In the News

 

Living the Dream

Tom Weber

January 8, 2009

 

For Gregory Stavrou, this month is all about a dream.

Stavrou is executive director of Rochester Civic Theatre, which through January is combining with the Rochester Diversity Council to present a series of events called "A Celebration of Diversity and Inclusivity."

 

"Martin Luther King's dream is so fundamental, and we want to know what is the status of Martin Luther King's dream right now," Stavrou said.

 

The series begins Friday and includes plays, films, a concert and discussions.

 

"The hope is that by having a month-long series of events," Stavrou said, "there will be more of an opportunity to examine these issues."

 

Stavrou said several issues related to diversity are present in RCT's play "The Music Lesson," which opens Friday and runs through Jan. 25. The play is about Bosnian refugees who come to the United States to begin a new life.

 

"I felt the play was a very exciting and bold choice, and I started thinking about our theater and our responsibility to our community," Stavrou said. "It struck me that many of the themes explored in 'The Music Lesson' are themes of healing, appreciation, cultures coming together. It's a wonderful dovetailing with Martin Luther King's dream"

 

Here's a roundup of what's offered as part of "A Celebration of Diversity and Inclusivity" at Rochester Civic Theatre:

 

*"The Music Lesson" Friday through Jan. 25. A panel discussion of refugee issues and a light dinner follow the Jan. 18 performance.

 

*"Little Rock Central: 50 Years Later," a documentary film followed by discussion, 6 p.m. Monday. Free. Food and drink available for purchase before the film.

 

*"Jump at the Sun: The Life and Times of Zora Neale Hurston," a play by the Jungle Theatre of Minneapolis, 7 p.m. Jan. 20. Tickets: $15 in advance, $17 the day of the performance.

 

*"The Great Debaters," a film starring Denzel Washington, followed by discussion, 6 p.m. Jan. 27. Free. Food and drink available for purchase before the film.

 

* Jearlyn Steele concert, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29. Steele frequently performs on "A Prairie Home Companion." Tickets: $22.50.

 

* Poetry Slam contest winners in grades 3-12 will perform their work, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 31. Free.

 

All events are at Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 Civic Center Drive S.E. For tickets, call 282-8481.

 

© 2009 Post Bulletin. Used by permission.