Theater
Photo by Dixie Sheridan
Autumn Dornfeld, Marin Ireland and Carolyn Baeumler
BEEBO BRINKER CHRONICLES
Based on Ann Bannon’s series of six lesbian pulp fiction books published 50 years ago, this exuberant dramatization tracks the lives of four friends in Greenwich Village. Beth and Laura, lovers when they were in college, still harbor feelings for each other, but a potential reunion is complicated by Beebo Brinker, a butch mainstay of the neighborhood bar scene, and Jack, nosy and flamboyant. Written by Kate Moira Ryan and Linda S. Chapman, the adaptation stars Jenn Colella in the title role as she skates the line separating melodrama and farce. Feb. 19-April 27. 37 Arts. 450 W. 37th St. 212-307-4100, ticketmaster.com
Art
Courtesy Lucian Read/Atlas Press 2005
An Iraqi boy observes a soldier in his house
TESTIMONY TO WAR
Depicting the battlegrounds of Iraq, this exhibition features five artists directly affecting change in the war and our perceptions of everyday goings-on in the Middle East: Major Peter Buotte, Sgt. Aaron Hughes, Steve Mumford, Lucian Read, and Sgt. Ryan Roa. The combined result of the paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, and videos chosen by curator Francis Di Tammaso is intended to be “purposely apolitical but not neutral.” In opposition to compassion fatigue, this show invites engagement with the war on a new level of criticism, one that is both cerebral and visceral. Through March 8. Visual Arts Museum. 209 E. 23rd St. 212-592-2010, sva.edu. The artists discuss how experiences in Iraq informed their work. February 19 at 7 p.m. SVA Amphitheater. 209 East 23 St. 3rd fl.
Dvds
Courtesy Columbia Pictures
FEBRUARY RELEASES
“2 Days in Paris,” which premiered at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival, was described by the Downtown Express as “a romantic comedy with a snappy comic edge,” revolving around a French photographer bringing her American boyfriend, played by Adam Goldberg, home to visit Paris. Their relationship is tested by clashes of culture, language barriers, and her flirtatious ex-boyfriends. Julie Delpy wrote, stars in, edited, and composed music for her directorial debut. Other films out this month on DVD include Brooklyn-resident Noah Baumbach’s embittered “Margot at the Wedding”; Oscar Best Picture-aspirant “Michael Clayton,” starring Tilda Swinton and George Clooney; Barbet Schroeder’s unnerving documentary “Terror’s Advocate,” about pompous war-criminal defender Jacques Vergès; and a 4-disc edition of Bertolucci’s 1987 epic,“The Last Emperor” (pictured).
Dance
Photo by Sonia Manchanda
NRITYAGRAM
In this world premiere piece commissioned by the Joyce, Nrityagram Dance Ensemble’s Surupa Sen and Bijayini Satpathy are backed by an array of synchronized female dancers and an original score of live music. “Pratima: Reflection” taps into a vein of India’s enchantments and spirituality with the natural rhythm of Odissi, the country’s oldest type of classical dance. Conceived as a sacred ritual, Odissi is distinguished by its graceful and flowing movements, and curved bodylines reminiscent of temple sculptures. Feb. 19-24 at 6:30 p.m. Joyce. 175 Eighth Ave. 212-242-0800, joyce.com
Film
Courtesy Intercinema XXI Century
Konstantin Lavronenko and Maria Bonnevie in “The Banishment”
FILM COMMENT SELECTS
Acclaimed but little known revivals are screened alongside previews and new movies during this two-week run at Lincoln Center. French films include Olivier Assayas’ 2007 escapist thriller “Boarding Gate” and Jacques Nolot’s “Before I Forget.” Winner of Cannes’ Best Actor award Konstantin Lavronenko appears in both “The Edge of Heaven,” a stark examination of German-Turkish relations, and Andrei Zvyagintsev’s second feature, the dark family drama “The Banishment” (pictured). On the heels of last year’s startlingly well-acted “Control,” the 1970s punk band Joy Division is the subject of an eponymous documentary about the dramatic rise and fall of 23-year-old frontman Ian Curtis. Feb. 14-28. Walter Reade Theater. 65th St. bet. Broadway & Amsterdam. 212-875-5601, filmlinc.com
