District Fray went behind the scenes with the cast of “Echo” before their Under the Big Top performances from September 6 to October 22 in Tysons, Virginia.
Read Our September 2023 Issue
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THE NEXT GEN OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL IN THE DMV. We were given the chance of a lifetime this summer to fly to Montreal and visit Cirque du Soleil’s international headquarters — an exclusive and rare opportunity for media outlets we are truly grateful for — and to meet some of the stars of “Echo” before the show moves to the Under the Big Top tent in Tysons, Virginia this month. During a whirlwind 48 hours, cover photographer Tony Powell and I were whisked to HQ where we spent the first day meeting everyone from the assistant costume designer to the lead shoe maker for all Cirque productions around the globe and getting an inside look at the vast and impressive operation behind the iconic entertainment group. We experienced “Echo” live that evening under the Cirque du Soleil Montreal Grand Chapiteau with an enthusiastic audience reverberating with hometown pride. And the next day, we reentered the Big Top for our cover shoot onstage with eight of the 51 performers in “Echo,” followed by interviews with the artists about the next generation of Cirque du Soleil who are about to take the DMV by storm. I hope you enjoy our glimpse into “Echo” and our Arts & Culture Issue content highlighting the city’s dynamic creative community.
Monica Alford
Editor-in-Chief
FEATURES
Chela Mitchell Shares the Power of Art at Eponymous Union Market Gallery
D.C. native and art advisor Chela Mitchell opens up about the purpose and ethos behind her new gallery space.
Three D.C. Chefs Work the Wok for Some of the Best Flavors in Town
The chefs explain why the wok is their go-to pan — even with cuisines it wasn’t originally intended for.
EAT
Gut Reaction: 5 D.C. Restaurants That Keep Every Consumer in Mind
From expansive zero-proof cocktail menus to a myriad of gluten-free dishes, we’ve got you covered.
DRINK
Check Out Bronze’s New Cocktail Bar Crane Room for Afrofuturist Drinks
Here, drinks are made with unexpected ingredients, ushering in a drink culture only Bronze could create.
CULTURE
Designer Lauren Bessette Finds Creativity in D.C.’s Quiet Spaces
Bessette talks the creative community in D.C., and how its green spaces are central to avoiding burnout.
Spooky Action Theater Director Elizabeth Dinkova Is Electrifying D.C. Audiences
Meet Elizabeth Dinkova, the new artistic director of Spooky Action Theater, who is drawn to work that’s both visceral and “explicitly theatrical.”
Kahina Haynes Advocates for Equitable Dance Opportunities at The Dance Institute of Washington
Haynes talks the dance scene right now, training at Dance Institute of Washington and what the dance community needs in this moment.
CULTURE
World Culture Festival Welcomes Millions to the National Mall
Renowned spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living Foundation bring this three-day celebration of unity, culture and music to the National Mall — and the States — for the first time.
A Look Inside D.C.’s Iconic National Theatre
Discover what makes The National Theatre one of D.C.’s most historic and iconic venues — and what to plan for when visiting this fall.
Raffi Umanzor and NuNu Paris Share Comedy and Culture with “Wait! Don’t Do It!”
The podcast hosts talk the story behind their show, their events and what’s next for them.
CULTURE
Washington Ballet Member Ariel Martinez Talks Dance Process, Performance + Passion
TWB member Ariel Martinez opens up about his Cuban ballet beginnings and ambitions for the future in D.C. and beyond
Ghanaian Designer Afua Sam Leverages Fashion To Support Community
Afua Sam, founder and owner of the A CONCEPT + STUDIO D’MAXSI DESIGNS, creates Ghanaian-inspired fashion designs with the mission of giving back to humanity.
National Philharmonic’s Jim Kelly Is Incubating D.C.’s Classical Music Scene
National Philharmonic President & CEO Jim Kelly shares what excites him most about D.C.’s classical music scene — and why viola trumps violin any day.
CULTURE
Woodworker + Designer Adam Godet Helps Create a More Unified Artistic Community in D.C.
The creator organized the DC Makers’ Guild along with creating beautiful woodworking designs.
