The Architecture of Proximity

Zullo/Raw Movement’s production The Architecture of Proximity is an immersive dance and performance experience exploring the relationship between the architecture of spaces and the physical, psychological and emotional effects of space on the body.

We asked Artistic Director of Zullo/Raw Movement, John Zullo a few questions about his new piece opening in the Theater at the 14th Street Y this Wednesday, October 28th.

How would you describe this show to someone that has never experience immersive dance or theater? 

This performance is different from most other performances because there is no seating, therefore the audience is asked to stand during the duration of the performance with freedom to walk around the space. I liken the experience to being at a museum or gallery where you are moving through actively looking and engaging with the works. This allows for a more intimate experience of the work and to actually become part of the whole performance experience.

How did you first become involved with the Y?

I first heard about the Theater at the 14^th Street Y when I was at the APAP conference last January.  I visited their booth, and  was able to talk to your staff to learn more about the space.  I like spaces that are unexpected.  My company has been performing mostly in the East Village, and I didn’t know that the Y had this venue.  I think this space allows for the piece to have a blank slate without the space defining the piece.  Instead, this piece is able to define the space.

What do you feel is an important theme of this piece?

In this case, it is playing with borders and boundaries that separate us and erasing them to find communality amongst individuals. It is creating an experience that forces people to deal with and negotiate the relationships that they have with each other and spaces.  Then, we are able to see how physical spaces can affect people physically, emotionally and psychologically.  In this piece, which I think more of as a movement based installation, is immersive through the convergence of movement, sound, architectural spaces, and light.  Through this, we are able to explore the possibility of it all working together– the movement is indicative of the spaces in our lives.

Is there anything else the audience should expect?

My goals for the audience are that they first, experience something that they have never experience before, and second, that they are transformed by the end of the installation.  I hope that the audience is able to find  a sense of openness, and are open to going on this journey with the performers.  The audience becomes part of the work as they are physically engaged in the piece.  Also, I encourage the audience to take photographs (no flash only) during the performance and tag @zullorawmovement on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!

 

The Architecture of Proximity will be playing at the Theater at the 14th Street Y

October 28th-Nov. 1st

Buy Tickets Here

ORIENTED: Thoughts from Director, Jake Witzenfeld

“I’m figuring out where I stand on a lot of central identity issues:

what being Jewish means to me,

what Israel means to me… “

A few thoughts by the Director of the ORIENTED, Jake Witzenfeld:

How did the making of the movie come about?

Jake : I came across a YouTube video by a group called Qambuta. It was a stylish protest piece by a group of visibly Palestinian 20-somethings pointing the finger at the heteronormative values of their community in Israel. I was so intrigued by that identity complex: too gay for the Arab sub-community in Israel, too Palestinian for the Jewish majority… a minority inside a minority. I was able to reach out to Khader, the ring leader, through my roommate at the time. We went for drinks, he told me that there was “a Palestinian Woodstock” cultural revival kicking off in Israel, he captivated me with charisma and a nonchalant yet fierce desire for change. I asked him if I could begin shooting him and his world and he agreed. Two years and a little change later, we had a film!

 

What is a surprising fact that you discovered during the making of Oriented?

Jake: When I started making the film, I felt that I was really capturing a peaking of social activism – like I was following Rosa Parks to the back of the bus. But as the boys did not deliver a revolution, I became frustrated and began questioning that feeling and my own disappointment that they weren’t “giving me” a radical crescendo of change. That’s when I discovered that social change isn’t made the way it is recorded in text books. While successful social action influences macro-narratives, it is made up of micro-actions, attitudes and decisions: where are you partying, who are you dating, what are you posting… that’s what informed the film’s primarily personal approach and storytelling decision.

 

What world did you discover in Tel Aviv that you didn’t know about?

Jake: The underground gay Palestinian scene. I was aware of it but after Khader welcomed me to begin shooting, I met everyone and saw every spot and really got a 360. We transitioned into friendship very seamlessly and the filmmaking become a very personal journey for all of us.

