The Strange, the Crazed, the Queer!

The Poetry of Tennessee Williams, A Dramatic Reading

Discover the poetry of one of America's most important playwrights. Few people know that Tennessee Williams was a poet before he turned to playwriting and that he continued to write poetry throughout his career. Poems such as "The Beanstock Country" and "Night Visit" are equal to the great monologues of his plays and rank among the finest poems of his generation. The evening was created and directed by David Landon in collaboration with seven actors from New York's prestigious Michael Howard Studios. Join us to celebrate the publication of The Collected Poems of Tennessee Williams, edited by David Roessel and Nicholas Moschovakis at David Landon's suggestion.

Two Performances:

6 p.m., Monday, September 20, Martin E. Segal Theatre, Res. Code 5039
8 p.m., Monday, September 20, Martin E. Segal Theatre, Res. Code 4912

Free. First come, first served. $10 suggested donation guarantees a seat; guaranteed seat to CUNY students who RSVP. Call Continuing Education and Public Programs at 1.212.817.8215, or continuinged@gc.cuny.edu.


Prelude to Off-Broadway: 3 Days/27 Companies = 1 Prelude Weekend

Thursday, September 30 - Sunday, October 3, 2004

This second annual Prelude to Off-Broadway will feature some of the most interesting theatre that New York City has to offer. The weekend will provide students, faculty members, teachers, theatre professionals, and theatergoers with a first look at the eclectic work being developed for the upcoming 2004-05 season and beyond. Events include performances and readings of new plays, live rehearsals, process workshops, and panel presentations, all followed by discussion. Prelude will also include breakout sessions led by artistic directors and theatre-related professionals; topics will include African-American theatre, Carribean theatre, dramaturgy, graduate theatre studies, and translation. (Please check the websites for the schedule.)

All events take place at The Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Avenue (at 34 Street), NYC

Martin E. Segal Theatre, 60 seats
Baisley Powell Elebash Recital Hall, 180 seats
Harold M. Proshansky Auditorium, 389 seats

Check any of the following websites or the company websites for detailed program information:

http://web.gc.cuny.edu/MESTC 
http://www.theatermania.com
http://www.offbroadwayonline.com
http://www.lortel.org

Presented by A.R.T./New York and the Martin E. Segal Theatre Center at The Graduate Center, CUNY.

Cosponsors: Lucille Lortel Foundation; TheaterMania; Continuing Education and Public Programs, The Graduate Center, CUNY

                    


THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Free. First come, first served. To make a $5 donation to guarantee a seat for one Prelude event, contact The Graduate Center's Office of Continuing Education and Public Programs at 1.212.817.8215, or continuinged@gc.cuny.edu.

PANEL DISCUSSION:

Illuminating the History of Not-for-Profit Off Broadway Theatre: 
A Retrospective with Ellen Stewart, Founder and Director of La MaMa E.T.C.

This fascinating evening will consist of a short film about La Mama E.T.C.'s history, followed by a conversation with Ellen Stewart. A seasoned non-profit professional, Ms. Stewart has been producing theatre pieces for forty-three years at La Mama E.T.C. in New York City, and abroad. This luminary will reflect upon her experiences and offer insight about changes in the producing landscape from artistic choices to funding to theatre reviews.

7:00 p.m., Elebash Recital Hall, Res. Code 5036


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1

Free. First come, first served. To make a $5 donation to guarantee a seat for one Prelude event, contact The Graduate Center's Office of Continuing Education and Public Programs at 1.212.817.8215, or continuinged@gc.cuny.edu.

