THURSDAY
(image via Bushwick Starr)
Singlet
May 16-June 3 at The Bushwick Starr, 8 pm: $20-25
Singlet, the new show from the singular (get it, singular sounds like “singlet”) mind of performance and cabaret artist Erin Markey is about wrestling, yes, but it is also about so much more. That’s not a metaphor or anything; this show about friendship and rivalry takes its inspiration from everyone’s favorite performative form of consensual violence involving spandex and rings, but also Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan novels, Precious Moments collectible dolls, Jean Genet’s The Maids (aka one of the plays everyone directed scenes from in theater school to be edgy), couples counseling podcasts, and a myriad more references I may never fully comprehend, tbh. Markey will be performing alongside frequent collaborator Emily Davis, and I wouldn’t be surprised if tickets sell out soon, so as the teens say, hop to it.
FRIDAY
(image courtesy of Lyndsey Wheeler)
The Oddly Satisfying Spa
May 18-20 at The Dreamhouse, various times: $40
Have you ever encountered a video of colorful slime being made and prodded at, or blackheads being extracted? Sure, the latter may give you a sense of voyeuristic shame and/or nausea, but at the same time, it felt good. Satisfying, even. The phenomenon that is “oddly satisfying” content has permeated the internet lately, but soon you can experience it IRL at The Oddly Satisfying Spa, an immersive performance and installation setting up shop for the weekend at Ridgewood queer space The Dreamhouse. There, you’ll encounter relaxing virtual reality, “ambient plant music,” and a variety of artistic and wellness-centric experiences that mirror the same mysterious-yet-relaxing feeling that those online videos give you. And don’t worry, even though this is a spa, I don’t think there will be any actual pimple popping going on.