This week, Jared Bowen tours the newest addition to the Institute of Contemporary Art: The ICA Watershed in East Boston. Then, make your way to the Commonwealth Avenue Mall for “Liz Glynn: Open House.” Plus, a review of Gloucester Stage Company’s production of “Cyrano.”
“ICA Watershed,” the ICA’s new space in the East Boston Shipyard & Marina opens with “Diana Thater,” on view through October 8
The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston is expanding its horizons with a new facility in the East Boston Shipyard and Marina. Once a derelict and shuttered copper pipe factory, the new “ICA Watershed” has been transformed into a free, raw space for contemporary art exhibitions. Headlining the opening of the Watershed is artist Diana Thater, whose immersive video works and projections address magnificent and delicate animal ecosystems. “The ICA continues to challenge itself by endeavoring outside the bounds of convention,” says Jared, “and this community is all the better for it.”
“Cyrano,” presented by Gloucester Stage Company through August 11
Edmond Rostand’s classic 1897 play has been adapted for the Gloucester Stage. Jeremiah Kissel gives a tour-de-force performance as the titular “Cyrano,” a soldier, poet, and nobleman who is madly in love with the beautiful Roxane (Andrea Goldman) but deems himself unworthy of her affection due to his unusually large nose. Directed by Robert Walsh, this fun, swashbuckling production utilizes just five actors in a multitude of roles. “A remarkably united ensemble, a wonderfully clever script, fanciful directing and atmospheric design make this a near perfect show,” says Jared.
“Liz Glynn: Open House,” presented by Now + There, on view at the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Kenmore Square through November 4
In Kenmore Square, a new public art exhibition turns the Commonwealth Avenue Mall into an open-air ballroom. Created by Boston-born artist Liz Glynn, “Open House” features 26 pieces of furniture inspired by late 19th century Louis XIV interiors. Casting her furniture in concrete, Glynn takes her cues from a real-life 5th Avenue ballroom, once used to entertain the New York elite. Glynn recreates the opulent elements of that ballroom and opens it to the public in acknowledgment of rising income inequality. “It's been really a pleasure actually just seeing people lounging around on it,” says Glynn. “It's such a joy to see people that might not ever walk inside museum walls just walk up and use the work and be able to interact with art in a way that that feels very open.”
What do you think of the ICA’s new space in East Boston? Tell Jared about it on Facebook or Twitter!
