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‘Bad Dates’, ‘Blessed’, and ‘A Very Pandemic Purim’ wrap up the weekend
Kyle V. Hiller
Can you believe March is right around the corner already? Feels like we just got finished recovering from January. I don’t know what time’s deal is these days, but this weekend is packed with unique events and performances. Go on a few Bad Dates with George Street Playhouse, see the untold story of 2020 BCE on Purim, catch another riveting opera performance with Blessed, and see rising stars with the Directors Gathering JAM.
Slow time down and take it easy this weekend.
George Street Playhouse presents Bad Dates, a one-woman comedy about a single mom in search of cute shoes, the perfect dress, and a romantic table for two at a great restaurant. Written by Theresa Rebeck, directed by Peter Flynn, and starring Andréa Burns, the performance is streaming now through March 14, 2021.
What would Purim look like with a pandemic? Find out with A Very Pandemic Purim! Very Awesome Arts will present this year’s Purim party virtually on Thursday, February 25, at 8pm, promising the “untold story of 2020 BCE.” The event is free.
Opera Philadelphia continues its strong run of online content with the premiere of Blessed this weekend. The performance weaves music and film footage from New Orleans, New York City, and Philadelphia, drawing from the uprising in response to police brutality against Black Americans in 2020. The virtual curtains open on Friday, February 26, and the performance is available through May 31, 2021.
The Philly-founded organization Directors Gathering is bringing their annual event online this weekend, celebrating early career director-driven work in the area. This year’s JAM highlights six Black directors, including pieces in progress by Alexandra Espinoza, Ang Bey, Brett Ashley Robinson, Briana Gause, Nikki Brake-Sillá, and Vanessa Ogbuehi. The JAM is free on Saturday, February 27, at 5pm.
Leaders and Legends of North Philadelphia
The Smith Memorial Playground is closing its outdoor exhibit this weekend. The Leaders and Legends of North Philadelphia features inspirational Black leaders who have made positive change in activism, arts, business, education, public service, and sports that hail from the north side of town. Find out more about the exhibit online. The last day for viewing is Sunday, February 28.
The Nichole Canuso Dance Company is digitally touring their work Being/With: Home now through March 14. The show, adapted for at-home viewing, is a guided interaction with a stranger in a story that addresses solitude, intimacy, and adaptive forms of communication. Reserve your space now—shows have limited attendance.
Image Description: Ang Bey stands centered in what looks like a still from a filmed performance. Their face is stoic, their eyes wide and their hair tall, a gray cloth draped over them and their black top.
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