Food & Drink
Must List: Pacific Northwest Ballet’s ‘Emergence,’ Orcas Island Literary Fest, Lindy West: The Witches Are Coming
Your weekly guide to Seattle's hottest events
By Daria Kroupoderova April 12, 2018
MUST EMERGE
Pacific Northwest Ballet: Emergence
(4/13–4/22) For Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite, whose 2009 work Emergence gives PNB’s spring show its name, inspiration came from insects: How do organisms build social structures? More specifically, how might this be a metaphor for a ballet company? Pite’s approach was collaborative: “Get everyone contributing material: delegate, divide and conquer…[a hive] is not a hierarchy at all. The queen does not govern.” It’ll be(e) an intriguingly fresh take on a traditionally ballerina-centric art form. Times and prices vary. McCaw Hall, Seattle Center, 321 Mercer St.; 206.389.7676; pnb.org
Courtesy of Chihuly Garden and Glass
MUST SWING
Swing Dancing in the Glasshouse
(4/17) Dancing the night away under the Chihuly glass doesn’t sound like a bad way to spend your Tuesday evening. The 105-minute session lead by Century Ballroom’s instructor Hallie Kuperman will have you twirling your partner in no time. The dance class is open both to couples and singles of all skill levels. After the instruction, the floor will open up for you to test your skills. Bonus: Admission to the galleries before the class begins is included in your ticket. This is the first event from the “Dance in the Glasshouse” series. Future events will include Waltz (5/15) and Bachata (6/5). 7 p.m. $24. Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St.; 206.753.4940; chihulygardenandglass.com
MUST SEE
José Guadalupe Posada and the Mexican Penny Press
(4/19–8/5) In his illustrations, Mexican artist Posada (1852–1913) linked up folk art traditions and legends with the power of the popular press, using images of skeletons—calaveras—in social and political satire in media cheap enough to be disseminated among the working class. The Bellevue Arts Museum’s exhibit traces his work and influence; his calaveras established the visual vocabulary of Day of the Dead celebrations used to this day. Times and prices vary. Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue, 510 Bellevue Way NE; 425.519.0770; bellevuearts.org
MUST READ
Orcas Island Literary Fest
(4/13–4/15) This inaugural lit fest in the beautiful San Juans will feature writing workshops, readings, author panels and kid-friendly activities. Critically-acclaimed and Pulitzer-prize winning authors and poets such as Gilbert King, Victor Lavalle, Jami Attenberg and local Kim Fu will be there to showcase their latest work, answer questions and mingle among fans of poetry and prose. Times, prices and locations vary. oilf.org
Photo by John Vicory
MUST EMPOWER
Lindy West: The Witches Are Coming
(4/15) Seattle’s favorite feminist writer, performer and activist Lindy West will be at Benaroya Hall this weekend, presenting a new talk with the help of a humorous slideshow. Not much else is known about this event, other than–we’re going to take a guess, based on the event name alone–it may have a little something to do with the #MeToo movement (see her NYT column). Either way, we’re pretty excited for West to take the stage in her hometown. 7:30 p.m. $19-$45. Benaroya Hall, downtown, 200 University St.; 206.215.4747; seattlesymphony.org
Follow Us
Book Excerpt: Old White Man Writing
Seattle resident Joshua Gidding examines his own white privilege
In his book, Old White Man Writing, Seattle resident Joshua Gidding attempts to come to terms with his privilege. Gidding grapples with the rapidly changing cultural norms in 21st-century America while examining his own racial biases and prejudices. As Manhattan Book Review notes: “Old White Man Writing is an introspective deep dive into an eventful life…
Glacial Expressions
Local scientist and painter Jill Pelto spotlights climate change in a multi-artist show at Slip Gallery
The divide between the arts and sciences is long-fostered and well-documented. From elementary school onward, children are often singled out for their penchant for math or artistic ability and guided toward classes — and later careers — that align with their right or left brain tendencies. For Jill Pelto — a local climate scientist, painter,…
How Taproot Theatre Survived A Financial Crisis
Theatre is planning for its 50th birthday next year
Karen Lund vividly remembers that sinking feeling she had in the fall of 2023. That was when Lund, producing artistic director of Taproot Theatre Co., first realized that the financially strapped, midsized professional theatre in the Greenwood neighborhood might not survive. The theatre had already weathered the worst of the pandemic, but costs were mounting….
Humanities Washington Fights ‘Midnight’ Cuts
Nonprofit loses previously approved federal grants with little warning
The letter came without warning, like a slap in the face from an invisible hand. Humanities Washington CEO and Executive Director Julie Ziegler had already been talking with peers in other states, and she readied herself for the blow. The National Endowment for the Humanities (think DOGE) had terminated her nonprofit’s previously awarded federal grant…