The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, February 12-18, 2026

Expanding Sanctuary
Starting Wednesday, February 11, 8pm, available through February 14
Streaming online

Sotomayor Productions and the Acacia Center for Justice present Expanding Sanctuary, an award-winning short documentary about immigrant justice, community care, and collective resistance. The film follows an immigrant mother in South Philadelphia as she organizes to protect her neighborhood from detention, deportation, and displacement. She confronts systems of surveillance and criminalization through grassroots action and mutual support.

Following the live stream on Wednesday, February 11 is a conversation with the film’s protagonist, filmmaker Kristal Sotomayor, and members of the Acacia Center—a national nonprofit that provides legal defense, advocacy, and strategic support to immigrants facing detention and deportation. After February 11, the film will be available on demand through Saturday, February 14.

Dear Jack, Dear Louise
February 11-March 1
Hedgerow Theatre Company, 64 Rose Valley Road, Media

Hedgerow presents a heartwarming play about the true story of two-time Tony Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig’s parents’ courtship during World War II. US army captain Jack Ludwig, a shy doctor stationed in Oregon, begins a hopeful correspondence with Louise Rabiner, a budding actress and dancer living in New York City. The two soon dream of meeting one day, but the war rages on. Opening night is Friday, February 13.

'ART' by Yasmina Reza
February 12-March 1
Resident Ensemble Players, 110 Orchard Road, Newark

‘ART’ is slated as a comedy about art, egos, and everything in between. When Serge buys a shockingly expensive painting that appears to be completely white, his two best friends are baffled and outraged—and then something else entirely.

Blues for an Alabama Sky
February 12-March 15
St. Stephen’s Theater, 923 Ludlow Street

Lantern Theater Company continues its season with the Philly premiere of Blues for an Alabama Sky. The performance tells the story of Angel, a talented singer in 1930 Harlem looking for her big break, and her friend Guy, who wants to design costumes for Josephine Baker. But when a southern stranger enters their lives, will he help them reach their dreams or destroy them? The Harlem Renaissance drama from Pearl Cleage sees its opening night on Wednesday, February 18 at 7pm.

Arcadia: A Dazzling Journey Through Time, Truth, and Desire
February 12-22
Court Theater of the Mullen Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova

Villanova Theatre presents Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia, a story set in an English country estate that alternates between the early 19th century and the present day as scholars and residents separated by centuries pursue knowledge, love, and meaning. Blending romance, science, and comedy, Arcadia explores the tension between reason and emotion, order and disorder, and the ephemeral nature of time itself.

Awkward Sex…and the City: Galentine’s Edition
Friday, February 13, 7pm
Punch Line Philly, 33 East Laurel Street

Awkward Sex…and the City returns with a special Galentine’s Day show this weekend, featuring comedian Natalie Wall reliving intimate tales of awkwardness, sex, and dating.

Brazilian Carnaval Bash
Saturday, February 14, 7pm
Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill Street

This weekend is the BlocoFunk Brazilian Carnaval Bash, a night featuring the thunderous drumming of Unidos da Filadelfia Samba Troupe and two full sets from BlocoFunk. The performance honors the traditions of Brazil with samba drumming and costumed dancers.