Author Archives: twebb1

Tamagawa Taiko (4/1, 7PM, Lang Concert Hall)

Taiko drumming has been a feature of the College’s dance offerings for nearly a decade, thanks largely to the efforts of Associate Professor of Dance  Kim Arrow . This event showcases the significant relationship between the College and Tamagawa University in Japan.  The renowned Tamagawa Taiko Drum and Dance Group return to Philadelphia for a week of performances as part of the Greater Philadelphia Cherry Blossom Festival. In the first stop in their annual tour, the Taiko drummers and dancers from Tamagawa University will perform with colorful costumes, intricate dances and thundering drums.  Truly one of the highlights of the Festival, Tamagawa’s performances are a delight for the whole family. Heart-pounding drum rhythms intermingle with elegant dances in breath-taking fashion to create unforgettable memories. Experience the relentless energy and stunning visuals as Tamagawa takes you on a journey through ancient and modern Japan.

Arrow, an accomplished dancer and choreographer, is the recipient of two Fulbright Fellowships and a Pew Fellowship in the Arts for choreography, among other awards. He joined Swarthmore’s faculty in 1991 and teaches a taiko repertory class.

For more info on this event and other Cherry Blossom Festival offerings: http://sakura.japanphilly.org/

 

Tamagawa Taiko (4/1, 7PM, Lang Concert Hall)

Taiko drumming has been a feature of the College’s dance offerings for nearly a decade, thanks largely to the efforts of Associate Professor of Dance  Kim Arrow . This event showcases the significant relationship between the College and Tamagawa University in Japan.  The renowned Tamagawa Taiko Drum and Dance Group return to Philadelphia for a week of performances as part of the Greater Philadelphia Cherry Blossom Festival. In the first stop in their annual tour, the Taiko drummers and dancers from Tamagawa University will perform with colorful costumes, intricate dances and thundering drums.  Truly one of the highlights of the Festival, Tamagawa’s performances are a delight for the whole family. Heart-pounding drum rhythms intermingle with elegant dances in breath-taking fashion to create unforgettable memories. Experience the relentless energy and stunning visuals as Tamagawa takes you on a journey through ancient and modern Japan.

Arrow, an accomplished dancer and choreographer, is the recipient of two Fulbright Fellowships and a Pew Fellowship in the Arts for choreography, among other awards. He joined Swarthmore’s faculty in 1991 and teaches a taiko repertory class.

For more info on this event and other Cherry Blossom Festival offerings: http://sakura.japanphilly.org/

 

Michelle Fennell’s Honors Thesis: Paula Vogel’s THE BALTIMORE WALTZ

Sex!  Intrigue!  Stuffed bunnies! The Swarthmore College Department of Theater the Honors Directing Thesis of Paula Vogel’s THE BALTIMORE WALTZ on Friday, March 30th at 7PM, Saturday, March 31st at  7PM and Sunday, April 1st at 2PM and 7PM in the LPAC Frear Ensemble Theatre.  Directed by senior Honors student Michelle Fennell with Alexandra Izdebski, Ben Hattem, and Sam ‘Swift’ Shuker Haines and scenic design by Eric Verhasselt, costume design by Ryane Disken-Cahill, lighting by David Todaro and sound by Mark Valenzuela.

Written by Paula Vogel in 1988 just after her own brother’s death, the play is a farcical envisioning of Anna, a thirty-something spinster and grade school teacher, and her brother Carl’s trip to Europe after one of them gets diagnosed with an incurable illness.  They, along with Carl’s childhood toy named Bunny, try to make the most of their vacation, even when a sinister Third Man enters the picture.  Part homage to Vogel’s brother, part social commentary, part innuendos, the text is a series of connected and usually comedic vignettes as we tour the stereotyped European countryside.

Will the doctor in Vienna have answers for them?  Or is he just in it for the urine samples?  Will Anna ever satiate her lust?  And what are Carl and the mysterious Third Man doing with those bunnies?

For more information please contact Tara Webb at 610.328.8260 or email lpacevents@swarthmore.edu. Swarthmore College encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you or anyone in your party anticipate needing any type of special accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please let us know or contact Susan Smythe, ADA Program Manager at 610-690-2063 in advance of your participation or visit.

Flamenco Master Class with Rosario Toledo (Tues, 3/27)

Pasión y Arte, Philadelphia’s all-female flamenco dance company, will host the First Philadelphia Flamenco Festival this year from March 19th – April 1st. The festival features the work of Rosario Toledo, an internationally renowned Spanish dancer/choreographer, as well as film screenings, master classes, a symposium of expert panelists, and post-performance discussions and receptions.