METROPOLITAN PLAYHOUSE: interactive workshop performance

This company explores and enriches American theatrical heritage and seeks to discover its place in world theatre.
4 p.m., Segal Theatre, Res. Code 5009

YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS, INC.: staged reading

Founded by Stephen Sondheim in 1981, Young Playwrights Inc. nurtures playwrights eighteen years old or younger through professional development and presentation of their work.
4 p.m., Elebash Recital Hall, Res. Code 5010

CAP 21 (Collaborative Arts Project 21): musical excerpts/play reading

CAP 21 dedicates itself to the creation of new work, the development of new talent, and the building of new audiences.
4 p.m., Proshansky Auditorium, Res. Code 5008

MIND THE GAP THEATRE: staged reading

MTG funds and oversees the development, performance, and appreciation of contemporary British drama in America.
6 p.m., Segal Theatre, Res. Code 5012

STRIKE ANYWHERE PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE: improvised pieces

This performance ensemble promotes empathy, free thinking, and greater social awareness through provocative theatre and educational outreach. The multidisciplinary company creates original performance pieces on socially relevant themes through improvisation.
6 p.m., Elebash Recital Hall, Res. Code 5013

ABINGDON THEATRE COMPANY: text excerpts

This company develops and produces new works by American playwrights by providing them a home for first readings, staged readings, workouts, stage II productions, and mainstage productions.
6 p.m., Proshansky Auditorium, Res. Code 5011

TEATRO I.A.T.I. (International Theatre Arts Institute): text excerpts

Established in 1968, Teatro I.A.T.I. is a nonprofit theatre organization dedicated to the production of theatre works in Spanish for children and adult audiences. The company specializes in the performance and production of contemporary Latino/Hispanic playwrights.
8 p.m., Segal Theatre, Res. Code 5015

GOLDEN FLEECE LTD.: reading/performance

Golden Fleece Ltd. provides exposure for emerging American writers of musical theatre, opera, and plays.
8 p.m., Elebash Recital Hall, Res. Code 5014

THIRTEENTH NIGHT THEATRE COMPANY: reading

Through its committed ensemble of directors, actors, and designers, the company's classical and contemporary repertoire showcases people's ability to adapt to their everchanging roles in society.
8 p.m., Proshansky Auditorium, Res. Code 5016


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2

FREE. First come, first served. A $5 donation guarantees a seat for one Prelude performance: contact The Graduate Center's Office of Continuing Education and Public Programs at 1.212.817.8215, or continuinged@gc.cuny.edu.

NEOPACK: text excerpts

NeoPack is a company of fresh, enthusiastic, and versatile artists with a thirst for the development and production of new work.
12 p.m., Segal Theatre, Res. Code 5017

PAN ASIAN REPERTORY THEATRE: play reading

This repertory theatre celebrates the artistic expressiveness of Asian and American theatre artists under the highest standards of professional theatre and professional productions.
12 p.m., Elebash Recital Hall, Res. Code 5018

HERE ARTS CENTER: text excerpts

This arts center supports artists' independence within an interdependent community, providing the artist with access, arts management innovation, and nonprofit enterprise.
12 p.m., Proshansky Auditorium, Res. Code 5019

BLACK MOON THEATRE COMPANY: Interactive Workshop/Performance

Black Moon brings together a theatre of gestures and movements, visual arts and music to create a new perspective on modern and classic literature. The company is a home for an ethnically diverse community of actors who work with international choreographers, designers, and composers.
2 p.m., Segal Theatre, Res. Code 5020

JEAN COCTEAU REPERTORY: musical excerpts

This repertory theatre is dedicated to producing a broad range of timeless works of classic scope and vision.
2 p.m., Elebash Recital Hall, Res. Code 5022

THE DREAM THEATRE: text excerpts

The Dream Theatre presents both new plays and classics that explore violence in a world that dreams of peace. The company hopes to transform, uplift, and inspire that dream.
2 p.m., Proshansky Auditorium, Res. Code 5021

SIX FIGURES THEATRE COMPANY: excerpts of performance pieces

Six Figures is dedicated to providing opportunities for women theatre artists; developing quality theatrical work by women and other underrepresented artists; and ensuring that the community as a whole is aware of the opportunity to hear these new voices and see exciting, original performances.
4 p.m., Segal Theatre, Res. Code 5025

AMERICAN RENAISSANCE THEATRE (ARTC): staged readings

ARTC develops new plays in a workshop environment that encourages a creative collaboration of writers, actors, and directors.
4 p.m., Elebash Recital Hall, Res. Code 5023

