Spoleto of the
T
O MARK ITS 35 ANNI- versary, Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston’s two-and- a-half week celebration of
the arts, will present one of its largest BY EILEEN ROBINSON SMITH
and most diverse
programs ever. Scheduled for May 27 through June 12, Spoleto, as always, will be a cornucopia of international offer- ings, some classic, others way out there. Te genre of opera is especially
strong this year, with Mozart’s “Te Magic Flute”; “Emile,” by famed Finn- ish composer Kaija Saariaho; and, in celebration of what would be the 100th birthday of Spoleto founder Gian Carlo Menotti, one of his most compelling operas: “Te Medium.” Te theater lineup mirrors the an- nual festival’s propensity toward Irish and British productions, with Ireland’s renowned Druid Teater presenting its award-winning “Te Cripple of Inish- maan.” Kneehigh Teatre’s contribution is its presentation of Hans Christian Anderson’s “Te Red Shoes.” And there are arresting, smaller-scale
productions as well, held in diminu- tive theaters. For example, Greenwich Village icon Edgar Oliver weaves an eccentric monologue about his decades in a decaying New York boarding house populated by misfits and other assorted losers. Anyone who has spent time in
is a work Arts
Top: Druid Theater presenting The Cripple of Inishmaan.
Center: Shen Wei Dance Arts’ exploration of Asian culture.
Bottom: Sunset Serenade on the steps of the Customs House.
the Village will want to see this engrossing, solo show titled “East 10th Street.” Under the heading of music
theater, “Te Gospel at Colo- nus” manages to marry agony with ecstasy. Tis soul-stirring sampling of African-American gospel music has elements of Greek tragedy. But were the classical Greeks ever into foot stomping?
Te 2011 dance series highlights
Shen Wei Dance Arts’ exploration of Asian culture; the exhilarating Spanish Corella Ballet; and an intimate, visual biography of contemporary dancer Cédric Andrieux. Te music part of the program
centers around the Bank of America Chamber Music series, featuring a wide range of performers who have played at Spoleto over the years. Te Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra will perform a concert featuring the works of Strauss, Debussy and Prokofiev, while a long- time festival favorite, Te Westminster Choir, will offer its traditional a cappella concerts. Te Wells Fargo Jazz series fea- tures diverse and exciting musical styles. Contemporary circus is a spectacle that comes to Spoleto every few years. Tis time, it is Australia that has sent its most innovative company, Circa, which combines heart-stopping acrobatics
14
www.ILoveMountPeasant.com |
www.ILoveCharleston.com |
www.CruisesFromCharleston.com
with edgy choreography and cheeky, Aussie humor. For the second year, the Finale at
Middleton Place will not be a classi- cal concert. Clap your hands to and for the Del McCoury Band, down- home, bluegrass boys. As always, pack a picnic and, later on, marvel at the spectacular fireworks display that will close out yet another Spoleto season. If you love the performing arts, you should experience Spoleto at least once in your life. Chances are, you’ll continue to come back year after year.
Read More Online @
iLoveCharleston.com/spoleto
Tickets to Spoleto performances are avail- able at
www.spoletousa.org or by calling (843) 579-3100.
Photo by Robert Day
Photo by Louis Greenfield
Photo by Peter Finger
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38