What I saw in August + what I’m looking forward to in September

 

August brought major affirmations and a full-circle moment for Black Star Reviews. I attended Get Your Ass In the Water and Swim Like Me for the second time. After I saw it the first time at the Performing Garage in January 2024, I came home and recorded my first-ever Youtube review even though I wouldn’t officially launch BSR until the end of February. Like every YouTube newbie, I clicked ‘publish’ and waited for the video to go viral…I think it reached a grand total of 28 views. When I watch it now, I cringe at its meandering format and use of filler words, but I’m proud of how much has changed since then: I can make a point in a linear fashion, I can produce more reviews by publishing them in writing (rather than writing, recording and then editing video), and occasionally, I get invited to shows. 

 

One of those 28 views on that first video was Eric Berryman, who starred in the show (and also starred in Memnon this summer at Uptown Shakespeare). When he and The Wooster Group reprised the production for a limited engagement at Joe’s Pub this month, they invited me to come see it again and I gladly obliged. It was just as entertaining the second time and served as a helpful marker for what’s changed: I have a sharper eye (and ear), my note-taking focuses less on catching every word, and my mental encyclopedia has tripled in thickness thanks to a year of seeing plays, poring over museum exhibitions, reading literature and gallery labels, devouring films and connecting the dots as I go. 

 

 

When I spoke with Mr. Berryman after the show, he thanked me for my work and my understanding. (I used a period at the end of the previous sentence, but I am still having exclamation mark shaped feelings about the whole exchange.) He mentioned a 1962 interview in Downbeat magazine in which jazz musicians John Coltrane and Eric Dolphy have an opportunity to respond to critics who opine that their music is “anti-jazz” and “doesn’t swing”. There are countless quotes I could use here and the entire interview is worth reading, but I’ve deliberated and decided on the part that I want to prioritize now: 

 

“The best thing a critic can do,” Coltrane said, “is to thoroughly understand what he is writing about and then jump in. That’s all he can do. I have even seen favorable criticism which revealed a lack of profound analysis, causing it to be little more than superficial. Understanding is what is needed. That is all you can do. Get all the understanding for what you’re speaking of that you can get. That way you have done your best… Undoubtedly, none of us are going to be 100 percent in either criticism or music. No percent near that, but we’ve all got to try.”

 

Coltrane wanted to be asked directly about the things critics didn’t understand. While that may not be every creatives’ inclination, I’m hoping for continued opportunities to converse with artists and connect them with audiences who share, or are at least open to building toward, their understanding. So, as we close out this magical month of August, I’m reflecting on how we can try to understand each other a little better not only as critics, artists, and audiences but as neighbors and people. If history has been any indication, we’re going to need each other. -a.x.      

 

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Here’s a list of all of the posts from this month (sorted by the date I attended), click the links to check out the ones you may have missed!

 

August

Aug 11 – “Aunties” by Fitgi Saint-Louis 🎨 [on view until April 2026]

Aug 17 – Harlem Week Festival 🎉

Aug 17 – Get Your Ass In the Water and Swim Like Me at Joe’s Pub 🎭

Aug 20 – Self-Portrait Project 🎨

Aug 22 – Fall For Dance Festival [Preview] 🩰 [ends September 27]

Aug 23 – Planet Brooklyn Festival 🎉

Aug 26 – Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club on Broadway 🎭 [closes October 19 – NOW CLOSES September 21]

Aug 27 – Lorna Simpson: Source Notes at the Met 🏛️ [closes November 2]

Aug 27 – we come to collect at The Flea 🎭 [closes September 27]

 

Here’s what I’m looking forward to in September! Remember last month when I told you things would pick up after Labor Day? ’Twas not an exaggeration, which you can see by all of the listings below. Grab a ticket so you can tell me what you think and check back for the reviews.

