Stage Fog: Crossing Genres
Some people cross dress, and some artists cross genres. San Francisco has a happy history of both. This week, we bring you the best of the genre-benders.
The Long Christmas Ride Home at the Magic Theatre
Christmas, in May? Well, yeah. The Magic Theatre rearranged its season a bit. But The Long Christmas Ride Home may be worth the wait. Penned by Paula Vogel as a sort of "love letter to San Francisco," this West Coast premiere is an enticing mix of theater, choreography and Bunraku puppetry (the traditional puppet theater of Japan). What's more, master puppeteer and San Francisco native Basil Twist directs, local luminary Joe Goode choreographs, Jess Curtis dances, and one of our favorite local companies Lunatique Fantastique lends some puppeteers. Just the thought of Paula Vogel and Basil Twist has theater geeks drooling. For the rest of you, trust us. Or, check out some video first. And, if you're really a groupie, Basil Twist has an exhibition at the Lisa Dent Gallery, with an opening reception on May 18.
Playing through June 11
Photo of Paula Vogel, Basil Twist and Philip Flavin with puppet Stephen (a work-in-progress) by Bill Faulkner.
A Slipping Glimpse at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
We never miss a Margaret Jenkins Dance Company show--we dig the smart choreography and especially the collaborations with longtime fellow artist, the brilliant local poet Michael Palmer. A Slipping Glimpse introduces us to more artists, namely dancers from Tanusree Shankar Dance Company of Calcutta, India, as it explores the clash between the individual and the state. What's more, the piece also features the Paul Dresher Ensemble. (Hey, we must have missed a memo: when did Joan Jeanrenaud join them?) Anyway, this piece not only crosses genres, but also crosses venues, starting our in the Gardens and moving to the Forum.
Playing May 17 to 27
For more stage options, check out the listings at the Guardian, the Express, the SF Weekly, and the calendar on Theatre Bay Area's website.