Margaret Garner, An New American Opera

It’s a narrative about a slave woman, but it’s not just black history, it’s an American story.

It’s a story that’s not often told.

Margaret Garner, though about the devastating decision an escaping chatteled mother makes to ensure that her children don’t live the live of servitude she and her husband did, is also about courage, commitment to family and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Written by novelist Toni Morrison and set to music by composer Richard Danielpour, the opera opens at Roosevelt University’s Auditorium Theatre November 1 and runs through November 9. Mezzo-soprano Dencye Graves plays the Garner role the first two nights, and subsequent performances star Tracie Luck.

Luck says of the opera, “It reminds us of what strong people we come from. How we once were able to come together and rely on one another. And sometimes we forget to treat others the way we want to be treated. … It’s something we need to get back to—the essence of the human spirit.”

Margaret Garner is the perfect theatrical work, especially for an opera novice because it’s performed in English, the story is easy to follow and you’ll walk away with a renewed sense of optimism about what can be done, if you put your mind to it. “Our ancestors were superhuman almost because they found strength and peace in spite all their obstacles.” says Luck.

And these are the people upon whose shoulders we stand.

Denyce Graves	(L to R): Margaret Garner composer Richard Danielpour, librettist Toni Morrison and mezzosoprano Denyce Graves. Photo credit: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders	Tracie Luck

Go There, Do That!
N’Digo’s Fall Arts Guide

Ahhh, Fall.

With the cool days of autumn here, indoor activities seem to be the preferred outlet for fun. Chicago’s fall 2008 arts scene unfolds in venues all over the Chicagoland area, from the Next Theatre in Evanston to the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park. And this season encompasses a little bit of everything, from cutting-edge plays to the classic sounds of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Put them all together and you get N’DIGO’s 2008 Fall Arts Guide, proof positive that even with the cold weather on its way, Chicago's arts scene remains as hot as ever. Don’t plan your next outing without it!

Museum of Science and Industry

MUSEUMS

Space Celebration Weekend: In conjunction with the NASA’s 50th Anniversary and the NASA Future Forums event in Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry will be hosting a space-themed celebration. On Saturday and Sunday afternoon; museum guests will be able to meet astronaut Commander Ken Ham, who will talk with them about the recent STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. Space-focused demonstrations, exhibits and activities will take place throughout the weekend. Oct.11, 2008 – Oct. 12, 2008; Museum of Science and Industry, www.msichicago.org; 773.684.1414.

Home for All Seasons Event: In conjunction with the Smart Home exhibit, don’t miss harvest activities for the fall season, including presentations on green fabrics and furnishings just in time for the cold weather. Guests are invited to “trick or treat” at the Smart Home as well as bring the kids in their best Halloween costumes made from recycled materials; the most innovative costume will be awarded a prize. Cast members from Broadway in Chicago’s Wicked will visit in the morning. Oct. 25, 2008, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Museum of Science and Industry, www.msichicago.org; 773.684.1414.

The Aztec World Exhibit

The Aztec World: A Unique View of a Mighty Empire: The Field Museum’s newest exhibition, The Aztec World, will be shown exclusively at The Field Museum. It will not travel to other venues. This exhibit gives visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the otherworldly grandeur and sophistication of one of history’s great civilizations. The Field has gathered nearly 300 artifacts including monumental works in stone, colorful ceramics, and intricate jewelry made of precious metals. Many of these treasures will be displayed for the first time outside of Mexico. Oct. 26, 2008 – April 9, 2009, Field Museum, www.fieldmuseum.org, 312.665.7683.

360 Degrees: Art beyond Borders: 360 Degrees: Art beyond Borders brings together Chicago’s leading cultural institutions—the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Poetry Foundation, and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs—for a yearlong celebration of cultural, social, and political life around the world. Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David Levering Lewis and 60 Minutes host Leslie Stahl participate. Nov. 1, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.; The Art Institute of Chicago, www.artic.edu, 312.443.3600.

The Art of Democracy: Works by 60 printmakers whose art is concerned with democracy, social activism and political change is on display in this Loyola University Museum of Art exhibition, timed to coincide with the 2008 Presidential election. The exhibition is organized by the New York Society of Etchers and includes 25 Chicago-based artists. Now through November 9. www.luc.edu/luma, 312.915.7600.

Moonstruck

One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure: Based on the popular children’s show Sesame Street, One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure features Big Bird, Elmo and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu, and is aimed at children ages 4 to 6. The planetarium show, which will be shown on an all-digital, 360º screen more than 50 feet in diameter, will be presented at the Adler in English, Spanish and Mandarin. Oct. 17, 2008 – Nov. 29, 2008, Adler Planetarium, www.adlerplanetarium.org, 312.922.STAR.

