History is on the brain this week. I'm probably not the only one who carefully read the text of a constitutional amendment or two, or is curious how these weeks will be recorded in the history books.
Well, good news for my fellow sudden history buffs: you can get a hefty dose along with your art this weekend.
Take in a series of short theatrical works centered around society's tumultuous relationship with historical monuments, study a new mural that maps out modern feminism, or discover new photography by ten local artists of color that spotlights the holistic convergence of identity, culture and family.
Plus, check out a group show at the new pop-up art gallery at Market Creek Plaza, indulge in the fantastical blend of athleticism, creativity, beauty and weirdness of the circus with some filmed, site-specific works, and celebrate the Casbah's birthday with livestreamed rock.
'Monumental History'
Theater
OnStage Playhouse tackles the current global discourse surrounding statues and historical monuments through a new, stitched-together series of individual monologues, each written from a different perspective. The works were staged and filmed with social distancing procedures in place, and will be streamed virtually to audiences for two weekends only. OnStage called on five local writers to create original pieces: Herbert Siguenza, Salomon Maya, Carla Navarro, John Wells III and Thelma de Castro.
Details: Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., this weekend and next, with a 5 p.m. performance Sunday Jan. 24. Online. $30.
'Waves Of Feminism' Mural Unveiling
Visual Art
A new outdoor mural from San Diego-based artist Katie Ruiz will be unveiled at the Women's Museum of California and features three waves of feminism: from the suffragists through the '60s and 70's women's liberation movement, to the #MeToo movement in the present day, including portraits of iconic women. Ruiz spoke about her art in an interview the museum broadcast last month, and I can't wait to see the finished project — whether digitally or on the outdoor wall. Saturday's virtual unveiling will also feature a discussion with Ruiz and historian Dr. Sue Gonda. I'd recommend tuning in for the presentation, then finding a quiet time to take a walk in Liberty Station and check it out in person.
Details: Saturday at 2 p.m. Virtual. Free, but registration is required.
Circus San Diego
Circus Arts
San Diego Circus Center has transformed their annual winter show into a filmed, site-specific piece, sending performers, artists and film crews to some beloved locations across the region, including the Steele Canyon bridge and Balboa Park. While, yes, there's also stuff like clowns, this production promises a variety of styles of circus arts, including aerials, contortionism, dance, trapeze, silks, tumbling and more. It's a ticketed, live broadcast that pulls together the various filmed works.
Details: Saturday at 5 p.m. Online. $22.
'Remedio Casero' Opening Reception
Photography
The newest exhibition at Hill Street Country Club is a group photography show curated by Alejandro Arreguín Villegas and organized by Delana Delgado. "Remedio Casero," or "holistic remedies," draws on the use of the photographic art form to understand and elevate an individual as a whole. It features work from ten regional artists of color, including Lissa Corona, Beto Soto, Jezabeth Roca Gonzalez, Juan Charlie Beaz and more. The exhibition will be open to in-person viewing by appointment only, and the opening reception this Saturday will be entirely virtual, featuring a tour of the works and artist talks.
Details: Saturday at 5 p.m. Virtual. Free, but registration is required.
More visual art: Guest curator Zigaloe has put together this month's group exhibition at the Pop-Up Art Gallery at Market Creek Plaza, and there's just over a week to catch it before it closes. With work from sculptor Manuelita Brown, Andrea Rushing, Jean Cornell Wheat and Zigaloe himself, it's a great collection of notable Black artists from the region. By appointment through Jan. 23.
The Casbah's 32nd Anniversary Livestream
Music
This weekend marks the Casbah's 32nd birthday, and to celebrate, local psychedelic rockers Earthless will take the iconic stage to livestream an anniversary celebration. Earthless will play a mix of new stuff (check out their latest single, 2020's "Never Say Die") and older jams.
Details: Saturday at 7 p.m. Online. Pay what you can.
For more arts events, check out the KPBS/Arts calendar, or sign up for the weekly KPBS/Arts newsletter.
