Arts & Entertainment

Arts news in brief

Last weekend to catch several worthy local productions

Published

15 years ago

December 16, 2010

John Robert Keena (left) and Chuck Young in 'Golden Boy,' which ends its local run Sunday. (Photo by Jim Coates; courtesy of Church Street Theater)

Last chance for ‘Wife Swappers,’ ‘Golden Boy’

Cherry Red’s production of Justin Tanner’s play “Wife Swappers” brings the horny, homophobic world of middle-aged swinger-sex in the land of Orange County church-going Republicans under the revealing microscope — an eyeful of full-frontal nudity and wide-open frankness, with sometimes way “too much information” as the characters let it all hang out at the D.C. Arts Center in Adams Morgan, but only through Saturday.

The setting is Christmas-time under a holiday party banner reading “Deck The Halls With Your Balls.” But the play ends on a more serious note, hinting more at Edward Albee and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolff?” than carefree suburban poly-amorous humping. See it tonight at 7:30 or Saturday when it closes, at 7:30 and 10 p.m. The D.C. Arts Center is at 2438 18th St. N.W. Tickets are $25. 202-462-7833.

“Golden Boy” is another very different play, but it’s also see-it-now-before it closes. Clifford Odets’ classic kitchen-sink drama of 1937, “Golden Boy” (William Holden made his film star debut in the 1939 film adaptation), on stage at the Keegan Theatre in the Church Street Theater in Dupont Circle. It closes there Sunday. Odets, a leading Hollywood screenwriter (for example, “The Sweet Smell of Success” in 1957), shows a man torn between the lure of big money in the ring as a prize-fighter and the risk of ending his dream of a career as a violinist by using his hands to slug instead of bow.

The drama is often melo- and the tragic ending is fore-shadowed. But even so it’s worth seeing, tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. The Church Street Theater is at 1742 Church St., N.W. Tickets are $30 to $35. 703-892-0201 or here.

Webre re-imagines ‘Nutcracker’; ‘Hamlet’ goes high def

“The Nutcracker” ballet by gay composer Tchaikovsky has been revamped by Septime Webre (also gay) and the Washington Ballet, with distinctive twists including setting it during the American Revolution, with a heroic George Washington as the Nutcracker and King George III as the King of the Mice, and a Potomac River setting for a dance of the cherry blossoms. Through Dec. 26 at the Warner Theatre, 13th and E streets, N.W. Tickets from $31 at 202-397-7328 or here.

“Hamlet,” is it the greatest play by the greatest ever playwright? And was he in fact bisexual? Well, to both questions, maybe. At least you can perhaps answer the first question at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27, when the play is performed live from London’s National Theatre on the giant high def screen at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Harman Hall, 610 F St., N.W. The classic portrait of uncertainty, which of course ultimately appears to answer the question “to be or not to be” by mostly choosing the latter, is directed by Nicholas Hynter and features Rory Kinnear in the title role. Tickets are $20 from 202-547-1122 or here.

Art galleries offer year-end collections

Two very different group shows of artists are now in progress at Gallery planb, in Logan Circle at 1530 14th St., N.W., open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m., gay gallery director David Kalamar has pulled together a remarkable year-end group show running through Dec. 24, featuring about 25 artists showing works in painting, photography, jewelry, prints and much more. Any purchase enters you in a raffle to win a limited edition print, “Smith Island,” by gay artist Keith H. Adams, a former U.S. Marine Corps combat artist who later worked as a set painter at the Washington Opera and just recently opened with his partner a B&B in Washington, Va., in the bucolic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Also, be sure to admire Adams’ oil paintings “Cedar II” and “Muir Beach.”

“Focus Group: Four Walls, Five Women,” at the D.C. Arts Center in Adams Morgan, 2438 18th St., N.W., is open 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday through Jan 9. This show is a collaboration between the Center and Black Artists of D.C. (BADC), emerging from discussion among five black women about how their race and gender expresses itself through the materials they choose to use.

The sixth annual “Downtown Holiday Market” is open daily from noon to 8 p.m. thru Dec. 23. More than 180 local artisans and crafters show their work, under festive tents on F Street between 7th and 9th streets, N.W., in front of the National Portrait Gallery. There’s also live music (free) and refreshments (for sale).

Theater

Voiceless ‘Antony & Cleopatra’ a spectacle of operatic proportions

Synetic production pulls audience into grips of doomed lovers’ passion

Published

1 day ago

January 17, 2026

Patrick Folliard

Stella Bunch as Mardian and Irina Kavsadze as Cleopatra in Synetic Theatre's ‘Antony & Cleopatra.’ (Photo by Katerina Kato)

‘Antony & Cleopatra’
Through Jan. 25
Synetic Theater at
Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Klein Theatre
450 7th St., N.W.
Synetictheater.org

A spectacle of operatic proportions, Synetic Theater’s “Antony & Cleopatra” is performed entirely voiceless. An adaptation of the Bard’s original (a play bursting with wordplay, metaphors, and poetic language), the celebrated company’s production doesn’t flinch before the challenge.

