Seattle area theater, art, and dance picks to help jump-start 2023

The beginning of the new year is usually a quieter time for arts organizations, as many take a break after galloping through the busy holiday season. But KUOW’s Kim Malcolm got a few ideas from Marcie Sillman, co-host of the DoubleXposure podcast, a contributing writer for Crosscut, and KUOW's former arts and culture reporter.

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, at Seattle Rep

I'm pretty excited about this new show, based on a best-selling young adult novel. It's about a teenage girl named Julia who wants to be a writer and go to college, but her older sister Olga was recently killed in a freak accident. So, as you might imagine, Julia’s parents are holding her very close. Then, in a twist, it turns out that Olga, who Julia thought was the perfect Mexican daughter, really wasn't so perfect after all.

Ginny Ruffner: What if? At the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

Ginny is a Seattle-based glass/metal artist and painter. She has been at the top of her field for at least 40 years. She was one of the first women to really break into the studio glass art world, which is centered here. I respect Ginny for her soaring imagination and her perseverance. She suffered a horrible auto accident years ago and it left her fighting for life. She had to learn how to walk and talk all over again. So, to me, it's fabulous that she was able to continue at such a high level in her career.

UW Dance Presents, at Meany Hall

Whim W’Him’s WINTER ’23, at Cornish Playhouse

It wouldn't be me if I didn't talk about dance performances, which are in abundance here this weekend. I'm heading to the University of Washington Dance Department showcase. And Whim W’Him’s artistic director Olivier Wevers has assembled a fabulous group of dancers and choreographers. I'm very keen to see a new work by a woman named Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. She is in such high demand at dance companies around the world, so it's really a treat to get to see her work.

Listen to the interview by clicking the play button above.