alley goes virtual

Houston's Alley Theatre cancels all in-person shows and pivots to digital season

The Alley's theater will be closed to in-person performances this year.

This has been a dramatic year for Houston’s stage organizations, especially for the beloved Alley Theatre. In May, the troupe was forced to cut its annual operating budget of $20 million by 35 percent to $13 million and shorten its 2020-2021 season.

Then, in August, the theater group updated its 2020-2021 season yet again. And in October, the Alley announced a fully digital rendition of its beloved annual holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, in effort to cope with COVID.

Alas, 2020 has again struck, and with that, the Alley Theatre has now announced the cancellation of all in-person performances of the 2020-21 season. The following shows are affected by the cancellation, per a press release:

Born with Teeth by Liz Duffy Adams (January 22 – February 14, 2021)
Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett (March 5 – 28, 2021)
Dead Man’s Cell Phone by Sarah Ruhl (April 16 – May 9, 2021)
Sweat by Lynn Nottage (May 28 – June 20, 2021)
High School Play: A Nostalgia Fest by Vichet Chum (July 9 – August 1, 2021)

The cancellations are in response to health and safety concerns in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The company says in a release that it “remains committed to producing the canceled works in future seasons.”

Fans can can look to an all-new digital 2020-21 season that will be available for free to all who register for tickets online at alleytheatre.org. Registration opens December 21.

Digital programming is a part of the Theatre’s Alley@Home content and will be centered around the Alley’s Resident Acting Company.

“Like so many of you, I too am disappointed to have to cancel our on-stage season,” said artistic director, Rob Melrose, in a statement. “I can’t wait to gather in the Hubbard and the Neuhaus to experience live theatre with you again. At the same time, I am delighted about all the work we are creating on Alley@Home and I am excited to share a robust digital season of new plays and classics featuring the Alley's Resident Acting Company.”

Here is the updated 2020-2021 all-digital season, per the Alley.

The Stronger: January 15–February 7, 2021
A Half-Sheet of Paper: January 22–February 14, 2021
The Man with the Flower in His Mouth: February 12–March 14, 2021
Euripides’s Medea: March 5 – April 4, 2021
El Chuco Town Forever: April 2–May 2, 2021
Choosing Love: April 2–May 2, 2021
Man. Kind: April 9–May 9, 2021
For Steve Wozniak, on His 67th Birthday: April 9–May 9, 2021
Old Black and White Hollywood: April 16—May 16, 2021
Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People: April 30–May 30, 2021
Pariah: June 4–July 4, 2021

theater

art for a song

Affordable Art Fair heads to Houston this fall with works starting at $100

A man staring at a selection of paintings at the Affordable Art Fair

Photo courtesy of Affordable Art Fair

Original art on your walls doesn't have to break the bank.

After making a splash last year in Austin, the Affordable Art Fair will host its second Texas show in Houston this October.

Nothing helps define a personal space like an art collection, but for many people the idea of owning original works seems far outside of a normal budget. The Affordable Art Fair is a traveling show dedicated to living artists aimed at the average consumer.

Photo courtesy of Affordable Art Fair

Original art on your walls doesn't have to break the bank.

“Bringing Affordable Art Fair to Houston is about becoming part of a creative community that’s already thriving,” fair director Cori Teague said in a statement. “Houston’s art scene is shaped by its diversity, its artists, and the local galleries that champion them every day. We’re excited to work hand-in-hand with Houston and Texas galleries to uplift local voices, support working artists, and create an inviting space where the community can come together to discover and collect art.”

The show will run at the George R. Brown Convention Center from Thursday, October 15 to Sunday, October 18. Tickets go on sale Monday, July 13 and will be available at AffordableArtFair.com. Prices of works in the fair range from $100 to $12,000.

Some of the local galleries that will be a part of the fair include Off the Wall, who showcases contemporary art from their location in the Galleria; Gallery A.M.P.S., who specializes in figurative art; and Koelsch Gallery, whose collection of outsider, self-taught, and folk art always has something unique to display. In total, 55 galleries from across the world are participating, with a full list expected to be released soon. Curators and gallery owners will be on hand to explain the history and context of pieces, adding further value to attending.

Events like Affordable Art Fair expand access to establishing an art collection, opening up the world of contemporary art to more buyers and allowing artists to expand their audiences. There's no reason a person should have to make due with Live Laugh Love signs from Target for their walls.

“Affordable Art Fair is designed to remove the barriers often associated with collecting art,” said Cristina Salmastrelli, U.S. regional managing director. “By bringing knowledgeable galleries and a wide range of price points together under one roof, we empower visitors to explore confidently and connect with work that truly resonates with them — no matter where they are in their collecting journey.”

visual-art shopping affordable art fair