1968: Art and Politics in Chicago: In this exhibit, the political and artistic climate of 1968 will be explored in film and discussion in conjunction with the DePaul University Art Museum's Exhibit. The exhibit features the work of international luminaries such as Andy Warhol, as well as local artists such as Ellen Lanyon, Don Baum and Gladys Nilsson. Through Nov. 23, DePaul University Art Museum, http://museums.depaul.edu/artwebsite, 773.325.7506.

THEATRE

Caroline or Change

Caroline, or Change: The coins that 8-year-old Noah carelessly leaves behind in his pockets are more than just spare change to Caroline Thibodeax, an African American housekeeper working in a stifling basement laundry room in Louisiana in 1963. Blending blues, gospel, and traditional Jewish melodies in a breathtaking score, this deeply personal story from Pulitzer Prize-winning Tony Kushner (Angels in America) is drawn from the playwright’s own childhood. The vast social change-taking place in 1960s America is the perfect backdrop for a powerful story. Through Oct. 19, 2008, Court Theatre, www.CourtTheatre.org, 773.753.4472.

Porgy and Bess: You know the love story of the vixen Bess, the thug who lures her and the good-natured but lame Porgy—an indomitable spirit determined to do whatever it takes to reclaim the woman he loves. Glorious music and a top-notch cast will sweep you away to Catfish Row in this awesome Lyric Opera of Chicago production of Porgy and Bess. www.lyricopera.org, 312.332.2244.

WELL: Tony Award nominee Lisa Kron puts herself onstage in this quirky and delicious memoir about her mother’s fight for racial integration and healthy communities in Lansing, Michigan. Kron’s mother Ann takes over the memoir, and weaves a funny and touching story of her daughter’s growing up. Nov. 13, 2008 – Dec. 14, 2008, Next Theatre, www.NextTheatre.org, 847.475.1875.

Radio Macbeth: Late at night in the guts of an abandoned theater, a company of actors gathers to rehearse Shakespeare's Macbeth. They soon realize that they're not alone. As they are drawn deeper into the Bard's most magnetic play, the ghosts that have haunted the story since its inception hover and encroach. Nov. 6, 2008 – Dec. 7, 2008, Court Theatre, www.CourtTheatre.org, 773.753.4472.

DRIP: When Red Thunder, a souped-up motorcycle belonging to Cora Burton, rips through Halifax County, North Carolina, the women folks and men folks step into the road and stand in its dust. They wonder, "Is Cora back?" They wonder, "Does Charlie know?" When there is nothing to do but swat flies and sip sweet tea, the saga of Cora and Charlie fuels many a late night debate as the town argues the value of "make-do" versus "find something new." Through Nov. 9, 2008, eta Creative Arts Foundation, www.etacreativearts.org, 773.752.3955.

Young John Henry: A delightful musical about the boyhood days of the folk-myth hero John Henry, who was said to be "born with a hammer in his hand.” Recommended for students kindergarten through twelfth grade. Through Dec. 12, 2008, eta Creative Arts Foundation, www.etacreativearts.org, 773.752.3955.

The Other Cinderella

The Other Cinderella: Featuring some new twist, turns, and surprises The Other Cinderella joyously retells the familiar fairy tale with an Afro-centric twist. Just as in the “traditional” Cinderella, there is a king, a queen and a prince. But in this kingdom, everybody has soul. Oct. 19, 2008 – Dec. 28, 2008, Black Ensemble Theater, www.blackensemble.org, 773.769.4451.

MUSIC

Nicholas McGegan & Stewart Goodyear: Rising-star pianist Stewart Goodyear is known for imagination, a graceful, elegant style and exquisite technique. Goodyear is an accomplished young artist whose career spans many genres—concerto soloist, chamber musician, recitalist and composer. Don’t miss this performance! Nov. 6, 2008 – Nov. 8, 2008, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, www.cso.org, 312.294.3000.

MusicNow: The 11th season of the CSO’s contemporary MusicNOW series kicks off with two world premieres by young composers known for experimenting with nontraditional music: “Infinite Reflections” by Derrick Hodge, a Philadelphia bassist and composer and “Café con Pan” by Venezuelan-born Gonzalo Grau, known to Chicago audiences for his recent collaboration in Golijov’s “Ainadamar.” Nov. 10, 2008, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, www.cso.org, 312.294.3000.

