The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, May 8-14, 2025

The Return of Benjamin Lay
May 1-18
Sedgwick Theater, 7137 Germantown Avenue

Get a look at Pennsylvania history with this performance from Quintessence Theatre inspired by the true story of an 18th century Quaker who emigrated to America and settled in Abington and worked as an activist revolutionary who fought and advocated for the abolition of slavery in America. Standing at four feet, Lay confronts slavery and demands to be readmitted into the Quaker community that disowned him for ideas considered dangerous and disruptive. Don't miss the review by Alix Rosenfeld.

Interwoven
May 5-31
Chimaera Gallery, 3502 Scotts Lane #2113, Philadelphia

This solo exhibition by artist Agathe Bouton explores the rich textile traditions of Southeast Asia and Africa. Inspired by her time living and working in Myanmar, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal, the printmaking and fiber art works connect textile practices as threads connecting diverse communities through shared rituals. Opening reception is Friday, May 9, at 6-8pm—and it’s free.

Refigured, Unframed
May 8-June 30
William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce Street

This new exhibit at William Way showcases artwork featuring queer, trans, fat, disabled, Black, and Brown models, centering bodies who have been excluded from the tradition of life drawing. The exhibition comes in collaboration with Philly Queer Life Drawing, and opening reception is on Thursday, May 8 at 6-8pm—which is free and open to the public.

Amy Beth Kirsten’s Savior & Infernal Angel
May 9-10, 7pm
Gould Rehearsal Hall, 1616 Locust Street

The Curtis New Music Ensemble presents the world premiere of Infernal Angel, a performance helmed by composer Amy Beth Kirsten, that examines the fateful relationship between Joan of Arc and Gilles de Rais. Scored for baritone voice, violin, bass clarinet, trumpet, trombone, percussion, and vocal sextet, Infernal Angel is staged inside a stop-motion animated film set to make for a multimedia experience. Kirsten’s Savior opens the performance.

Art Star Craft Bazaar
May 10-11, 11am-5pm
Cherry Street Pier, 121 North Columbus Boulevard

The 21st annual Art Star Craft Bazaar returns to the waterfront this weekend, just in time for Mother’s Day. More than 80 craft vendors will fill the pier, and there will also be food and hands-on crafting activities.

The Infinite Canvas: How Technology and Art Converge
Saturday, May 10, 1-2:30pm
Learning & Engagement Center at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Artist Rashid Zakat leads this workshop that looks to explore technology as an infinite canvas for human creativity. Using electronics and computing as raw material, participants will engage with microcontrollers, circuits, and sensors to discover how technology is not something outside of us but is instead a reflection of us. All of it comes in the spirit of Philly Tech Week, which runs May 5-10 and features a variety of events, workshops, panels, and more.

Endlings
May 13-June 1
Hedgerow Theatre, 64 Rose Valley Road, Media, PA

Hedgerow Theatre Company brings the regional premiere of Korean-Canadian director, playwright, and screenwriter Celine Song’s Endlings. The play follows two generations of Korean women grappling with the weight of their pasts, the loss of their cultural heritage, and the complexities of identity while confronting the haunting question of what it means to be remembered. One generation of women includes three elderly sea women who spend their dying days continuing the ancient tradition of diving into the sea to fish with nothing but a knife on a South Korean island. Then, there’s Ha Young in Manhattan who struggles to finish a new play as she navigates the expectation that she write more authentic stories inspired by her identity.