Z Space

Playing on Z Space's Steindler Stage September 19-21, celebrate two decades of groundbreaking artistry at Sean Dorsey Dance’s 20th Anniversary Home Season! For the first time in Sean Dorsey Dance’s entire history, the company will revisit and perform excerpts of audiences favorites from the last 20 years.

Sean Dorsey Dance will perform a powerful retrospective program featuring two decades of their award-winning artistry — with works including LOU (2009) based on the lifelong diaries of trailblazing trans activist Lou Sullivan; and excerpts from THE MISSING GENERATION (2015) and THE SECRET HISTORY OF LOVE (2012), both based on oral histories Dorsey recorded with LGBTQI+ elders across the US. These 3 works comprised an award-winning trilogy that the company performed and toured to more than 25 cities across the US.

To purchase tickets [link in bio]: zspace.org/sean-dorsey-dance-20th

Z Space is pleased to recommend CHOIR BOY at Shotgun Players!

CHOIR BOY
WRITTEN BY TARELL ALVIN MCCRANEY
DIRECTED BY DARRYL V. JONES
SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 20
THE ASHBY STAGE • SHOTGUN PLAYERS

Nominated for four including , and winner of two including best vocal arrangements, 'Choir Boy' is a coming-of-age story with compelling music. Pharus attends the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys and is the lead singer for their renowned choir. He is not only open about his q***r identity, he also questions long-held traditions. With contemporary arrangements of traditional African American spirituals and dance.

[Link for more info & tickets]: shotgunplayers.org/online/article/choir-boy

In collaboration with Liss Fain Dance, Z Space is pleased to co-present OPEN TIME from September 27 to 29 on Z Space's Steindler Stage.

Five women—four dancers and an actor—move through the four rooms and passageways of this installation fusing dance, text, architectural environment, and sound score.

To purchase tickets [link in bio]: zspace.org/open-time

Now introducing the cast of our next Off The Page installment, "Paradise" by Yxta Maya Murray!

In Yxta Maya Murray’s “Paradise” we follow Fernanda, a woman of Mexican and Native descent, as she navigates finding safety for herself, her young daughter Jessie, and her stern and imposing father-in-law Wesley during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California. The tragedy of the fire is magnified by her contentious and problematic relationship with this affluent man of fixed, racist beliefs and a stubborn will to stay put in his beloved home.

To register for tickets [link in bio]: www.zspace.org/offthepage
We suggest a donation of $25 to help pay our artists and cover the production costs of Off the Page series. You can donate while registering for tickets or at the venue during the reading.

Directed by JoAnne Winter with a cast of local actors.

* Member, AEA

Enjoy our full bar at Z Below while trading your lightly used garments with your friends and our community. All sizes and bodies are welcome! We will sort clothing by size for your pursuing pleasure and have our Z Below dressing rooms available to try clothes on. If you don’t have a lot to bring, come anyway and take things home with you!

Free RSVP [link in bio]: www.zspace.org/nightZ

2024 Z Space Artist-in-Residence Austin Dean Ashford returns to Z Below for a free workshop of his new monodrama, BEAUTY AND THE BEAT! Coming up this September 13 & 14, 7pm at Z Below.

Dive into the vibrant world of BEAUTY AND THE BEAT, an electrifying Afro-adaptation of the classic French tale. This dramedy tour de force follows the journey of a struggling PhD student, torn between completing his dissertation and making ends meet through his art. When his ambitious mother seeks to elevate his business, the industry's interest in his intellectual property complicates matters. Amidst this turmoil, inanimate objects spring to life—a boombox, microphone, spray can, clock, flashlight, and sneakers—urging him to unlock the true essence of hip hop to break the spell they’re under.

This fantastical narrative explores the timeless themes of beauty, academia versus artistry, and the profound bond between mother and son. BEAUTY AND THE BEAT is a poignant reminder of the apology every mother deserves from her son, as it delves into the profound question: who determines what is beautiful and what is not?

Free reservations at [link in bio]: www.zspace.org/BeautyandtheBeat

Please join us for the next installment of Word for Word's 2024 OFF THE PAGE series. ONE NIGHT ONLY, Monday, September 9th, 7pm on the Steindler Stage!

In Yxta Maya Murray’s “Paradise” we follow Fernanda, a woman of Mexican and Native descent, as she navigates finding safety for herself, her young daughter Jessie, and her stern and imposing father-in-law Wesley during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California. The tragedy of the fire is magnified by her contentious and problematic relationship with this affluent man of fixed, racist beliefs and a stubborn will to stay put in his beloved home.

