SFR Picks—Week of September 19

Social Justice Pirates

Film documents women's health care in international waters

For many activists, regarding the medical and emotional crises facing women who are denied contraceptives and abortions in their home countries, they work to change the laws. That's all well and good.

But in 1999, Dutch medical doctor Rebecca Gomperts took another tactic: She rigged up a boat as a medical clinic, started distributing birth control and performing abortions in international waters (about 12 miles off any given coast)—and made it all legal. Since the boat flies the Dutch flag, it follows the laws of the Netherlands, allowing imperiled women in conservative countries to come aboard and get the health care their own homelands won't provide.

Vessel, the 2014 documentary about Gomperts' continuing work, is shown this week as part of the Women's Film Series from the Santa Fe chapter of the National Organization for Women. Afterward, a discussion with women's rights advocate Julianna Koob and retired Albuquerque physician Dr. Sandra Penn outlines the state of reproductive health in New Mexico—which is actually brighter than some might expect. "Despite the fact that many people think of us as very Catholic and therefore against reproductive rights," Penn tells SFR, "it turns out that our community really values women making decisions for themselves."

But now is not the time to rest on our laurels.

In New Mexico, "we still have a law on the books that criminalizes abortion," Penn tells SFR. "It is a leftover form prior to Roe v. Wade, and there will be an opportunity during the legislative session to get that law off the books. … Given concern about Kavanaugh, given concern about the Supreme Court and their continuing work at whittling away at Roe v. Wade, we want to make sure there's nothing in New Mexico that would prevent us from protecting women's reproductive health and rights."

In closing, Penn says, "I've said to my patients in the past, and I still say it today: Pregnancy can be an accident. Parenthood should not be." (Charlotte Jusinski)

Vessel
7 pm Tuesday Sept. 25. $10.
Center for Contemporary Arts,
1050 Old Santa Fe Trail,
982-1338

Hail, Anthony

When we came across the music of 23-year-old rapper Anthony Gallardo, aka Anthonius Monk, in May, we called his sophomore full-length album Rhymes and Wisdom the best of the year. And now Gallardo is set to outdo himself with his new release, Uncontrollably Driven. It's an apt title: It's his second album in the same year, and if Gallardo's previous material serve as a guide, we can expect a love letter to the hip-hop game and his hometown Santa Fe, delivered with one of the smoothest and quick-thinking flows we've heard locally or anywhere. Hip-hop fans get onboard—Anthonius Monk is the best of the best. (Alex De Vore)

Anthonius Monk Uncontrollably Driven Release Party:
8:30 pm Thursday Sept. 20. $5.
Second Street Brewery (Rufina Taproom),
2920 Rufina St.,
954-1068

For All You B-Boys and B-Girls and B-NBs

With changes sweeping Warehouse 21 (or whatever they call it now), one vital program seemed in flux: the breakdancers. One of the more positive (and let's face it, cool) programs run at the teen arts center, it seemed like breaking had gone by the wayside. Breathe easy, then, because classes are back now at Rockin' Rollers, to commence on Wednesdays. Whew! See, instructors like Alejandra Avil have a love of breakin', jukin' and jivin', and they're passing it on patiently and passionately to a new generation. Just show up ready to dance and learn and Avil and crew will take care of the rest. (ADV)

Youth Break Dance Class Registration Party: 
5 pm Saturday Sept. 22. $5.
Rockin' Rollers,
2915 Agua Fría St.,
795-6569.

A Day at the Museum

Santa Fe is known for a lot of things: Chile, art galleries and museums are especially integral to the Santa Fean society. Museum Hill is where a good portion of these museums live: the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, International Folk Art and the Santa Fe Botanical Gardens are but a few of these prestigious and expansive institutions. Community Day is an annual event that celebrates the community that gave them birth, offering activities, performances and free admission. If you're visiting or just plain haven't been to all of them, this is your best chance to do so. (Layne Radlauer)

Museum Hill Community Day: 
9 am-5 pm Sunday Sept. 23. Free.
Museum Hill,
710 Camino Lejo,
982-6366