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SAM KISSAJUKIAN
During the pandemic, Australian comedian Sam Kissajukian quit standup to spend six months painting. He ended up creating 300 large-scale works that, he says, “unknowingly” documented his mental state during this intense period of time.
He will present his one-man show about the experience, “300 Paintings,” at The Kasser Theater at Montclair State University, Feb. 4-5, as part of Peak Performances’ Spring 2027 season.
According to his website, the show “uses a ‘two tier approach’ incorporating storytelling techniques mixed with spoken word and comedic examination of his visual art and practice paired with a curated exhibition. Together these represent broad exploration of the artistic process, mental health and its ties to creativity.”
Other Spring 2027 shows will feature pianist and composer Chloe Flower, Feb. 14; Manual Cinema’s “The 4th Witch” (which tells an original story inspired by elements of Shakespeare’s tragedy via shadow puppetry, silhouetted actors and live music, without dialogue or narration), Feb. 18 and 20; and “Rent in Concert,” April 10.
“Rent in Concert” — which will be at Montclair State’s Memorial Auditorium, not the Kasser Theater — had been scheduled to be presented by Peak Performances in February of this year but the show was postponed due to bad weather.
Peak Performances’ fall 2026 series still has a number of shows scheduled, including a free mini-series of movies that were released 50 years ago, in 1976 (“All the President’s Men” on Oct. 25, “Network” on Nov. 1 and “Rocky” on Nov. 8). The screenings will be at Montclair State’s Presentation Hall.
Fall shows still to come at The Kasser Theater include the immersive, family-friendly, “Nutcracker”-inspired “The Party Scene” (presented by The Hands Free and Dance Heginbotham), Nov. 22; and New Jersey Symphony’s performance of Handel’s Messiah featuring The Montclair State University Singers, Dec. 19.
For more information on all shows, visit peakperfs.org.
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