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Davis Gallery: Reflector
This is something to see, all right, as the gallery walls are filled with work by artists tasked with capturing either their whole self or an aspect of self. And most of the artists have depicted themselves via abstractions and symbolic representations. Note that Randall Reid, Jan Heaton, John Sager, Chun Hui Pak, and Caprice Pierucci are only some of the artists represented in this group show, and we reckon you'll be right there with us, viewing the array of wonders on display.Through Sept. 8 -
Arts
Theatre
FUTURX
This is a four-day festival of new and avant-garde performance from the Vortex and Avant Theatre Project, designed to explore the many permutations and intersections of Latinx identity in the 21st century and beyond, featuring work from playwrights, solo performers, and improv troupes exploring and critiquing the ways that Latinidad engages with questions of race, ethnicity, color, gender, sexuality, religion, class, and citizenship. Jesus I. Valles’ one-man show (Un)Documents is part of this. The Latinauts' improvised sci-fi telenovelas are another. Also, Sin Verguenza from the reigning Queen of Texas Burlesque, Chola Magnolia; readings of plays by Krysta Gonzales and Briandaniel Oglesby; and a workshop of Glass Half Full’s collaboration with Jesus I. Valles and Gricelda Silva, which will use the myth of El Cucuy to speak about ICE and the Border Patrol. ¡Oralé!Wed.-Sat., Aug. 15-18; see website for times. $15-50. -
Arts
Visual Arts
grayDUCK Gallery: Crit Group 2018
The Contemporary Austin and grayDUCK Gallery present new work by eight artists who participated in the museum's Crit Group – a program combining group critique with professional development. For viewers, this means an array of sculpture, photography, painting, drawing, collage, installation, and ceramics by Adrian Aguilera, Christa Blackwood, Christine Garvey, Ron Geibel, Jenn Hassin, Landon O'Brien, Dawn Okoro, and Rachel Wolfson Smith.Through Sept. 2 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Mondo Gallery: Heroes In a Half Shell
Celebrate everyone’s favorite wise-cracking, pizza-obsessed crime fighters and their cast of heroic allies and enemies in this collection of art inspired by those Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, now brightening the walls of that gallery that knows well how to honor the funkiest movies of all time.Through Aug. 25 -
Arts
Theatre
There and Back
He's brought us Confessions of a Mexpatriate, among other powerful works of theatre, and now look: Austin playwright Raul Garza's newest is about the current immigration crisis – illuminating the fraught history between the U.S. government and Mexicans seeking that “shining city upon a hill.” Starring Karina Dominguez as Gloria and Giselle Marie-Muñoz as the Virgen de Guadalupe. Aaaaaand: Mical Trejo! Directed by Patti Neff-Tiven for Ground Floor Theatre. And reviewed here by Robert Faires.Through Aug. 25. Thu.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 5pm. Pay what you wish. -
Arts
Comedy
These Smokey Eyes Can't Lie
Of course the Institution Theater – the fine venue of comedy improv that it is, yes, even postmove – is still truckin' along with occasional showcases and a full slate of classes. In fact, "what would happen if Sarah Huckabee Sanders turned one of her infamous White House press conferences into a one-woman show with intimate stories that show us how a sweet little girl from Arkansas can turn into Miss Fake Spews?" Find out now, as this popular spectacle returns, with Tom Booker in full drag as the mendacious Ms. Sanders: singing, dancing, passing along all the lies and obtuse braggadocio required when you're the press secretary for a puling infant lately elected leader of the free world. See website for more!Fri., Aug. 31, 8pm. $12 (or use the coupon code TellMeLies to get half-price tickets). -
Arts
Theatre
Wit
Austin Scottish Rite Theater teams up with the Final Acts Project to present Margaret Edson’s acclaimed dramedy, here directed by Susan Gayle Todd. Taking the role of both narrator and player in her own tragedy, the main character (played here by Kristin Fern Johnson) shifts from present to past as she navigates stage four ovarian cancer diagnosis and high-dosage experimental chemotherapy, revealing the journey with self-conviction, humility, and grace. And Robert Faires has reviewed this amazing show right here.Through Aug. 25. Thu.-Sat., 7:30pm. $15-25.
