much-buzzed-about Off the Rez food truck, which will be serving up Indian tacos and sweet frybread. While you’re over there, swing by the University Farmer’s Market, which is home to some rarer vendors like Skagit River Ranch and Convoy Coffee.
If you go: Native Art Market, Burke Museum, 10 a.m. May 14 (Free) — N.C.
Terra Spiritus
I first fell in love with Terra Holcomb’s work through photographs of her stunning dresses: gowns made out of mussel shells and leaves. I once got to see one of these garments. Now, here’s your chance to take in and climb into a 12-foot tall moss dress inspired by Holcomb’s frequent travels to the old growth forests in the Olympics and in the North Cascades. The artist will, according to her Facebook page, be augmenting the dress from time to time with new natural embellishments which begs a return visit (or two) to see what’s changed.
If you go: Terra Spiritus, METHOD Gallery, Now through May 21 (Free) — F.D.
Barrio @ Coyote
Since 1986, non-profit Coyote Central has been helping adolescents learn the skills of creative vocations like cooking, woodworking and public art. Students participate in after-school programs with working artists and mentors, and no one is turned away. In order to support this work, they hold monthly Tuesday night dinners with the help of a local restaurant’s chef. This month, enjoy a three-course dinner with Barrio’s Trevor Pierson, whose focus is inventive Mexican cuisine using fresh, seasonal ingredients. I don’t want to spoil the whole menu for you, but let’s just say that you'll get to try each of the following: Snow crab tostada with English peas, avocado and mint; guajillo beef short rib enchiladas and Blue Bird horchata ice cream with tequila macerated strawberries. Spring is in full-swing! And it’s a great time to support the work of Coyote Central.
If you go: Barrio @ Coyote, Coyote Central, 7 p.m. May 17 (suggested donation of $65 includes 3 courses and wine) — N.C.
