What if Quentin Tarantino, in his post-Wait Until Dark, non directing slump, tried to resurrect his career by appearing as a stand up comedian during the Apollo's famed Amateur Night? Chicago-based performance artist Michael Martin imagines the man in these circumstances and comes up with a humorous portrait of racism and stereotypes in the Tarantino oeuvre in Quentin T Do Amateur Night at De Apollo, running Nov. 19-Dec. 18 at the Kraine Theatre. In an over-the-top parody of Tarantino, Martin paints the director as wanting to be seen as the primary filmmaker for African-American people, while he merely perpetuates racism and sexism with his films. Martin first performed Quentin T in Chicago in June, 1999. He is perhaps best known for 1997's politically charged attack on sitcoms, Justine Bateman (named for the "Family Ties" actress who played Mallory Keaton).
Tickets are $12 and available by calling (212) 777-6088. The Kraine Theatre is located at 85 East 4th Street.
-- By Christine Ehren