Directed by JoAnne Winter with a cast of local actors.

To register for tickets [link in bio]: www.zspace.org/offthepage

We suggest a donation of $25 to help pay our artists and cover the production costs of OFF THE PAGE series. You can donate while registering for tickets or at the venue during the reading.

Question number one... Will you join us for Trivia: NightZ at Z?

Join us on Monday, August 12th for a trivia night in the Z Space Lobby hosted by Bay Area favorite, Brennan Pickman-Thoon. Assemble a trivia team of friends or join a team here and enjoy a fun evening with our full bar, specialty cocktails, and silly people. Trivia not your thing? We welcome you to hang out with us if you so please and always have other games available.

Free RSVP [link in bio]: www.zspace.org/nightZ

Z Space is pleased to recommend Cal Shakes’ 50th Anniversary production, AS YOU LIKE IT!

AS YOU LIKE IT
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Elizabeth Carter
September 12—29, 2024 · doors at 6pm, show at 8pm
Cal Shakes · Bruns Memorial Amphitheater

Shakespeare’s themes of love, self-discovery, and the transformative power of nature are universal. Step into the vibrant world of AS YOU LIKE IT where possibilities know no bounds.

Tickets and info [link in bio]: www.calshakes.org/asyoulikeit/

Z Space is pleased to recommend Cal Shakes' 50th Anniversary production, AS YOU LIKE IT!

AS YOU LIKE IT
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Elizabeth Carter
September 12—29, 2024 · doors at 6pm, show at 8pm
Cal Shakes · Bruns Memorial Amphitheater

Shakespeare’s themes of love, self-discovery, and the transformative power of nature are universal. Step into the vibrant world of AS YOU LIKE IT where possibilities know no bounds.

Tickets and info: www.calshakes.org/asyoulikeit/

Coming up next weekend August 16-18 on Z Space's Steindler Stage from Artistic Director Mia J. Chong: EIGHT/MOVES

Step into the world of EIGHT/MOVES with Season 1, a live performance experience featuring choreography by Rena Butler, Keerati Jinakunwiphat, KT Nelson, and Founder and Artistic Director Mia J. Chong. An emerging contemporary dance company, EIGHT/MOVES is dedicated to breaking boundaries and creating unity through movement. The company aims to bring artists, audiences, and communities together to empower AAPI, BIPOC, and other marginalized voices, bridge gaps between communities, and utilize the universal language of dance to generate social and cultural change. Join us and celebrate EIGHT/MOVES’ first year of artistic programming with Season 1!

To purchase tickets [link in bio]: www.zspace.org/eight-moves

Join us on Monday, August 12th for a trivia night hosted by Bay Area performer and your favorite trivia master, Brennan Pickman-Thoon! Assemble a trivia team of friends or join a team here and enjoy a fun evening with our full bar, specialty cocktails, and silly people. Trivia not your thing? We welcome you to hang out with us if you so please and always have other games available.

Free RSVP [link in bio]: www.zspace.org/nightZ

Coming up at Z Below this August from San Francisco Youth Theatre:

CINCO SUEÑOS REGRESANDO AL SUR [Little Souls: Five Dreams Returning to the South] follows the adventures of five first-generation Latine youth, who have been separated from their families due to immigration policies. The children embark on an exciting journey in hopes of reuniting with their loved ones. Along the way they discover their own superpowers which help them during the increasingly complex journey. FANTASMITAS is full of comedy, suspense, and hope—the perfect story to enjoy with the whole family. In Spanish with English Subtitles.

Playing August 8-18 at Z Below with a talkback with audience members after each performance.
To purchase tickets [link in bio]: www.zspace.org/fantasmitas

FANTASMITAS: CINCO SUEÑOS REGRESANDO AL SUR, sigue las aventuras de cinco jóvenes latines de primera generación que han sido separados de sus familias debido a las políticas de inmigración. Los niños se embarcan en un emocionante viaje con la esperanza de reunirse con sus seres queridos. Escapan de zombis y coyotes y buscan al monstruo gigante de un solo ojo conocido como 'La Bestia'. En el camino descubren sus propios superpoderes que les ayudarán durante el viaje que se hace cada vez más complejo. La obra refleja las experiencias de la vida real de muchos migrantes que cruzan la frontera y sueñan con reunirse con sus seres queridos. FANTASMITAS es una obra dirigida a un público multigeneracional. Está llena de comedia, suspenso y esperanza: la historia perfecta para disfrutar con toda la familia.

