ArtYard’s McDonnell Theater opens with hip hop artist Supaman as headliner

ArtYard’s McDonnell Theater in Frenchtown, N.J., will open next month starting with a performance on March 3 by Supaman, an “innovative hip hop artist and fancy dancer,” kicking off a year filled with music, film, dance, artist talks, theater,and more events that channel the power of art to unsettle, engage, bridge divides, and spark moments of arresting beauty.
The first two months of programming taking place in the McDonnell Theater also includes “Contenders,” a film series featuring four foreign films, previews by Company SBB // Stefanie Batten Bland of the dance-theater troupe’s new work “Embarqued: Stories of Soil,” and an artist talk by Silky Shoemaker, whose “Artist Ancestors” will help enforce social distancing in the theater during its first months.
The announcement of the McDonnell Theater’s opening comes three years after ArtYard broke ground on its new building at 13 Front St. and 10 months after welcoming the first visitors to its galleries.
“This moment is years in the making and represents the vision and work of so many people who have lent their strengths to the belief that the creative impulse is fundamental to life,” said Jill Kearney, ArtYard’s founder and executive director.
“With each new idea, limitation, and twist we’ve encountered over these last three years, the McDonnell Theater exceeds what we once thought possible, providing the ultimate theatrical experience for artists, performers, and community members right here in Frenchtown. All of us at ArtYard are excited to share it.”

Named after Stephen McDonnell, ArtYard board member, Applegate Farms founder, and Kearney’s husband, the 162-seat theater McDonnell Theater has state-of-the-art projection, lighting, and surround sound as well as upcycled seating, curtains, and a chandelier made from water bottles by artist Willie Cole. Constructed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the building’s ventilation system was enhanced to improve air quality.
During the first month of programming, random seats in the audience will be occupied by ArtYard’s Artist Ancestors. Created by Shoemaker, Artist Ancestors are life-size plywood portraits of iconic cultural figures whose lives and work span across the arts and embody ArtYard’s ethos. They include American fiber sculptor Judith Scott, Harlem Renaissance artist Beauford Delaney, quilter Rosie Lee Tompkins, and composer Julius Eastman.
“During the downward swing of the pandemic, we are delighted to have these special guests help enforce a bit of social distancing,” Kearney said.
All visitors to ArtYard are required to wear masks and show valid identification and proof that they are vaccinated against COVID-19.
For tickets and information about upcoming events, visit artyard.org.

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