Recommended happenings for you calendar consideration
Art, Eggs, Kink, and Sleaze in This Weekend’s Art Events
“Brave New Textiles”
Through May 3, Bolm Arts
Indeed a reference to Aldous Huxley’s renowned 1931 dystopian novel, Bolm Arts’ latest multi-artist exhibit tackles the ever-evolving questions of naturalism, commercialism, and personal and national identity reflected in the contemporary fiber world. Curated by textile artist Amanda Fay and painter Stephanie Mervine, this Eastside gallery showcases 10 Central Texas creatives, including sustainable yarn worker Bitter Hag, upcycled fashion and visual/performance Renaissance person Corinne Loperfido, and interdisciplinary artist Jonas Criscoe. Loperfido hosts a separate pop-up shop during Thursday’s opening reception, while author Nicole Josephine Kline presents an open mic poetry night the following day. – Carys Anderson
We Shall Not Be Moved
Thursday 17, Violet Crown Cinema
1968 saw student protests around the world, including one violently put down by Mexican military in Mexico City’s Plaza de las Tres Culturas. Pierre Saint Martin Castellanos’ own familial connection to the Tlatelolco massacre inspired his debut film, We Shall Not Be Moved (No Nos Moverán), about an aging lawyer obsessed with getting justice – and sweet revenge – for her brother’s murder. Cineclub MX, which brings Mexican cinema to Austin theatres, presents this festival favorite in its new home base at the Violet Crown. – Kimberley Jones
Filigree Theatre Presents: The Illusionary Games of Edward Rye
Through May 4, Factory on 5th
“Masks and Mirrors” is the guiding theme behind Filigree Theatre’s sixth season, which closes out with a bang (or a shatter) in The Illusionary Games of Edward Rye. World-class psychiatrist Rye sets out to prove that all existence is a masked mirror, a quirk of the mind. Like all great men, he tries to prove his theory through a woman. Only once he’s beguiled a woman into his experience does Rye begin to wonder who, exactly, is controlling whom. Twisty, turny, and with multiple layers of play-within-a-play storytelling, Edward Rye uses actual illusions – never tricks – to make characters and audience alike question their reality. – Cat McCarrey
Austin Kink Weekend
Thursday 17 – Sunday 20, Multiple locations
Hear ye, hear ye, kinksters, perverts, and the curious alike – Austin Kink Weekend has arrived. Events spanning all four days will tickle every one of your fancies. Need a little more lube know-how? Attend Depth Vortex’ Sloppy Hole Buffet class. Seeking a saucy sapphic social? Drop in for the “Dyke Happens” social. Just wanna see all those lovely leather-clad competitors go head-to-head for a Texas Leather title? Tap in for one or all of the contest events including bootblacks, pets, handlers, and the Mr./Ms./Mx contests. Whatever tightens your laces and flushes your cheeks is waiting for ya this weekend. Get more info and your badge at austinkinkweekend.com. – James Scott
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Through Sunday 27, Doc’s Drive-In
Crossovers are nothing new these days. In fact, is it really a movie without an unexpected and irrelevant cameo? But here’s a movie where every guest star was a real star. Every time two characters appeared onscreen, it was an almost impossible achievement of interstudio friendship. Yes, having Daffy Duck and Donald Duck acting in the same scene really was that big a deal. Oh, yeah, and it was a complete revolution in filmmaking, having cartoons and non-animated characters (that’s “real people” to you and me) interact in an utterly convincing way. It’s also the greatest introduction to film noir a kid can ever have, with Private Eye Eddie Valiant (a never-better Bob Hoskins) forced to partner with movie star and murder suspect Roger Rabbit (voiced by Charles Fleischer) to save Toon Town from a conspiracy that’s part Looney Tunes, part Chinatown. – Richard Whittaker
Mauricio Alejo: “The Unexpected Product of Labor (Two Hammers Without a Sickle)”
Through May 31, Co-Lab Projects
Though International Workers’ Day remains a week or so away, recent statements and retractions from our unfortunate president have brought labor front of mind. What is our labor worth, and how do we extract that while also saving ourselves? Mexico City/New York City-based artist Mauricio Alejo explores labor’s delicate balance through this exhibition and presents what Co-Lab calls a “metaphorical story about labor as an unstable equation between forces – wind and gravity – that produces movement within their own dialectic process of searching for equilibrium.” Opening reception is this Saturday, April 19, with an earlier preview available for Co-Lab members and VIPs. Don’t sweat it if you miss the big kickoff, as the exhibition will be on view Saturdays, noon-6pm, until the end of May. – James Scott