Presentando en el Espacio Z Agosto 8-18 con un conversación con los miembros de la audiencia después de cada representación.
Comprar entradas [enlace en biografía]: www.zspace.org/fantasmitas

Z Space is pleased to recommend GOOD MEDICINE: A NIGHT OF LIVE NATIVE STAND-UP at Cal Shakes!

GOOD MEDICINE: A NIGHT OF LIVE NATIVE STAND-UP
Cal Shakes · Bruns Memorial Amphitheater
Saturday, July 27, 2024

After selling out venues throughout the country, the smash-hit, all-Native comedy show, Good Medicine, returns to Cal Shakes for a one-night-stand of stand-up! Hosted and produced by comedian Jackie Keliiaa (Netflix) the showcase features the best and brightest Native comedians across North America. Actor-comedian Tatanka Means, noted for his appearances in Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” (2023) and Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga” (Part 1 in theaters this June), will headline the show, performing alongside comedians Brian Bahe (Comedy Central) and Dakota Ray Herbert (Just for Laughs).

Doors open at 6 p.m., leaving plenty of time for guests to explore the Native artisan market, savor tasty food and refreshments and enjoy live pre-show music before the show begins at 8 p.m. Vendors participating in the artisan market include Kirbear Yurok Designs, Turquoise Hogan Creations, Where the Land Meets the Sky Studio and Ihoo Taloowa Beads. The show is expected to last 70-80 minutes. A dance party hosted by DJ Interval will follow immediately after the show.

To purchase tickets [link in bio]: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/good-medicine-a-night-of-native-stand-up-tickets-923275841897

Z Space is pleased to recommend FIERCE FUNNY FILIPINX, curated by Z Space's own Nikki Meñez and Balay Kreative! Next week at KQED!

FIERCE FUNNY FILIPINX
Presented by KQED Live
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 7:00 PM
The Commons, 2601 Mariposa Street, SF
In Person: $25 / Livestream: Free

The Bay Area is home to some of the most talented Filipinx artists in the country. Host (and Z Space Curatorial Director!) Nikki Meñez and Balay Kreative, a home for Filipinx artists, bring together women who rock the mic with their humor and wit — Ouida, Granny Cart Gangstas, Mabuhay Gardens, and comedian PX Floro — for a night of music and comedy showcasing laughter and art as resilience.

Find tickets at: kqed.org/live

“[WHO’S-DEAD MCCARTHY: STORIES BY KEVIN BARRY is] a wonderful example of the richness of Irish literary culture.” — Ireland Consul General, Micheál Smith

Z Space and Word for Word would like to thank our community for a successful, sold out run of WHO’S-DEAD MCCARTHY: STORIES BY KEVIN BARRY. There are no words to describe our gratitude for our audience, artists, and staff who all came together for this amazing production, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone back to Z Below soon for our upcoming production of MURAKAMI: THE STRANGE LIBRARY!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by last night to check out Visual Art: NightZ at Z!

If you are still interested in checking out the artwork we have on display, the lobby of Z Space will be open to view these pieces during our business hours from 10am-6pm through next Thursday, July 25th.

Our final shows of WHO'S-DEAD MCCARTHY: STORIES BY KEVIN BARRY are officially SOLD OUT! Thank you so much to our audiences for the overwhelming positive reviews and response to these three short stories!

WHO'S-DEAD MCCARTHY: STORIES BY KEVIN BARRY continues to bring joy to our audiences, cast, and staff! We celebrated after the show last night (7/17) with a whiskey tasting led by cast member John Flanagan. Thank you to everyone who has come out to see the show and supported Word for Word
and Z Space. Special thanks to Clonakilty Distillery for their very generous support of this event.





Check out Clonakilty Distillery [link in bio]: clonakiltydistillery.ie

ALL ABOARD!

All performances for WHO'S-DEAD MCCARTHY: STORIES BY KEVIN BARRY are officially sold out! Sad you missed the train? Fear not!

We're adding a matinée showing of WHO'S-DEAD MCCARTHY: STORIES BY KEVIN BARRY this Saturday, July 20th at 2pm.

To purchase tickets: www.zspace.org/barry

If you can’t make Saturday and you’d like to attend one of the other shows this week, you can contact our box office to join our waitlist. Email [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 415-626-0453. Please be sure to include in your communication: show date and time, amount of tickets requested, your contact information, and whether you have any access needs. If you are sick or unable to attend the show, please email the box office so we can release your seats.

