"New York's Performa biennial has helped leading artists stage debut performances in unorthodox venues like burlesque theaters, decommissioned churches, even the East Village's iconic Russian baths. Performa tends to raise money in style, too, from its ostentatious annual galas to its daring 2020 telethon. Next month, Performa will mount another such experiment-a one-night variety show bringing artists including Barbara Kruger and Julio Torres to Broadway."
"The inaugural Performa All-Star Variety Show will hit Manhattan's Town Hall theater on June 10. Renowned writer, actor, and comedian Casey Jost-brother to Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update anchor Colin Jost-will host the 90-minute, 12-act extravaganza, animated by Performa alums including dance artist Alexa West, filmmaker Laurie Simmons, and experimental musician Lonnie Holley. Further participants include artists that Performa still hopes to work with, the event's legendary founder RoseLee Goldberg told me over email."
"Performa's latest endeavor takes its cues from 19th-century vaudeville and the Futurists' serates of the 20th century-buzzy cabarets of song, poetry, and politics that often ended in riots. The event marks Performa's first time staging a single-night spectacle for the public beyond the bounds of its three-week biennials. "It has been on our minds for some time to find an exciting alternative to the traditional gala," Goldberg wrote, adding that "we've often wished that the exciting performances during our galas could be available for a wider audience.""
"Indeed, the Performa All-Star Variety Show promises ranging entertainment. Acclaimed painter Marcel Dzama will present two songs from his debut "evening-length" performance with Performa in 2023, accompanied by Flamenco-style dance."
Performa has supported debut performances by leading artists in unconventional venues such as burlesque theaters, decommissioned churches, and Russian baths. The organization also funds its work through high-profile galas and a daring 2020 telethon. A new one-night public spectacle will take place at Town Hall in Manhattan on June 10, marking Performa’s first single-night event outside its three-week biennials. The 90-minute program will feature 12 acts hosted by Casey Jost and animated by Performa alumni including Alexa West, Laurie Simmons, and Lonnie Holley. The variety show draws on 19th-century vaudeville and Futurist serates, combining song, poetry, and politics. Artists include Barbara Kruger and Julio Torres, with additional performances such as Marcel Dzama presenting songs with Flamenco-style dance.
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