 

How has it changed you?

Jake: I believe that I achieved a reflexivity with my subject that required me to mute my own cultural baggage and pre-conceptions. And you don’t just switch that off after final cut and go back to your old ways. I’m figuring out where I stand on a lot of central identity issues: what being Jewish means to me, what Israel means to me… I’ve never felt more unsure on any of those things but, simultaneously, I feel that this new web of interactions and conversations that I’ve entangled myself in has an underlying optimism to it. So let’s see.

 

What questions will you have afterwards?

Come see ORIENTED November 7th at 8pm at the Theater at the 14th Street Y

Stay after the screening for wine & conversation with the filmmakers and protagonist, Khader Abu Seif

For tickets to ORIENTED click here

USE  CODE: LGBTQ for $9 Tickets

Find out more about other screenings at The Other Israel Film Festival here

 

 

Combining Joy and Sorrow: Klezmer Music with Elad Kabilio

Cellist Elad Kabilio

On Saturday October 3rd, award-winning cellist Elad Kabilio of 12th Night Klezmer and MusicTalks will present a concert of Klezmer music for Sukkot at The Theater at the 14th Street Y – MusicTalks: Klezmer Celebration. We sat down with Elad to talk all things Klezmer and bringing classical music to modern audiences.

Tell us a little about your experience with Klezmer and Gypsy music.

12th Night Klezmer‘s musicians are coming from all sorts of musical backgrounds – Classical, Jazz, Pop, World Music – but none of us had actually dealt with Klemzer. Moreover, in Israel where all of our musicians are originally from, Klezmer music has a hassidic-only connotation and is not that popular at all. We were curious to explore this genre of music which is the closest to us by identity as Jewish/Israeli artists. We have had such a great ride with exploring the roots of Klezmer music, understanding it, and finding our own expression in it.

What is the history of MusicTalks and 12th Night Klezmer?

MusicTalks was founded five years ago with the mission to bring more people into the world of Classical music. We all know nowadays that the world of Classical music is shrinking and we are losing lots of people. Instead of blaming the audience for not being interested in Classical music, we tried to understand what might draw people back. Our concerts are very intimate and personal. Each piece of music gets an introduction so you (the audience) can understand it better and our artists always share anecdotes about their personal reactions to the music. The reaction to MusicTalks was so great that we decided to do the same with other music styles. We recognize that people don’t know much about Jazz, Klezmer, and many other styles and would love to be exposed to exciting music.

What are you hoping audiences will take away from the concert?

The fantastic story of Klezmer music its essence combining joy and sorrow – which is so Jewish. We would love for the audience to get to know our musicians and maybe get inspired by this incredible music just like we did when we embarked on this journey.

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

I was interviewed by the Jewish Week in 2014 abut 12th Night Klezmer – check it our here!

MusicTalks: Klezmer Celebration

Saturday October 3rd at 7:30pm at The Theater at the 14th Street Y.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Purchase tickets here.

 

5 New Workouts to Try This Fall!

Your membership at the 14th Street Y gives you options. A lot of them. And while all the options may have been appealing when you first joined, sometimes the challenge of trying something new can intimidate us into sticking with what we know. If you’re tired of the treadmill but need new ideas, try one of these.  Or all five!

1.  The Stairs:  You have noticed, of course, that our elevator is getting a modernized make-over. Let this be your inspiration to take a ‘stair challenge’, not just when you’re at the Y but everywhere you go! In our vertical city, the opportunity burn some calories (and your glutes) comes up several times a day. Make it your mission that you’ll climb up to any floor 5 flights or lower.

2.  JackRabbit Running Programs: Our friends at JackRabbit are offering multiple FREE group runs every week, leaving  from great places like Union Square, upper east side, and central park. Check them out at http://www.jackrabbitsports.com

3.   Aqua Aerobics drop-ins: New this fall at the 14th Street Y, you can drop in for Aqua Boot Camp and Aqua Fitness, 6:00PM Monday and Wednesday nights, (space permitting), for $25 bucks a pop. If you’ve ever wanted to try it but not commit to the whole semester, this is for you!

