THU.FEB.2
Disorder
Jeremy Wade returns to Dance Theater Workshop with his naked duet “Glory” and the new solo “Fiction.” “Glory” is a study of the dynamics of prostration. The dancers remain low to the ground, awkward and uncomfortable. In almost larval form, appearing more sculptural than figurative they elude dance’s imperative to represent. “Fiction” imagines a violent disfiguration, exploring the nausea of over-saturation, the destruction of identity, the limits of emptiness, and the potential for a phantasmagoric body. $20, $12 for members at 212-924-0077 or dtw.org. 219 W. 19th St. Through Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Tonight’s showing of “Confessions of a Mormon Boy” will benefit SoulForceNYC, an organization working to stop spiritual violence perpetuated by religious leaders against LGBT people. Written and performed by Steven Fales and directed by Tony Award-winner Jack Hofsiss, “Confessions of a Mormon Boy” is the arresting autobiography of a young gay man’s journey through excommunication from the Mormon church. Steven Fales could have been the poster boy for the Church of Latter Day Saints—Eagle Scout, international missionary, and Brigham Young University graduate. Fales was married in the Salt Lake Temple, and is the father of two beautiful children. But after repeated failed attempts to overcome his same-gender attraction, he found himself divorced and excommunicated. The story tracks his fall from the grace of his Mormon community, his desperate search for identity and community in New York City, and his triumphant and touching return to self-love and self-actualization. Soho Playhouse, 15 Vandam St. btwn. Varick and Sixth Ave. $50, which includes after-play discussion and reception with the author/actor, at 212-691-1555 orsohoplayhouse.com. Use code SOHO21 when ordering tickets for this performance, so the money will benefit SoulforceNYC. 8 p.m. Officially opens on Feb. 5. mormonboy.com.
FRI.FEB.3
Queer as a Fruit Fly
Beginning with a critique of science, citations from the Bible, and Darwinian theory, the film “Out in Nature: Homosexual Behaviour in the Animal Kingdom” debunks previously held ideas about same-sex attraction by examining homosexuality in the animal kingdom. From fruit flies to dolphins, amazing footage from around the globe captures homosexuality in its natural state. 5.a.m. on LOGO.
Queer Interiors
Following Cinders’ “home art” credo, Kay Turner has curated homohome—a show exploring domestic queerness. Fully titled “prototype for a homohome catalog,” the show will transform Cinders into a living catalogue of home products—with a homo twist. Come browse the selections and shop for your Valentine. Tonight’s opening features special homoesque performances by the band Snaggletooth and word power Amazon Sini Anderson of Sisterspit.7-11 p.m. at Cinders Gallery, 103 Havemeyer St. store#2, btwn. Hope & Grand Sts. in Williamsburg. 718-388-2311. Through Mar. 5, Wed.-Fri. 2-9 p.m., Sat. & Sun. noon-9 p.m.
Live-Action Video Game
The theatrical extravaganza “Gun Play,” conceived and directed by Chocolate Factory founder/artistic director Brian Rogers, draws parallels between real violence and imagined violence, recreating the world of 3-D first-person-shooter games on stage, while integrating game footage using high-tech video and computers. The audience, wearing headphones—Quake Convention style—watch the gun and gamer world come to life with an all-star cast of real-life gun relevant personalities like Hunter S. Thompson, Ted Nugent, William S. Burroughs, and John Carmack, who developed the games Doom and Quake. 5-49 49th Ave. in Long Island City. $15 at 212-352-3101 or theatermania.com. Through Feb. 4 at 8 p.m.
SAT.FEB.4
Performance and Media
Zone: Chelsea Center for the Arts presents a retrospective of video installation works by artist Molly Davies, who started making experimental films in the late 1960s. She became well known in the 1970s for her innovative work with film and performance, collaborating with contemporary choreographers, performers and composers. The exhibition includes “David Tudor’s Ocean” (1991), a six-channel piece, documenting three performances of the first tour of Merce Cunningham Dance Company’s acclaimed work “Ocean,” with composer David Tudor and Takehisa Kosugi performing live. “Sea Tails” (1983), a three-channel, six monitor piece, that integrates an evocative electronic score by David Tudor with film footage of French artist Jackie Matisse’s extraordinary underwater kites will also be on display. The exhibit also features the premiere of “Desire” (2002), a three-channel, three- screen installation with text by renowned poet Anne Carson. 601 W. 26th St., #302. 212-255-2177 or zonechelsea.org. Through Feb. 18, Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Animal Lovers Unite!
Separate groups for men and women. Find out why Instant Date is one of best, most successful, and most entertaining alternatives to the bar scene. Known as the Carrot Top of dating events, comedian Marilyn will keep everyone laughing and relaxed during the event. This fun, trauma-free, drama-free dating event gives provides opportunities to meet lots of single lesbians or single gay men who love animals in one-on-one mini dates lasting four to six minutes each. If there is a mutual match, participants are notified the next day. Uplifting, structured, and alcohol-free. Meet more singles during the free refreshment break. $25, pre-registration required at 212-989-8549. nyclavenderlounge.com. 8 p.m. at the LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St.
