Michael Chabin’s ‘Sailboats and Swans’
Michal Chabin, an acclaimed Israeli photographer known for shows that focus on the essence of a certain group of people, takes on prisoners in her new exhibit. The show’s title, “Sailboats and Swans,” might seem like a misnomer, but it does refer to an aspect of the prisoners’ daily lives — many prisons in Ukraine and Russia have murals with hopeful topics, such as sailboats or swans. The exhibit, six years in the making, examines the meaning of being locked up and watched. In the seven prisons she visited, Chabin (who has Ukrainian and Russian roots) found flower-printed prison uniforms and even convicted murderers working as babysitters. Through Dec. 22.—Andrea Meislin Gallery, 534 W. 24th St. (212) 627-2552.
Honoring Huberman’s ‘Orchestra of Exiles’
Posters for Josh Aronson’s new documentary film, “Orchestra of Exiles,” proclaim that its hero, Bronislaw Huberman, “rescued some of the world’s greatest musicians to create one of the world’s greatest orchestras.” In a complex story involving Nazi officials, acclaimed conductors and even Albert Einstein, Huberman, a well-known Polish Jewish violinist, plucked Jewish musicians from European orchestras to form the Palestinian Symphony (later to become the Israel Philharmonic). Huberman not only gave these musicians work, he helped 1,000 families escape the Holocaust. The film screens next week at the JCC in Manhattan, followed by a conversation with Aronson.—JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave. (646) 505-5708. Tue., Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m., $9-$11.
Hofesh Shechter’s ‘Political Mother’
Given the Israeli-born choreographer’s penchant for sheer physicality and loud, propulsive music, it’s perhaps not surprising that a heavy metal band will be onstage for Shechter’s “Political Mother,” at BAM this weekend. The 2010 piece has abstract references to his Israeli roots, and is characterized by a rhythmic intensity and emotional impact meant to suggest conflict. Shechter got his start in Israel’s acclaimed Batsheva Dance Company before moving to London, where he’s now based. “Political Mother” is his first full-length piece; it features 10 dancers whose collective performance bears a resemblance to acrobatics. The piece is a part of BAM’s 30th Next Wave Festival. Oct. 11-13.—BAM Howard Gilman Opera House, 30 Lafayette St., Brooklyn. (718) 636-4100. Call for ticket prices.
