SFR Picks—Week of Sept. 26

And … Action!

Alternative viewpoints in one six-part play

Theater is an art form built on tradition. It has changed quite a bit in recent centuries, what with the advent of television and film—but there are still writers, actors and directors working together to produce performances based on these traditions. "The form of the play is generally pretty predictable," Tara Khozein, one of the four ensemble members of Theatre Grottesco, explains. "We're used to that [linear] narrative form. We break those rules."

Action at a Distance is different than any other theater production you've ever seen. There are six plays going on at once, and you only see a small part of each one. "There will be moments when you will feel connected with these people on stage," she continues, "despite the fragmented nature of the piece."

"This is a kind of theater where you have no idea what's going to happen and it's gonna be something you've never seen before," John Flax, another actor in the production, tells SFR. "The audience is seeing parts of these plays that overlap onto each other. Where they intersect is where interesting things happen."

The play will be performed by the local experimental ensemble in collaboration with Lisa Fay and Jeff Glassman Duo. Last year, Theatre Grottesco performed PIE, an unusual play depicting the creation of the universe. (For those keeping score, PIE won SFR's 2017 Billie Award for "Most Likely to Swing Wildly from your Heartstrings.") The Fay Glassman Duo is an Illinois-based group that has been working together for 27 years, having performed such productions as Depth of a Moment: In Four Parts in both South Korea and the United States. This month's series of six open rehearsals put on display the teams' collaboration on experimental and perhaps strange theatrical styles.

"That's why it's being done—it's a contribution to a culture that is created by artistic works in any medium," Glassman says. After the play, their will be an open discussion between the ensemble and the audience. "The audience is the one who should be able to reflect back to use and tell us, which is something we can't do that they can," he explains. "They should come in that spirit." (Layne Radlauer)

Action at a Distance
7 pm Mondays-Wednesdays Oct. 1-10. Free.
Santa Fe Playhouse,
142 E De Vargas St.,
988-4262

Spooky, Scary

Santa Fe ex-pat Olivia Solomon played for any number of bands once she set out for Maine, but the call of the solo project proved too enticing, and her project Ghost Baby was born. It's a fairly apt name—Solomon's emotionally charged tunes have hauntingly layered and reverb-heavy edges—and her gorgeous singing voice lays the foundation for something dark and special. "When I got started, I didn't have any big plan laid out," Solomon says of her sound, "I just needed a platform to release my grief—as long as that resonated with other people, that's the most important thing." Ghost Baby performs alongside SFR fave Jake Trujillo, Santa Fe's KO and Austin, Texas-based SMiiLE. (Alex De Vore)

Ghost Baby with SMiiLE, Jake Trujillo and KO
7:30 pm Thursday Sept. 27. $5-$10.
Zephyr Community Art Studio,
1520 Center Drive, Ste. 2.

Materialism

Santa Fe's an art town—duh. But one thing the casual appreciator might not take into account on a regular basis are the materials behind the work. Creators have to go somewhere when they're looking for paint or giclee or pens, pencils, brushes, etc. Enter the Artisan Materials Expo, a massive gathering of artists, vendors, educators and more held at Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino. Catch the newest innovations in materials, choose from more than 100 workshops or simply just plot out your next masterpiece. It's all thanks to the fine folks at Artisan, Santa Fe's favorite art equipment superstore. Did we mention access to the main event is free? (ADV)

Artisan Materials Expo
10 am-5:30 pm Friday and Saturday Sept. 28 and 29; 10 am-3 pm Sunday Sept. 30. Free (but pay for workshops).
Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino,
20 Buffalo Thunder Trail,
455-5555; expoartisan.com.

Tubular

If anyone ever tells you the music of the 1980s was somehow bad or cheesy, you know this person is not your friend. Face it, nerds—the '80s were, like, so totally awesome. Shipwrecked Productions knows this, and that's why they're taking it back to the decade of fluorescent clothes, killer haircuts and more synths than one could shake a stick at. Hear the hits, dress the part and remember to keep it clean because it's for anyone aged 13 and up. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are encouraged, as is understanding that Depeche Mode was a seriously amazing band. We love you, Dave Gahan! (ADV)

Back to the '80s
7 pm Saturday Sept. 29. Free.
The Studio,
332 Camino del Monte Sol.