Artsline || December 12, 2022
“We are, as a species, addicted to story. Even when the body goes to sleep, the mind stays up all night, telling itself stories.” ~ Jonathan Gottschall
This week of the holiday season seems dedicated to story – in film, on stage, in books and through conversation. You will find great storytelling opportunities for kids and grown-ups alike, with events at museums and breweries, parks and theatres. And should you wish for more music celebrating the season, check out the many holiday concerts and community sing-alongs at Style Weekly’s Event Calendar. (Style Weekly is owned by VPM Media Corporation.)
To list your events on Artsline, go to vpm.org/artsline.
1. PROFS & PINTS RICHMOND: THE GREEN KNIGHT AND MEDIEVAL YULE
History, Literary Arts
Tuesday, December 13, 6 PM
Triple Crossing Beer – Fulton, 5203 Hatcher Street, Richmond, 23231
$12 - $15
Profs and Pints Richmond presents: “The Green Knight and Medieval Yule,” a look at the Arthurian holiday legend and pre-Christian belief in “green men,” with Larissa (Kat) Tracy, Professor of Medieval Literature at Longwood University and author or editor of several books on medieval culture. Purchase tickets online.
2. SEASON’S GREETINGS: HOLIDAYS ON THE HOME FRONT
History, Culture
Tuesday, December 13, 2 PM
Online
As war continued in Europe and the Pacific, the holiday season in America was a different celebration than it had been in the past. Rations, separation from loved ones, the horrors of war, and Jewish genocide all impacted the ways in which Americans could celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah during World War II. Join Virginia War Memorial Assistant Director of Education Crystal Coon as she discusses the winter holiday season during World War II, how celebrations changed, and what those holidays came to mean to Americans. Register online for this free event.
3. CLASSICAL INCARNATIONS
Music
Sunday, December 18, 7pm
Gallery5, 200 West Marshall Street, Richmond, 23220
Join Classical Revolution RVA for their monthly classical variety show featuring favorite local performers at Gallery5! This event is free, but donations are welcome!
4. NEIL SIMON'S LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS
Theatre
Thursday & Friday, December 15-16, 8 PM
Saturday December 17, 2:30 PM & 8 PM
Sunday, December 18, 2:30 PM
Brightpoint Community College, Midlothian Campus, 800 Charter Colony Parkway, Midlothian, 23114
$24
Barney Cashman is middle-aged, married, and overworked. He has come to the realization that his whole life can be summed up in one word - “nice” - which simply is not enough. Barney is determined to have an affair. He tries three times: the first, Elaine Navazio, proves to be a foul-mouthed bundle of neuroses; the next is Bobbi Michele, a young, kooky actress; and finally, there is Jeanette Fisher, a gloomy, depressed housewife who happens to be married to Barney’s best friend. Presented by Chamberlayne Actors Theatre. Purchase tickets online.
5. WRITERS WEDNESDAY
Literary Art
Second Wednesday of every month, 5:30 PM
Online
Writers Wednesday brings together writers of every experience level and genre in a casual atmosphere to connect, laugh, and revel in a well-deserved break. While hosting this program online, James River Writers create rotating, intimate groups of 3-5 people in breakout rooms, to allow attendees to have manageable conversations with others. And JRW staff are always on hand to answer any questions you may have about James River Writers or writing in general. Registration is required and closes at midnight the day before each Writers Wednesday. Register online for this free event.
6. TODDLER TIME: WINTER WIGGLES
Crafts, Storytelling
Mondays in December, 10 AM
Robins Nature Center at Maymont, 2201 Shields Lake Drive, Richmond, 23220
$15 toddler-adult pair | $11.25 member toddler-adult pair | $5 each additional child
Introduce your little explorer(s) to the joys and wonders of winter at Maymont. Each session provides fun, engaging and active learning through story time, a craft and a visit with one of Maymont’s animals. Plus, you and your toddler might even make a few new friends! Class for 18 mo. – 2 years and 3 – 4 years. Advanced registration required.
7. HISTORY HAPPY HOUR WITH BERT DUNKERLY & DOUG CRENSHAW - EMBATTLED CAPITAL: RICHMOND DURING THE CIVIL WAR
History
Monday, December 12, 6:30 PM
Capital Ale House, 623 East Main Street, Richmond, 23219
During the conflict, Richmond was full of hospitals, prisons, military camps, government offices, and industry. Discover tangible links to the past through Richmond’s historic sites, cemeteries, museums, fortifications, and surrounding battlefields. Presented by the American Civil War Museum. Register online for this free event.
8. A CHRISTMAS CAROL...MORE OR LESS
Theatre
Friday & Saturday, December 16-17, 7 PM
Sunday, December 18, 2 PM
The Eagle Theatre at Central High Cultural and Educational Complex, 2748 Dogtown Road, Goochland, 23063
$12 - $15
Join Goochland Community Theatre for their Holiday Show A Christmas Carol… more or less – A Comedy by Stefano LoVerso and Mary Irey. Synopsis: Sarah and Charlie, a married couple, run a small theatre that’s presenting A Christmas Carol — until Charlie shows up backstage to say the cast and crew are snowed out. Charlie is planning to split up with Sarah tonight, but he’s snowed in. Sarah, furious, capitalizes on Charlie’s remarkable memory, and blackmails him into doing the play with her as a duo, relying on scripts when they need to. He plays Scrooge; she plays everyone else. As the performance proceeds, Charlie gets drawn back into his relationship with Sarah. They manage to perform much of the play, with their personal story invading the Dickens tale, informing it with dual levels of meaning. Purchase tickets online.
9. ISAAC JULIEN: LESSONS OF THE HOUR— FREDERICK DOUGLASS
Film, Visual Art
Daily through July 9, 2023
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, 23220
Lessons of the Hour—Frederick Douglass is an immersive and poetic meditation on the great 19th-century abolitionist. The poignant 10-screen film installation collapses time and space to bridge persistent historical and contemporary challenges of the day. In this profoundly resonating art experience of arresting visuals and sound, internationally renowned London-born artist and filmmaker Sir Isaac Julien brings the historical figure to clear focus for the next generation. Presented by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. No registration required for this free event.
10. HAPPY HOUR POETRY
Poetry, Literary Art
Wednesday, December 14, 6 PM
Firehouse Theatre, 1609 West Broad Street, Richmond, 23220
$5 suggested donation at the door
Break out of the work week routine with a dose of hot verse at Firehouse Theatre. Featuring showcase poets and an open-mic sign up for those with a verse or two to drop, and a cash bar with happy hour specials. This month, Showcase poets are Margaret MacKinnon and Kana Kavon from Richmond, and Kindra McDonald from Hampton Roads. It's a great way to make the most of a long day. Come catch the night on fire with us! No registration required.
If you are an arts or cultural organization with lectures, exhibitions, performances, or even book readings, submit your events to Artsline here.
If you are an artist or an arts or cultural organization in need of resources and tools, check out the list of local and national resources from Richmond CultureWorks.
