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On February 15th, I attended the premiere of TransBeMan, produced by Transformer films, and directed by my friend, Richard Kroehling at Galapagos Art Space. This sci fi thriller, shot entirely in New York, stars James Remar and Jane Kim (pictured). The film's premise is that mankind stands at a crossroads; on the verge of transcending its own biology. Set in the near future, it tells the story of the world's first post-human. If you like your sci fi served up with intelligence, true ethical dilemmas and out of this world art direction, don't miss it. It is set for a summer/fall 09 release.
Galapagos Art Space was the perfect environment for the screening. The cultural transformation down under the Manhattan Bridge is amazing. Dumbo is indeed the new Soho. Galapagos began in 1995 in Williamsburg at 70 North 6th Street. It was one of my favorite bars--- it had a gorgeous reflecting pool out front, a cool local crowd and great music. Over the years, it became a cultural mecca offering up everything from poetry readings, live music, strippers and puppets. Rents went up, up, up (as they are wont to do) in Williamsburg, but with the help of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Marty Markowitz and David Yassky (and others), it found a permanent home in Dumbo.
The famous reflecting pool is gone in their new home, but the idea is now part of the interior. Red banquettes are small islands surrounded by water. On Sunday, the back wall was an enormous projection screen. Tall white votive candles were embedded in the walls. The staff was friendly, outgoing, no 'tude to be seen, and an open bar. Their press release hints that Galapagos will soon be joined in Dumbo by a host of prominent non-profits and businesses; The Center for an Urban Future, WNYC, Google, The Clinton Foundation, Good Magazine, among others. Right now, Smack Mellon Gallery is right around the corner. Take the F train to York Street. You can't get lost in Dumbo. Everything happens down by the river.
Galapagos' calendar of events for February includes; Nerd Night Speed Dating, a puppet slam with the world premiere of "Cluckapella", happy hour on Fridays from 5-7pm with 2-for-1 drink specials, a couch crash festival and a play reading on Sunday afternoon.
For more information on TransBeMan: Transformer Films.
Photo credit: Jena Duncan
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