MESSENGER THEATRE COMPANY: performance

This theatre company is dedicated to the art of simple storytelling through collaboration, integrating actor-based performances with masks, puppetry, movement, live music, and visual arts.
4 p.m., Proshansky Auditorium, Res. Code 5024

BANANA BOAT PRODUCTIONS: rehearsed reading

This company brings more thoughtful Caribbean theatre to a larger audience, emphasizing both the complexities and the simple elegance of the struggles and the resolutions as well as the humor and the sadness that are all part of the indomitable spirit of Caribbean life.
6 p.m., Segal Theatre, Res. Code 5028

THE ACTORS THEATRE WORKSHOP, INC.: to be announced

An established pioneer in nonprofit theatre, this company is committed to producing classical and contemporary plays; developing new dramatic works; and training and developing actors, writers, and directors, while making a difference in the lives of homeless children in the community at large.
6 p.m., Elebash Recital Hall, Res. Code 5026

JUGGERNAUT THEATRE COMPANY: musical and text excerpts

Juggernaut Theatre Company was formed in 1994 by a group of Juilliard graduates interested in taking new approaches to theatre while maintaining the integrity of their classical training. In all productions, Juggernaut seeks to evince through structure, performance styles and technology, the "liveness" of theatre.
6 p.m., Proshansky Auditorium, Res. Code 5029

PANEL DISCUSSION: How To Know Where To Go

Join us to learn more about alternatives strategies for New York Theatre companies to get their work noticed. Academic reviews, web-based services, websites, e-mail newsletters, flyers and theatre reviews offer a variety of choices for the companies as well as for the theatre lover.

8 p.m., Segal Theatre, Res. Code 5037
 


SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3

Free. First come, first served. To make a $5 donation to guarantee a seat for one Prelude event, contact The Graduate Center's Office of Continuing Education and Public Programs at 1.212.817.8215, or continuinged@gc.cuny.edu.

THE HYPOTHETICAL THEATRE COMPANY: text excerpts

This ensemble of artists explores human themes that emerge uniquely through character and story.
12 p.m., Segal Theatre, Res. Code 5030

BOOMERANG THEATRE COMPANY: play reading

This company is dedicated to challenging audiences through live theatre, utilizing the classic system of rotating repertory offering new, classic, and neglected plays of different styles and genres.
12 p.m., Elebash Recital Hall, Res. Code 5031

ERGO THEATRE COMPANY: musical excerpts

Ergo Theatre Company develops workshops, produces new theatrical works, and revamps revivals, striving to help jump-start the careers of actors, playwrights, composers, designers, and directors working in New York City.
12 p.m., Proshansky Auditorium, Res. Code 5032

FREESTYLE REPERTORY THEATRE: improvised musical

The mission of this repertory theatre is to foster interest in improvisational theatre and to promote the improvisational skills of cooperation, spontaneity, and creative risk-taking.
2 p.m., Segal Theatre, Res. Code 5034

XOREGOS PERFORMING COMPANY: dance and text excerpts

Xoregos Performing Company discovers new plays and classics, lost and found, and presents unusual combinations of text, music, and dance.
2 p.m., Elebash Recital Hall, Res. Code 5035

HAMM & CLOV STAGE COMPANY: concert reading

This company is dedicated to the development, production, and exchange of theatrical works by playwrights, musicians, dancers, and media arts from around the world.
2 p.m., Proshansky Auditorium, Res. Code 5033

PANEL DISCUSSION: New York Theatre Companies and International Theatre

This panel will focus upon how working internationally has impacted the work of nonprofit Off-Broadway theatre companies. Artistic directors will discuss their experiences with touring, translating, and presenting internationally, as well as their work in the U.S. with foreign playwrights and directors.

4 p.m., Elebash Hall, Res. Code 5038
 

VIDEO SERIES OF GERMAN THEATRE


Twelve Videos of Contemporary German Theatre, 1972-2002

Marvin Carlson, Moderator, Sidney E. Cohn Professor of Theatre, The Graduate Center, CUNY (Moderator)

You won't want to miss this series of videos of theatrical productions by leading German directors of the last three decades-the largest public showing of German theatre productions ever in New York City. With astonishing visual imagery and exacting dramaturgy, contemporary German theatre provokes, challenges, questions, and even threatens-but overwhelmingly entertains-placing it in an essential and leading position in world theatre. The screenings are part of Prof. Carlson's fall seminar on German theatre, but they are free and open to the public. Prof. Carlson will introduce the work and comment on scenes. PLEASE NOTE: All videos are in German, without subtitles; some videos show their age.

