Culture During a Crisis
The Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill will live-stream a conversation between its director, Terrie Sultan, and Andras Szanto, a consultant to museums, cultural organizations, and educational institutions, tomorrow at 5 p.m. Mr. Szanto will discuss the necessity for the arts in periods of crisis, a practical plan for reopening museums, and the long-term challenges facing cultural organizations.
Mr. Szanto has written and edited numerous books and contributed articles to The Art Newspaper, The New York Times, Artforum, and other publications. His clients have included the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Pew Charitable Trusts, and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. A link to the program can be found on the Parrish’s website.
Offerings From Canio’s
While Italy has allowed some businesses to reopen, including bookstores, that’s not yet the case in New York State. Canio’s Books in Sag Harbor, however, has gone virtual, with a reading by Scott Chaskey, the former head farmer at Quail Hill Farm in Amagansett, set for Saturday at 5 p.m. via Zoom. Mr. Chaskey, a poet and the author of the nonfiction volume “Seedtime,” will read from his work surveying 30 years of organic farming, among other concerns. Other virtual programming, including an online book group, is being developed for May.
Canio’s is also offering curbside pickup and free local delivery or shipping of books, puzzles, and games. Requests can be submitted to [email protected] or by calling 631-725-4926.
Cowgirls in VR
The Neo-Political Cowgirls have turned to virtual reality as a way to reach their audience during these days of social distancing. Primavera! is a spring spin-off of Zima! — the theater group’s winter outdoor scavenger hunt that brought participants into contact with mythological characters while trying to solve a riddle.
Through virtual reality technology, Primavera! puts viewers in an alternate space shared only with a cast of magical creatures. The interactive experience for all ages is set for May 9 at 5 p.m. Premium VR headsets are $40, and basic cardboard models are $8. Headsets will ship via two-day mail. The performance will be viewable without VR goggles for a donation of $5 to $20. More information and a link to purchase tickets and headsets can be found here.
Virtual Variety Show
Our Fabulous Variety Show, a nonprofit theater troupe from Southampton, will perform its first “Virtual Variety Show” via Zoom on Saturday at 7 p.m. Performers will include Aaron Tolson, a tap dancer, Laura Haley, an aerialist, Tyler Fischer, a comedian, RaffaShow and Naomi, who are drag queens, and a lineup of vocalists. Anita Boyer, Kasia Klimiuk, and Joe Pallister will host.
The Zoom invitation will be sent to those who make donations on the troupe’s website. Suggested contributions are $20 for adults, $10 for children, and the money will support the performers and their programming.
The troupe is also preparing for its sixth annual performance of “Tap: An Evening of Rhythm,” which will take place at Guild Hall on a date to be determined. Facebook Live, Google Drive tutorial video uploads, and one-on-one Zoom lessons are being used to keep the cast dancing and connected.
It is not too late to join the cast, whose members range in age from 6 to 82. Interested hoofers can email [email protected] or call 631-507-4603 for more information.
