You’ve probably heard the phrase “the quiet before the storm.” That’s what this week is, the quiet before the storm that is the holiday season. Now is the time for me to go to all of the arts events that I want to enjoy, before my calendar starts to look like a desperate cry for help.
First up on my list is Reenactment of a Phone Call, an immersive video exhibition, by Irma Blumstock, who is a visiting artist through the Greater Columbus Arts Council’s artist exchange with Dresden, Germany. There are three chances to see the work at Art of Republic, Wednesday, Nov. 13 (with an opening reception), Thursday, Nov. 14 and Friday, Nov. 15 (with a closing reception). I’m not sure what an immersive video exhibition is, but I’m looking forward to finding out. New experiences are good.
The Columbus Symphony’s Masterworks Series continues with Chopin and Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations on Friday, Nov. 15 at the Ohio Theatre. And, here is something that I love, they are starting tickets at $10. Do you think the symphony would be annoyed if I brought my knitting? I can’t think of anything more relaxing than live symphony music while working on a hat.
Another option for Friday, is The Floorwalkers at Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza—again, I wonder, is knitting allowed?
My favorite Shakespeare play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is opening Friday and running through Nov.22. The show is presented by The Ohio State University Department of Theater at their Thurber Theater in the Drake Performance and Event Center.
Saturday, Nov. 16 the Thiossane West African Dance Institute is performing their fall showcase at the Lincoln Theatre. Not only is this an opportunity to enjoy an incredible dance performance, but ticket sales will help raise money for the Thiossane dancers to travel to Senegal.
Senator Sherrod Brown is coming to town. The Thurber House is hosting the senator Sunday, Nov. 17 for a special event as he promotes his new book Desk 88. I saw Brown recently discussing his book on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, it sounds fascinating and I’d love to hear the senator talk about it IRL
One final note/recommendation: I wrote about The Humans a few weeks ago and I’m mentioning it again for two reasons. One: the show is extended for one more weekend. Two: I saw it last week and it is wonderful. I’m not just saying that because the director is a friend. This cast is stellar. This is the kind of play that, though it is a well written story, the actors can really make or break it. It takes place over a family Thanksgiving and if the dialogue doesn’t flow naturally and/or you don’t believe the performances the show could easily fall flat. This production never fell flat for me. I believed their performances from word one. I forgot that I was watching something scripted and lost track of time as the play drew me in—it also lingered in my mind throughout the rest of the weekend. It is sweet, funny, thoughtful and nuanced. I highly recommend it.
That’s my short list for the weekend. Take my recommendations, or come up with your own by searching columbusmakesart.com. Share your adventures by tagging #artmakescbus.
Lacey Luce is a digital strategist for the Greater Columbus Arts Council who would also like to meet Sen. Brown’s wife Connie Shultz, a personal hero.