Easter Egg Dye-o-Rama
Friday 18, Neill-Cochran House Museum
Not even Jesus could have predicted the cultural moment that eggs are having right now. Heck, those fragile little protein delivery systems and sometimes holder-of-chicks even factored into the presidential election. Don’t worry, though, as this kid-centric event de-politicizes eggs and invites you to get crafty with them in keeping with the season. Bring your own hard-boiled eggs or make a donation to the Neill-Cochran House for a house egg or two. When you’re done decorating, explore the historic grounds while your creation dries. No promises that a colorful shell will increase the value of a dozen of these beauts on the black market. – James Renovitch
Chloé Griffin: Edgewise: A Picture of Cookie Mueller
Friday 18, BookWoman
Fitting that as the Pope of Trash rides into town, Austin’s feminist bookshop boosts a bio about one of his earliest stars. Full name Dorothy Karen, “Cookie” Mueller was a Baltimore native who played perfectly into John Waters’ underground universe in hits like Pink Flamingos and Multiple Maniacs. She even inspired Female Trouble’s title, as Waters credits the phrase to her off-the-cuff remark while hospitalized for pelvic inflammatory disease: “Just a little female trouble, hon.” Biographer Chloé Griffin stops in with archival materials used in the writing of her Cookie chronicle and – alongside Lex Vaughn and Diana Welch – performs readings from the new book and Cookie’s original 1965 diary. – James Scott
Secretary
Friday 18, Hyperreal Film Club
Drop this one in the “loose adaptation” box, as Steven Shainberg’s 2002 erotic romance takes only the premise of secretary/boss BDSM from the early Mary Gaitskill short story of the same name. Lee Holloway (a bracing Maggie Gyllenhaal) comes fresh from the mental hospital after an attempt on her own life, yet she finds little in this humdrum second chance to keep her fingers away from the blade-filled Caboodle under her bed. Her salvation comes strangely, as new boss Edward Grey (erotic thriller mainstay James Spader) presents Lee with a sexual and spiritual awakening through impact play – as well as other spicy detours. It’s Fifty Shades for the real romantics, with a killer Angelo Badalamenti score to boot. – James Scott
UT 2024 MFA Studio Art Thesis Exhibition: “Acceleration Without Arrival”
Through May 10, Visual Arts Center
I’ve said it before, and even if I risk sounding repetitive I’ll say it again: AUSTIN HAS A GREAT ART SCENE. But it’s not necessarily in museums or vaulted halls: It’s emerging from the embryonic chrysalis of our punk underground and yes, even our academic towers. UT’s MFA students have already made waves on the local gallery circuit, whether through Britt Moseley’s video soundscapes at MASS Gallery or through Katherine Vaughn’s work at shedshows. But they’re just one-seventh of the talent presenting at “Acceleration Without Arrival.” Experience all the up and coming glory in one place through the next few weeks. Celebrate with the department at April 18’s opening night, or take a guided tour with the artists the following day. These creators mix subject matter and artistic medium in ways that blow past the edges of what can be. Enter the future with their new works. – Cat McCarrey
Legislate THIS: 202WTF
Saturday 19, Sky Candy
Human rights and access to health care are increasingly under attack by legislators and politicians across the country, and especially in Texas. As a way to fight back, local treasure and burlesque performer Ginger Snaps created the “Legislate This” show in 2012 in Austin and has taken it to neighboring Texas cities and beyond to benefit Planned Parenthood wherever the show goes. All cast, crew, and the venue are donating their time so 100% of the profits can go to PP of Greater Texas, so catch some of the best entertainers in town performing aerial, burlesque, and drag routines – proving that fighting the power can also be fun. – Kat McNevins
Sydney Guzman: “Under the Moon’s Eye”
Through May 24, Ivester Contemporary
