Burmese Artist Chaw Ei Thien appears in Sandaya:Burmese Lessons at the Atlas
Is is just me or has this been the longest week of all time? Perhaps last week’s four day weekend totally spoiled me but this weekend can’t come fast enough. What’s everyone doing?
Tonight at 8pm get to know more of the insular world of Burma in the Alliance for New Music Theatre’s production of Sandaya: Burmese Lessons. The story traces the journey of a young American pianist as she learns the Burmese language and unique piano style (sandaya). Her story captures her relationships with a Burmese performance artist and U Ko Ko, her piano teacher, as all three become caught up in the struggle between artistic expression and tyranny. The multi-media performance also features Burmese dance, drumming, and puppetry, and music by composer Kit Young as it tells a contemporary tale of the resiliency of a culture and its artists. The show opens tonight and runs through July 21st at the Atlas. Tickets are available here.
Friday night Hill Flicks returns to the Hill center. The Hill Center and the Friends of the Southeast Library present special screening of the film Slam (1998). This is a gritty, documentary-like first feature about a wayward DC youth from Southeast who redeems himself through the efforts of his teacher to get him into the slam poetry scene. It was filmed entirely in the city, including scenes in the DC Jail. Mike Canning, author of Hollywood on the Potomac, will introduce the film and lead a Q&A after the film. Books will be available for sale. The screening begins at 7pm and is free. Register here.
Saturday get to know the neighborhood better by taking a walking tour. Sponsored by Washington Walks, the tour kicks off at 11am at the Eastern Market metro and concludes at Eastern Market. On the way you’ll see “a 1795 estate, a watering hole famous for its jazz singers, an alley that once teemed with 100 residents and a park teeming with young children and dog lovers.” Hmm. The tour costs $10-$15 and more info can be found here.
Curbside Cookoff returns! The food truck festival is noon to 9 pm this Saturday at 200 K Street SE. A suggested donation of $1 will be collected for Miriam’s Kitchen, which works to end chronic homelessness in DC. Saturday’s Curbside Cookoff features nearly 20 of DC’s favorite food trucks, a bar and $20 all-you-can-drink wristbands, children’s face painting, and a Curbside Cookoff soundtrack courtesy of CBS Radio.
Saturday evening get creative for Fragers at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop! The event is being presented as a night of sharing stories and creating mixed media artwork inspired by our history, our home, and our future to benefit the rebuilding of this cornerstone of Capitol Hill. Led by Hill resident, artist, writer and guest lecturer, Tracy Cooley, this workshop is for participants of all ability levels. Bring pictures and relics of the past that you would like to use as the foundation or inspiration behind your artwork. Additional artistic supplies and materials will be provided. Be prepared to get your hands dirty, play with reckless abandon, inspire and be inspired, and reaffirm your commitment to our wonderful community and the neighbors that make it great. Wine and light appetizers will be served. Ages 18 and up. Call 202-547-6839 or email CHAW to register. Suggested minimum donation $55.
Sunday learn the art of floral arranging at Tabula Rasa. Highway to Hill Flowers is offering two 90 minute workshops. Your final product will include fragrant roses and lush hydrangea arranged in a hip black urn. To register: $85 per person, includes take home arrangement and supplies. shop.hwy2hill.com