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Literature and Culture Journal A Public Space Hosts Three Nights at BAM
New series is a modern salon for artists and art lovers alike
Toronto multimedia act Dark Hand and Lamplight will perform on December 18 (Photo: Lisa Martin)
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Events at BAM often serve as a much-needed reminder that, even if our nation’s treasury is depleted, the country’s capital still has a strong cultural currency. This fall’s “Between the Lines” series is no exception. In partnership with the groundbreaking journal A Public Space, the series brings together new works in film, literature, music and multimedia for three separate nights, each exploring a current existential question. The artists focus on new modes of storytelling for the 21st century. By seeking out innovative contributors, the series finds original ways to share our mutual human experiences, creating a modern salon for art lovers and artists alike.
October’s theme, “Failure Is an Option,” asks, Do we put too much weight on success? What does it mean to “make it,” and is “it” really all that important? Readings from Ben Ryder Howe, Sana Krasikov and Fiona Maazel (Krasikov and Maazel are both recent winners of the “5 Under 35” fiction selection from the National Book Foundation), a film by James Lees and a solo acoustic set by Jeffrey Lewis will challenge conceptions of love, happiness and career achievement as absolute necessities. 10/16
In November, performers explore selling as a national art form in “Life Is a Pitch.” Contributing writers are John Brandon, Kevin A. González and Amy Leach, with films by Weijun Chen and Lyn Elliot. From a dope dealer to Mormon missionaries, it seems everyone is peddling wares, and even a grade-school election in China proves a petri dish of fraud and voter buyoff. 11/6
For the series’ finale, December’s theme, “Rear Windows,” looks at what we learn about our neighbors in the tight quarters of a dense city. The things you hear through the wall, see in lit windows at night or even glimpse in a neighbor’s mailbox create a narrative—that may or may not be true. Multimedia performance by Dark Hand and Lamplight is the New York debut for Toronto’s folk songwriter Doug Paisley and visual artist Shary Boyle. Readings by Ian Chillag and Jesmyn Ward. Films by Félix Dufour-Laperrière and Eva Weber. 12/18
See BAM’s website for samples of “Between the Lines”contributors’ works and a complete schedule and times. Also, check out A Public Space for additional information on the series, as well as a stunning view of contemporary writing.