All of It Podcast Summary: "Sugar, Sugar!' Performing Arts Series In Domino Park"

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Episode: "Sugar, Sugar!' Performing Arts Series In Domino Park
• Release Date: May 19, 2025
• Description: ALL OF IT is a show about culture and its consumers, aiming to engage thinkers, doers, makers, and creators in discussions about the what and why of their work.

Introduction to the Sugar Sugar Series

In this episode of All of It, host Alison Stewart introduces listeners to "Sugar Sugar," a new free four-week performing arts series launched at Domino Park in Williamsburg. The series, which began on June 4th, is set against the backdrop of the historic Domino Sugar refinery site, now transformed into an outdoor amphitheater. The programming spans various art forms, including dance, jazz, interactive theater, and artistic meditations on unique subjects like horseshoe crabs.

The Venue: Domino Park's Amphitheater

Annabelle Thompson, co-founder of Public Assembly, and Elpitha Tsivikos, founder of One Whale's Tale, discuss the significance of the venue. Annabelle explains that the amphitheater's dramatic views of the New York City skyline, East River, and Williamsburg Bridge provide a unique and inspiring setting for performances.

Annabelle Thompson [01:15]: "Sugar Sugar really started with the site itself, the former Domino Sugar refinery... We envisioned activating the site in this tradition of kind of a town square by inviting local arts organizations and independent curators and art makers to bring their own creative experimentation into the space."

Elpitha expresses her excitement about the venue, highlighting its large capacity and accessibility to the waterfront—an often scarce experience in New York City. She emphasizes the importance of making art approachable and free, especially during a time when many arts institutions face significant budget cuts.

Elpitha Tsivikos [01:59]: "It was like a dream venue... Making art approachable free is literally the dream. And I think right now, but really always people so desperately need art."

Vision and Goals Behind the Series

The co-curators aim to create a vibrant community space where diverse perspectives and experimental art can thrive. They sought to reframe how art is approached in New York City by focusing on artists' dreams and inspirations rather than financial constraints.

Elpitha Tsivikos [04:38]: "I really do believe that things change by the way that you live your life every day. And so I wanted to facilitate those dialogues very specifically in hopes of, in a tiny, tiny way, yielding something different, something that's really, really truthfully about inspiration."

Programming and Performances

Opening Performances: Niall Harris and Lisa and Lena

The series kicks off with performances by Niall Harris and the dance duo Lisa and Lena, both curated by Teresa Buchheister from National Sawdust. Niall Harris is celebrated for his irreverent and honest voice, bringing a fresh and relatable perspective to his work.

Elpitha Tsivikos [03:54]: "Niall's voice is just very irreverent and present. He speaks his mind and I think it's just really needed right now..."

Lisa and Lena's performance, titled "Could Be You," is described as a shifting, experimental piece that embraces improvisation and creative exploration within the space.

Annabelle Thompson [06:26]: "Their piece is shifting and it's really a work in progress along with Niall. We're excited to bring in that experimentation and improvisation to the space."

Juneteenth Special: The Revival by Fire Ensemble

Midway through the festival, Juneteenth celebrations are highlighted with a special performance titled "The Revival" by the Fire Ensemble. This intergenerational choir focuses on BIPOC and queer communities, emphasizing community-building through large-scale music and rituals rooted in black musical traditions.

Annabelle Thompson [07:24]: "The Fire Ensemble is an intergenerational choir community centered around BIPOC and queer folks... Their work is really centered around the process and space of community that is built through gathering."

Unique Acts: Eli Nixon and Horseshoe Crabs

Elpitha introduces Eli Nixon, a performer known for "suitcase theater" and "nature drag," which involves embodying elements of nature like horseshoe crabs. Eli's performances blend environmental activism with playful, philosophical reflections on humanity's place in the natural world.

Elpitha Tsivikos [07:59]: "Eli's work ties environmentalism into a playful philosophical thought process... the horseshoe crab is one of the oldest creatures still walking this earth... Eli uses humor and interaction to engage the audience deeply."

Eli's piece, "Horseshoe Crabs," emphasizes the historical significance of these creatures and their role in modern science, particularly in vaccine and pharmaceutical research, while maintaining an entertaining and thought-provoking presentation.

Community and Accessibility

Both curators underscore the importance of accessibility and community engagement. By offering free events, they aim to make art inclusive and reach a broad audience. The series also serves as a platform for local artists and organizations to showcase their work, fostering a sense of community and cultural vibrancy in North Brooklyn and beyond.

Elpitha Tsivikos [01:08]: "We just envisioned activating the site... and present work that's really being made locally in North Brooklyn and the city."

Conclusion

"Sugar Sugar" at Domino Park represents a dynamic fusion of art, community, and accessibility. Through diverse programming and thoughtful curation, Annabelle Thompson and Elpitha Tsivikos create a space where artists can experiment and audiences can engage with culture in meaningful ways. The series not only celebrates local talent but also honors significant cultural moments, such as Juneteenth, reinforcing the role of arts in community building and cultural expression.

Annabelle Thompson [10:18]: "We love WNYC."

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