The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, April 13-19, 2023

Hymn
April 12-30
Louis Bluver Theater at the Drake, 302 South Hicks Street, Philadelphia

The Philadelphia premiere of Lolita Chakrabarti’s Hymn opens this week. Produced by Inis Nua Theatre Company, Hymn tells the story of two brothers who start to see cracks in their individual lives and their relationship with each other, using a shared love of music to bridge their separate childhoods.

Young Professionals Night: Levels
Friday, April 14, 7-10pm
Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

The Barnes hosts its Young Professionals Night this week, with “art, style, light bites, and sips” paired with beats from DJ Aura, DJ JAMZ, a performance from Seraiah Nicole, and a visual art installation by Shanina Dionna. Spend the evening connecting with others who all help elevate Philly’s arts and culture scene—and bring a new or gently used accessory or piece of clothing to donate to The Wardrobe, an organization that helps to eliminate clothing insecurity. Be sure to check out the Barnes’s newest exhibit, Sue Williamson & Lebohang Kganye: Tell Me What You Remember.

The Body You Want and The Erotic Project
Opening Friday, April 14, 6-8pm
Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine Street, Philadelphia

Asian Arts Initiative is opening two spring exhibitions this weekend. The Body You Want features six Asian and Asian American queer artists shedding light on how queer identity is shaped by and functions with the existence of sexual and gender diversity while investigating the ways each artist responds to specific cultural values in developing their own queer identity.

On the other side is The Erotic Project, an ongoing collaborative multimedia art project that started in early 2020 during quarantine inside the bedroom of artist Aubrié Costello. Expanding to and drawing from over 40 artists from Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Portland, and Mexico City, The Erotic Project explores inclusive, accessible eroticism as mutual care for our holistic healing.

This weekend’s opening features a performance by OHYUNG, a Brooklyn-based producer and film composer who mashes anti-establishment punk and experimental rap “to create a hybrid performance that highlights identity in the margins.” Both exhibits run through mid-summer.

Table Sessions: Interminable
April 14-16
Alma Del Mar, 1007 South 9th Street, Philadelphia

Intercultural Journeys sets up at the 9th Street Market with Interminable, a Philly-based futuristic bilingual band that “explores connections as diasporic peoples, weaving together the common threads of improvisation and swing from traditional Mexican son jarocho music, jazz, rock, funk, and electronic music.” Join them for a meal at Alma del Mar.

Philly Otaku Con
April 14-16, 4:30-7pm
Cherry Street Pier, 121 N Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia

A full weekend of cosplay, gaming, vendors, food trucks, and more, including tabletop gaming with Cyber Gecko and a visit from Philly’s own Blerd Bar podcast crew.

Philadelphia Film Festival SpringFest
April 14-16
Philadelphia Film Center, 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Film Society hosts its sixth annual SpringFest, screening indies, documentaries, and foreign films. Each film screening during the festival will be having its Philadelphia premiere.

Lev of Leningrad
Sunday, April 16, 1:30pm
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S Independence Mall E, Philadelphia

Noah Schoenberg’s play arrives at the Weitzman this weekend, telling the true story of Lev Furman and his wife Marina’s 24-year journey from the Soviet Union to America, landing in Philadelphia in the late 1990s.

Philadelphia Regional American Youth Circus Organization Festival
April 15-17
Philadelphia Circus Campus, 6452 Greene Street, Philadelphia

Did you know that Philadelphia is the birthplace of the American circus? I was yesterday-years-old when I found out, and this weekend Philly AYCO hosts a three-day festival celebrating World Circus Day. Spectators, students, and performers are all invited to the experience: workshops, demos, classes, and performances decorate the festival.