Connect with us

Arts & Entertainment

Birds of a feather?

Species co-mingle in abstract Shakespeare production

Published

on

Wings, theater, gay news, Washington Blade

‘The Conference of the Birds’
Through Nov. 25
Folger Theatre
201 East Capitol Street, SE
$40-$68
202-675-0342

Wings, theater, gay news, Washington Blade

The cast of ‘Conference of the Birds.’ (Photo by Scott Suchman, courtesy Folger)

Best known for fresh takes on Shakespeare, director Aaron Posner has expanded his repertoire. For his current offering at the Folger Theatre on Capitol Hill, he’s taken on “The Conference of the Birds,” an ensemble piece based on the 12th century Persian fable by Sufi poet Farid Uddi Attar. Told from the point of view of anthropomorphized feathered friends, it’s a compelling exploration of humanity’s quest for meaning.

At the urging of an unrelenting hoopoe, a varied flock of 10 birds are convinced to undertake an arduous journey to meet their ruler, the Simorgh. Understandably, they’re not all so eager to fly the coop: the parrot is content to remain in his gilded cage; the duck doesn’t want to leave water and the sparrow thinks she’s too weak for such a flight. But the hoopoe, played with wide-eyed intensity by Patty Gallagher, is very persuasive and off they all go.

The bird’s pilgrimage is long and hazardous: After crossing the desert (the anteroom of their trip), they must fly through seven valleys each of which offers its own lesson in love, understanding, annihilation, etc. Not all of the flock makes it to the Simorgh, but those who do are rewarded with an ample serving of universal truth.

Using words, music and movement, “Conference” takes its audience on a theatrical adventure. Posner’s inventive directing along with choreographer Erika Chong Shuch’s quirky, spasmodic moves brings the wordy work alive in exciting and unexpected ways. The talented 11-person cast (which includes Tara Giordano, Britt Duff and Jens Rasmussen who double duties as dance captain) is always in motion, transforming from birds to kings, slaves and hermits. Without ever leaving the stage floor, the actors subtly morph into a v-formation flock flying high overhead, seemingly covering great stretches of terrain on their winged journey.

Perched high atop the Folger’s stage, composer/musician Tom Teasley performs original music throughout the two-hour play using instruments from around the world. His exhilarating score — drawn from an eclectic variety of sound, rhythm and melody — adds significantly to the production.

The remainder of the design team is equally top notch. Meghan Raham’s timeless set of hanging burlap panels and twinkly amber lights is backed meaningfully by a wall of mirrors. And whether it’s the blinding light found in the valley of amazement or the darkness and fire in the telling of the moth to flame story, Jennifer Schriever’s lighting design is consistently clever and evocative.

While the cast mimics bird movements here and there, costume designer Olivera Gajic smartly resists the temptation to go avian. Instead, she outfits the birds in comfortable tops and drapey pants (and one or two skirts) in muted tones. Even the glorious peacock’s multi-colored wings are much quieter than what you’d expect from that feathered diva (memorably played by Jessica Frances Dukes).

Adapted for the stage by famed British director Peter Brooks and screenwriter/actor Jean-Claude Carriére, “Conference” premiered in 1971, touring Saharan African before playing to Western audiences. Its wisdom and beauty stimulates self-exploration. The work is “The Wizard of Oz”-ish in its suggestion that the search for fulfillment begins and ends within ourselves.

“Conference” is definitely a bold theatrical choice and Posner pulls it off with great imagination and style.

Advertisement
FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM
SIGN UP FOR E-BLAST

Arts & Entertainment

Catherine O’Hara, ‘Schitt’s Creek’ star and celebrated queer ally, dies at 71

Actress remembered for memorable comedic roles in ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Home Alone’

Published

on

(Photo courtesy of Pop TV)

Catherine O’Hara, the varied comedic actor known for memorable roles in “Beetlejuice,” “Schitt’s Creek,” and “Home Alone,” has died at 71 on Friday, according to multiple reports. No further details about her death were revealed.

O’Hara’s death comes as a shock to Hollywood, as the Emmy award-winning actor has been recently active, with roles in both “The Studio” and “The Last of Us.” For her work in those two shows, she received Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series and outstanding guest actress in a drama series.

In 2020, O’Hara won the Outstanding Lead Actress in a comedy series award for her work in the celebrated sixth and final season of “Schitt’s Creek.” She was also known as a queer ally and icon for her theatrical and often campy performances over multiple decades. In “Schitt’s Creek,” she played Moira Rose, the wig-loving mother of David Rose (played by series creator Dan Levy). David is pansexual, but the characters around him simply accept him for who he is; the show was embraced by the LGBTQ community with how naturally David’s sexuality was written and portrayed. That show ran from 2015 to 2020 and helped bring O’Hara and her co-stars into a new phase of their careers.