All screenings will take place at The Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Avenue (at 34 Street), New York City, except for Endstation Amerika, on November 29.

$5 donation guarantees a seat; free to CUNY students who RSVP. Call Continuing Education and Public Programs at 1.212.817.8215, or continuinged@gc.cuny.edu.

Cosponsors: Martin E. Segal Theatre Center and the Ph.D. Program in Theatre at The Graduate Center, CUNY; Free University Berlin, and Goethe Institute, New York.


PRINZ FRIEDRICH VON HOMBURG directed by Peter Stein (1972)

In this production Stein, one of Germany's foremost directors since the 60s, treats the play, in the words of The Guardian's Michael Billington, as "an embodiment of Kleist's own Romantic yearnings for acceptance."
6:30 p.m., Monday, September 13, Room 9207, Res. Code: 4823

ROSMERSHOLM directed by Peter Zadek (2001)

This enormously popular production features brilliant performances by two of the top actors of the German-language stage, Angelika Winkler and Gert Voss.
6:30 p.m., Monday, September 20, Room 9207, Res. Code 4827

DIE FRAU VOM MEER (The Lady from the Sea) directed by Thomas Langhoff (1972)

A visually stunning and imagistic production.
6:30 p.m., Monday, September 27, Room 9207, Res. Code 4828

DER AUFHALTSAME AUFSTEIG DES ARTURO UI (The Resistable Rise of Arturo Ui)
directed by Heiner Müller, 1992

This seminal production (which remains in the Berliner Ensemble's repertory) features a brilliant and defining performance by Martin Wuttke as Arturo.
6:30 p.m., Monday, October 4, Martin E. Segal Theatre, Res. Code 4829

EIN SOMMERNACHTSTRAUM (A Midsummer Night's Dream) directed by Karen Beier (1995)

In this stunningly theatrical "European" production, Shakespeare's romance is brought to life using actors from multiple countries speaking in their own languages.
6:30 p.m., Monday, October 18, Martin E. Segal Theatre, Res. Code 4820

MACBETH directed by Johann Kresnik (1988)

Kresnik, called the creator of "choreographic theatre," stages Shakespeare's classic tragedy.
6:30 p.m., Monday, October 25, Martin E. Segal Theatre, Res. Code 4831

ROMEO UND JULIA directed by Leander Hausmann (1993)

Hausmann, the director of the popular 1998 film Sonnenallee, tackles Shakespeare's tragedy of young love.
6:30 p.m., Monday, November 8, Room 9207, Res. Code 4833

GESPENSTER (Ghosts) directed by Sebastian Hartmann (2000)

In this Volksbühne Berlin production, Hartmann radically pushes Ibsen's images to theatrical and fascinating extremes.
6:30 p.m., Monday, November 15, Room 9207, Res. Code 4834

VOLKSFEIND (Enemy of the People) directed by Andreas Kriegenberg (1997)
A stunning quasi-expressionistic Hannover production.


ENDSTATION AMERIKAdirected by Frank Castorf (2001) ** At the Goethe Institut

A radical re-interpretation of Tennessee William's masterpiece, A Streetcar Named Desire, from one of Germany's preeminent cutting-edge directors.
7:00 p.m., Monday, November 29, Goethe Institut, 1014 Fifth Avenue, 1.212.439.8705, Res. Code: 4841

DREI SCHWESTERN (Three Sisters) directed by Christoph Marthaler (2002)

Zürich Schauspielhaus director Marthaler's take on Chekhov's classic.
6:30 p.m., Monday, December 6, Room 9207, Res. Code 4842

DIE STADT ALS BEUTE (The City as Booty) directed by René Pollesch (2002)

