APOLOGIES TO EVERYONE WHO WAS LEFT WITH NOTHING TO DO LAST WEEKEND — I was home slurping cough syrup, sucking on zinc tablets and trying to scare the cold germs out of my system with vampire novels. But I’m back now and I’ve got a full plate of Santa Monica culture to serve up this first week in February. There’s lots of new visual art around town, premiere theatre performances and the Santa Monica Main Library is showing furniture that’s not only great to sit on, but really nice to look at, too. And while you can’t read the actual table, you’re at the library — they’ve definitely got a book on it.
So, let’s get out and take in a few of these opportunities. And if that person trying to cough quietly in the back of the theatre annoys you, don’t throw anything too hard at him. It just might be me.
WHAT’S THE STORY? A festival of new solo plays Thursday and Friday, Feb. 8-9, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at 3 p.m. The Powerhouse Theatre Company 3116 Second Street (800) 838-3006 A new festival spotlighting up-and-coming solo performers debuts this weekend at the Powerhouse Theatre. An assortment of storytellers working under the guidance of Stacie Chaiken will turn their life events into often hysterical, sometimes tragic and always fascinating stories. The festival continues through Feb. 16, so check out the Powerhouse Web site for dates, ticket prices, artist lineup and more information.
‘THE ROCK OF THE WORLD WAS FOUNDED SECURELY ON A FAIRY’S WING’ Seeline Gallery Through March 17 1812 Berkeley Street (310) 829-1727 At the Seeline gallery, Marcy Freedman uses the air, an empty while wall, blank sheets of paper, wire, spray paint and yarn as the raw materials of “The Rock of the World was Founded Securely on a Fairy’s Wing.” Inspired by the writer Italo Calvino, the lightness in her work connects Freedman to the wild and complex motion of the invisible world between people and the objects that surround them.
MISS NELSON IS MISSING Saturday and Sundays through Feb. 18 11 a.m. Morgan-Wixson Theatre 2627 Pico Blvd. (at 27th St.) (310) 828-7519 This very funny play is based on the popular books telling the tales of Miss Nelson, a teacher with a classroom of unruly students. The series can be found on the reading lists for many Santa Monica elementary school students. With a cast full of local residents, “Miss Nelson is Missing” is a part of the Youth Education/Entertainment Series of the Santa Monica Theatre Guild. It’s a perfect family outing!
NORDIC ATTITUDES: MODERN FURNITURE IN DENMARK Michael Sheridan, Architect and Designer/Curator Thursday, Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m. Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium Santa Monica Main Library (310) 458-8600 The Santa Monica Main Public Library continues its exhibition Nordic LAttitudes, showcasing the Nordic inspiration for the award-winning new library facility. Designers featured include Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Poul Kjaerholm, Hans Wegner, Alvar Aalto, Eero Saarinen and Poul Christianson (Le Klint Lighting collection). This weekend, architect/designer Michael Sheridan will present a lecture examining the development of modern furniture in Denmark.
Check it out, it’ll be great fun!
Stay warm, stay dry, but have a great time this weekend. And be sure to bookmark the Palette online and share it with your friends!
HAMP SIMMONS is the cultural affairs coordinator for the City of Santa Monica. Send comments or suggestions for the Palette to
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 9, 2007. Read the original PDF.