Rosario Toledo is an innovator. A master dance artist, she re-imagines traditional flamenco through layered storytelling and humor, challenging the limitations of gender roles. Initially trained in Spanish dance and Classical ballet in the Conservatory of Dance in her hometown of Cadiz, Rosario Toledo graduated from the prestigious Conservatory of Dance in Sevilla. Toledo has worked with top flamenco artists, including Israel Galvan, Antonio Canales, Javier Latorre, Eva la Yerbabuena, Belen Maya, Manuela Carrasco, and El Guito, among others. She has collaborated with internationally renowned singers and musicians such as Jose Merce, Miguel Poveda, Duquentde, Jose Antonio Rodriguez, and Arcangel.

The second of the 3 FREE Master Classes with Rosario Toledo will be offered at Swarthmore College (March 27th), then Bryn Mawr College (March 28th) and also Temple University (March 19th). Please note that advance pre-registration IS required for participation in the master classes (email: info@pasionyarteflamenco.org) but all the Flamenco festival symposium and events are FREE and open to the community.  The Swarthmore College class will take place at 1:15PM in the Boyer Dance Studio on Tuesday 3/27.

All performances and events at:
Christ Church Neighborhood House
20 North American Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(unless otherwise noted)

EVENT & TICKET INFO for the festival:
Call 215-921-8126, or visit our website: www.pasionyarteflamenco.org

Flamenco Master Class with Rosario Toledo (Tues, 3/27)

Pasión y Arte, Philadelphia’s all-female flamenco dance company, will host the First Philadelphia Flamenco Festival this year from March 19th – April 1st. The festival features the work of Rosario Toledo, an internationally renowned Spanish dancer/choreographer, as well as film screenings, master classes, a symposium of expert panelists, and post-performance discussions and receptions.

Rosario Toledo is an innovator. A master dance artist, she re-imagines traditional flamenco through layered storytelling and humor, challenging the limitations of gender roles. Initially trained in Spanish dance and Classical ballet in the Conservatory of Dance in her hometown of Cadiz, Rosario Toledo graduated from the prestigious Conservatory of Dance in Sevilla. Toledo has worked with top flamenco artists, including Israel Galvan, Antonio Canales, Javier Latorre, Eva la Yerbabuena, Belen Maya, Manuela Carrasco, and El Guito, among others. She has collaborated with internationally renowned singers and musicians such as Jose Merce, Miguel Poveda, Duquentde, Jose Antonio Rodriguez, and Arcangel.

The second of the 3 FREE Master Classes with Rosario Toledo will be offered at Swarthmore College (March 27th), then Bryn Mawr College (March 28th) and also Temple University (March 19th). Please note that advance pre-registration IS required for participation in the master classes (email: info@pasionyarteflamenco.org) but all the Flamenco festival symposium and events are FREE and open to the community.  The Swarthmore College class will take place at 1:15PM in the Boyer Dance Studio on Tuesday 3/27.

All performances and events at:
Christ Church Neighborhood House
20 North American Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(unless otherwise noted)

EVENT & TICKET INFO for the festival:
Call 215-921-8126, or visit our website: www.pasionyarteflamenco.org

Join Production Ensemble 2012 for a romp with IVONA, PRINCESS OF BURGUNDIA!

Join the Production Ensemble 2012 in a romp with Witold Gombrowicz’ IVONA, PRINCESS OF BURGUNDIA. The play is a dark, grotesque and very funny fairy tale about a kingdom that is reduced to absurdity by a passive, unappealing heroine. The appalling Ivona manages to expose everyone’s most shameful secrets without doing a thing.

Written in 1938 by renowned Polish playwright, author and philosopher Witold Gombrowicz, the play is a classic of the Polish repertoire. Directed by Elizabeth Stevens with Set Design by Matt Saunders, Costume Design by Laila Swanson, Sound Design by Michael Kiley, and Lighting Design by James P. Murphy.

Shows are Friday, March 23rd, 2012 at 4:30PM and 9PM, Saturday, March 24th at 2PM and 8PM, and Sunday, March 25th at 2PM.

The 2012 Production Ensemble is:
Alejandro Bellon, Madeline Charne, Amelia Dornbush, Michael Edmiston, Hannah Hammel, Alexandra Isdebski, Hannah Kosman, Jeannette Leopold, Josh McLucas, Sebastián Bravo Montenegro, Sophia Naylor, Sasha Rojarin, Patrick Ross, Anna Russell, Nina Šerbedzija, & Glenn Stott.