University to host two plays — one comedy, one tragedy
Absurdity of prejudice, power of diversity
As part of its programming for Black History Month in February, the University of Maine at Presque Isle will host the “Black-Jew Dialogues” — a two-actor comedy that deals with prejudice and multiculturalism in an innovative way — on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m., in the auditorium at Wieden Hall. The show is free and the public is invited to attend.
The “Black-Jew Dialogues” is an entertaining, thought-provoking PG-13 performance that explores the absurdity of prejudice and racism and the power of diversity. The program combines fast-paced sketches and improvisation with multi-media, puppets, and a game show, and includes a post-show discussion. This mixture of media, theater and dialogue creates a show that has gained praise from universities, high schools, synagogues and theatres across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
Created to begin a new discussion about race and diversity in America, this provocative comedy models cross-generational as well as cross-cultural dialogue. The goal of the show is to promote open, honest and respectful conversations about our differences and move audiences into action. Produced by Emmy-award winner Ron Jones and veteran performer Larry Jay Tish, the BJD is an exhilarating and insightful look at the state of race and cultural relations in America.
“We decided to bring this group to campus because they address diversity in a funny, comedic but very poignant and thought-provoking way,” said Vanessa Pearson, coordinator of student activities and leadership development. “With our ever increasingly diverse society, this performance explores the true nature of prejudice and how our inability to face our biases separates us in ways we might not even be aware of. Most importantly, it causes us to really think about our beliefs and why we have them.”
To learn more about the “Black-Jew Dialogues,” visit http://dialoguesondiversity.com/thebjd.
Shakespeare LIVE! to perform ‘Macbeth’
The University of Maine at Presque Isle will host Shakespeare LIVE!, a theater troupe that has performed for more than half a million students since 1997, for a performance, “Macbeth,” on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m., in the auditorium at Wieden Hall. “Macbeth” is one of Shakespeare’s most dark and powerful works and best experienced as the playwright intended — live on stage. $10 public donations will be accepted at the door to go toward future cultural programming.
As the educational touring wing of The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Shakespeare LIVE! productions are hailed as innovative, visually stunning and accessible to students. While the texts are abridged, the troupe prides itself on keeping Shakespeare’s language intact and delivering performances that are dynamic and appealing, exciting and engaging, and witty and imaginative.
Audience members who would like to learn more about the play, its characters and their motivations, and its historical background, are invited to come early and enjoy a pre-show talk with members of the troupe at 6:30 p.m. The performance will be followed by a short question-and-answer session.
Through special arrangement, the troupe also will be offering two theater workshops at UMPI during the day of their performance to provide high school students with an opportunity to learn about Shakespeare’s work.
Written in 1606 in honor of James I, the new Scottish-born King of England, “Macbeth” is Shakespeare’s shortest and darkest tragedy. Referred to in theater circles as “the Scottish play” because many consider the play cursed, “Macbeth” is based on Holinshed’s “Chronicles,” written in 1587, the source of many of Shakespeare’s historical plays.
The troupe has asked that audience members please be seated five minutes before the program begins. No recording during the play is allowed. For more information on either event, call 768-9452 or email info@umpi.edu.
