This week, WGBH Arts Editor Jared Bowen spoke with the artist Tschabalala Self at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston and reviewed two new plays in the Greater Boston area.
“Tschabalala Self: Out of Body,” on view at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston through July 5
Tschabalala Self is a fast-rising artist known for her large-scale figurative works. That scale is on display in Self’s first Boston show and largest exhibition to date, “Tschabalala Self: Out of Body.” Through her paintings and sculptures, Self creates figures inspired by everyday life with intricately crafted textiles.
“The large scale, is kind of a default of how the works are made,” says Self. “That's because of the subject matter. I don't want to allow for there to be any moment in which they were seen as being diminutive.”
“We All Fall Down,” presented by the Huntington Theatre Company through February 15
How hard can it be to perform the Seder? Harder than you think in Lila Rose Kaplan’s world-premiere play “We All Fall Down.”
When family man Saul Stein (Stephen Schnetzer) unexpectedly retires, his wife Linda (Eleanor Reissa) decides the whole family will come together to celebrate Passover. Never mind the fact that the family has never been even remotely religious. Both humorous and heartfelt, this comedy directed by Obie Award winner Melia Bensussen takes honest jabs at family dynamics and the importance of memory.
“Wonderfully funny and clever,” says Jared, “We All Fall Down winds itself to a place of heartfelt poignancy.”
“Maytag Virgin,” presented by Merrimack Repertory Theatre through Feb 2
If you’re looking for a pleasing, original romance, make the trip to Merrimack Repertory Theatre for “Maytag Virgin.” Directed by Eleanor Holdridge, this play focuses on Jack and Lizzie, two forty-something, widowed school teachers who become neighbors. Over the course of a year, the neighbors slowly get to know one another. But can they see beyond their pasts – and their differences – in order to love again?
“There’s a sweet simplicity that prevails in Maytag Virgin, a show about finding the capacity to find love.” says Jared. “David Adkins and Kati Brazda are magnetic in Maytag.”
What has been your favorite play or musical of the 2020 season? Tell Jared about it on Facebook or Twitter!
