December 2004

Performing Arts Light Up Stage

Although the weather has grown cold, the performing arts at AU are far from hibernating this winter.

Earlier this month, both the Kay Spiritual Life Center and the Greenberg Theatre hosted many sold out performances. “AU in Motion,” a student-choreographed dance showcase at the Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, included traditional ballet to modern hip-hop and break dancing. That same weekend, the AU Chorus and Chamber Singers performed Carl Orff’s "Carmina Burana" in Kay, conducted by Daniel Abraham, assistant professor and program director in the Department of Performing Arts. The choral performances also featured the Children’s Chorus of Washington.

Not to be outdone by the previous weekend of song and dance, the AU Jazz Ensemble played “A Swingin’ Affair” in the Greenberg Theatre on December 10 and 11 – also to a full house. Conducted by William Smith, the Jazz Ensemble performed arrangements by nationally known trumpeter/arranger Thad Wilson and also featured internationally acclaimed saxophonist Gary Thomas, director of the jazz studies program at the world renowned Peabody Institute in Baltimore.

While winter break has barely begun, AU performing arts students are already looking ahead to the spring semester’s offerings. Rehearsals will commence soon for two Department of Performing Arts dramas. DPA will perform Antigone, Sophocles’ classic Greek tragedy, on Feb. 4 and 5. Linking the classical to the contemporary, the DPA’s performance of Antigone interweaves theatre, music, dance, and sign language.

Then in March, DPA will be performing Our Country’s Good, a drama based on the novel The Playmaker by Thomas Keneally. Written by Timberlake Wertenbaker, Our Country’s Good tells the story of a camp of Australian prisoners who are contracted to put on a play for the king’s birthday. Despite its seemingly grim matter, Our Country’s Good is full of humor and joy, empowering the fervor of the human spirit. Our Country’s Good, directed by Cara Gabriel, will be performed March 16 through 20 at the Greenberg Theatre.

For a full list for upcoming performances, visit: http://www.american.edu/perf_arts/season/spring2005.html

To purchase tickets for any of these events, visit: http://american.tix.com

-Ashley Ferrell ‘07

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