If you know where to look, Cambridge and Somerville have myriad traditional theatrical productions and more unexpected performing arts works being mounted all the time – some are just hiding in plain sight. At “Stage Spotlight,” we strive to uncover these happenings for you: new plays, volunteer community farces and tragedies that are labors of love, and assorted gatherings with flair for the dramatic.
Whether you’re an audience member waiting to see advanced character construction or a musical number that steals the show, we’re digging into the corners and crevices of the art scene to unearth all that’s going on in our cities.
We’ve rounded up two events bound to reach you on a creative level. If you have a drive to see thought-provoking narrative, our first highlight will hold you in its grip, while the second offers a way to unwind and enjoy the start to the spooky fall season.
Sept. 16: “Sense of An Ending” (MIT Building W97, Cambridge)
MIT Theater Arts, with Front Porch Arts Collective, holds a staged reading of “Sense of An Ending,” a play about the 1994 Rwandan genocide, written by MIT senior lecturer Ken Urban. Directed by Pascale Florestal, the story involves a discredited New York Times journalist who travels to Rwanda to interview two Hutu nuns charged with homicide. The reporter’s investigation turns into a dramatic interrogation into truth, fiction, memory, guilt and the ethics of journalism.
Sept. 19: “Sorcerers’ Soiree” (Warehouse XI, Somerville)
On Saturday, Halloween comes a little early. The band Jinxland hosts “Sorcerers’ Soiree,” an uncanny celebration of dance, live music, divination, fashion, interactive art and “witchy wares.” Expect to hear melodies from global funk and soul group The Macrotones, along with Jinxland and Vudu Sister. We’re especially excited about a contortionist performance from Rachel Barringer, circus arts by Alex Jackson, a poetry reading from Shari Caplan and the live video wizardry of Michael Dewberry. Fortune tellers and vendors selling art and jewelry will be on site.
