This week, Jared Bowen discusses an exhibition of art from the women of Twenty-One in Truro. Plus, a review of a new, virtual production from Arlekin Players Theatre.

“VISIONS/REVISIONS … stepping into the same river twice,” an exhibition of work from the art collective Twenty-One In Truro on view at the Cape Cod Museum of Art through August 1

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A pair of paintings of the Pamet River (2018 & 2021) from Twenty-One in Truro artist Suzanne Packer
Courtesy of Twenty-One in Truro and the Cape Cod Museum of Art

For more than two decades, the women artists of Twenty-One in Truro have gotten together annually for an art retreat on Cape Cod. Now, a new exhibition at the Cape Cod Museum of Art examines the Outer Cape through their evolving artistic lenses. “VISIONS/REVISIONS … stepping into the same river twice” features a pair of works from each Twenty-One in Truro artist, all of which tackle the same subject at two different points in time—a theme inspired by a quote by writer Anais Nin: “We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospection.” The exhibition reveals the impact of time not only on the Cape, but on the artists as well.

“Just being women, there's a relaxed feeling,” says Twenty-One In Truro artist Suzanne Packer. “I remember the first couple of years women would be in their pajamas out early in the morning, watching the sun coming up or being out early to paint. And I think if guys had been around that wouldn't have happened.”

“chekhovOS /an experimental game/” presented virtually by Arlekin Players Theatre through June 24

checkhovOS /an experimental game/
Mikhail Baryshnikov stars as Anton Chekhov in "chekhovOS /an experimental game/"
Courtesy of Arlekin Players Theatre

You’ve never seen “The Cherry Orchard” like this. Arlekin Players Theatre brings virtual life to Anton Chekhov’s classic play with “chekhovOS /an experimental game/.” Using digital renderings and Zoom technology, the interactive performance traps Chekhov’s characters in a computer simulation, where they struggle endlessly to change the nature of their own fate. Mikhail Baryshnikov appears as Chekhov alongside Tony-nominated actor Jessica Hecht in this 21st century gamed-out examination directed by Arlekin founder Igor Golyak.

“This is an exquisitely innovative look at the inner lives and existential woes of some of drama’s most captivating characters,” says Bowen. “Clearly as this second pandemic production by Arlekin Players Theatre demonstrates, the company is on a meteoric ascent in creating an entirely new, virtual platform for theater.”

Do you plan on experiencing theater in-person this summer? Tell Jared about it on Facebook or Twitter!