4.  Yoga Inversions. The world looks different upside down, and feels different too! Deepen your Yoga practice with this 3 week series on Saturdays at 12:30PM, designed to help reverse the aging process and regulate many of the body’s internal systems. Email Julie at Jgayerkris@14StreetY.org for information. $30 gets you the whole 3 week series!

5. Thursday Evening POP UPS. Every month, Thursday at 7:30PM brings a new class experience. Try Masala Bhangra in September, Belly Dance and Abs in October, Ashtanga Yoga in November, and Center Ring Box and Tone in December. That’s enough variety to take you into the new year with your resolutions already met.

Load OUT! Saturday September 12th with Fourth Arts Block

One of our favorite Greening Partners, Fourth Arts Block (also known as FAB) is hosting one of our favorite events of the year, Load OUT!– which is as they describe it, “a bi-annual recycling riot offering free materials to artists and students.”

Save the Date:

Saturday September 12th, 11:00AM-2:00PM at 11 East 3rd Street

As you may know, Load OUT! began as a way for local theaters to dispose of excess materials, and has since grown into a popular bi-annual recycling, re-use and re-purposing event, one in which our own theater has participated.

FAB is committed to diverting materials from the waste stream and providing an outlet for the community to safely dispose of gently used items. Local artists can also acquire items for their own creative projects for free.

Unclaimed items are collected for reuse and recycling by FAB’s community partners, United War Veterans Recycling, GrowNYC, Wearable Collections and Lower East Side Ecology Center.

WANT TO CONTRIBUTE?

You can help by donating materials, or by volunteering with Load OUT!. Interested? Please contact  anna@fabnyc.org for more information

“Se Hace Camino al Andar” – The Road is Made as You March

The Theater at the 14th Street Y is proud to host the Sonia Olla Flamenco Dance Company, presenting two programs: Tablao Sevilla and Por Los Caminos, Wednesday September 9th to Sunday September 13th, 2015.

Sonia Olla, a native of Barcelona, is an internationally recognized dancer and choreographer, known for her impeccable technique and riveting stage presence. She, along with singer Ismael Fernandez, recently worked with Madonna on integrating flamenco into her upcoming international Rebel Heart Tour. You will be able to catch a preview of the program on September 3rd at 8:00pm on PBS’s NYC-Arts.

Of the two programs being presented, Por Los Caminos is an abstractly autobiographical piece, and will reflect the cultural blend of Latin America, the Middle East, and other dance forms that influence flamenco.

In Sonia’s words:

ESPAÑOL

POR LOS CAMINOS está dedicado al gran poeta emblemático español de la generación del 98 Antonio Machado.  Hacemos referencia  a las estrofas que pertenecen a la sección «Proverbios y cantares» del poemario Campos de Castilla (1912). CAMINANTE NO HAY CAMINO.

En POR LOS CAMINOS hay un conjunto de emociones que  se cruzan en nuestras vidas, diferentes culturas etc, con las cuales hacemos una parada en el camino para investigar y compartir ritmos, melodías, y disfrutar de la magia que se crea y que nos ayudan a crecer  pero sin olvidar de donde venimos, cual es nuestra raíz y quienes somos.

Está compuesto por 6 artistas cante más tradicional flamenco con una cantante Pakistany, una guitarra tradicional junto a otra más moderna y dos bailes flamencos capaces de conectar con otros mundos y donde se puede ver el flamenco desde el punto de vista masculino y femenino.

