Performa 09

There's never a shortage of performance and art in New York City. Check out the Performa 09 calendar for shows around town. Participating artists include Terrence Koh, William Kentridge and Joan Jonas. Venues include Eyebeam, MoMA, PS 1, The Swiss Institute. This year seems to focus on futurism.

In Cyprien Gaillard’s groundbreaking video “Desniansky Raion,” a view of Belgrade’s futuristic town gate opens a triptych where architecture embodies the failure of the modernist social utopia in a brilliant, fascinating demonstration: an epic fight between hooligans in a Russian suburb; a grandiose lightshow preceding the destruction of a habitation tower near Paris; and a breathtaking flight over a circular ensemble of Ukrainian buildings somewhat remniscient of a concrete, monumental version of Stonehenge.

Acclaimed musician Koudlam, a long-time collaborator of Gaillard, will provide his adrenaline-pumping live music to accompany the screening.

The Kitchen, 512 W. 19th Street on Friday, November 20 8:00pm. $10 at www.thekitchen.org.