By Billy Thomas
As the weather continues to warm up, and the sun — that’s that bright thing in the sky, for those of us who have forgotten, due to its infrequent presence — begins to shine brighter, the promise of a long weekend is a reprieve from the slog.
For readers who are looking to soak up some culture along with their vitamin D this weekend, here are some suggested activities.
Performance:
A Doll’s House at Harlequin Productions, described by staff writer Alec Clayton as “a forerunner of feminism,” is closing out. With booming stage presence and relevant messaging, this powerhouse drama is one not to miss. (8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, until May 25. $12-$35.)
It’s also the last weekend to see Fun Home at South Puget Sound Community College’s Kenneth J Minnaert Center. Director Lauren Love says the show “brings [the audience] back to that basic, fundamental function of the theater.” (7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, until May 25. Free-$17.)
Go see Go, Dog. Go! at Olympia Family Theater. This is the company’s second production of the play, first appearing on its stage in 2012. Staff writer Lucy Volker says audience members will “feel they’re experiencing a pop-up book sprung to life.” (7 p.m. Friday, May 24; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26. $15-$20.)
Music:
Like classical cello? Don’t miss Emerald City Music‘s season closer. Experience “Bach’s Complete Cello Suites” at South Puget Sound Community College’s Kenneth J Minnaert Center. Andrew Goldstein, Emerald City Music’s co-founder and executive director, describes the six cello suites as Bach’s “most iconic set of chamber music,” and “a bold and challenging feat for any cellist.” (7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25. $25-$40.)
Listen to The Makedonians at Rhythm & Rye. The Makedonians are a self-described “community of musicians” from Tacoma that play traditional Balkans and Near East music with intonations of American jazz. A wide array of instruments and voices should make for a unique musical experience. (8 p.m. Monday, May 27. $5-$25 suggested donation.)
Visual Arts:
An exhibition featuring the photography of Ashley Miller, entitled Sweet Things, will be open during regular hours at The Evergreen State College. Staff writer Alec Clayton reviewed the show for OLY ARTS, saying, “Traditional still-life paintings fetishize common household items such as candle holders and bowls of fruit, often displayed in tasteful arrangements in front of a luxurious curtain or cascade of silk cloth.” (12:30-5 p.m. Friday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26. Appointments required Friday, click here to reserve a time. Free.)
Film:
OLY ARTS film sponsor Olympia Film Society (OFS) is offering a variety of events this weekend. Movie buffs can see screenings of The Mustang and Diane. Those who prefer Capitol Theater’s live performances can check out Hattie’s Hideaway in this article’s “Something Different” section. The theater will be open Saturday and Sunday, but closed Monday. (Mustang: 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 24; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 26. Diane: 9 p.m. Friday, May 24; 5 p.m. Sunday, May 26. Call OFS box office for ticket prices, 360-754-6670.)
Books & Words:
Orca Books will host a reading of The Bone Charmer by Olympia author Breeana Shields. This coming-of-age, fantasy novel follows young charmer Saskia and leads up to her 17th birthday. She must choose between divergent paths to embrace her magic abilities, or run from them. (2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25. Free.)
Something Different:
Readers 21 and over are invited to Hattie’s Hideaway at the Capitol Theater. Hideaway is a burlesque revue, one local personality Hattie Hotpants (Lauren O’Neill) says “pushes the boundaries of traditional and contemporary theater by incorporating modern performance styles.” (8 p.m. Saturday, May 25. $20-$30. 21+.)
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For more information on upcoming arts and culture events in the area, visit OLY ARTS calendar online. Have a fantastic weekend!
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