---

ENGLISH

POR LOS CAMINOS is dedicated to Antonio Machado, the great emblematic poet of Spain. Antonio Machado was one of the leading figures of the Spanish literary movement known as “La Generación del 98,” the Generation of ’98, which consisted of a group of novelists, poets, essayists, and philosophers active in Spain at the time of the Spanish–American War in 1898. Sonia Olla and Ismael Fernández make reference to the stanzas that pertain to the “Songs & Proverbs” section of his great work Campos de Castilla (1912).

In POR LOS CAMINOS, there is an ensemble of emotions that connects to our own lives, and varied cultural experiences. We carry these on our path towards investigating and sharing rhythms, melodies, and enjoying the magic that is created and that we help to grow- without forgetting where we come from, our roots, or who we are.

It consists of 6 artists: a traditional flamenco singer, a Pakistani singer, a traditional flamenco guitarist side-by-side with a modern guitarist, and two flamenco dancers- able to connect to other worlds, where you can see flamenco from a male and female point of view.

Get tickets here.

Wednesday Sept. 9 – Tablao Sevilla at 8pm
Friday Sept. 11 – Por Los Caminos at 8pm
Saturday Sept. 12 – Por Los Caminos at 3pm & 8pm
Sunday Sept. 13 – Tablao Sevilla at 3pm

Caminante son tus huellas ….. The road you march, lonely wanderer
El camino, y nada mas ….. It’s just your tracks, nothing much.
Caminante no hay camino ….. There is no road, lonely wanderer
Se hace camino al andar ….. The road is made as you march

– Antonio Machado, “Caminante Son Tus Huellas”

 

8 Must-Read Mommy & Daddy Bloggers

The internet often serves as an endless encyclopedia or advice column for parents. There’s no shortage of blogs doling out advice to the confused, overwhelmed, or simply the exhausted mommy or daddy. This list is not about advice, it’s about having a laugh–or two–at the fun and often hysterical realities of parenting. Without further delay, here are eight fun blogs to add to your must-reads or your Feedly account, asap.

1. Scary Mommy: Only read Scary Mommy if you like laughing out loud–a lot. Brutal honestly and a tendency to call it like is abound in this absolutely refreshing window into parenthood.

2. Gay NYC Dad: Not just a blog, but a resource too! (And there are fun giveaways–sold!)

3. Illustrated With Crappy Pictures: Parenting-inspired hilarity PLUS original (albeit crappy) artwork? Sign us up!

4. You Know It Happens At Your House Too: What is it about an honest approach that really brings the belly laughs? There’s no sugar coating anything with this blog, there’s just a lot of fun, helpful DIYs, and social media gems posted for your reading pleasure.

5. People I Want To Punch In The Throat. We had you at the title, didn’t we?

6. How To Be A Dad: Real-life parenting tales are the first reason to visit, but this blog will also keep you informed of viral stories and videos circling the web too, just in case you’re a bit too busy to check..you know…every site on the Internet?

7. Let Me Start By Saying: This is no fairy tale. This is real life. And in real life, taking your kids to a sprinkler park, and many other places, can be…a challenge.

8. That Poor Baby. There is nothing to say other than READ THIS BLOG.

Shani Silver is a writer and social media strategist living in Brooklyn, NY. Shani has held writing and editing roles at Refinery29, Free People, Keep.com, and is now the Director of Digital Content at domino.com. Her first love is writing, and she’s found a home for doing what she loves in web-based content. She is originally from Texas visits her family there often. 

10 Summer DIYs For Rainy Days

Most summer days are perfect for enjoying outdoor play, but when rain makes sure to drive kids inside, that’s not necessarily a bad thing! Imagination (and maybe a few art supplies) are all that’s needed to make some of your best summer days the rainy ones. Read on for 10 fun ways to have a blast inside this summer. 

1. Air Fort: You will OFFICIALLY be the coolest parent ever for creating an air fort. Bonus points for being a cool way to beat the heat, too!

2. Sticky Spiderweb: MUCH less messy than it sounds–promise!

3. Painted Stones: Take a break from the classic paper canvas. These will also make cute grandparent gifts as is or with a magnet glued to the back!

