By Shelby Rowe Moyer | Photo courtesy Children’s Theater of Madison
SEE A SHOW WITH CHILDREN’S THEATER OF MADISON
Don’t Worry, “A Christmas Carol” is Still On!
For the last 50 or so years, CTM has been putting on “A Christmas Carol.” But with COVID-19 looming, there were questions as to whether this annual tradition would live on in 2020.
The good news is that you will be able to watch it — just not from a theater seat. CTM will be featuring video clips from more than 80 actors and celebrated community members with a virtual read-aloud of the Dickens classic. Music and photos from past productions will accompany the narration. You can stream it for free from Dec. 18-31. ctmtheater.org
Kid-Friendly Plays on Race in America
From Dec. 10-17, CTM will stream four free, family-friendly plays by award- winning playwright and changemaker Idris Goodwin — all of which take on themes about race. The plays, “The Water Gun Song,” “Nothing Rhymes with Juneteenth,” “#MATTER” and “Black Flag” will be available at ctmtheater.org. Educational content will be available with each play.
THREE CONVERSATION-STIRRING ART EXHIBITS
Craving some thought-provoking art? The Arts + Literature Laboratory (ALL) on Livingston Street is currently showcasing a series of paintings, multi- media and collaborative text and image galleries that are on view for only a short time.
One of the three — “Tierra de Mujer” by Lelia Byron — spotlights a
group of women coffee bean farmers in Colombia. The layered paintings exemplify “the actual interconnectedness of people across the globe,” according to ALL. Learn more about the exhibits at artlitlab.org. All three exhibits will be on view until Dec. 19.
BINGE-ABLE PODCASTS
We cannot get enough of these locally made podcasts that indulge us with stories about healing from trauma, racial justice, motherhood and more. Search for all of them in your preferred podcast app.
“Black Oxygen”
In partnership with Madison365, host Angela Russell sits down with Black community leaders, professionals, artists and more to discuss topics like, “what does it take to live into your freedom as a Black woman in Madison” and, the active work of “creating a more just society.”
When her podcast launched in July, she told Madison365, “… we literally see very limited spaces where Black folks can have a sense of sanctuary and breathe right now. I want to be able to offer that space of refuge for folks to be able to just have a few moments of restoration.”
“Defending Black Girlhood”
You’re in luck, because season two recently released and there’s already a handful of conversations with Black women about healing after struggles and tragedies.
In season one, host Lilada Gee — Madison artist, author and nonprofit founder — confronts the life and death of 15-year-old Erika Hill. The details of Hill’s death are chilling, and Gee searches for answers and accountability for the Madison-area girl. Both seasons are gripping, emotional and insightful.
“HERself”
Madison-based moms Amy Kiefer and Abby Green get honest about friendships, motherhood and parenting in this engaging podcast. Navigating the mental load of motherhood, sex, divorce, race issues, anxiety, body confidence and mom guilt — the ladies put it all out there, as well as talk to experts about these topics for takeaways on how we can all deal. We love them for their realness and willingness to make all women feel empowered.