Mavis Staples

Dip Your Big Toe: The Chicago Sinfonietta’s, third annual Chamber Music Series, (this year with Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium), explores music inspired by the world’s oceans. “Dip Your Big Toe,” celebrates the vibrancy of water and the life within it. Nov. 28, 2008, 7:30 p.m.; Shedd Aquarium, www.chicagosinfonietta.org, 312.939.2438.

Big Ideas: Chicago Sinfonietta, together with the Chicago Humanities Festival and joined by the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, performs “Big Ideas” in conjunction with the Festival’s theme, Think Big. Of the five works chosen for the evening’s bill, three will have been selected by classical music supporters via an Internet poll held earlier this year. Nov. 10, 2008, Chicago Sinfonietta, www.chicagosinfonietta.org, 312.236.3681 ext. 2.

Mavis Staples and Booker T and the MG’s: Harris Theater’s roof will be raised when two legendary soul superstars—Mavis Staples and Booker T and the MG’s—perform their own hit-filled set. The concert marks a rare 40-year reunion for the pair, having first played together in Memphis in 1968 as fellow artists on the Stax record label. Nov. 1, 2008, Harris Theater, www.harristheaterchicago.org , 312.334.7777 And check out the Old Town School of Folk Music’s weekend workshops: www.oldtownschool.org, 773.728.6000.

Muntu

DANCE

Muntu Dance: The Chicago-based Muntu Dance Theatre performs authentic and progressive interpretations of contemporary and ancient African and African American dance, music and folklore. A colorful and dynamic Company, Muntu brings its audiences out of their seats and into the aisles with its unique synthesis of dance, rhythm and song. Nov. 15, 2008 and Dec. 4, 2008 – Dec. 7, 2008, www.muntu.com, 773.241.6080.

Cie Heddy Maalem: Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring): Heddy Maalem's explosive interpretation of Stravinsky's Le Sacre du Printemps, inspired by the dense city of Lagos, Nigeria, features 14 dancers from West Africa, who are trained in both contemporary dance and the traditional dance forms of their countries of origin—Mali, Benin, Nigeria, Togo, Mozambique and Senegal. Oct. 17, 2008 – Oct. 19, 2008, Museum of Contemporary Art, www.mcachicago.org, 312.397.4010.

Joffrey Ballet

Joffrey Ballet: In the Night: The Joffrey Ballet presents a repertory program highlighting the company’s past, present and future, opening with Jerome Robbins’ romantic In the Night. With music by Frederic Chopin, this work explores human relationships in all their complexity. Oct. 15, 2008 – Oct. 26, 2008, Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, www.auditoriumtheatre.org, 312.902.1500.

Dolphins and Whales 3D: Tribes of the Ocean: Dive into a new immersive and highly emotional adventure with Dolphins and Whales 3D. This awe-inspiring documentary film presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau will take you from the dazzling coral reefs of the Bahamas to the warm depths of the waters of the exotic Kingdom of Tonga for a close encounter with the surviving tribes of the ocean. Better hurry! Oct 10, 2008, Navy Pier IMAX Theatre, www.imax.com/chicago, 312.595.5MAX.

Dolphins and Whales 3D

And MORE!

Christ Universal Temple celebrates its 52nd anniversary with special guest speaker Thurman Evans, pastor of Morning Star Community Christian Center in Colonia, New Jersey. The guest musical artist is Roderick Dixon of The Tenors. The internationally acclaimed tenor is best recognized as one of the Three Mo’ Tenors. Christ Universal Temple is a non-denominational congregation, and all are welcome. Sunday, October 13, 10:30 a.m., Christ Universal Temple, 11901 S. Ashland, www.cutemple.org, 773.568.2282.

The Chicago Publishers Gallery, a new feature of the Cultural Center, displays books and periodicals by select Chicago-area publishers and authors. Browse through publications or read them in the gallery and get a sense of the many publishing ventures that are happening in Chicago. Saturday, October 11, Chicago Cultural Center, Randolph Café, 78 E. Washington St. 312.744.6630.

Father and Son Comedy Show: As part of the 30th Anniversary Celebration, Zanies will host a special “Father & Son” comedy show. The comic talents of such father and son duos as Howard Gaskin and Mike Von will keep the audience in stitches with their funny familial antics. Oct. 30, 2008, 8 p.m.; www.zanies.com, 312. 337.4027.

44th Chicago International Film Festival: Cinema/Chicago presents the 44th competitive film festival organized to encourage better understanding between cultures and its peoples and to make a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image. This year’s film festival will showcase hundreds of features, documentaries, and short films along with numerous red carpet premieres and appearances by legendary international actors and directors. Oct. 16, 2008 – Oct. 29, 2008, www.chicagofilmfestival.org, 312.332.FILM.