4. Huge Roll Of Butcher Paper: Forget paintings for the fridge. This is a mural for the hallway!

5. Mini Ice Hockey. We’d also try this with a slightly larger cookie sheet!

6. Foam Dough: This one is EXACTLY as messy as it sounds.

7. Motor Skill Activities: Specifically for the tiny ones, these activities are designed to keep toddlers occupied but also to develop fine motor skills!

8. Sponge Jenga: This one is also just fun to say.

9. Indoor Camp Out: There is nothing, repeat, nothing more fun than an indoor camp out. Complete with construction paper fireplace and microwave s’mores of course! You can also try illuminating your faux campfire with string lights!

10. Tunnel With Lights: We’re guessing the exterior of this wonder-tunnel will be fun to decorate, too!

Shani Silver is a writer and social media strategist living in Brooklyn, NY. Shani has held writing and editing roles at Refinery29, Free People, Keep.com, and is now the Director of Digital Content at domino.com. Her first love is writing, and she’s found a home for doing what she loves in web-based content. She is originally from Texas visits her family there often. 

10 Affordable (Or Free!) Kids Activities You Can’t Miss This Summer!

14th Street Y fans, we know you love spending time at the Y. We also know there’s a world outside of the East Village!  Our friend Shani Silver put this list together for us, and for you to enjoy with your kids this summer. 

It’s summer! Put down the iPad, shut the laptop, and take to the city with your family. Enjoying the best of our boroughs is so much fun in summer, and it can also be truly affordable, too! Fill up your subway card and check out our top 10 budget-friendly ways to have a blast with your kids this summer!

1) Children’s Museum Of The Arts: On extra hot days, take the little ones inside and let them get their hands dirty! Admission is $11 for ages 1-65, and free if you’re younger or older than that! Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, this museum offers daily craft workshops to spark the creativity of your kiddos (and their parents!).

2) Tour An Urban Farm: And this one’s free! Explore an urban farm in Randall’s Island park for a break from the hot city streets and a chance to learn a little, too! Saturdays only, and admission is free! Urban Farm in Randall’s Island Park

3) Theater Tickets Under $30! Did you know the Manhattan Theater Club offers patrons under 30 years of age tickets for $30? And it’s a welcome, air conditioned way to take in a bit of culture. More info here.

4) Prospect Park Zoo: You’ve hit up the Central Park Zoo already, this summer let’s head to Prospect Park! With children’s admission just $5 (and adults only $8!) a day exploring the zoo and learning about it’s residents is an affordable way to enjoy a gorgeous summer day. Make sure you check the zoo’s daily schedule to catch a sea lion training session!

5) Roller Skating At Le Frak Center: Does your crew need to burn off a little energy? Head to Brooklyn to skate it out! The Le Frak Center offers a covered roller skating rink with $6 weekday admission ($8 on the weekends). Closed Monday & Tuesday, you’ll save an extra $6 on skate rental if you bring your own. Bonus: Le Frak also has a free “splash pad” for water play on super hot days!

6) Ice Cream at Jahn’s: Sometimes you just need some ice cream. It’s summer! A trip to Jahn’s is like going back in time to a true soda fountain. Family friendly and very well priced,  this spot is well worth a day trip to Queens. (Full diner menu available, too!)

7) Free Mini golf! :Figment NYC is an innovative mini golf course that changes themes each year. This year’s theme is ‘From Here To There’. Located on Governor’s Island, the course is free and open seven days a week, provided the island is open to the public.

8) Free Outdoor Movies: A tip, no matter which film you’re going to, get there early! Pack a cooler, bring the blankets, and maybe a pre-film distraction or two. Something about watching a movie outdoors creates memories no theater can touch! Full NYC schedule here.

9) Children’s Museum Of Manhattan: This is a MUST. Interactive and focused on education and play, if you only visit one children’s museum this summer (and let’s face it you’ll probably visit more!) make it this one. Check out event schedules to find the activities your kiddos will love best. $11 admission, open 7 days a week!

