by Rachel Fershleiser

The Persians: A Comedy about War with Five Songs at the Crown Point Festival

n any given night in the Lower East Side, bands rock dark bars and humid basements, independent films screen at Sunshine or Pioneer, and new plays are premiered in tiny black boxes or on city streets. Too often, it’s impossible to pick just one event, or to find something unusual enough to rouse a sofa-ensconced backside from America’s Next Top Model.

This month, Henry Street Settlement’s Abrons Arts Center is hosting The Crown Point Festival, a newly revamped three weeks of music, film and theatre with a unique twist: Each evening is carefully curated to bring out the best in all three forms.

“We put a lot of thought into why this play should follow this film and then be followed by this band,” says Executive Director Kelly Markus. “We don’t try to create a throughline but we definitely want the audience to feel like they’re on an emotional journey through the work regardless of genre.”

In other words, don’t expect to see the band you chose and head home. That slamming guitar solo might come with a side of animated short, plus an innovative play for dessert.

Even the familiar historical playhouse will enjoy a multimedia makeover. A hovering canopy and other art elements have transformed the space into an interactive wonderland.

“We’re not interested in just renting the theater, having an audience come in, read their playbills, sit down, watch a show and leave,” Markus explains. “We play with scenic, sound and visual elements to interact and intrigue the audience when they arrive.”

The festival’s founders are especially glad to present their pioneering and emerging artists in this neighborhood, where creativity has always been valued. “With the community changing drastically its important not to fight that change, but instead discover how the identity of this community can evolve with it and stay true to itself,” comments Markus.

Philosophical underpinnings aside, the Crown Point Festival is showcasing a diverse array of pretty terrific stuff. Documentary Kamp Katrina is both illuminating and devastating; the edgy musical theatre piece Hostages features songs by Kyle Jarrow, whom the Times called “New York’s hipster playwright”; a new play was written just for the festival, about the Jay-Z vs. Nas battle; music offerings include Hopewell, A Place to Bury Strangers, Yeasayer, Project Jenny Project Jan, and DJ Dummy. Just choose something you’re into and open your mind.

“No matter what night you pick, you’re gonna’ get a taste of a lot more,” Markus says. “Take a little bite out of what you like and be prepared to taste a whole lotta flavors.”

The Crown Point Festival runs through 11/17 at Abrons, 466 Grand Street, 646.861.0242, crownpointfestival.org