Thanks To Smith Street Stage, Shakespeare's 'Caesar' Comes Alive In Carroll Park

Sarah Dacey Charles as Julius Caesar

Joby Earle as Brutus

Mary Cavett as Trebonius

Pete McElligott as Marc Anthony with Sarah Dacey Charles as Caesar

James David Larson as Cassius with Joby Earle as Brutus

Brutus with Portia, played by Victoria Haynes

The fateful deed.

Pete McElligott as Marc Anthony with Sarah Dacey Charles as Caesar

For the next two weeks, Carroll Park will become a giant outdoor theatre as Smith Street Stage, a wonderful Brooklyn-based theatre company, performs Shakespeare's drama "Julius Caesar".

The production premiered in Carroll Park this past Friday night and though it rained sporadically all through the evening, it was a flawless performance. The audience, young and old was transfixed as the professional actors brought to life the story of the conspiracy against Roman dictator Julius Caesar, his assassination and the subsequent defeat of the conspirators at the Battle of Philippi.

The play is masterfully directed by Jonathan Hopkins and Jessica Weiss, who make use of every part of the park. Sarah Dacey Charles puts a convincing present day face on Caesar. Joby Earle perfectly portrays Brutus' inner struggle as he chooses between loyalty to Caesar or to the Roman Republic. Pete McElligott is brilliant as Mark Anthony.

"Julius Caesar" will be performed in Carroll Park for free through July 14th. Performances start at 7 PM. Bring your own chairs..and the kids.

Don't miss this.  This community is truly lucky to have its own theatre group.

Get all the information about the play on Smith Street Stage's web site here.   Join their Facebook page here.

Read More

Picture Of The Day: Brooklyn Bridge In The Distance

Taken from the 40th Floor of a building on the East Side of Manhattan

Read More

Residency Unlimited On Court Street Holding Fundraiser

Nathalie Anglès and Sebastien Sanz Santamaria of Residency Unlimited

Residency Unlimited (RU) at 360 Court Street at the corner of President Street, is holding a fundraiser on Sunday, July 21st. Housed on the ground floor of the former South Congregational Church, the not-for-profit artist-centered organization is "committed to promoting multidisciplinary practices and to building lasting connections between residents and the broader arts community locally and globally".

RU assists artists by customizing residencies, forming strategic partnerships with collaborating institutions, offering presentation opportunities, and providing technical assistance. RU also offers an exciting program of exhibitions, performances, and talks by artists in residence throughout the year. (See schedule here).
Make sure to check out this wonderful neighborhood resource.
Below are all the details pertaining to their fundraiser:

2013 RESIDENCY UNLIMITED FUNRAISER

Where: RU Headquarters, 360 Court Street, in Carroll Gardens Brooklyn

When: Sunday, July 21st from 5-8pm

Tickets – $75 / $150 / $500 Level Benefit Tickets

and $10 Raffle Tickets (do not have to attend to purchase)
www.residencyunlimited.org

You can buy tickers here

Acquire Artworks Donated Generously by RU Artists:
(Will be available for viewing starting June 20th) 

Daniela Antonelli, Juan Betancurth, Sara Bichão, Mark Bolotin, Melissa Calderón, Claudia Cannizzaro, Yan Gi Cheng, Jagna Ciuchta, Paul DeMuro, Yana Dimitrova, Theo Edmonds, Zach Fabri, Guy Goldstein, Tomaz Hipolito, Ivana Ivkovic, David Kagan, Magnus Pettersen, Yann Pocreau, Vanessa Safavi, Otavio Schipper, Edward Schexnayder, Lucia Stranaiova, Eve K Tremblay, Marian Tubbs, and others. 

And 15 Commissioned Artists Books on Travel by:
Brian Alfred, Julieta Aranda, Marc Bijl, Amy Bessone, Chantel Foretich, Phyllis Galembo, Rainer Ganahl, Richard Höglund, Jason Irwin, Wangechi Mutu, Clifford Owens, The Propeller Group, Rebecca Reeve, Xaviera Simmons, Letha Wilson.Bring a date, acquire some great work, win some amazing raffle prizes and support RU's year long public programs and customised residencies! 

