Arts & Entertainment
From Oscar-Nominated Shorts to a Music Photography Exhibit, Here Are 4 Arts Picks for Your Weekend
Miriam Margolyes stars in the Oscar-nominated short film “A Friend of Dorothy” (Provided)
Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.
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Chicago has been graced with a welcome “false spring” these past few days. The city’s neighborhoods have been alive with activity: People are out and about, going for strolls, exploring their city comfortably with temperatures that don’t even require a jacket. While it’s supposed to cool down once again this weekend, keep your momentum strong by taking in all the arts and culture events happening around you. These events below are just a small, curated slice of how you can spend your weekend.
Theater: “Pivot” — Rivendell Theatre Ensemble
Since 1995, Edgewater’s excellent Rivendell Theatre Ensemble has highlighted and produced women’s stories. Many of its plays are either written by women or directed by women, and its mission to provide “unflinching and compassionate work that centers women’s* stories while shining a light on societal issues that affect us all” has remained strong. The company kicks off its 30th season with “Pivot,” directed by ensemble member Hallie Gordon and written by Alex Lubischer, a “dark comedy about getting your way, making a scene, and father-daughter dances to the Chicks.” It runs through March 21. Buy tickets here.
Comedy: Maggie Winters — Color Club
The uproarious Chicago comedian, who you might recognize from “The Righteous Gemstones” or her podcast “Literally Life Changing With Maggie Winters,” returns to the Old Irving Park venue for two shows on Friday night. One’s early and one’s late and you can buy tickets for both here.
Film: Oscar-Nominated Shorts — Music Box Theatre
Every year during Oscar season, I try to watch as many of the nominated films as possible. The hardest categories to catch up on are the nominated live-action short films, the animated short films and documentary short films. Thankfully, the Music Box Theatre in Lakeview is screening all three categories this month. The first two, live action and animated, are on the docket this weekend. Check the calendar for all the available screenings following the Friday premiere.
Photography: Alexa Viscius, “Portraits of People Who Make Music” — Epiphany Center for the Arts
One of the city’s best photographers is Alexa Viscius, who’s been documenting Chicago’s music community with a tasteful, expressive and intimate touch for years. More than her local artist peers, she’s also snapped portraits of acts like Big Thief, Cameron Winter and many others. She’s presenting her work at Epiphany Center for the Arts in a show called “Portraits of People Who Make Music.” The opening reception is Sunday, Feb. 22, and it runs from 2-5 p.m. It’s free, but you should RSVP here.
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
