Monday explores a local-ish calamity you probably never knew about. Wednesday and Saturday illuminate a faraway land that, for all its prominence, remains deeply enigmatic. Thursday, a band that’s spent decades chugging along—as in, drinking—orders another round. Sunday, it’s a highly regarded comedian’s job to get us laughing.
But don’t crack up before then. You’ll need your wits about you to make the most of this week in New Haven.
Monday, April 13
From 5:45 to 8 p.m., the Mitchell Branch of the New Haven Free Public Library (37 Harrison St, New Haven; 203-946-8117) asks, “What Ever Happened to Banton Street?” The basic answer is this: once home to 42 families, North Haven’s flood-prone Banton Street neighborhood was permanently evacuated during prolonged heavy rain in 1973, then turned into Quinnipiac River State Park. But tonight’s event provides much richer answers than that. Some come via a reception highlighting artist Susan McCaslin’s present-day photos of the park. Others come via a call to community members to bring their own “photos and memories of Banton Street.” Then, starting at 6:15, there’s a screening of A Walk Through North Haven: Banton Street Remembered, followed by a panel discussion featuring several knowledgeable folks.
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Tuesday, April 14
Of Lily King’s critically exalted, award-winning, bestselling novel Euphoria, the New York Times Book Review says, “The steam the book emits is as much intellectual as erotic…,” and if at least one of those qualities doesn’t pique your interest, perhaps nothing will. Coinciding with Euphoria’s paperback release, King makes a free appearance tonight at R.J. Julia (768 Boston Post Rd, Madison; 203-245-3959), starting at 7 p.m. Reserve your spot here.
Wednesday, April 15
You can attend today’s “fireside chat” at the Yale-China Association and still have time to finish your taxes. From 4 to 5:30, Nick Frisch, a former journalist who’s reported for the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, discusses “Culture and ‘Censorship’ in China” through the lens of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the opera whose long-planned 2011 world premiere at the country’s National Center for the Performing Arts was abruptly cancelled by the government. Frisch actually reported on the cancellation for the Times, providing coverage that delved into China’s complicated and surprising ties to American arts and artists, so it should be an authoritative and insightful treatment. 442 Temple St, New Haven. (203) 432-0884.
Thursday, April 16
“No doubt about it / I can’t live without it” goes the shout-chorus in “Alcohol,” a sum-up kind of song for journeymen speed-punk “skate band” Gang Green. The “world’s loudest drunkest band,” as it calls itself, comes to Cafe Nine tonight following 30+ years of ups and downs—touring alongside big acts like Social Distortion and Dropkick Murphys, but also enduring lineup changes, label troubles and long hiatuses. Of any of the lineups the band’s ever had prior to this one, only frontman Chris Doherty remains, but that’s not so much a concern as an expectation; he’s long been the only common thread across Gang Green’s blistering catalogue. Also on the 8 p.m. bill are Antagonizers ATL, Drug Shock and Watchlist, the latter two based in Connecticut. 250 State Street, New Haven. (203) 789-8281. $12, or $10 in advance.
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Friday, April 17
This week’s performances of La/Dy/Da, an adaptation of Henry James’s The Portrait of a Lady, are the culmination of a senior project by Yale Theater Studies majors Gabrielle Hoyt-Disick and Miranda Rizzolo. Coming on the heels of a half-semester’s examination of adaptation as a critical exercise, there are five shows total—Wednesday, yesterday, tonight and tomorrow at 8 p.m., plus a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee—within the Whitney Humanities Center (53 Wall St, New Haven). Seats are free, though you can only snag up to two tickets per reservation.
Saturday, April 18
Silk Road Art Gallery’s compelling new exhibit, Windows to the East: China Through the Local Lens, draws together three accomplished New Haven photographers who’ve taken their cameras to China: Phyllis Crowley, who captured “dreamlike landscapes;” Paul Duda, who snapped “intimate… street scenes;” and Roy Money, who found “abstract, textural” imagery. Experience them all during a free opening reception today at 4 p.m. inside the gallery. 83 Audubon St, New Haven. (203) 772-8928.
Sunday, April 19
Many roads lead to comic Todd Barry. Maybe you’ve heard him yukking it up with Howard Stern, or playing the bongoes on Flight of the Conchords, or deadpanning with Louis C.K. on Louie. He even had a memorable turn in buzzy 2008 drama The Wrestler. Tonight the road to Barry is Hamden’s Treadwell Street, address 295, where The Ballroom at The Outer Space has him headlining. Opening the 8:30 p.m. show is Ken Reid, a Boston comedian who’s opened for the likes of Patton Oswalt, John Oliver and Jen Kirkman. $20. (203) 288-6400.
Written by Dan Mims. Photograph by Paul Duda, published here courtesy of Silk Road Art Gallery. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations and prices before attending events.
