Find out what's happening in Charlotte NC this week, on Charlotte Art Weekly 65

Steven Wright, one of the funniest comics on the planet, comes to Charlotte this week. Look at a host of activistic art by African American artists or celebrate female adventurers through the No Man’s Land Film Festival. All of this and more this week, in Charlotte Art Weekly.

One of the greatest stand-up comedians on the planet is coming to Charlotte this week. Steven Wright is set to leave you in splits with his comedic act. Theatre buffs, meanwhile, can also look forward to some good plays this week. It kickstarts with Confidence (and the Speech), a play that explores the role of women in politics and leadership. The enthralling back-story of Peter Pan and his friends will also be coming alive in Peter and the Starcatcher, while Caridad Svich’s Archipelago sets the tone for some drama.

There’s an intriguing display of art activism this week at the show Revealed, with its many exhibitions by African American artists. Photography enthusiasts would not want to miss the opportunity to meet ‘image activist’ Alvin C Jacobs at his exhibition. On that note, there is also the No Man’s Land Film Festival, which aims to promote gender equality by celebrating the presence of women in the sports and adventure arena.

Art enthusiasts of Charlotte can attend various group exhibitions, including the group exhibitions SouthEnd ARTS and Water Media Show. Violinist Kirsten Swanson, meanwhile, will be performing next week.

Civil rights activist and poet Maya Angelou is the inspiration for our 65th Charlotte Art Weekly. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, the African-American singer and memoirist is considered one of the most important figures of the 20th century. Angelou published 7 autobiographies, 3 essay anthologies, several poetry collections and a long list of movies and plays, over a career spanning 50 years. Angelou worked as a fry cook, nightclub performer, opera member and journalist during the time of Africa’s decolonization, before her first autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings brought her recognition. Her works stand up for black culture. A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Angelou discussed aspects of racism, identity, family and travel within her works. She has received more than 50 honorary degrees, three Grammy awards for her spoken word albums and the National Medal of Arts. She passed away in 2014 in Winston-Salem in North Carolina, where she owned two homes.

CONFIDENCE (and The Speech), a play by Susan Lambert Hatem

Based on former President Jimmy Carter’s 1979 speech ‘Crisis of Confidence’, this play talks about a country in crisis and the role of women in politics. Audience members will also have a chance to interact with the team and cast at the shows.

September 6 to 15

Duke Energy Theatre

With tickets ($25-$32)

SouthEnd ARTS in The Barrel Room

Witness 20 talented emerging artists, all at this single exhibition. Food and beverages will be served.

September 7

SouthEnd Arts

Open for all

Revealed: Where Art Meets Activism

Enjoy an evening of dialogues at the opening of photography exhibition by image activist Alvin C. Jacobs on September 7. Jacobs captures social justice movements around the country. Or come by on September 8 to attend a family-friendly day full of exhibitions by African American artists and creative workshops.

September 7 to 8

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture at Levine Center for the Arts

Open for all

Water Media Show

At this opening of the art exhibition Water Media, catch the works of various artists alongside free wine. The evening will culminate in an award ceremony.

September 7 to September 26

Mint Hill Arts Center

Open for all

Peter and the Starcatcher

Based on the original novel by the same name, this play captures the back-story of Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and other characters. The highly theatrical play features more than 100 characters and received the Tony Award for Best Performance and Scenic Design.

September 7 to September 23

Theatre Charlotte

With tickets ($28)

No Man’s Land Film Festival

This adventure film festival celebrates the presence of women in the arena of adventure and sports. The festival aims to bring together action-oriented people and promote gender equality.

September 8

McGlohon Theatre

With tickets ($12)

Faculty & Friends Concert: Kirsten Swanson on Viola

An adjunct professor at UNC, Kirsten Swanson, who is known for her ‘flawless technique’, will be performing the violin in this concert.

September 11

Rowe Recital Hall at UNC Charlotte

With tickets ($8-$10)

Archipelago

Two theatre professors from UNC, CarlosAlexis Cruz and Kaja Dunn, take part in the play Archipelago. The play is by well-known alumnus Caridad Svich, who received a 2012 OBIE Award for Lifetime Achievement in theatre.

September 12 to September 16

Robinson Hall for the Performing Arts at UNC Charlotte

With tickets ($8-$18)

Steven Wright

Stand-up comedian, actor and Oscar-winning film producer Steven Wright comes to the city of Charlotte to perform.

September 15

McGlohon Theatre

With tickets ($25)

It’s set to be an inspiring week in Charlotte NC, between September 7 to September 16. Be sure not to miss out on these creative happenings!

Illustration: Nilesh Ramani