 

Special Events 🎉

 

MTA Hearings on Fare Changes and Tolls (Various)

The only way to live in a city with a thriving art scene is to ensure the city is hospitable to artists. The MTA Board, which is comprised entirely of executives who do not rely on the subway or bus, has proposed changes to public transit fares and tolls. Spoiler alert: they’re not proposing price reductions. A one way ride on the train already costs $2.90, and the daily $6 cost of going to and from work is already untenable for minimum wage workers, students, artists, ME, and families who have to swipe their kids into the system, too. Even with the monthly cap that ensures riders don’t spend more than $136/month, one regular rider can spend more than $1,600 annually just to move around the city we all call home. If you are an MTA customer, there are (4) ways you can share your feedback before the public comment period ends on September 14: (1) submit a written comment online, (2) mail a letter to MTA Government & Community Relations, 2 Broadway, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10004, (3) call the hotline at 646-252-6777, (4) visit specific subway stations, mobile sales vehicles, and/or commuter railroad stations during scheduled hours to make a comment to an MTA representative in-person. No matter which method you choose, all comments will be made part of the public record and shared with the MTA Board. 

 

Broadway Week (Various)

The twice-a-year savings event is on sale now! Participating Broadway shows are selling 2-for-1 tickets for performances between September 8 and September 21. Use code NYCBW400 to save, or the code NYCUP400 to get a deal on upgraded seats. Watch my Broadway Week video from earlier this year to learn more about the whole she-bang. There are 24 shows in the line-up, but my [Black] recommendations out of the participating shows are: Death Becomes Her, Oh, Mary, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Hell’s Kitchen, and MJ the Musical. Buy ASAP for best availability. Tickets are on sale now.

 

African American Day Parade (Harlem)

Since 1969, the third Sunday in September marks the African American Day Parade! This year, the parade will be on Sun, September 21st from 12:30pm—6:00pm. Floats and marchers will parade up Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (formerly known as Seventh Avenue) from 111th Street to 137th Street. There will be a street fair in front of the State Office Building the day before the parade. Come out on Saturday or Sunday to build community, support Black businesses, and be a part of this Harlem tradition. (African American Day Parade events are free to attend.) 

 

Off-Broadway Week (Various)

Did you read the Broadway Week description? Because it’s exactly the same, but with Off-Broadway shows aka smaller capacity theaters. The show line-up will be different and the codes will be, too. Here’s the Off-Broadway Week video I made earlier this year. The list of participating shows hasn’t been announced for the fall, but I’ll share my picks when it’s up. Tickets will go on sale on September 30 for performances between October 14—26, 2025.

 

Theatre 🎭

 

Moulin Rouge starring Taye Diggs and Wayne Brady (Theatre District)

A number of big name musicals have been swapping in guest performers (like Cabaret) and Moulin Rouge just switched things up enough to catch my eye. I’m not deeply familiar with the show, but I’d like to see Wayne Brady as Harold Zidler and Taye Diggs as The Duke if I can get a rush ticket or a convenient 2-for-1 through Broadway Week (see above). Catch Brady and Diggs together until September 28th, but you’ll still get to see Mr. Brady if you go by November 9th. (Tickets $99+; through September 28, 2025)

 

Saturday Church at New York Theatre Workshop (NoHo)

Saturday Church features an ultra-talented creative team: Whitney White (Jordans) directs, James Ijames (Fat Ham, Good Bones) and Damon Cardasis are on words, and Sia and Honey Dijon are on tunes. The musical “tells the story of Ulysses—New York City kid, devoted son and the fiercest tenor at his aunt’s church. A chance encounter on the subway introduces him to the world of Saturday Church, a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ youth. Caught between two worlds, Ulysses wrestles with family and faith as he strives to find the place where he can love and be loved—in all his fabulousness.” As a lover of house music and gospel, and a fanatic of the two combined, I can’t wait to make it to service. (Tickets $39+; August 27—October 12, 2025)

 

The Brothers Size at The Shed (Hudson Yards)

