Ballet at home, writing workshops, Philly Drive-In, and a garden of laughs for the weekend

September is fully among us! This week’s servings include video art that explores conversations around reproductive systems and oppression, a comedy stream hosted by Bartram’s Garden, a pair of writing workshops, and a chance to get your ballet on. It’s still summer, technically, but it’s crazy that we’re going to be winding down into the fall soon.

Is it too soon for pumpkin, witchcraft, and the Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack? Probably, so distract the urge to go full-blown Halloween with this helping of weekend arts.

Born, Unborn, and Born Again

ICA Philadelphia continues its Open Video Call series on Wednesday, September 9, at 6pm along with Lino Kino and video artist Kyruri Jeon for a conversation on her work Born, Unborn, and Born Again. The work, which is available now for streaming, is a film that “explores the transnational nature of governmental control over reproductive systems, and how this oppression manifests in our bodies and perceptions of self.” Join the call online (live captioning will be provided) and visit the archives of other Open Video Call entries.

Philly Drive-In at the Mann Center

If you have a car and a hankering for the cinema, the Mann Center is running a series of films every Wednesday and Friday night through September. Check out the full schedule and be sure to reserve your ticket ahead of time—tickets are limited.

Ballet@Home

BalletX’s Dance@Home virtual dance classes return this week, with a list of sessions for beginners to advanced students. Fun fact: learning ballet is on my bucket list. Maybe this fall is the time?

Comedy at the Garden

On Thursday, September 10, at 7pm, Bartram’s Garden and comedian Cecily Alexandria are hosting a night of comedy online. A lineup of Darryl Charles, Belynda Cleare, Cassandra Dee, Michael Kelly, and Nicole Phoenix will be sure to delight. Check it out on Facebook.

Community Writing Group and more

Let’s face it: six months into a global pandemic and unpacking centuries of social injustice can hinder the creative flow. But it’s important to express yourself! A Novel Idea on Passyunk is hosting its virtual Community Writing Group on Thursday, September 10 at 7pm. According to their post on Instagram, this is a “low-stress, low-cost meetup” that is open to writers of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction alike. Entry is on a sliding scale.

A Novel Idea has a host of other events coming up soon—be sure to take a look around!

Into the Absurd

Just in time for Fringe, the Idiopathic Ridiculopathy Consortium’s Into the Absurd is back with David Fox and BSR contributor Cameron Kelsall for a night examining and reflecting on classic film and filmed theater productions. Join in live on Saturday, September 12 at 5pm, and bring questions for the open discussion.

Series in Stanza

If you aren’t satisfied with just one writing workshop, Green Street Poetry is hosting its monthly Series in Stanza on Tuesday, September 15. Poets are welcome to “delve into poetic form, look at different ways authors approach them, and how to utilize these forms in your own writing,” according to the event info. No experience is necessary, and the event is free.