GAYLETTER

I was NOT prepared to see a variety of thick juicy cocks swinging around so freely at 2pm on Easter Sunday but what the hell, I sat back in my comfortable seat and enjoyed an extraordinary afternoon of dance at the Joyce Theater when Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company took to the stage. An impeccable and lithesome company of dancers plowed through 4 completely different and compelling pieces of modern dance that incorporated nudity (as I previously stated) balletic moves, interpretive poses and a unique blend of movement accompanied by live string instruments that was totally exhilarating. The 2nd piece,'Spent 2 Days Out Yonder' was really spellbinding. Plain and simple-T. Jones is a genius, don’t miss this chance to see it, channeled through these fine dancers—it is truly jaw dropping.  —Gayletter

Don’t be fooled by the roman numeral after the name Ailey because this company of dancers, who I saw premiere four new pieces last Wednesday night, packed a punch so vivid and sexually charged there is nothing “runner up” about  them. Under the guidance of new artistic director Troy Powell, Ailey ll is charging ahead into a new generation of dance with a fresh set of legs and an all new program. Of special note was the third piece titled Rusty. I won’t give away too much except to say the partnering was luscious and the men, OH the men are so fluid and strong and come in various sizes and ethnicities. My only criticism is their costumes had too much fabric! Not to worry, the last dance, Virtues delivers the classic Ailey vibe, an Upbeat Caribbean track, pastel flowing garments, lots of heavenly movements and a feel good ending to a perfect evening of dance. Oh, and on my way out I ran into Chita Rivera AND Judith Jameson, I shoulda got a blow out.  —Gayletter

We have been to House of Yes twice in the last 3 months. Everytime we go there something nuts happens. The last two times we went, everything started out calm and then boom, shit got out of control—baked goods, crowd surfing, the works. Rob Roth sent us an email about this event, telling us that he will be “performing along with all these crazy kids spitting fire and spinning in the air.” Created by Flambeaux Fire and Lady Circus, here’s what else the organizers had to say: “In the cold months of winter we take it upon ourselves to  take the chill out of your bones and set your hearts ablaze. Our calling is to conjure magic and create human celebration.” This shit is deep, we’re invited to let our “imaginations run wild...and to accept decadence and debauchery into your heart.” Oh sweet, kind of like what lots of religions do but with cheap drinks and a dancefloor... There’s lots of people involved in this event including: Anya Sapozhnikova, Elena Delgado, Kae Burke, Christine Geiger, Cynthia Caravajal, Dana Abrassart, Benjamin Cerf, etc... This is some abstract shit, but that’s why we decided to include it in the letter. If you’re as fucked up as we are, head to Brooklyn this Sunday and “set your spirit free.”  —Abi

The legendary performer Penny Arcade knows how to get our attention. Here’s the email she sent to us over the weekend: “NY Daily News headline writer got it WRONG, Queer Pioneer & experimental great Judith Malina IS getting EVICTED from her apartment and theatre, NOT RETIRING!” We asked Penny to tell us more about Judith and Wednesday’s benefit to support her. “I have been inspired by Judith Malina since I was 18 years old and first saw The Living Theatre’s Paradise Now! I never said more than ‘hi’ to Judith till I was 42 years old when she became an enthusiastic supporter of Bitch!Dyke!Faghag!Whore! in 1992. We have been friends since then! Imagine becoming friends with one of your heroes who you long admired from afar? Judith is going to be 87 in June.” At the benefit Penny will perform The Girl Who Knew Too Much which draws from work from her entire career, going all the way back to her early 80’s performance work that very few people have seen. This is an amazing opportunity to see Penny live on stage. But more than that, it’s an opportunity to show some love and respect to a woman (Judith) who has at the forefront of experimental, boundary shifting theatre. Seriously, this woman lived through, and made, history. Get inspired.  —tom

Oh gosh, where do we even start? Naked men, coke, champagne, on-stage fellatio, slutty royalty and fashion, all in one opera. This production of Thomas Adés’ Powder Her Face, directed by Jay Scheib is based on the real life sex scandal surrounding the “Dirty Duchess,” AKA Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Argyll. The Dirty Duchess, played like a real whore by British mezzo-soprano Allison Cook (bitch brought it), was divorced and left destitute by the Duke of Argyll after a media scandal exposed Polaroids of the 88 men whom she allegedly fucked. This performance features some of the most stunning staging and set design we have ever seen. The clever and surreal use of space kept us gagging. If you still think that operas are long and boring, you should see the duchess’ whoring.  —Abi