Described as “A modern-day fable about the bonds of brotherhood and life after incarceration” The Brothers Size will celebrate its 20th anniversary at The Shed. The play is written by Tarell Alvin McCraney, who also wrote the story for the Academy Award winning film Moonlight. Andre Holland, Alani iLongwe, and Malcom Mays will star. I’m also looking forward to seeing the costumes by Dede Ayite; I’ve loved her costuming for Purpose, Jaja’s African Hairbraiding, and Goddess. The show will run at The Shed in Hudson Yards for 4 weeks only; previews began on August 30. (Tickets $79+; August 30—September 28 2025)

 

Ragtime at Lincoln Center Theater (Lincoln Square)

Ragtime, the Tony-winning musical that opened on Broadway in 1998, is back at Lincoln Center Theater. (Audra McDonald won her third Tony in this show!) The musical is based on a historical fiction novel set at the turn of the century and to the tune of ragtime, (another) musical genre that Black people pioneered. Stories from European immigrants, Black Harlemites, and upper-class white people combine to create something uniquely American. Now is probably as a good a time as ever to look back at our history and evaluate the American dream. (Tickets $114; September 26—January 2, 2025)

 

OH HAPPY DAY! at The Public Theater (Astor Place)

Jordan E. Cooper is back with an “outrageous reimagining of Noah’s Ark” that starts in Laurel, Mississippi. The play features original songs by gospel mainstay Donald Lawrence. I didn’t need to hear anything else to decide I wanted to see it. The show doesn’t start until October, but your best chance of getting tickets is now. (Tickets $109; October 2—26, 2025) 

 

Dance 🩰

 

Monkey Off My Back Or The Cat’s Meow at Park Avenue Armory (Upper East Side)

“This parade of expressiveness is an homage to art as a free space for play and imagination, featuring a large cast of dancers and actors wearing more than 60 virtuosic looks designed by Trajal Harrell. Centered on a stunning Mondrian-like colored grid spanning the length of the performance area, this dancing runway show is turned on its head with iconography that juxtaposes everyday gestures and extravagant poses with historical references, pop culture, and political rhetoric.” I haven’t yet seen Trajal Harrell’s work, but I’m interested to see how he’s combining choreography and fashion to send a message. (Tickets $30+; September 9—20, 2025)

 

Fall For Dance Festival at New York City Center (Midtown)

“The Fall for Dance Festival returns for its 22nd year of bringing the best in dance from all over the world to your neighborhood, with every seat in the house still $30. This beloved New York City tradition offers you a taste of different dance styles and artists with three unique performances each night, from tap dance to tango and everything in between.” I already did the legwork of finding out which nights feature Black dance companies and choreographers. (Tickets $30; September 16—27, 2025) 

 

Art Fairs & Galleries 🎨

 

Hank Willis Thomas: I Am Many at Jack Shainman Gallery (Tribeca)

I first saw Hank Willis Thomas’ work in “Giants” at Brooklyn Museum in 2024 and now it seems like he’s everywhere. The notoriety is well-earned. The gallery explains, “I AM MANY is an exhibition featuring new and recent work by Hank Willis Thomas, the artist’s eighth exhibition with the gallery, and first in their newly opened Tribeca flagship location. Bringing together large-scale sculptures, retroreflective, lenticular and textile works along with a group of mixed-media assemblages, I AM MANY continues Thomas’ investigation into the myriad of ways that the past and present remain interwoven and interconnected. These works explore the legacies of exploitation and oppression in conjunction with new forms of community and solidarity.” The gallery will host an opening reception on Friday, September 5 from 6–8pm. (Admission is free; September 5—November 1, 2025)

 

The Armory Show at the Javits Center (Hudson Yards)

Admission here is pricey and the art is, too, but the draw is the sheer volume of what’s on view in NYC’s far west side convention center, which boasts an interior of 3.3 million square feet. The Show offers the following description, “A cornerstone of New York’s cultural landscape since 1994, The Armory Show opens New York’s fall art season by bringing the world’s leading international contemporary and modern art galleries to the Javits Center each year. The fair emphasizes thoughtful programming, elevated presentations, curatorial excellence, meaningful institutional partnerships, and engaging public art activations” (Admission is $59 with discounts for seniors, students, and on evenings; September 4–7, 2025) 