Artist, Designer + Photographer TJ Buttner Makes Gifting Cannabis a Work of Art
Along with his business Puff Cards, Buttner’s art can be found all over D.C.
Designer Alex Britto Utilizes Martial Arts in Unexpected Ways
The designer uses handcrafting elements to connect wearers through physical touch.
CULTURE
My Ly Fuses Urban Design, Art + Placemaking to Create Inspiring Spaces
Multidisciplinary designer My Ly talks design philosophy and why creative placemaking is so meaningful for D.C.’s communities.
Sidney Hui Is Shaping D.C.’s Vintage Fashion Scene Through Disco Loft
Learn about Sidney Hui’s online shop Disco Loft and how she’s helping ensure secondhand fashion is both accessible and sustainable in D.C.
Comedian Jamal Newman’s Stand-Up is a “Mad Experiment”
The comedian, improviser and podcaster talks comedy and improv ahead of free Harold Night shows at Washington Improv Theater.
CULTURE
Artist Patrick McMahon Talks Dedicating Time to His Creative Practice
The painter talks about his upcoming projects and the piece of D.C. maybe only he will miss.
Naii Vegas on Building Bold, Versatile Work Across the Globe
As a contemporary interior designer who’s lived and worked in nearly 10 different countries, Vegas takes a bold and multifaceted approach to each creative concept she designs.
Kiel Posner’s Family Ties Shine in Their Ceramic Works
Posner’s light-based work draws from his family’s legacy of ceramics manufacturing for a vivid creative product uniquely his own.
CULTURE
Flying V’s Artistic Lead Navi Redefines What it Means to be a Nerd
The artistic lead takes us through their many creative outlets through theatre.
Artistic Director of Arena Stage Hana S. Sharif Talks the State of Theatre in D.C.
Sharif has plans for theatre in D.C., all based on her love for the performing arts scene here.
Alexi Abi-Mikhael, Lydia Corbett + Amber Proctor Talk Multimedia Work as a Trio
As individual artists and collaborators, this creative trio relishes D.C.’s community-based arts scene for its ethos of inclusion and generosity.
CULTURE
Diplomatic Maven Jan Du Plain Lists D.C. Theatre She’s Excited For
The patron, PR and diplomatic maven of Du Plain Global Enterprises talks the background world of D.C. theatre.
CULTURE
Actress Renee Elizabeth Wilson Gives a Sneak Peak to Mosaic’s “Monumental Travesties”
The actress calls the play “a comedy about unfunny things,” and tells us why theatre in D.C. is unique.
How Artist Shyama Kuver Is Blazing a Trail Forward in the D.C. Arts Community
The figurative-surrealist artist’s work pays homage to her family’s roots — in indentured servitude and championing equal rights.
You Know a Piece is by Artist Nate Mann When You See It
The artist talks about his signature style and all the ways he gets inspired to make art.
LIFE
Artist Cris Clapp Logan Talks How D.C. Influences Her Work
We are grateful for the people who make District Fray possible, so we’re highlighting them in our Members Only series.
LIFE
Channel Your Inner Artist with 10 Beginner Classes in the DMV
From dancing in heels to acting classes to writing workshops, the District has no shortage of artistic learning opportunities.
Join In On the Mushroom Mania That’s Hit D.C.
Mushrooms are the DMV’s most recent craze, and learning more about them can benefit people and nature alike.
In Memoriam: Celebrating the Life + Light of Tarik Pierce
Our Players’ Club column recognizes DC Fray players who make the leagues what they are, and Tarik Pierce was a beloved leader in this space and beyond.
PLAY
Muralist Nicole Bourgea Talks the Gift of Art + the Secrets of Underrated Suburb Kensington
Our Local Tourist column explores the thrills of D.C.’s many neighborhoods. This time, we zoom in on the Kensington through muralist Nicole Bourgea’s eyes.
Crossword: September 2023
Hint: This month’s crossword is all about the performing arts in the DMV.
Saddle Up: Horseback Riding Opportunities Are Closer to D.C. Than You Think
From Rock Creek to Maryland suburbs, you can try out a new hobby without spending the time and money to get into horse country.
