Fiber Futures: Japan’s Textile Pioneers
Beautiful and colorful fabric creations are part of the exhibition “Fiber Futures: Japan’s Textile Pioneers” — on view at Japan Society until December 18th. The works on display were made from a variety of materials, from ethereal silk and mulberry fiber, to Japanese paper and synthetic fibers. They were created through a variety of methods, from deeply traditional ones, to the latest weaving and dyeing technology. Originally conceived four years ago, “Fiber Futures” came to fruition after the devastating natural disasters that struck Japan earlier this year. The show reflects the creativity of the Japanese artistic tradition, but also speaks to the resilience and ingenuity of the Japanese people. One of the underlying ideas is that the past can be repurposed in order to better shape the future. Sept. 16 – Dec 18, 2011. Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street (map), 212.832.1155.

We Live Here
Earlier this fall Zoe Kazan, one of New York’s most acclaimed young actors, returned to Manhattan Theatre Club for her New York playwriting debut. This is the last week you can see the first production of “We Live Here,” a beautifully rendered portrait of a contemporary family coming together through grief and celebration. The play was written by Zoe Kazan and directed by Obie Award winner Sam Gold. Its story revolves around Allie Bateman’s wedding. Dinah, Allie’s younger sister, returns to their parents’ home for the festivities accompanied by a new boyfriend, whose hidden history resurrects passions and painful memories for the whole family. Over one emotionally charged weekend, the Batemans learn that only by acknowledging and accepting loss, can they gain hope for regeneration. Now through Nov. 6, 2011. Manhattan Theatre Club. 131 West 55th Street (map), 212.581.1212.

David, Delacroix, and Revolutionary France: Drawings from the Louvre
Through December 31, The Morgan Library & Museum hosts an exhibition featuring eighty of the Musée du Louvre’s finest drawings. They were created by artists working in France from the onset of the Revolution, in 1789, through the establishment of the Second Empire, in 1852. “David, Delacroix, and Revolutionary France: Drawings from the Louvre,” offers an unprecedented opportunity to experience the mastery of Corot, David, Delacroix, Géricault, Ingres, Prud’hon, and other celebrated artists of the era. Jacques-Louis David’s “The Sabine Women Intervening to Stop the Fight between the Romans and Sabines” provides insight into the elaborate compositional studies made in preparation for his large-scale paintings. Prud’hon’s renowned “Portrait of Constance Mayer” depicts his lover and artistic collaborator during the happy years of their relationship. Honoré Daumier’s aptitude for naturalism is expressed in a rare early drawing, “Head of a Young Woman, Turned Three-Quarters to the Right.” The Louvre rarely allows so many major drawings from its famed collection to travel and the Morgan is the sole venue for this exhibition! Sept. 23 – Dec. 31, 2011. The Morgan Library and Museum, 225 Madison Avenue (map), 212.685.0008

ETHEL
From November 3rd to the 5th you can see the quartet “ETHEL” live at Tribeca Performing Arts Center, where they bring their contribution to “Portals” — a program of dance performances. The postclassical string quartet ETHEL is acclaimed for boldly infusing contemporary concert music with fierce intensity. ETHEL will provide live musical accompaniment for “Widow’s Walk” and for “Portals” — two new works presented by “Dušan Týnek Dance Theatre,” a modern dance company based in Brooklyn. Nov. 3 – 5, 2011. Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 99 Chambers Street (map), 212.220.1460.

New York City Center
On October 25th, New York City Center will reopen with a star-studded gala, after undergoing a major renovation. The event will kick off a celebratory season of festivals, exhibits, and performances by world-class dance and theater companies. Ongoing. 131 W 55th St. (map), 212.581.1212.

Fall for Dance Festival
The eighth annual “Fall for Dance Festival,” features 20 companies in 10 nights of dance. Some of the highlights are performances by Mark Morris Dance Group, The Joffrey Ballet, the New York City Ballet, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Oct. 27 – Nov. 6, 2011. New York City Center, 131 W 55th St. (map), 212.581.1212.