RU's 2013 FunRaiser celebrates "The Art of Travel," which reflects our incredible international reach. Hard to believe but since July 2009, we have hosted residencies for over 80 artists and curators from 37 different countries. Our achievements are thanks in no small part to friends and supporters like you!!!By purchasing a $500 level ticket, acquire an original artwork from one of RU's mega talented artists... the works will be available for viewing starting June 20th. First come, first served. 

All level supporters are eligible to participate in our RAFFLE. RU commissioned 15 artists to create artists books from pre-existing travel books, with contributions by Phyllis Galembo, Wangechi Mutu, Amy Bessone, Rainer Ganahl, and Clifford Owens. By purchasing raffle tickets, you might also win a surprise filled suitcase conceived by Trong Gia Nguyen. 

For the festivities, Richard Höglund will broadcast a live performance from the Swiss Alps. Food and drinks will be served in the church and special thanks to Runner and Stone, bakery extraordinaire....and other generous local vendors. 

So no time to lose! Come mingle and start buying tickets today!

Read More

"Mettle": Documentary Shot Almost Exclusively In Cobble Hill, To Premiere At Jalopy

On July 28th, "Mettle," a documentary by Brooklyn resident Andrew Arrow will be premiered at Jalopy Theatre on Columbia Street. The film, completed in April 2013, is almost entirely shot in Cobble Hill and shines a light on a little-known fact: that collecting recyclable material on New York City sidewalks is illegal. Those who do so to earn money can be cited, fines and even arrested.

Who knew that people who eek out a living by going through our recycling bins to look for empty cans or heap our old discarded air conditioners onto rusty shopping carts to bring them to scrap metal places like Benson Scrap Metal in Gowanus can be fined up to $10,000.
Through interviews with politicians and those who collect recyclables , Andrew Arrow investigates why this is should be. He writes:
"On a whim, using a $300 Handycam, I interviewed several people in my neighborhood about this phenomenon. The information I received and the incidents I recorded were quite unexpected, and led to the creation of a full-length film that includes interviews with some of New York City's (and the country's) environmental thought leaders and pioneers. The result of this effort is certain to surprise and entertain."

You can find more information about "Mettle" on the film's Facebook page.

"Mettle, The Movie" Premiere

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Jalopy Theatre

315 Columbia Street (corner of Hamilton/BQE)

Brooklyn NY

718.395.3214

7PM reception

8PM screening

9PM brief Q&A with the produce

Read More

Smith Street Stage Brings "Julius Caesar" To Carroll Park

Get ready for intrigue, betrayal, and murder in Carroll Park. 
Smith Street Stage a wonderful theater company based in Brooklyn, is bringing Shakespeare's Julius Caesar to Carroll Park. And it's totally free. All you have to do is bring your own seating to the outdoor performance.

This is Smith Street Stage's fourth Shakespeare production in our neighborhood park. In years past, the group performed 'Romeo and Juliet' (2010), 'Macbeth' (2011) and 'Twelfth Night' (2012).

According to Smith Street Stage, the company hires "professional actors with Shakespeare training and experience, and accompany the shows with live, original music. Our design always features modern dress and our staging involves full use of the park". 

This thoroughly modern production of "Julius Caesar" will feature  actress Sarah Dacey Charles as Julius (Juliette?) Caesar. The play is directed by Jonathan Hopkins and Jessica Weiss.

It's bound to be wonderful, so don't miss it. And bring the kids.

Get all the information on Smith Street Stage's web site here.  Join their Facebook page here.

Read More

Picture Of The Day: Red Lillies

Bright red lillies in front of Mongo on Court Street

Read More

EPA Gowanus Superfund Community Advisory Group To Meet Tomorrow Evening

EPA Gowanus Superfund Community Advisory Group (CAG) is holding its general meeting tomorrow evening. Come and find out where things stand with the Gowanus canal. Doug Sarno, the new Gowanus CAG neutral facilitator, will be leading the discussion.

EPA Gowanus Superfund Community Advisory Group

Tuesday, June 25, 2013, 

6:30 pm at Mary Star of the Sea Senior Housing, 

41 1st Street, Brooklyn.

Read More

Great Times At Smith Street Funday 2013

As in years past, Smith Street Funday 2013 this past Sunday was a blast. This event isn't your same-old street fair. Since many of the eateries on Restaurant Row take part in the celebration, it's a real culinary event. It also attracts some of Brooklyn's best designers and craftspeople, who feature their original designs.
And of course, there is music.

Hope you were able to participate.

Read More