Did You Hear About: Nuns, Stars & 92U

Soooooo, how is your new year going so far?

Yeah ... me too.

But hey, we have 51 weeks to turn it around and make 2022 into something spectacular. And to help you along with that, I have a suggestion or two in the arts & culture sphere to add to your calendar and, hopefully, add to your joy.

Because sharing news of all the great art you can enjoy at home or in my neck-of-the-woods ultimately brings me joy.

So let's dive-in!

Roxy Cinema's "Bad Habits" Film Series

I know this one isn't for everyone, and not just because you may not live within a stone's throw of New York City. But hear me out. If you're a fan of 35mm films or cinematic sub-genres you may not have known even existed, make your way over to one of my favorite luxury venues to catch art house classics and riveting documentaries, The Roxy Cinema.

For the first month of 2022, this 118-seat Art Deco-inspired movie theater nestled into the lower level of the Roxy Hotel in Tribeca will feature a unique lineup of "nunploitation" films from around the world each weekend. Co-presented by Screen Slate, Bad Habits is a collection of individual tales that explore the "What if?" possibilities of nuns behaving out-of-character, fighting back, or simply challenging the image of what it means to be a nun.

Whether it's Jacque Rivette's La Religieuse, Pedro Almodovar's Dark Habits, Norifumi Suzuki's School of the Holy Beast, or Peter Sykes' To the Devil ... a Daughter starring the late great Christopher Lee, the film series will likely have a movie connected to this seemingly obscure, but fascinated sub-genre that will pique your interest and remind that there's more to filmmaking than amazing CGI and post-credit easter eggs.

Personally, I'm inclined to check out the 1947 classic Black Narcissus myself. I only ventured out to the movies 3 times last year, so the opportunity to enjoy a 35mm technicolor in style would be a lovely way to treat myself to a much beloved and sorely missed sensory rich experience.

The Bad Habits film series runs now through Sunday, January 30th. Visit www.roxycinematribeca.com for showtimes and tickets.

More Constellations from Donmar Warehouse

Say you can't make it over to downtown Manhattan this month or maybe you've been told to isolate for a set number of days. ::cough:: So how can you enjoy some great storytelling provided by wonderfully talented performers without leaving the comfort of your home?

Donmar Warehouse in the UK has just the answer.

Back by popular demand, Donmar has re-released their hit 2021 play Constellations for anyone with a love for great theater and access to the internet. Thanks to their on-demand portal, you can view any or all of the 4 captivating versions from now through January 31st.

As you may recall, I was so impressed I wrote a wee review about it a couple of months ago. Plus, I may or may not have watched the play again last December as a holiday present to me. So I can't speak more highly of the production than I already have, and I can assure you that you won't be disappointed.

In addition to viewing this nominee for "Best Innovation" at The Stage Awards and "Best Play Revival" at the WhatsOnStage Awards, you can enjoy it for a 50% discount as well. That's right! The re-release is available wherever you are in the world for £7.50 (one of the 4 versions) and £20 (all 4 versions), respectively. Donmar also offers a close-captioned and audio-described version of the play in partnership with Stagetext and VocalEyes.

Here's a small sample of what this dynamic little gem has to offer:

92U Complements 92Y

I know what you're thinking: "Sure, that's great for the performing arts, but I have a desire to stare longingly at a photograph, building or sculpture and wax effusive about what it means? Do you have something for me to partake in this month, Candace?"

Why yes, dear reader, I do!

Not only will you have a chance to wax effusive about the works of great artists, you will even get a chance to learn from a professor who shares every detail you could possibly want to know about the project in a virtual classroom.

Sure, online learning may not be the best option for the young'uns, but if you're over the age of 18 and have a desire to study a topic that you want to engage in with a group of your peers, 92U might just have what you need.

92U is the new online learning portal for the highly revered 92nd Street Y in New York City. Although not an accredited institution, 92U aims to provide students a wide range of entertaining and informative courses to help them further their education on a topic they love from expert professors.

You may not earn a degree, but you can learn a wealth of knowledge from courses such as World Architecture: Synagogues and Mosques, A Queer History of Visual Art, Bauhaus: Then and Now, and The Russian Avant Garde. Of course, you can also check out courses in other subjects like food, politics, and history, but I found the selection for art lovers to be the most impressive.

Take a moment to review their catalog and see if there's a class on one of your favorite topics just waiting for you to join in.