All Events
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Arts
Theatre
A Real Boy
This satiric play by Stephen Kaplan tells the story of two marionettes with a human child who starts growing strings of his own. Can his kindergarten teacher save him? Directed by Chelsea Beth for Last Act Theatre Company.Through Aug. 25. Thu.-Sat., 8pm. $12-25. -
Arts
Visual Arts
AARC: Duality and Dokdo, Lone Island
The Asian American Resource Center presents an exhibition featuring works from artists Dan Pham, Lauren Chai, and Matthew Koshmrl.Through Sept. 23 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Atelier 1205: Augustness
Patterns and textures, textures and patterns, and depth beyond the static image: This new show at Atelier 1205 features work by Austin artists Rebecca Bennett, Lucy MacQueen, and Travis Seeger.Closing reception: Fri., Aug. 31, 5-8pm -
Arts
Visual Arts
Big Medium: Hyper School
This is a five-person exhibition, featuring artists Denise Burge (OH), Jessica Cannon (NY), Michael Henderson (TX), Jessica Simorte (TX), and Sean Sullivan (NY). The show, curated by Max Manning, highlights work by artists making strong contributions to the fields of painting and drawing and "sheds light on a shared aesthetic that crosses generational, geographical, and social boundaries."Through Aug. 18 -
Arts
Comedy
Brad WIlliams
This Californian's “Fun Size” show was the highest-rated comedy special on Showtime in 2015, and he hasn't slowed down since, working the festivals and your late-night television, now bringing his arch observations to the Cap City stage.Aug. 15-28. Wed.-Thu., 8pm; Fri.-Sat., 7:30 & 10pm. $15-23. -
Arts
Books
Chaps and Broads
Now here's a terrific literary event, wherein a group of women read from their diverse array of chap(book)s and broad(side)s. And how we know it's terrific is because those women are Claire Bowman, Julie Howd, Vanessa Couto Johnson, Bridget Brewer, Stephanie Goehring, and Julie Poole.Fri., Aug. 17, 7pm -
Arts
Visual Arts
Comanche Motion: The Art of Eric Tippeconnic
This exhibition is enhanced with artifacts providing historical context for the paintings, rich with the unbroken connection the Comanche people have with their roots. Also, Rodeo: The Exhibition. Boy howdy, it's the history of the Texas rodeo – vibrant, interactive, and fully documented in this fine new show.Through Jan. 2. $9-13. -
Arts
Theatre
dat Black Mermaid Man Lady
What is this? This is "a gathering place. An imagined living room – at the bottom of the ocean – a home, where all there is is Love." This is a new performance and installation from Sharon Bridgforth, featuring Sonja Perryman, Walter Kitundu, and Florinda Bryant, with songs in the tradition of Black spirituals, with oracle readings, with "everyday objects that shapeshift … as we call the ancestors forward, and celebrate." And Robert Faires has a review of the show right here.Through Aug. 25. Wed.-Sat., 7pm; Sun., 2pm. Free, but RSVP. -
Arts
Comedy
David Gborie
He was one of Comedy Central’s Comics to Watch for the New York Comedy Festival in 2015 and he hasn't been just sitting around since then; Gborie's a multifestival veteran and currently a club stalwart in L.A.; catch him at the Velv this weekend, with Austin's own Aaron Brooks opening.Aug. 17-18. Fri., 9pm; Sat., 9 & 11pm. $10. -
Arts
Comedy
Dax Shepard: Armchair Expert
He's not an expert on armchairs, fool, this Shepard's an expert in an armchair, exploring and celebrating the challenges and setbacks that people face "that ultimately lead to growth and betterment." To be sure, he's got a college degree in anthropology and four years of improv training. And since Moontower's producing, we reckon this must be comedy.Fri., Aug. 17, 7pm. $34.50. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Digging Deep: From the Flatbed Flat Files
This salon-style exhibition offers a wide array of prints – etchings, lithographs, woodcuts, and painterly prints known as monotypes – printed by hand from copper plates, stone, and carved wood on Flatbed’s presses. After two decades in the current location, the inky powerhouse has organized this show with its upcoming move in mind, digging deep to present a selection of works priced perfectly for collecting, featuring contemporary and vintage prints by artists Julie Speed, Ann Conner, Frank X Tolbert 2, Teresa Gomez-Martorell, David Everett, Francisco Delgado, Sharon Kopriva, Joan Winter, Celia Muñoz, Ken Hale, and many more. Recommended.Through Aug. 25 -
Arts
Theatre
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