Honored as both "Playwright of the Year" and "Author of the Year" in Germany in 2002, Pollesch's theatrical patchwork challenges conventional dramaturgy, providing a fascinating and provocative sensual feast.
6:30 p.m., Monday, December 13, Room 9207, Res. Code 4883


Conference on Vijay Tendulkar

This conference will examine and pay tribute to the theatre and film work of Vijay Tendulkar. He is author of Sakharam binder (Sakharam the Bookbinder, 1972) and Ghashiram kotwal (1972), one of the longest-running musicals in the world, with over 6,000 performances in India and abroad, and of films like Nishant (The End of the Night, 1975), Akrosh (Rage, 1980), and Aghat (The Wound, 1986), which defined the paradigm for the "middle cinema" movement in India. Vijay Tendulkar will give the keynote address.
1-5 p.m., Wednesday, October 6, Martin E. Segal Theatre
Res. Code 4909. Free. $10 suggested donation guarantees a seat; guaranteed seat to CUNY students who RSVP. Call Continuing Education and Public Programs at 1.212.817.8215, or continuinged@gc.cuny.edu.

Celebration: An Evening with Vijay Tendulkar

Join us for an evening celebrating Vijay Tendulkar, a leading contemporary Indian playwright, screen and television writer, literary essayist, political journalist, and social commentator. For the past four decades he has been the most influential dramatist and theatre personality in the Marathi language. Born in Bombay in 1928, he is the author of thirty full-length plays and twenty-three one-act plays, several of which have become classics of modern Indian theatre. The evening will include a reading of excerpts from the upcoming NYC production of Sakharam Binder by The Play Company; short excerpts of his major films; a moderated interview with the playwright; and the presentation of a Lifetime Award by The Indo-American Arts Council.
6:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 6, Martin E. Segal Theatre
Res. Code 4910. Free $10 suggested donation guarantees a seat; guaranteed seat to CUNY students who RSVP. Call Continuing Education and Public Programs at 1.212.817.8215, or continuinged@gc.cuny.edu.


Les Nuits de la Colère (Nights of Fury)

A Staged Reading of Armand Salacrou's classic

In Nazi-controlled Chartres in April, 1944, a resistance fighter who has blown up a train is killed by the Gestapo, and the friend who betrayed him to a collaborator is executed by other resistance members. Nights of Fury travels back in time to uncover the secrets of the betrayal and to examine the ethics of anti-Nazi sabotage and law-and-order collaboration with the authorities. Written by Armand Salacrou-one of the most original voices of his generation and the equal of Sartre and Anouilh-Nights of Fury premiered in 1946. The Horizon Theatre Rep uses the most pressing contemporary issues of our day as criteria for choosing plays. Daniel Gerould (Moderator), Lucille Lortel Distinguished Professor of Theatre, The Graduate Center, CUNY; Rafael De Mussa, Artistic Director of Horizon Theatre Rep.
7 p.m., Wednesday, October 27, Martin E. Segal Theatre
Res. Code 4817. Free. $10 suggested donation guarantees a seat; guaranteed seat to CUNY students who RSVP. Call Continuing Education and Public Programs at 1.212.817.8215, or continuinged@gc.cuny.edu.


Via Toledo by Night by Raffaele Viviani, American Premiere

A Dramatic Reading with Neapolitan Music and Song

In this unique 1918 one-act musical play the night life on Via Toledo, one of Naples' major thoroughfares, comes alive as those struggling to make a living-street vendors, bakers, hackney drivers-intermingle with vagabonds, petty gangsters, pimps, prostitutes, the police, and the wealthy bon vivants. Viviani's social criticism, his bitter yet comic vision of the lives of the Neapolitan poor, caught the attention of such artists as Maxim Gorky but also led to censorship by Mussolini's Fascist regime. Neapolitan playwright, actor, singer, director, and composer, Viviani (1888-1950) wrote over sixtyfive musical plays, many of which are still performed today. This American premiere will be followed by a fifteen-minute excerpt from La Tavola dei poveri (The poor table) 1932, a film starring Viviani, and discussion.
Directed by Jane House with Allan Atlas, concertina, David Cannata, piano, and 18 performers.
Producer: Jane House Productions
6:00 p.m., Monday, November 1, 2004, Elebash Recital Hall
Res. Code 4772. Free. To reserve call Continuing Education and Public Programs at 1.212.817.8215, or continuinged@gc.cuny.edu.
Cosponsors: Istituto Italiano di Cultura of New York, and Barry S. Brook Center for Music Research and Documentation, Martin E. Segal Theatre Center, Continuing Education and Public Programs, CUNY Graduate Center