10) FlyNY Kite Festival: Kids can create and fly their own kids during this festival on August 15th. (We’d bring a backup store bought kite just in case!). Event admission is free!

Shani Silver is a writer and social media strategist living in Brooklyn, NY. Shani has held writing and editing roles at Refinery29, Free People, Keep.com, and is now the Director of Digital Content at domino.com. Her first love is writing, and she’s found a home for doing what she loves in web-based content. She is originally from Texas visits her family there often. 

KALEIDOSCOPE – “What Does Jewish Look Like?”

We sat down with Israel Bitton, an actor in the upcoming show KALEIDOSCOPE taking place July 15-19 2015 in The Theater here at the 14th Street Y. Kaleidoscope asks and answers the question, What does Jewish look like? Effectively exploring and validating diversity with the Jewish community.

Actor Israel Bitton

How did you get involved in KALEIDOSCOPE? 

Several years back I stumbled upon HBO’s Def Jam Poetry when Vanessa Hidary appeared and so passionately delivered a great performance of her piece “The Hebrew Mamita.” It struck a chord. I was proud that she was ‘representin’ us, and at the same time it occurred to me that one day I’d love to do the same. Then I saw her post this project, and it was just an obvious and immediate entry point for me.

 

What has the creative process been like?

Challenging. Rewarding. Vanessa and Kendell, through the workshop portion of this project, have helped each cast member reach into our personal histories so that we can craft monologues that are both deeply personal and still entertaining for audiences.

 

How do you view and identify yourself?

The world would peg me as a Modern-Orthodox Sephardic American Jew, but I don’t believe nationality, culture or observance level to be an essential part of my identity. It’s only a flavoring, and therefore I simply identify myself as a Jew.

 

What would you say defines you as a Jewish identifying person?

My kippah. My name (Yisrael Barouch). My soul.

 

Can you tell us about what you will be performing at KALEIDOSCOPE?

I explore my journey from being one of the few Sephardic kids in an all-Ashkenazi school system, the trials and tribulations that come along with that experience, my attempt to invent a new identity for myself, to coming to terms with my name, and ultimately, accepting my full identity as a means for true personal growth.

 

What have you been most surprised about and/or learned the most about during this process?

Aside from the very practical enhancement to writing and performance skills, I’m most surprised by just how diverse our cast really is. As someone who has a unique backstory and perspective, I generally have a broad worldview that allows me to see people beyond the stereotypes. And still, I thought that there would be so many similarities between the cast members that some stories would be redundant. Not so. If you’ll see the first black Jewish cast member perform, and when the second comes up you’ll think you now know what to expect, well, you’ll be surprised at just how unique every individual is. The end lesson, even for me as a cast member, is that despite being told we’re too different, or not good enough, we’re all essentially one and the same. And though we share a common thread that essentially connects us, that connection doesn’t have to compromise our right to self-discovery and the assuming of our unique identities, backgrounds, stories and trajectories.

 

 In the end, people that watch these performances will certainly be challenged to broaden their conception of what constitutes the Jewish identity.

The 14th Street Y and The Hebrew Mamita Present:

Kaleidoscope

Developed and Directed by Vanessa Hidary
July 15-19, 2015

Get tickets HERE.

Vivid Reflections. Boldly Diverse. Distinctly Jewish.

The World Premiere of Kaleidoscope, a multi-media project and monologue showcase sparked by a desire to highlight Jews of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and observance levels, will be presented at The Theater at the 14^th Street Y, 344 E. 14^th Street, on July 15th and 16th at 8pm, and on July 19 at 3pm.

Through extensively crafted, deeply personal stories, Kaleidoscope will delve into the ever-popular question “What does Jewish look like to you?” The diverse and talented cast includes performers of a wide range of ethnicities, including Moroccan, British, Jamaican, Ethiopian, Libyan, and Puerto Rican.