This week, Jared Bowen visits Wellesley College and speaks to German woodcut artist Christiane Baumgartner at the Davis Museum. Plus, reviews of “Between Riverside and Crazy” at Speakeasy Stage and “Being Earnest,” presented by Greater Boston Stage Company.
“Christiane Baumgartner: Another Country,” on view at the Davis Museum at Wellesley College through Dec. 16.
The first mid-career survey in the U.S. of German woodcut artist Christiane Baumgartner is now on view at the Davis Museum. “Christiane Baumgartner: Another Country” features more than 55 works, including Baumgartner’s signature woodcut prints as well as photo engravings and aquatints. Sourcing her etchings from photographs of paused scenes in film and television, the artist’s work blends old and new technologies to capture digital distortions and moirés in her woodcuts. Jared describes Baumgartner as “an artist of extraordinary skill and singular vision.”
“Between Riverside and Crazy,” presented by SpeakEasy Stage Company through Oct.13.
Stephen Adly Guirgis’ Pulitzer-Prize winning play makes its way to SpeakEasy Stage Company. In “Between Riverside and Crazy,” retired police officer Walter “Pops” Washington fights with an eclectic cast of friends, foes, and family members as he struggles to hold on to his rent-controlled apartment. A powerfully written piece about the contradicting truths of human nature, Jared describes “Between Riverside and Crazy” as “relatable and outrageous. Smartly constructed, it burns with absorbing wit and intensity.”
“Being Earnest,” presented by Greater Boston Stage Company through Oct. 7.
Making its East Coast premiere, “Being Earnest” is a musical adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic play “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Confusion and comedy abounds as two best friends assume the same forged identity to pursue separate romantic interests. With music by Paul Gordon and Jay Gruska, “Being Earnest” is set in 1960s London, fusing Oscar Wilde’s timeless humor with the sights and sounds of swinging Britain. “The music doesn’t sharply match the play’s razor wit,” says Jared, “but it’s still very enjoyable, and a fresh romp through Wilde times.”
Wild about woodcuts? Tell Jared about it on Facebook or Twitter!
