Sept. 26, 2011
By Ari Massefski
With the fall semester in full swing, dozens of exciting recitals, speakers and performances have been scheduled at GW. Here are some highlights:
Brady Gallery Presents Kay Jackson: Environmental Works
Until Oct. 14, the work of alumna Kay Jackson will be on display at the Luther W. Brady Art Gallery on the second floor of the Media and Public Affairs Building. The exhibit features a series of plaster box constructions, adorned with various intimate designs that draw attention to the environment and sustainability efforts at GW.
Alumni Regional Artist Series Exhibit
The GW 20th Anniversary Alumni Artist Series Fall 2011 Exhibit includes more than 25 landscape and still -life paintings. The exhibit will celebrate the 20th anniversary of GW’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus. On Sept. 29, a reception will be held at 6 p.m. for four GW alumni — Dean Taylor Drewyer, M.F.A. ’86; Sharon Moody, M.F.A. ’95; Alexia Scott, M.F.A. ’95; and Bradley Stevens, B.A. ’76, M.F.A. ’79 — whose paintings are featured in the exhibit. The reception also will feature John Albertson, solo guitarist and GW adjunct professor of music. The exhibit will be on display until Oct. 21.
Circle Mirror Transformation
The GW Department of Theatre and Dance will perform Circle Mirror Transformation, a 2009 play by American playwright Annie Baker. Set in Shirley, Vt., this five-character play focuses on a drama class in a small-town community center. There will be evening performances on Oct. 13, 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday afternoon matinee at 2 p.m. on Oct. 16.
David Sedaris
On Oct. 17 at 8 p.m., David Sedaris, one of America’s most prominent humor writers, will speak at GW’s Lisner Auditorium. Mr. Sedaris is the best-selling author of Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day and Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modern Bestiary, among others. He is also a frequent contributor to public radio’s “This American Life.” Tickets are available for GW students at the Lisner Auditorium box office.
Ieva Jokubavicuite
As a part of the newly endowed Stanley Yeskel Visiting Artists series, at GW’s Marvin Betts Theatre, Lithuanian pianist Ieva Jokubaviciute will perform numerous pieces from Mozart in this recital on Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m. The event, which will take place in GW’s Marvin Betts Theatre, is free and open to the public.
Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman
From the classic British rock band YES, Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman will make a stop at GW’s Lisner Auditorium Oct. 23 on a special tour this fall. Mr. Anderson formed the band in 1968, and they continue to perform more than 40 years later. The event is at 7 p.m.
The Merchant of Venice
Beginning on Nov. 3, the GW Department of Theater and Dance will perform William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. Believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598, the play is remembered for the towering character Shylock and his famous “pound of flesh” speech. Performances will be on Nov. 3, 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. and on Nov. 6 at 2 p.m.
Ananiashvili-Ratmansky Ballet Gala
World-famous ballerina Nina Ananiashvili will perform three classic ballets from choreographer Alexei Ratmansky during this special event in GW’s Lisner Auditorium on Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Ananiashvili will be joined on stage by dancers from Russia and Georgia. Tickets are still available.
French Colors
On Nov. 9, the GW Chamber Choir will perform Gabriel Fauré's Requiem and the music of Saint Saens and Debussy at St. Stephen-Martyr Church, 2436 Pennsylvania Ave. This event, which begins at 7:30 p.m., is free and open to the public.
Fall DanceWorks
From concert director Anthony Gongora and starring guest artist Vicky Shick, this performance will feature internationally acclaimed guest artists and faculty as well as student choreographers. Performances will be Nov. 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m.
New Frontiers
The GW Orchestra will perform works exploring change, creation and the exploration of new horizons in this performance at 3 p.m. on Nov. 13 at GW’s Lisner Auditorium. The performance is free and open to the public.
Yamato: The Drummers of Japan
Formed in 1993, this company of taiko drummers from Yamato, Japan, has performed more than 2,000 times in 51 different countries. Their drums are made of animal skin and wood from nearly 400-year-old trees. This performance, named Gamushara, will be Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. in GW’s Lisner Auditorium. Tickets are available through the box office.