SUN.FEB.5
Lincoln Center Debut
The World Piano Competition presents its gold medal recipient Ekaterina Mechetina at a special debut appearance at the Lincoln Center. The 26-year-old Moscow-born pianist, currently touring the United States, will be performing her own program, featuring Mozart, Chopin, and Ravel. 8 p.m. at Alice Tully Hall, Broadway at 65th St. $20 and $15 at 212-875-5050 or 212-721-6500.
Multiculturalism and Women
The Feminist Book Club reads books and discusses feminism, but makes no claim about what feminism is or whom it serves, and is not a forum for affirming any predetermined feminist platform. Rather, the group relies on feminism(s) as a lens for examination. The group reads theoretical texts, literature and primary works. The book club is open to everyone, and welcomes people of all genders, political persuasions, and levels of familiarity with feminism. The Feminist Book Club meets on the first Sunday of every month. Books are chosen by consensus. This month’s reading is “Is Multiculturalism Bad For Women?” by Susan Moller Okin. Contact feministbookclub@yahoo.com for more information. Bluestockings, 172 Allen St., btwn. Stanton & Rivington Sts. 212-777-6028. 2:30 p.m., free.
Bears of All Colors Potlucking
Attend this yearly celebration of African, Arab, Asian, Indigenous, Latino, and South Asian American bears, cubs, chubs, and admirers, with lots of good ethnic and old-fashioned comfort foods! Bring a main course or side dish to serve six big hungry bear men. BC will provide the beverages. Don’t cook? That’s why God created Zabar’s, corner pizzerias, and Chinese take-out! Bear Cafe welcomes all folks, male or female, 18 years of age or older as members and/or guests. $7, $5 members with BC card. All attendees are asked to bring a large bottle of a nonalcoholic beverage or an appetizer/ fruit/cheese/munchies/dessert to share potluck-style. Free coffee. For more information about BC, upcoming programs, membership, sponsorship, or volunteer opportunities, visit bearcafe.org, e-mail info@bearcafe.org, call 866.749.8180, or write Bear Cafe, P.O. Box 20043, West Village Station, NYC 10014. 3 p.m. at the LGBT Center, 208 W. 13th St.
MON.FEB.6
SMUT
The weekly program of no-holds-barred performance every Monday at Galapagos, hosted by Desiree Burch. 70 N. Sixth St. btwn. Kent and Wythe in Williamsburg. 718-782-5188. 8 p.m., free.
Be Your Own Boss
Out Professionals presents “Start-Up Success Strategies,” a winter roundtable for present and potential entrepreneurs. What are you counting on to make your business unique? Should you be shopping for a business coach? What makes a business plan viable now? Host Gil Neary, president of D.G. Neary Real Estate, has been involved in the purchase or sale of more than 500 homes. Tonight Neary’s panelists include designer Marc Blackwell, whose tabletop and home accessories are featured in high-end stores and in his own boutique at 157 W. 26 St.; Ken Page, CSW, leader of some of the earliest and largest men’s retreats and the founder of Deeper Dating; and attorney Bari Zahn, president & co-founder of Living Beyond Belief, which recognizes and rewards New York City public high school students for promoting HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. $12, $9 OP members at 212-462-9255 or outprofessionals.org. The Center, 208 W. 13th St. at 8 p.m.
TUE.FEB.7
20th Anniversary Season
Ronald K. BrownEVIDENCE returns to The Joyce this February with two different programs featuring works that blend traditional and social dance vocabulary from the U.S., Senegal, and Cote d’Ivoire to the music of Fred Hammond, Terry Riley, Duke Ellington and more. Season highlights will include the New York premiere of “Order My Steps,” created with poet/director Chad Boseman, as well as “High Life,” a meditation on migration in the United States and West Africa. The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Ave. at 19th St. $38 at 212-242-0800 or joyce.org. Through Feb. 12, Tue-Fri. at 8 p.m., Sat. at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Dyke TV
Help them fulfill on their mission: To arm the global queer community with the tools to produce media, to incite political change, subvert mainstream hetero-normativity, provoke action, to organize the counter-media movement. Come ready to learn to be a guerilla videographer in this jam-packed free meeting. Find out about how the group’s low-cost video workshops create Dyke TV segments that air in 108 cities nationwide and globally. Watch our show at dyketv.org. For more information, anezka@dyketv.org. The Center, 208 W. 13th St. at 6:30 p.m. 212-620-7310.
Literary Launch
The new literary quarterly “A Public Space” celebrates the publication of its inaugural issue with an evening of readings and performances by several contributing writers. Edited by Brigid Hughes, formerly of “The Paris Review,” and taking as its starting point the belief that fiction matters, “A Public Space” brings together some of the sharpest minds in the arts for an ongoing conversation about literature and global culture. The Kitchen, 512 W. 19th St. 212-255-5793 or thekitchen.org. 7 p.m. Free.
