SFR Digital-ish Picks—Week of Jan 20th

Curmudgeons in the time of Zoom

A timely romantic comedy? You bet!

Despite obvious hurdles to live performance, Teatro Paraguas has kept it going strong through 2020 and into the new year, even going so far as to further develop shows that proved popular during the time of virtual productions. Enter Hunker Down by playwright Robert F. Benjamin, a romantic comedy about isolation between two older folks. Benjamin's play began as a short and evolved into a larger piece after online audiences responded positively. Now ready to hit the virtual stage, the new version stars Duchess Dale (who also directs) as Bari and Don Converse as Kevin.

Benjamin describes the show as a timely romantic comedy about seniors coping with isolation during COVID times.

"We follow a lonely widow, desperate for an in-person connection as the pandemic goes on and on. She confronts her curmudgeonly neighbor whom she dislikes," Benjamin explains. "They reluctantly and clumsily befriend each other. Sort of."

Within the drama is the larger spiritual side quest the characters undertake, and their disparate world views.

A talk-back session with Benjamin and the actors follows the performance—a deeper offering that further illustrates the more robust elements available to companies producing virtual performances. (Riley Gardner)

"Hunker Down" encore presented by Teatro Paraguas:
7 pm Friday Jan 22 and Saturday, Jan. 23; 2 pm Sunday, Jan. 24th. $10 suggested donation.
teatroparaguas.org

Legislation Party

Teenage members from local nonprofit Girls Inc. host an online panel detailing the importance of passing an affirmative consent law for New Mexico public schools at the upcoming legislative session. The ultimate goal is for schools to teach communication skills to students looking to enjoy intimate moments with their partners—something for which the organization advocates. This could be a good one for families to watch together, specifically young boys, and you know what we mean. Those interested in attending as well as learning about Girls Inc.'s broader priorities in the Legislature can register on the website. While you're there, learn about some of the other things the org does. Worth it. (RG)

Teens Talk Affirmative Consent:
5 pm Thursday, Jan. 21. Free.
girlsincofsantafe.org

Bach til you Drop

For all you classical music fans out there, First Presbyterian Church of Santa Fe keeps hitting the good notes with its ongoing TGIF Virtual Concert series. Next on the docket, find organist Michal Gawle dipping into Bach classics like Organ Trio Sonata no. 3 in D Minor. Even better, you can expect a live performance from classical musicians every Friday at 5:30 pm through the church's YouTube channel. We're talking anything from pianists and violinists and more. In your face, Hollywood Bowl! (RG)

TGIF Virtual Concert Series with Michael Gawle:
5:30 pm Friday, Jan. 22. Free.
fpcsantafe.org/tgiftube/2020 Legislative Goals

The Pantry

Vital Spaces is already pretty great for providing low-cost space to artists who aren't working with a lot of capital, and the nonprofit extends its helping hand even further with the Community Art Closet project. The premise is simple: Get art supplies to those in need with a special focus on youth and families. The closet opens up for a few hours on the third Saturday of each month, and fledgling, struggling or otherwise needy artists can snag some supplies and get down to creating. Vital Spaces also recently entered a partnership with SFR to be the official gallery space of our 2021 Photo Contest, so you know this is for real. So for real. (Alex De Vore)

Community Art Closet:
11 am-3 pm Saturday, Jan. 23. Free.
Southwest Annex @Midtown Campus,
1600 St. Michael's Drive,
vitalspaces.org