By Roger Costa
@The Joyce Theater
The stunning ensemble Compagnie Herve Koubi returns to The Joyce Theater (175 Eighth Avenue) with their stylish, gravity-defying and irresistibly sexy show. Led by a group of fantastic male dancers hailing from Algeria, the Company masterly blends capoeira, martial arts, contemporary and urban dances to compose an allegory on roots, cultural heritage and their essential connection to dance.
A biographical work, “What the Day Owes to the Night” is inspired by Algerian author Yasmina Khadra’s novel and reflects on Koubi’s personal experiences as a French-Algerian choreographer returning home to rediscover his art form. Performances are from Tuesday, January 6th through Sunday the 11th. Tickets $17-$72. INFO: https://www.joyce.org/performances/compagnie-herve-koubi-fs2q
@NJPAC
January brings some exciting new shows to Newark’s NJPAC (1 Center Street). There’s something for everyone. Rock will heat up the floor on Friday the 9th at 8pm as GTLO (Get the Led Out) revives the best of Led Zeppelin in an electrifying and vibrant music tribute (Tickets start at $42); On Saturday, the 10th at 7:30pm, Conductor Xian Zhang enlightens the stage along the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (formed by two Brazilian trombonists) with a marvelous classical program highlighted by the return of violinist Randall Goosby (Tickets start at $35); And on Friday, January 16th at 8pm, Grammy award-winning R&B artist Avery*Sunshine brings the repertory of her Best Progressive Award-winning album “So Glad To Know You”, a smooth and joyful blend of gospel, jazz, soul and 90’s throwback. Tickets start at $59. INFO: https://www.njpac.org/event/averysunshine/
@Film at Lincoln Center
In partnership with The Jewish Museum, FLC (165 West 65th Street) presents the annual New York Jewish Film Festival now in its 35th edition showcasing the Jewish experience from various parts of the globe.
From January 14th through the 28th cinephiles will experience the latest accomplishments in Jewish-diaspora cinema, spanning comedies, thrillers, drama, adventure, shorts and documentary.
This year’s selection includes Ken Scott’s “Once Upon a Mother”, a complex look at maternal relationships, Matthew Shear’s “Fantasy Life” starring Amanda Peet as a woman taking a break from family duties, Judith Colell’s Spanish-thriller “Frontier” and Argentinian comedy “Mazel Tov” directed by Adrián Suar. Most screenings are followed by a conversation with filmmakers and take place at both venues. Tickets $19. INFO: https://www.filmlinc.org/festivals/new-york-jewish-film-festival/?tab=films
@New York City Center
Final days to see the wonderful Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater during their annual Holidays celebration at New York City Center (131 West 55th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues). Performing through Sunday, January 4, the company formed by dazzling dancers (including Brazilians Dandara Veiga and Leonardo Britto) and inspired by the African Diaspora, presents Premieres, revivals and audiences’ favorites extracted from their vast repertory. That includes “A Case of You”, “Grace”, “Cry” and the essential “Revelations”. Among the most praised Premieres this season, Maija García’s “Jazz Island”, Matthew Neenan’s “Difference Between” and Jamar Roberts’ “Song of the Anchorite” and others. Alvin Ailey continues to shine as the leading African-American dancing company in the country. Tickets start at $45. INFO: https://ailey.org/series/ailey-new-york-city-center
@MoMA
The annual Best of the Year series The Contenders continues through January 7th at MoMA (11 West 53rd Street) featuring award-buzz movies and international discoveries. Such case is the Brazilian hit “The Secret Agent” which will be screened on Monday the 5th at 7pm. The NEON released Cannes winner is contending for 3 Golden Globes including Picture Drama and Actor Drama, as well as shortlisted for the Oscars in the International Film and Casting categories. Director Kleber Mendonca Filho (the mind behind the masterpieces “Bacurau” and “Neighboring Sounds”) and lead actor Wagner Moura (one of Brazil’s most versatile performers and open political-cultural activist) will be present for a conversation after the film. Concluding the series, MoMA will screen the provocative Sado rom-com “Pillion” starring Harry Melling in one of the most courageous and controversial performances of the year, and Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme” starring Hollywood-darling Timothée Chalamet as a stimulating ping-pong champion. Tickets $14. INFO: https://www.moma.org/calendar/film/5865
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