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EXCLUSIVE: Look at La MaMa's Block Party

The company announced its newest capital project at the event.

Mary Fulham (left) and Mia Yoo (right) with State Senator Brad Hoylman (center) with a proclamation from the NY State Senate at La Mama's block party, Dancing in the Streets.
Mary Fulham (left) and Mia Yoo (right) with State Senator Brad Hoylman presenting a proclamation from the New York State Senate at La MaMa's block party, Dancing in the Streets.
(© Ryan Leach)

La MaMa celebrated the conclusion of its 55th season with a block party, Dancing in the Street, on Saturday, in front of La MaMa's theaters on East 4th Street between Second Avenue and the Bowery.

Performers included Lei Making and the Hula Workshop; Brooklyn United, a drum line and procession group of high school students; Flamenco stars Al Son Son Tablao; Malcolm-x Betts; the youth ensemble, East Village Dance Project (led by John Gutierrez on acoustic guitar); belly dancer Reyna Alcala; Alexandra Amirov from The Making of a Babushka; the indigenous song and dance troupe Silver Cloud Singers; and others.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of La MaMa's newest undertaking, the largest capital project in the company's 55-year history. The $15 million project will be a top-to-bottom renovation, and full restoration of the facade of La Mama's oldest venue. Construction is set to begin January 2018.

About the renovation, artistic director Mia Yoo said, "Space for artists is such a precious resource in New York City, especially for artists just starting out. It’s bittersweet because these spaces hold so much history, but La MaMa must renovate the building if we are to continue providing opportunities to future generations of new and daring artists."