Symphony Space

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A beloved Upper West Side venue where music, film, theater, and author talks all share the same stage. The calendar is always changing, so you might catch a literary reading one night and a live concert the next. A great place to discover something new.
Poster of Squirrel Nut Zippers: Jazz From the Back o' Town in New York.

Squirrel Nut Zippers: Jazz From the Back o' Town

Dive into a high-energy night of New Orleans swing as the Squirrel Nut Zippers take over the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre with a rollicking, vintage-inspired tribute to the birthplace of jazz.

Poster of Percival Everett, James in New York.

Percival Everett, James

This reimagining of a literary classic offers a profound opportunity to witness one of the most vital voices in contemporary fiction breathe new life into an iconic American narrative. Engage with a masterful deconstruction of identity and history that promises to be as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally resonant.

Poster of Uptown Showdown Comedy Debate: 1920s Vs. 2020s in NYC.

Uptown Showdown Comedy Debate: 1920s Vs. 2020s

This comedic competition pits two teams of seasoned performers against one another to debate the cultural merits of flappers and speakeasies versus influencers and TikTok trends. Engage with a fast-paced evening of verbal sparring where the audience ultimately decides which century reigned supreme in glitz and absurdity.

Poster of Selected Shorts: A Passport to Ireland with Colum McCann in New York.

Selected Shorts: A Passport to Ireland with Colum McCann

This captivating evening of performance literature features short fiction from a new generation of Irish writers brought to life by actors of stage and screen. Engage with a curated literary journey that celebrates the rich and evolving storytelling traditions of the Emerald Isle.

Poster of Selected Shorts: A First Time for Everything with Meg Wolitzer in New York.

Selected Shorts: A First Time for Everything with Meg Wolitzer

This performance explores the profound and humorous milestones of life through a series of short stories that capture the transformative power of "firsts." Engage with a poignant literary showcase where actors of stage and screen breathe life into narratives about the pivotal moments that change us forever.

Poster of Selected Shorts: Spring Training with Brian Lehrer in New York.

Selected Shorts: Spring Training with Brian Lehrer

This seasonal installment of literature in performance celebrates the arrival of spring through stories of blooming gardens, the emotional highs and lows of baseball, and burgeoning romance. Engage with an evocative evening where professional actors interpret short fiction that captures the optimism and renewal of the natural and sporting worlds.

Poster of Lori Carlson-Hijuelos in Conversation with Laurie Anderson in New York.

Lori Carlson-Hijuelos in Conversation with Laurie Anderson

This intimate dialogue brings together a legendary experimental artist and a distinguished author to explore the intersections of creativity, friendship, and faith. Engage with a deeply personal discussion centered on a literary tribute to a late Pulitzer Prize winner, offering rare insight into the shared lives of visionary minds.

Poster of Dave Eggers, Contrapposto in New York.

Dave Eggers, Contrapposto

This launch event for a sweeping new novel explores the intricate ties between friendship, love, and the lifelong pursuit of artistic expression. Engage with a brilliant literary discussion featuring a live reading and an interactive Q&A that delves into the creative process behind a modern master's latest work.

Poster of Lindy West, Adult Braces in NYC.

Lindy West, Adult Braces

This hilarious and transformative narrative follows a bestselling author on an uproarious cross-country road trip as she unpacks the chaotic years following her sudden rise to fame. Engage with an entertaining evening of reading and conversation that explores personal evolution with a sharp, laugh-out-loud perspective.

Poster of Thalia Book Club: Ann Patchett, Whistler in New York.

Thalia Book Club: Ann Patchett, Whistler

This electrifying book launch explores a narrative woven with memory and art, following the unexpected turns that shape a human life through the lens of an iconic Pulitzer Prize-nominated storyteller. Engage with an insightful literary conversation featuring the author of The Dutch House as she delves into her latest work alongside a fellow master of contemporary fiction.

Poster for NT Live: Life of Pi (Encore) in New York.

NT Live: Life of Pi (Encore)

This Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation utilizes masterful puppetry and state-of-the-art visuals to bring an epic journey of endurance and hope to the screen. Engage with a breathtaking cinematic experience that captures a filmed live performance of the bestselling novel’s transition from the West End stage to a vibrant visual spectacle.

Poster of NT Live: Inter Alia in New York.

NT Live: Inter Alia

This searing new play from the acclaimed team behind Prima Facie follows a high-ranking Crown Court judge whose meticulously balanced professional and private lives are thrown into sudden, destabilizing turmoil. Engage with a powerful cinematic screening featuring an Oscar-nominated lead performance that interrogates the tension between justice, family loyalty, and the survival of one's true self.