Two of the most distinctive imaginations working in New York right now: Julio Torres, whose deadpan surrealism carried sketch television into Fantasmas, and Martine Gutierrez, whose photographic self-portraiture recasts her as an entire fictional culture. They share an amphitheater built out over the Hudson that looks straight at the sunset. If you want the one thing this week that exists nowhere else, take this.
What to expect
Arrive through the park's tulip-shaped concrete pots and follow the path up to The Amph, an open-air bowl of tiered seating with the river behind the stage. Doors open ahead of the performance, so there is time to walk the island's hills first. Sunset lands during the early part of the evening and the wind off the water picks up after dark.
Good to know
- Little Island sits at Pier 55 off West 13th Street — take the A/C/E or L to 14th St, then walk west past the Whitney
- The Amph is open-air with no roof, so the show runs rain or shine unless conditions are severe
- Bring a layer: it is consistently ten degrees cooler and windier out over the water than on the avenue
- The island has timed free entry at busy hours, but a performance ticket covers your entry for the evening
- Paths are fully accessible with ramps and elevators from the Hudson River Park side
- Food and drink are available on the island, but the kiosks close before late performances end
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Common questions
Is this stand-up comedy?
No. It is a commissioned performance piece rather than a stand-up set — expect something closer to theater and visual art than to a comedy club show.
How do I get to Little Island?
Enter on foot at West 13th Street or West 14th Street along the Hudson River Park greenway; there is no vehicle access to the island itself.
What happens if it rains?
The Amph is uncovered and performances generally proceed in light rain; Little Island posts cancellation notices for severe weather and handles refunds through the ticket page.
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