Staged by Paata Tsikurishvili and choreographed by Irina Tsikurishvili, this worthy remount is currently playing at Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Klein Theatre, the same venue where it premiered 10 years ago. Much is changed, including players, but the usual inimitable Synectic energy and ingenuity remain intact.

As audiences file into the Klein, they’re met with a monumental pyramid bathed in mist on a dimly lit stage. As the lights rise, the struggle kicks off: Cleopatra (Irina Kavsadze) and brother Ptolemy (Natan-Maël Gray) are each vying for the crown of Egypt. Alas, he wins and she’s banished from Alexandria along with her ethereal black-clad sidekick Mardian (Stella Bunch); but as history tells us, Cleopatra soon makes a triumphant return rolled in a carpet.

Meanwhile, in the increasingly dangerous Rome, Caesar (memorably played by Tony Amante) is assassinated by a group of senators. Here, his legendary Ides of March murder is rather elegantly achieved by silver masked politicians, leaving the epic storytelling to focus on the titular lovers.

The fabled couple is intense. As the Roman general Antony, Vato Tsikurishvili comes across as equal parts warrior, careerist, and beguiled lover. And despite a dose of earthiness, it’s clear that Kavsadze’s Cleopatra was born to be queen.

Phil Charlwood’s scenic design along with Colin K. Bills’ lighting cleverly morph the huge pyramidic structure into the throne of Egypt, the Roman Senate, and most astonishingly as a battle galley crashing across the seas with Tsikurishvili’s Antony ferociously at the helm.

There are some less subtle suggestions of location and empire building in the form of outsized cardboard puzzle pieces depicting the Mediterranean and a royal throne broken into jagged halves, and the back-and-forth of missives.

Of course, going wordless has its challenges. Kindly, Synectic provides a compact synopsis of the story. I’d recommend coming early and studying that page. With changing locations, lots of who’s who, shifting alliances, numerous war skirmishes, and lack of dialogue, it helps to get a jump on plot and characters.

Erik Teague’s terrific costume design is not only inspired but also helpful. Crimson red, silver, and white say Rome; while all things Egyptian have a more exotic look with lots of gold and diaphanous veils, etc.

When Synetic’s voicelessness works, it’s masterful. Many hands create the magic: There’s the direction, choreography, design, and the outrageously committed, sinewy built players who bring it to life through movement, some acrobatics, and the remarkable sword dancing using (actual sparking sabers) while twirling to original music composed by Konstantine Lortkipanidze.

Amid the tumultuous relationships and frequent battling (fight choreography compliments of Ben Cunis), moments of whimsy and humor aren’t unwelcome. Ptolemy has a few clownish bits as Cleopatra’s lesser sibling. And Antony’s powerful rival Octavian (ageless out actor Philip Fletcher) engages in peppy propaganda featuring a faux Cleopatra (played by Maryam Najafzada) as a less than virtuous queen enthusiastically engaged in an all-out sex romp.

When Antony and Cleopatra reach their respective ends with sword and adder, it comes almost as a relief. They’ve been through so much. And from start to finish, without uttering a word, Kavsadze and Tsikurishvili share a chemistry that pulls the audience into the grips of the doomed lovers’ palpable passion.

Out & About

Love board games and looking for love?

Published

3 days ago

January 16, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

(Image by VLADGRIN/Bigstock)

Quirk Events will host “Board Game Speed Dating for Gay Men” on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at KBird DC.

Searching for a partner can be challenging. But board games are always fun. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?

Picture this: You sit down for a night of games. A gaming concierge walks you through several games over the course of the night. You play classics you love and discover brand new games you’ve never heard of, playing each with a different group of fun singles. All while in a great establishment.

At the end of the night, you give your gaming concierge a list of the folks you met that you’d like to date and a list of those you met that you’d like to just hang out with as friends. If any two people put down the same name as each other in either column, then your gaming concierge will make sure you get each other’s e-mail address and you can coordinate a time to hang out.

Tickets cost $31.80 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Calendar

Calendar: January 16-22

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

3 days ago

January 16, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, January 16

Friday Tea Time will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Bring your beverage of choice. For more information, contact Mac ([email protected]).

Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7 p.m. at the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new connections and community building or just to unwind and enjoy extended happy hour. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, January 17

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center and SMYAL will host a free film screening of “Mama Bears” celebrating queer youth, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Whether you’re a movie lover, looking to make new friends, or simply want a safe, affirming space to relax, this event is for you. Click this link to RSVP.

LGBTQ People of Color will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This peer support group is an outlet for LGBTQ people of color to come together and talk about anything affecting them in a space that strives to be safe and judgement free. There will be all sorts of activities like watching movies, poetry events, storytelling, and just hanging out with others. For more details, visit thedccenter.org/poc or facebook.com/centerpoc.

Sunday, January 18

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community and Conversation” at noon at As You Are. This event is for those looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ+ community. Look for the Go Gay DC sign on the long table near the front window. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, January 19

“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).

Tuesday, January 20

Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.

Tae Kwon Do Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.

Wednesday, January 21

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

Thursday, January 22

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breathwork and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.