Also this issue: Raising the Bar A look at Philly watering holes that offer more than just drinks to local artists. -Susan Hagen Tree of Life In Project Room's latest installation, Keiko Miyamori captures the spirit of the neighborhood in the roots of one of its trees. -Robin Rice Wig Out -Ashlea Halpern Private Eyes -Lori Hill Eat, Shorts -Debra Auspitz

July 12-18, 2002

artpicks

Going Solo

Theater Catalyst's Eternal Spiral Project is dedicated to producing theater for women -- but not in the schmaltzy, "Lifetime: Television for Women" sense. Eternal Spiral, led by Theater Catalyst's managing director Jessica Graham, provides an outlet for women to perform, and this summer the project expands with the Summer Solo Showcase. Graham and co-producer Arden Thomas gathered 12 women performers doing performance art, music and poetry. Performers in the two-week festival include Jennifer Jones reprising her 2001 Fringe piece Letters to Clio, based on interviews conducted at the 1995 Beijing Women's Conference, Heidi Rose's poetry/music piece Mirror Image and Martha Kemper performing stories by Eudora Welty. The vulnerability exposed in a solo performance is one of the greatest that exists, but it's nice to see a network like Eternal Spiral's providing a cushion for women brave enough to take on the artform.

Summer Solo Showcase, July 15-26, Monday through Friday, 7 p.m., $10, the Playground at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom St., 215-563-4330.

—Debra Auspitz