"Contemporary Theatre Abroad" Series

Argentina

Jean Graham-Jones, Professor of Theatre at The Graduate Center and Hunter College, and Milton Loayza will introduce the work of acclaimed Argentine playwright Ricardo Monti, who will join the evening. A staged reading of two scenes from two different plays by Ricardo Monti, a short video, moderated discussion and a Q & A.
6:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 2, Martin E. Segal Theatre Center
MESTC Reservation only: fhentschker@gc.cuny.edu

Mexico

While preparing the upcoming BAM production of FAUST writer/director John Jesurun (New York) and director Martin Acosta (Mexico) will present the work of a young Mexican playwright, who will be present. The evening will feature a staged reading of excerpts of a play, a short video, moderated discussion and a Q & A.
6:30 p.m., Monday, November 8, Martin E. Segal Theatre
MESTC Reservation only: fhentschker@gc.cuny.edu


An Evening of Witkiewicz

With the Theatre of a Two-Headed Calf

Painter, playwright, philosopher, novelist, and expert on drugs, S.I. Witkiewicz (1885-1939), known as Witkacy, is now recognized as a major figure of the twentieth-century avant-garde. Join us to celebrate the latest Martin E. Segal Center publication, Seven Plays by Stanislaw Ignacy Witkiewicz, translated and edited by Daniel Gerould. The evening will feature a scene from Tumor Brainiowicz, staged by the Theatre of a Two-Headed Calf, directed by Brooke O'Hara with music by Brendan Connelly-a highlight of the 2002 La MaMa season. The evening will also feature short excerpts from films of productions of several Witkacy plays, pop and operatic musical settings of his texts, and projections of his paintings and portraits. Daniel Gerould (Moderator), Lucille Lortel Distinguished Professor of Theatre, The Graduate Center, CUNY.
7 p.m., Monday, November 15, Martin E. Segal Theatre
Res. Code 4821. Free. $10 suggested donation guarantees a seat; guaranteed seat to CUNY students who RSVP. Call Continuing Education and Public Programs at 1.212.817.8215, or continuinged@gc.cuny.edu.


The Magic World of Puppet Artist Basil Twist:

Dogugaeshi, A Tribute to Japanese Puppet Theatre

Explore the marvelous world of Basil Twist. Through his highly imaginative work, Twist has become one of America's most important young puppet artists. His groundbreaking approach has resulted in commissions from Lincoln Center, PBS, and now the Japan Society. Twist will discuss his career, demonstrate his craft, and provide insight into the creative process of his latest work, Dogugaeshi, inspired by age-old techniques in Japanese puppet theatre. Dogugaeshi's world premiere- featuring original music performed by Yumiko Tanaka-will take place at the Japan Society on November 18-23, 2004. Basil Twist, puppet artist; Obie award winner, Symphonie Fantastique (1999); Petrushka (2001); Eileen Blumenthal (Moderator), world puppet expert; Yumiko Tanaka, Shamisen master and composer. Cosponsored by the Martin E. Segal Theatre Center and the Japan Society.
6 p.m., Friday, November 19, Harold M. Proshansky Auditorium
Res. Code 4907. Free. $10 suggested donation guarantees a seat; guaranteed seat to CUNY students who RSVP. Call Continuing Education and Public Programs at 1.212.817.8215, or continuinged@gc.cuny.edu.


