By Francesca Merwin, staff writer

Did you know that the name of the Red House Arts Center is meant to pay homage to the Red Light District? The building of the Red House, located at 201 S. West St., actually used to be a “house of ill repute.” The risqué past of this building might have scared away a lesser organization, but the Red House Arts Center has managed to honor its roots in admirable ways. They’ve honored it through naming, as well as late night programming and a culture of openness. Find out how the Red House is spicing up the city.

“Why not have fun with that image and embrace it?” says Anton Briones, marketing director for the Red House. “We’ve used that image to focus on alternative theater, music and art that you won’t find anywhere else.” The Red House uses its four, completely unique spaces to provide events range from family friendly to late night fun. There’s the Red House Café, which is used for events such as open mic nights, play readings or live music; an 89-seat theatre, which is best for movie screenings, concerts, big events and benefits; the gallery, which is a visual arts space perfect for receptions and gallery shows, and the space at 219 S. West, which is a dance studio that is best used for education programs, meetings and rehearsals.

The Red House is using its vastness of space and programming to build relationships with the people of Syracuse. “It’s not just about doing abstract art that no one understands,” Briones points out. “We also want to connect all of our programs to the community.” This month’s production of Twelfth Night, for example, will feature a “strictly Syracuse” cast. The Red House has also supplemented this performance with workshops, classes and events to involve people even more.

“We’re always looking for something new,” Briones concludes “We want everyone to participate in these productions to show the true Syracuse community.”

 

Come check out these events at the Red House in March:

La Mama Series: Poor Baby Bree in “I Am Going to Run Away”

Adult and teen event. Written and directed by Bree Benton, music by Franklin Bruno. March 1-3, 8 p.m. Redhouse Theatre.

From Briones: “Wednesday Adams does vaudeville cabaret.”

Unsung Heroes Film Series: Man on Wire

Adult and teen event. Tuesday, March 6 at 7 p.m. $8 ($5 for members). Redhouse Theatre.

From Briones: “It’s a great story. We like to showcase gems you might not otherwise see.”

Nevin Mercede: “The Reflections Series”

Family friendly photo exhibition. Gallery reception 5-8 p.m. March 18. Exhibition open March 18-April 17. Redhouse Gallery

From Briones: “The exhibit highlights Nevin’s trip to Russia from a totally new perspective.”

 Science and Magic of Film: “The Last Wave”

Rated PG. Tuesday, March 27 at 7 p.m. $8 ($5 for members). Redhouse Theatre.

From Briones: “Don’t miss Owen Shapiro, professor in the department of transmedia at Syracuse University, speak about the movie right before the showing.”

Twelfth Night

Family friendly event. Directed by Stephen Svoboda. March 29-31. April 4-7. 8 p.m. Redhouse Theatre. $25 ($15 for members).

From Briones: “Our production is set in the 1950’s with Sinatra music. It’s Twelfth Night meets a summer party at the Hamptons.”