 

Art on Paper at Pier 36 (Two Bridges)

To break through the overwhelm of Armory Art Week, Art on Paper distinguishes itself by medium. Everything is on paper or made of paper, which includes the obvious (paintings) and the unexpected (books, sculpture, and bijou drawings that might complete a gallery wall). AMP explains, “New York City’s celebrated, medium-driven fair, returns to downtown Manhattan’s Pier 36 during September 2025’s Armory Art Week with 100 galleries featuring top modern and contemporary paper-based art. The fair’s eleventh edition will showcase unique and powerful projects curated by Artistic Director Nato Thompson, with a focus on can’t-miss performances highlighting the creative potential of paper.” (Admission is $35+; September 4–7, 2025)

 

Affordable Art Fair at Starrett-Lehigh Building (Chelsea)

I’m a repeat attendee of the Affordable Art Fair in New York and generally attend in the fall and the spring. This year, the fair has a new venue — here’s hoping the Starrett-Lehigh Building is spacious enough to warrant a hike much farther west than the often-cramped Metropolitan Pavilion. The Fair’s website offers the following description, “When you visit Affordable Art Fair New York Fall you’ll find an inspiring and friendly atmosphere where you can browse thousands of original contemporary paintings, sculptures, photographs and prints showcased by a myriad of local, national and international exhibitors. With contemporary artwork by over 400 established artists and rising stars, and price points ranging from $100 to $12,000 – there is something to suit every taste and wallet whether you are a first-time art buyer or a seasoned collector.” My favorite AAF exhibitor, SHEER, won’t be there this year but you can visit their virtual exhibition SHEER Artists to Know, Vol 1 for free anytime, anyplace. (Admission is $30+; September 17–21, 2025)

 

Gaza Biennale at Recess (Brooklyn Navy Yard)

Recess’s description reads, “Launched in Gaza in 2024, the Gaza Biennale is a decentralized exhibition taking place in cities around the world, bringing together a vast array of artworks that defy conditions of constraint. The featured works encompass a wide range of styles and mediums – ranging from painting to video, from digital works to conceptual installations. The work is unified by an urgent and uncompromising vision, messages from Gaza to the World.” The New York pavilion exhibition will host an opening reception on Thursday, September 11 from 6-9pm. The full exhibition will be on view September 10-14, 2025; then an abbreviated version of the show will be on view September 18 – December 20, 2025. (Admission is free; September 10—December 20, 2025)  

 

Museums 🏛️

 

100: A Century of Collections, Community, and Creativity at NYPL Schomburg Center (Harlem)

The Schomburg description reads, “100 celebrates the story of the Schomburg Center’s storied collections, which today number in the millions, and continue to inspire learners, seekers, and creators. 100 celebrates a century of committed collecting and dedicated stewardship by generations of Schomburg Center librarians, curators, and educators who have nurtured the creation of new knowledge. 100 celebrates the historic legacy of this singular institution as we stand on the cusp of our new century.” The center is “one of the world’s leading cultural institutions devoted to the preservation and study of materials focused on African American, African Diasporic, and African experiences” and I’ve never been disappointed by a single program of theirs. (Admission is free; June 30, 2025–June 30, 2026)

 

Witnessing Humanity: The Art of John Wilson at The Met (Upper East Side)

The Met’s exhibition description reads, “For over six decades, the American artist John Wilson (1922–2015) made powerful and poetic works that captured his life as a Black American artist and his ongoing quest for racial, social, and economic justice….Witnessing Humanity will be the largest exhibition of Wilson’s work and the artist’s first solo museum show in New York.” The show features more than 100 works including “paintings, prints, drawings, and sculpture…” While you’re there, take note of four sculptures on the building’s exterior facade on 5th Avenue by Choctaw/Cherokee artist Jeffrey Gibson. (Admission to the Met is pay what you wish for NY/NJ/CT residents; September 20, 2025–February 8, 2026)

 

blacklove 🖤 and starlight 🌟