You just know Zach Theatre's gonna do this fabulous sockdollager of a crowd-pleasing Broadway show up right, with Abe Reybold at the helm and Allen Robertson handling music direction. Hell, you could attend just to hear that hilarious "Gaston" song performed live, couldn't you?Through Sept. 2. Wed.-Fri., 7:30pm; Sat., 2:30 & 7:30pm; Sun., 2:30pm. $25 and up. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Flatbed Press: New Editions 2017-2018
Etchings, woodcuts, lithographs, monotypes, and monoprints published over the last year, by Richard Amendariz, Taiko Chandler, Michael Ray Charles, Suzi Davidoff, Annalise Gratovich, Tom Huck, Gareth Maguire, Winston Mascarenhas, Bob Schneider, Howard Sherman, Jill Wilkinson, Danny Williams, and Joan Winter.Through Aug. 25 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Harry Ransom Center: Archaeology and Romance
Ed Ruscha, anyone? We'll bet yes – we're big fans ourselves – and now here's a diverse selection of the celebrated American artist’s books, photographs, drawings, and pprints. With archival production materials, preliminary sketches, and studio notebooks; with more than 150 objects providing visitors an unprecedented look into Ruscha's creative process. And the Chronicle's Melany Jean tells more about this show right here.Through Jan. 6 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Link & Pin Gallery: Summer Nights
Chris Van Loan, Sr., has curated up a fine exhibition of abstract works by himself and Murdock, Ryan Runcie, Glenn Towery, Juanita Cole Towery, and Zen Van Loan.Through Aug. 26 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Lora Reynolds Gallery: Xavier Schipani
Here's a striking exhibition of murals, paintings on canvas, and a sculptural installation masquerading as a public bathroom – all by that acclaimed Schipani, voted Austin's Best Muralist in 2016. This new show is, we're told, "largely a reckoning with masculinity. What is manliness? What has it meant in the past, what does it mean now, and what are its shortcomings?" Could be our review provides a few answers.Through Sept. 1 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Meet Her Hands: Cindy Popp
In the latest iteration of this series from BossBabes and the Ney Museum, meet the conceptual artist who emphasizes exaggerated versions of femininity, with notes of pop culture and drag. Much of her work – Popp art, right? – has been influenced by fashion editorials, makeup artists on Instagram, B-movies, clowns, and comedy.Through Aug. 24. Free, but RSVP. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Mexic-Arte Museum: Young Latinx Artists 23
Now in its 23rd year, the annual exhibition continues to shed a spotlight on talented Latinx artists across the U.S. This latest iteration, "Beyond Walls, Between Gates, Under Bridges," curated by Rocha-Rochelli, is inspired by the significant social changes that have taken place along the U.S.–Mexico border over the last 20 years. And here's our review of the show.Through Aug. 24 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Old Bakery Gallery: Serenity Meets City
Tammy Brown explores the tree tops along Piney Creek; Cherry Taylor creates tapestries in a slow and gentle process; David Parsons photographs Austin and Central Texas. This three-person show is the most visible result.Through Sept. 5. Free. -
Arts
Theatre
Real Women Have Curves
Teatro Vivo presents this bilingual comedy by Josefina López, about a group of women who work at a sewing factory and reveal their dreams for the future and their relationships with their husbands, lovers, and children. The cast features Martinique Duchene-Phillips, Gina Marie Hinojosa, Eva McQuade, Ana Laura de Santiago, and Minerva Villa, directed by Claudia M. Chávez.Through Aug. 19. Thu.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 2pm. $20-25. -
Arts
Books
Shari Ramming: Heart's Truth
The local author presents the third in her Heart's trilogy of poetry collections.Fri., Aug. 17, 7pm -
Arts
Comedy
Sorry, Closed For Comedy
This showcase benefits Caritas of Austin and features comedians Martha Kelly, Jon Mendoza, Avery Moore, and Zac Brooks. Bonus: free fermented hops and grain from Hops & Grain. Which is to say: beer.Fri., Aug. 17, 8:30pm. Donations accepted. -
Arts
Visual Arts
SouthPop: 14th Anniversary Exhibition
Almost a decade and a half of SouthPop already? Yes, and now the venue that celebrates all the long strange years of live-music Austin that have gone before, now that bastion of funky cultural puissance on South Lamar brings an eclectic show of works from the permanent collection to their storied walls.Through Sept. 29. $5. -