Austin-based and McAllen-born artist Sydney Guzman says her upcoming sculpture & painting exhibition began from a conversation – not with a person, but the universe. “In moments of uncertainty, I pose a silent question,” says Guzman. “And the world responds, not with words, but through intuitive signs: an animal crossing my path, an object pulling my attention, a subtle shift in energy.” These questions and their answering signs brighten the Ivester walls this Saturday, April 19, with Guzman’s bold colors and “gestural brushstrokes,” as the gallery describes, bringing to viewers’ minds questions of transition, form, and self. Don’t be surprised if after you leave the gallery, you, too, will see the world responding to your unspoken inquiries; just be open to the visions. – James Scott
Results with Andrew Bujalski
Saturday 19, AFS Cinema
Mumblecore pioneer Andrew Bujalski finally started rubbing shoulders with A-list actors in 2015 with Results. Cobie Smulders and Guy Pearce star as personal trainers who get caught up in the clingy, needy personal affairs of Danny, a nerd with too much money played with brilliant confusion by Kevin Corrigan. But it’s not just a hilarious, awkward rom-com for real adults: It’s also a record of a particular moment in Austin history. Filmed in the then-newly built Mueller neighborhood, it represents the transition from the quasi-mythical Austin of cosmic cowboys, slackers, and drag rats to the tech capital of bros with the emotional intelligence of a dead armadillo. Stick around for a Q&A with Bujalski on this vital chapter in Austin’s cinematic canon. – Richard Whittaker
John Waters Live
Saturday 19, Paramount Theatre
Happy birthday to the king of sleaze and the jewel of Baltimore. Technically, the celebration of when everyone’s favorite purveyor of moral turpitude and hysterical truths leapt – fully formed and pencil-mustache perfectly trimmed – into this world is on April 22, 1946, but that’s too much celebration to cram into just one day. So he’s calling this jaunt to the Paramount the filthiest birthday ever as he regales and assails the audience with tales of his years in the cinematic trenches, transgressive truths that will upset everyone, and raunchy anecdotes about just being him. And just remember: You can’t say “obscenity” without “oh!” – Richard Whittaker
Do Not Disturb Presents: Black Coffee
Saturday 19, Civil Goat Manor
A Saturday morning coffee & chill session doesn’t get much better – except when there’s also world-class queer Black DJs spinning ’til the afternoon. Local mix masters Do Not Disturb Collective – aka Jasmin Porter and Sonder – take over the Manor locale of this Austin coffeehouse to play the perfect weekend-starter tunes. There’ll also be a boozy brunchy cocktail menu, curated with picks from Pangea Selections, as well as free coffee for the first 10 guests. Secure your sip with the magic phrase: “One cup of DND, please!” – James Scott
Green Acres Hop Fest & Springtime Art Market
Saturday 19, Jester King Brewery
Art thou feeling it now, Mr. Krabs – I mean, Chronicle reader? Those first sunny spring days have shown their cloudless faces, and now the Hill Country calls for us to all go drink sour beers among goats. Such is the reason for this Jester King season, where the massive brewery complex unfurls not only a psych-sational music lineup featuring tribute bands aplenty but also an art market with more than 60 creators; guest taps from Brujos Brewing, Cellar Maker, Rustic Ales, and more; on-site terp tipples by Tejas Tonic; and Jester King Kitchen’s usual gustatory goods, aka pizza and smashburgers. Not enough for ye? Try these offerings on: a balloon artist, face-painting, glass blowing, tours of the grounds, live tattooing, pottery making, screenprinting, a bonfire, tie-dye, and goats in tie-dye. Then gather round for the day-capper screening of Dazed and Confused from Rocket Cinema. – James Scott
23 & Me & Somebody Else
Saturday 19 & 26, Fallout Theater
More in-the-know operators caught on to Malia Moss’ one-woman show early in its April run, but ya boy has finally gotten the message: This is a great show! Not the typical monologue one imagines when a single-storyteller stageplay comes up, Moss’ deeply personal narrative has the comedian embodying different characters as she unpacks the shocking revelation that she isn’t her father’s biological kid. Grappling with further surprises uncovered by the titular DNA test – such as having both a Holocaust survivor and a former Miss Universe contestant in her family tree – Moss “explores family secrets, identity, and the miracle of human existence.” Yamina Khouane directs. – James Scott
Wild Waterloo
Saturday 19, Waterloo Park