In an exclusive performance for The Graduate Center, George Bartenieff, one of the stars of New York Off- and Off-Off Broadway theatre since the early 1960s, will present The Klemperer Diaries, possibly the most important documents recording firsthand experiences of German fascism, and a timely portrayal of one man's struggle to maintain his humanity in the face of barbarism. Protected by his non-Jewish wife Eva Schlemmer and his record as a front-line veteran of WWI, Klemperer began early on to record in his diary forbidden sentiments of resistance while keeping a careful record of the new restrictive laws and prohibitions. The New York Times wrote about this major performance in Bartenieff's career: "Virtuosic ... a masterpiece." Directed and coadapted by Karen Malpede. A discussion will follow with George Bartenieff, graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and winner of three OBIE awards, and Dr. Steven Gorelick, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, The Graduate Center, CUNY, and 2001 recipient of a residential faculty fellowship at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, to examine The Klemperer Diaries.

7 p.m., Monday, November 29, Martin E. Segal Theatre
Res. Code 4819. Free. $10 suggested donation guarantees a seat; guaranteed seat to CUNY students who RSVP. Call Continuing Education and Public Programs at 1.212.817.8215, or continuinged@gc.cuny.edu.

Cosponsored by Theatre Three Collaborative, Inc. and Continuing Education and Public Programs, The Graduate Center, CUNY


The Opening Up of Japan in 1853: An evening about Pacific Overtures, a new production coming to Roundabout Theatre, produced by Gorgeous Entertainment

Join us for an extraordinary evening celebrating the Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim's 1976 musical masterpiece, Pacific Overtures, based on the production seen at Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center Festival. This firework of an evening will feature a live performance segment from the upcoming production at the Roundabout Theatre, a stunning audio/visual presentation, and a lively discussion between Amon Miyamoto, the foremost director of musicals in Japan, who directed the revival, and Pulitzer Prizewinning historian, Dr. John W. Dower of MIT. The discussion will explore the cultural interactions and conflicts that resulted from the opening up of Japan by Commodore Perry and his "Black Ships" in 1853. Dr. Dower will present extraordinary artwork from both sides of this historic encounter. Additional artwork will be exhibited in the lobby this evening only. Panelists: John W. Dower, Elting T. Morison Professor of History, MIT; Carol Gluck (Moderator), George Sansom Professor of Japanese History, Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University; Amon Miyamoto, director of musicals in Japan and the first Japanese director ever on Broadway; Michael Wolk, producer, Gorgeous Entertainment.

7 p.m., Monday, November 22, Harold M. Proshansky Auditorium
Res. Code 4814. Free. $10 suggested donation guarantees a seat; guaranteed seat to CUNY students who RSVP. Call Continuing Education and Public Programs at 1.212.817.8215, or continuinged@gc.cuny.edu.

Cosponsored by Martin E. Segal Theatre Center; Gorgeous Entertainment; Scott Shunk, MIT "Visualizing Cultures, Black Ships, and Samurai" Project; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Apple Computer; Columbia University; The Ph.D. Program in Theatre, The Graduate Center, CUNY; Roundabout Theatre Company; Japan Foundation; and the Consulate General of Japan in New York.


A Conversation with Artists, moderated by Bonnie Marranca

A conversation bringing together several artists who rewrite, stage, or otherwise reinterpret classic plays. The evening will examine the return to the classics in America and abroad as well as the relationship between the avant-garde and classics. Both American culture and European culture will be discussed as definers of a "canon" and interpreter of classical plays. The panel will include John Jesurun, Marianne Weems, Lee Breuer, and others.

Bonnie Marranca is co-founder/Editor of the arts publishing house PAJ and continues to edit PAJ: A Journal of Performance and Art, now in its twenty-eighth year. She is also the author of two collections of essays, Ecologies of Theatre and Theatrewritings, and has edited several anthologies, including Conversations on Art and Performance, Interculturalism and Performance, Plays for the End of the Century, and The Theatre of Images. She is a Guggenheim Fellow, Fulbright Senior Scholar, and winner of the George Jean Nathan Award for Dramatic Criticism. She has taught and lectured in numerous American and European universities, most recently at the Institut del Teatre in Barcelona.

7 p.m., Monday, December 6, Martin E. Segal Theatre
MESTC Reservation only: fhentschker@gc.cuny.edu



To view programs from previous semesters click on the link below.
Past Programs


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