Arts
Comedy
Stand-Up Comedy Workshop
This is the workshop Hannah Kenah led for Rude Mechs while they were creating their Field Guide. Together, you'll write, you’ll share – and there'll be a mic and a stool. Sign up now for this one-day class that's low-pressure, high-fun, and makes the last Sunday in September worth waking up for.Workshop date: Sun., Sept. 30, 3pm. $20. -
Community
Civic Events
Taking it to the Streets: A Visual History of Protest and Demonstration in Austin
The Austin History Center's latest exhibit spotlights local efforts to create social change over the decades, including the Civil Rights and Women's Liberation movements. Residents are invited to upload personal photos of recent marches and rallies for inclusion.Through Oct. 28. Free. -
Arts
Visual Arts
The Blanton: Australian Ancestral Modern
This new exhibition from the Kaplan & Levi Collection features contemporary painting and sculpture by Australian Aboriginal artists, curated by Pamela McClusky, curator of African and Oceanic Art at the Seattle Art Museum.Through Sept. 9 -
Arts
Visual Arts
The Blanton: The Distance I Can Be From My Son
In 2013, Lenka Clayton attempted to objectively measure the furthest distance she could be from her toddler son in three environments: a city park, the alley behind their Pittsburgh home, and in the aisles of a local supermarket. The trio of videos humorously underlines the challenging judgment calls that parents make about how much autonomy to give their children. (For more, see Marisa Charpentier's review right here.)Through Sept. 2 -
Arts
Visual Arts
The Contemporary Austin: Against a Civic Death
Rodney McMillian's social critique of American histories, injustices, and structures of power explores the changing symbol of the White House and the concept of civic death.Through Aug. 26 -
Arts
Theatre
The Grapes of Wrath
City Theatre is trampling out the vintage with Frank Galati’s stage adaptation of John Steinbeck’s literary masterpiece, following the Joad family's troubled 1930s journey from the Oklahoma dust bowl to that promised land of Califor-nigh-ay. Directed by Andy Berkovsky.Through Sept. 2. Thu.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 3pm. $10-25. -
Arts
Theatre
The Great American Trailer Park Musical
When a “stripper on the run” comes between an agoraphobic housewife and her tollbooth collector husband, mayhem ensues among the tightknit array of manufactured homes. This country-rock and blues musical about Eighties nostalgia, spray cheese, roadkill, hysterical pregnancy, a broken electric chair, kleptomania, flan, and disco is directed by Sarah Gay for TexARTS, with Susan Finnigan as music director.Through Sept. 1. Thu.-Sat., 7:30pm; Sun. 2pm. $43 and up. -
Arts
Theatre
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
The new Austin Actors' Studio presents this classic Tony-winning play by Texas native Jay Presson Allen, here directed by Milton R. Zoth. Set in Edinburgh, Scotland, in the 1930s, it's a cautionary tale about a passionate, charismatic teacher and her students.Through Sept. 2. Fri.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 3pm. $20. -
Arts
Comedy
Top Comedy Spot on Airport
Yes, there's Sugar Water Purple on Wednesday nights. And this Thursday features Friends For Now, a daring supergroup of improv, and then the sketch shenanigans of Pendulum. Friday brings Movie Riot and the laugh-inducing ladies of Loverboy and that Live at ColdTowne stand-up showcase hosted by Carina Magyar. Then there's Saturday, with the Dave Buckman-directed Roast of St. Nick and the love-stinks larking of Missed Connections ATX, followed by a gathering of that mysterio-hilarious Midnight Society. And Sunday's got a Stool Pigeon spieling up the laughs for you, and – see website for more. -
Arts
Visual Arts
Wally Workman Gallery: Joyce Howell
Howell's palette has always been informed by nature and its flux between calm and chaos. The artist describes it as an ongoing conversation and you can see a visual transcript, as it were, of that conversation invigorating the Workman walls in this new exhibition.Through Sept. 1 -
Arts
Visual Arts
Women & Their Work: Surface
Meg Aubrey’s candy-colored palette belies the loneliness, disquiet, and isolation she renders in her paintings of upscale suburban life.Through Sept. 6 -
Arts
Theatre
Zilker Summer Musical: All Shook Up
There's an Elvis-celebratin' spectacle of live performance rocking the hillside stage for the 60th anniversary of this midsummer entertainment.Through Aug. 18. Thu.-Sat., 8:15pm. Free.