WED.FEB.8
Off-Center Voices
Mark Twain and Shakespeare; world conquerors, and photojournalists; presidents and soldiers; along with a number of interviews with citizens and public officials make up the collected texts that are presented in this solo play created and performed by New York theatrical artist Donnie Mather. “A Show of Force” shines a light on the enduring questions that war raises — from all sides of the political spectrum. The LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St. at 7 p.m. 212-620-7310.
Burying Caesar
Steven Hanley’s “The Legend of Bushistotle: History’s Greatest Philosopher-Warrior-King” sheds light on the events leading up to the War in Iraq and offers a satirical but scathing evaluation of the current administration. An astute observer with a passion for social justice, Hanley is quickly gaining a reputation as an ‘enfant terrible’ of politics. Bluestockings, 172 Allen St., btwn. Stanton & Rivington Sts. 212-777-6028. 7 p.m. Free.
Exquisite Intensity
WilliamsWorks, the new dance company under the artistic direction of former New York City Ballet and Stephen Petronio Company dancer Todd Williams, kicks off the 92nd Street Y Harkness Dance Festival in its first solo evening in New York. Two world premieres?“Exquisite Corpse,” a duet for Williams and guest collaborator Glen Rumsey, and “Value Intensity” for 14 dancers?and the sextet “108” inspired by the sacred geometry of Hindu mandalas make up the program. Live music accompanies the performances. The Ailey Theater, 405 W. 55th St. at Ninth Ave. $20, $15 students and seniors at 212-415-5500 or 92y.org/HarknessFestival. Through Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
THU.FEB.9
Gay & Lesbian Reading Group
The Gay & Lesbian Reading Group holds discussions of LGBT experience through reading contemporary and classic novels, plays, poetry, and nonfiction. Newcomers welcome to share or just listen. Today’s reading is from “Rubyfruit Jungle” by Rita Mae Brown. 212-945-709, jclark@jclarkmedia.com, or jclarkmedia.com/gaybooks. The LGBT Center, 208 W. 13th St. at 6:30 p.m. 212-620-7310. 8 p.m., free.
FRI.FEB.10
Queer Latin(o)
Speakers Yolanda Martinez-San Miguel, University of Pennsylvania, and Ben Sifuentes-Jauregui, of Rutgers, will conduct this series of meetings, which seek to analyze the ways Latin(o) American sexualities get expressed outside or beyond the script of the coming-out narrative. Topics of discussion include the following?within a Latin(o) American context?Against the Closet, Beyond Homonormativity, Bodies of Desire, and Non-Corporeal Sexualities, or Queer Phenomenology. Texts to be studied by Reinaldo Arenas, Achy Obejas, Manuel Puig, Richard Rodriguez, Piri Thomas, Lourdes Casal, Junot Diaz, Cesar Aira, Gloria Anzaldua, Sonia Rivera Valdes, as well as critical works by Jose Quiroga, Emilio Bejel, Arnaldo Cruz-Malave, Lazaro Lima, Juana Maria Rodriguez, among others. Films clips from “Frida,” “Fresa y Chocolate,” “Y Tu Mama Tambien,” “Before Night Falls,” and “Kiss of the Spider Woman” will also be included. Series continues Mar.10, Apr.21, and May 5. Contact CUNY’s Center for Gay and Lesbian Studies (CLAGS) to reserve a space and receive reading materials at clags@gc.cuny.edu. The LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St. at 6:30 p.m. 212-620-7310. 6 p.m. Free.
SAT.FEB.11
Valentine’s Dance
DJ Louis Morhaim from Sirius OutQ DJ: Saturday Night OUT, Sunday QTea, Heartbeat Records, Tom of Finland, Cielo, Discoteque, SBNY, and Sea Tea is sure to get your heart pumping at one of the most popular Dance 208s?the Valentines Dance. With special guest, gay global recording and performing artist, and 2005 Outmusic Award-winning Ari Gold. $10/$6 center members, or before 9:45 p.m. Flaggers $6 all night w/flags. The Center, 208 W. 13th St. 212-620-7310.
TUE.FEB.14
Handel’s Neglected Masterpiece.
Desire and jealousy collide in Les Arts Florrisant’s emotionally searing production of Handel’s opera “Hercules,” conducted by William Christie and directed by Luc Bondy. After Hercules’ long absence on a military campaign, his wife Dejanira fears he has died. But her lament is interrupted by the hero’s triumphant return, accompanied by an unexpected prize of conquest?the beautiful princess Iole. Assuming her husband has been unfaithful, Dejanira’s grief turns to jealous rage, and despite protestations of innocence from Hercules and Iole, she brings about the hero’s death in truly tragic circumstances.
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