AudienceView Professional

A huge thank you to Clonakilty Whiskey for generously supporting our Post-Show Whiskey Tasting event next Wednesday, July 17!

For more info: www.zspace.org/barry

“In Word For Word's production of 'Who's-Dead McCarthy' we get an innovative production, perfect direction and a first-rate cast to pull it off -- you can't ask much more from a night of theater.” -SF Theatre Blog

Don't miss your chance to see Word for Word's WHO'S-DEAD MCCARTHY: STORIES BY KEVIN BARRY. Tickets are selling fast, with many shows already sold out. Grab yours before they're gone!

Purchase tickets: www.zspace.org/barry

Don't miss your chance to see WHO'S-DEAD MCCARRTHY: STORIES BY KEVIN BARRY! Two weeks left to see these three stories with "notes of humor, regret, anticipation, and Flannery O’Connor.” Playing now at Z Below through July 21!

To purchase tickets [link in bio]: www.zspace.org/Barry

Join us on Thursday, July 18th for an interactive visual art and craft night as we turn our lobby into an art gallery curated by Z Space’s own Colm McNally. Walk through our gallery in the Z Space Lobby to interact with unique and evocative art pieces, participate in a speed life drawing game and other fun art games, or bring your own art in progress and use our space to dedicate time to your craft with other like-minded artists. It’s a choose your own adventure craft night!

Featuring pieces from:
Emily Gallivan
Brian Goggin
Ace Makerspace
Javier Manrique
Rachel Sadd

Free RSVP [link in bio]: www.zspace.org/nightZ

First reviews are coming in for WHO'S-DEAD MCCARTHY: STORIES BY KEVIN BARRY and critics are loving seeing all three stories come to life on the stage!

Get your tickets for WHO'S-DEAD MCCARTHY: STORIES BY KEVIN BARRY, now playing at Z Below through July 21st.

Purchase tickets [link in bio]: zspace.org/barry

Z Space is happy to welcome back for a special one night engagement of AMERICAN DREAMS on Tuesday, July 16th on the Steindler Stage!

As a Black man tired of failed Liberal promises Gabriel Pearse is ready to give up. But will a Conservative victory be his dream come true? For his daughter, Paine, it’s a nightmare! Or will the climate catch fire before the election, like her boyfriend Max sees when he sleeps. And what about AI? And do androids dream of electronic voting? Or was democracy just a dream all along? But whether you’re asleep or Woke what some see as nightmares others see as… American Dreams.

Purchase tickets [link in bio]: zspace.org/sfmt

WHO'S-DEAD MCCARTHY: STORIES BY KEVIN BARRY is a SF Chronicle Datebook pick!

Our latest from Word for Word opens this Saturday, June 29th at Z Below. Get your tickets for this funny and heartwarming show today!

Check out SF Chronicle's recommendation [link in bio]: datebook.sfchronicle.com/event/theater/word-for-words-whos-dead-mccarthy-stories-by-kevin-barry

Due to a non-COVID related illness in the cast, tonight's first preview of WHO'S-DEAD MCCARTHY: STORIES BY KEVIN BARRY has been cancelled.

If you are a ticket holder impacted by this change, please look out for communications from our Box Office. Please email [email protected] or call 650-451-5715 with any questions or concerns.

To purchase tickets for later shows: zspace.org/barry

Join us on our Instagram Stories this Saturday, June 29 as Monica () takes us behind the scenes of WHO'S-DEAD MCCARTHY: STORIES BY KEVIN BARRY for Opening Night at Z Below!

Be sure to drop Monica a like and a follow, and if you haven't already, get your tickets to see WHO'S-DEAD MCCARTHY: STORIES BY KEVIN BARRY today [link in bio]: zspace.org/barry

Less than a week until our first preview of WHO'S-DEAD MCCARTHY: STORIES BY KEVIN BARRY at Z Below! Previews start next Wednesday, June 26.

The three works include "Who’s-Dead McCarthy," a tale featuring a self-appointed messenger of death in a small Irish city who cannot stop himself from gleefully chronicling and gossiping about the details of the deaths of others to everyone he meets.

In “The Wintersongs,” a garrulous old woman cautions a girl whose life journey is just beginning, as they both hurtle through the countryside under “the arc of a weak sun,” heading toward Dublin.

“The Coast of Leitrim” tells the story of a solitary Irish man who, finding himself smitten with a young Polish woman, falls down a Google-fueled rabbit hole, while falling deeper for her.

To purchase tickets [link in bio]: zspace.org/barry