One must treasure the days when enjoying Austin’s outdoor amusements doesn’t also feel like walking on the sun’s surface. So gather up the fam – bio or chosen – for an evening at Waterloo Park presented by Families in Nature. Family-friendly activities pervade, including park tours and tasty treats from local food vendors. Once the sun goes down, the Moody Amphitheater lawn becomes a grassy screening room showing Oscar-nominated animation The Wild Robot – a sweet and relaxing time for all. – James Scott
Fantasy Prom
Saturday 19, Tiny Minotaur Tavern
Do you wish to clip a corsage to a centaur? Bestow a boutonniere on a basilisk? Grind to “Yeah!” by Usher with a goblin? Have I got the prom for you, buddy. Arrive gussied up in your fantasy finery and ready to throw down for prom royalty titles via the Tiny Minotaur’s PvP combat cards. There ain’t no paper ballots here: only honest fair tournament fight victory. Parties uninterested in procuring royal status can still enjoy special session festivities, including punches for the sober and non teen-dream tunes, and much more. Ticket sales from non-members ($15) help fundraise for our faire tavern to keep up the good, weird work. – James Scott
Pride & Prejudice
Sunday 20 – Thursday 24, Austin-area theatres
There was a time when it seemed impossible any screen Darcy could displace Colin Firth’s definitive brooder, but then Matthew Macfadyen arrived on the scene in 2005 to scramble the rankings. (Yes, 2005: Y’all Tom Wambsgans fans were late to the party.) He and Keira Knightley – a spirited and defiant Elizabeth Bennet – bring real soulfulness to an adaptation that takes a few liberties with Jane Austen’s peerless text, but nothing to clutch your pearls over. To mark the 20th anniversary, Focus Features gives it a big screen, the-better-to-swoon-over re-release. – Kimberley Jones
Cheech and Chong’s Last Movie
Sunday 20, Alamo Lakeline, Slaughter Lane & Village
“A Chicano kid from South Central L.A. and a half-Chinese Motown musician meet at a strip club in Canada.” Even how they met sounds like the setup to one of the legendary sketches from Richard Anthony Marin and Thomas B. Kin Chong, aka Cheech and Chong. Somehow, their stupid/smart comedy broke out of the back room blunt rotation and into stadiums, record charts, and late-nite movie screenings. Just in time for 4/20 and ahead of the movie’s official release on April 25, the comedy legends look back on their expert idiocy in this documentary retrospective and pull apart what made their work so important to stoners and comedy fans. – Richard Whittaker
Jesus Christ Superstar
Sunday 20, Hyperreal Film Club
Last Friday, I happened to see programmer Louise Ho at Yellow Jacket Social Club, where she told me that the pallet of Tejas Tonic she procured for this weekend’s 4/20 screening has been whispering temptation to her. Hard to say no when the reward seems so sweet, but Ho’s got a strong will, and that’s more than one can say about biblical antagonist Judas Iscariot, who gave up his main man Jesus for just thirty pieces. But is the story really that clean cut? Not so, says Andrew Lloyd Webber in his rock opera interpretation of the Son’s final days – here adapted for the screen by Norman Jewison (Moonstruck). Upstaging a thorny-crowned Ted Neeley in the film is Carl Anderson, who brings true burning heat to his Judas portrayal. It’s a real will-they won’t-they, except what’s at stake isn’t just a kiss but the fate of all sinners. Or maybe it’s just a fun hippie-ass musical. Both the secular and non can shake hands on one thing: “Superstar” rips. – James Scott
Compensation
Sunday 20 & Wednesday 23, AFS Cinema
Two Black couples in Chicago live parallel lives in this lyrical time-centric romance directed by Zeinabu irene Davis. Compensation follows Malindy, a dressmaker in 1910 and a graphic designer in the Nineties, played by the same pioneering deaf actress, Michelle A. Banks. Arthur, alternately a migrant from Mississippi and a children’s librarian, is played by John Earl Jelks, and 80 years apart, each couple has a different meet-cute on the banks of Lake Michigan. It’s shot in silent film style, using ragtime piano to evoke the early 20th century scenes, and R&B grooves to evoke the Nineties, and includes closed captioning throughout, though Arthur speaks and Malindy signs. Gently portraying the struggles of the Black community and the deaf community throughout time, this independent gem is finally getting a theatrical run after being entered into the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry last year. – Lina Fisher