In a 2019 interview with the Gay Times, O’Hara explained why the show got LGBTQ representation right: “Daniel has created a world that he wants to live in, that I want to live in. It’s ridiculous that we live in a world where we don’t know how to respect each other and let each other be. It’s crazy. Other shows should follow suit and present the world and present humans as the best that we can be. It doesn’t mean you can’t laugh, that you can’t be funny in light ways and dark ways. It’s all still possible when you respect and love each other.”

Additional credits include “SCTV Network” (for which O’Hara won a writing Emmy), “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Six Feet Under,” “Best in Show,” “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” and “Dick Tracy.” O’Hara also lent her voice to “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Chicken Little,” “Monster House,” and “Elemental.” O’Hara was expected to return for Season 2 of “The Studio,” which started filming earlier this month.

Continue Reading

Calendar

Calendar: January 30-February 5

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

on

Friday, January 30

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]).

Spark Social will host “RuPaul’s Drag Race S18 Watch Party” at 8 p.m. This event will be hosted by local drag queens TrevHER and Grey, who will provide hilarious commentary and make live predictions on who’s staying and who’s going home. Stick around after the show for a live drag performance. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite

Saturday, January 31

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.

Sunday, February 1

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, February 2

“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 (adamheller@thedccenter.org).

Tuesday, February 3

Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more information, email [email protected]

Wednesday, February 4

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.

Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website

Thursday, February 5

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 5:00 pm 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, breath work 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.  

Continue Reading

a&e features

D.C. LGBTQ sports bar Pitchers listed for sale

Move follows months of challenges for local businesses in wake of Trump actions

Published

on

Pitchers is for sale at an undisclosed price. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

A Santa Monica, Calif.-based commercial real estate company called Zacuto Group has released a 20-page online brochure announcing the sale of the D.C. LGBTQ sports bar Pitchers and its adjoining lesbian bar A League of Her Own.

 The brochure does not disclose the sale price, and Pitchers owner David Perruzza told the Washington Blade he prefers to hold off on talking about his plans to sell the business at this time.

He said the sale price will be disclosed to “those who are interested.” 

“Matthew Luchs and Matt Ambrose of the Zacuto Group have been selected to exclusively market for sale Pitchers D.C., located at 2317 18th Street, NW in Washington, D.C located in the vibrant and nightlife Adams Morgan neighborhood,” the sales brochure states.

 “Since opening its doors in 2018, Pitchers has quickly become the largest and most prominent LGBTQ+ bar in Washington, D.C., serving as a cornerstone of D.C.’s modern queer nightlife scene,” it says, adding, “The 10,000+ SF building designed as a large-scale inclusive LGBTQ+ sports bar and social hub, offering a welcoming environment for the entire community.”

It points out that the Pitchers building, which has two years remaining on its lease and has a five-year renewal option, is a multi-level venue that features five bar areas, “indoor and outdoor seating, and multiple patios, creating a dynamic and flexible layout that supports a wide range of events and high customer volume.”

“Pitchers D.C. is also home to A League of Her Own, the only dedicated lesbian bar in Washington, D.C., further strengthening its role as a vital and inclusive community space at a time when such venues are increasingly rare nationwide,” the brochure says. 

Zacuto Group sales agent Luchs, who serves as the company’s senior vice president, did not immediately respond to a phone message left by the Blade seeking further information, including the sale price. 

News of Perruzza’s decision to sell Pitchers and A League of Her Own follows his Facebook postings last fall saying Pitchers, like other bars in D.C., was adversely impacted by the Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard soldiers on D.C. streets   

In an Oct. 10 Facebook post, Perruzza said he was facing, “probably the worst economy I have seen in a while and everyone in D.C. is dealing with the Trump drama.” He told the Blade in a Nov. 10 interview that Pitchers continued to draw a large customer base, but patrons were not spending as much on drinks.

The Zacuto Group sales brochure says Pitchers currently provides a “rare combination of scale, multiple bars, inclusivity, and established reputation that provides a unique investment opportunity for any buyer seeking a long-term asset with a loyal and consistent customer base,” suggesting that, similar to other D.C. LGBTQ bars, business has returned to normal with less impact from the Trump related issues.

The sales brochure can be accessed here.

Continue Reading

Popular