The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts offers two exhibits of interest to theatre fans this fall: Voice of My City: Jerome Robbins and New York (on display through March 30, 2019) and The People's Theater: Celebrating 75 Years of New York City Center (October 23–March 2, 2019).
The late director-choreographer Robbins, who was also a painter and poet, put New York City at the center of his artistic imaginings. From Fancy Free—his breakout ballet in 1944—to West Side Story on stage (1957) and screen (1961) and the ballets N.Y. Export: Opus Jazz (1958) and Glass Pieces (1983), Robbins explored the joys, struggles, grooves, routines, and aspirations of New York. Voice of My City traces Robbins’ life and dances alongside the history of New York, inspiring viewers to see the city as both a muse and a home.
City Center, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, will be explored in The People's Theater exhibit. As the first performing arts center in Manhattan, the fledgling institution broke new ground by presenting dance, music, theatre, and opera under the same roof. Expect a wide range of material including photographs, costumes, props, posters, and other ephemera that provide a fresh perspective on City Center, the birthplace of New York City Ballet, New York City Opera, and the revival of Chicago. The new exhibit features rarely-seen performance photographs, such as Leonard Bernstein leading his orchestra for the first time, selections from 25 years of Encores! productions, and the hundreds of dance companies from around the world that have participated in City Center’s Fall for Dance Festival.
A host of theatre-related events are also planned through December, including League of Professional Theatre Women: Oral History Project (October 22), Annie Reunion with Martin Charnin and Charles Strouse (October 25), and Elizabeth Swados Celebration (November 15). Click here for more information.
