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Through My I, Communitas, Shakespeare in Clark Park, and more
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, July 20-26, 2023
Kyle V. Hiller
We’re deep into summer now, but there are many chances to chill out happening this week. The Barnes is a nice place to cool off as you explore their newest exhibit. Maybe the heat is your thing and you’d like to dance it out with some Bollywood tunes. If not, watch others “dance” with a provocative, bold performance from Almanac Dance Circus Theatre. We’ve also got the return of the Ice Cream Festival and cool (at least, figuratively) nights at Clark Park with Shakespeare and hip-hop at Pentridge Station.
Stay cool, Philly! And drink some water while you’re at it.
Through My I: Art From SCI Phoenix
Through August 21, 2023
Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
The Barnes Foundation and Mural Arts Philadelphia present a new exhibit of original artwork by artists at State Correctional Institute Phoenix. The collection features paintings portraying the visual reality of incarceration. They also serve as “a statement to the outside world, where the voices and visions of incarcerated individuals are rarely heard or seen.” The exhibit is open now through late August.
Communitas
Saturday, July 22, 6pm
Pig Iron School, 1417 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia
Human sculptures and acrobatic encounters animate the tale of the founding of a civilization in Communitas, an award-winning performance from Almanac Dance Circus Theatre. The performance returns to the stage this weekend before making its way through the northeast, with stops in New York City, Massachusetts, and Maine. With an original musical score by artist and composer Jordan McCree of ILL DOOTS, four performers will “communicate” in a physical language of storytelling in action that puts them “at the edge of their abilities” as an audience beholds genuine risk.
Ice Cream Festival
Saturday, July 22, 11am-3pm
Reading Terminal Market, 51 North 12th Street, Philadelphia
The annual Ice Cream Festival from Bassetts Ice Cream is back at Reading Terminal this weekend. The free, pay-as-you-go event hosts ice cream vendors from around the city, games, and music.
The Eli Capella Jawn Vol. 3
Sunday, July 23, 6-10pm
Pentridge Station Pop-Up, 5110-5120 Pentridge Street, Philadelphia
Swing by Southwest Philly for an evening of underground hip-hop and alternative music. The event is free and open to the public.
World Stage: Dance It Out! Bollywood Style
Tuesday, July 25, 6:30-8:30pm
Perkins Center for the Arts, 395 King’s Highway, Moorestown
The Perkins Center invites everyone to this free, all-ages concert and dance party on their picturesque lawn with Bollywood music. Before the festivities begin, though, attendees can participate in a yoga workshop—a perfect way to prep for music if you ask me.
Shakespeare in Clark Park
July 26-30, 2023 at 7pm
The Bowl in Clark Park, 4300-4398 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia
Shakespeare in Clark Park is back with a performance of Two Gentlemen of Verona. It’s free, too—just show up, but be sure to bring chairs and picnic baskets!
Above: Communitas returns to the stage in Philly before touring the northeast. (Photo courtesy of Almanac Dance Circus Theatre.)
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