So when I’m not writing for Culturebot or directing my own projects, I work at Performance Space 122. We’d like to invite you uptown for a free, feisty discussion event, a Long Table on Migration & Displacement that we are hosting on Saturday at 5:30pm in conjunction with the performances of Palissimo Company’s Strange Cargo. You may remember the lively discussions that I described at several Long Table events during the Motherlodge festival – now is your chance to get in on the action in NYC, while enjoying wine and some complimentary sweets from the legendary Hungarian Pastry Cafe, in an ancient building on the gorgeous grounds of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Both the discussion and the shows happen in  Synod Hall – a wonderfully evocative old space reminiscent of a grand English banquet hall, rarely open to the public.

Synod Hall interior

Saturday’s Long Table will be moderated by Masha Pyshkina, who, after eight years as Program Director at CEC ArtsLink, continues to work on international arts projects as an independent producer and consultant. Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, she has over fifteen years of experience administering international programs. Pavel Zuštiak, Artistic Director of Palissimo, will also be joining us.

Vallejo Gantner, PS122’s Artistic Director, explains, “We chose to discuss ideas of migration & displacement because they are central themes, along with “home” and “belonging”, within the entire The Painted Bird trilogy which is inspired by Jerzy Kosinski’s novel of the same name. Strange Cargo is the final installment in this trilogy. Parts I and II were presented by La MaMa and Baryshnikov Arts Center respectively, and all three parts will be presented by the Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus, Ohio.”

Synod Hall is rarely open to the public

Synod Hall is located at Amsterdam Ave at 110th St.  The event is free but due to limited capacity, reservations are encouraged. Hope to see you uptown!