LEWISTON — Flamenco. Puppetry. Political satire and classic theater.
These are just some of L/A Arts’ 2012-13 season offerings that will feature dancers, theatrical performers, musicians, visual artists and more.
Executive Director Odelle Bowman said L/A Arts will also continue collaborating on new ventures like the Poet As Art: A Poetry Series with the Lewiston Public Library, and LUNAFEST, a film festival for, by and about women.
The arts organization’s MainStage Series will begin on Monday, Sept. 24, with a showing of the film “The The Invisible War” at 6 p.m. at Bates College’s Schaeffer Theater, 305 College St.
The investigative documentary by Oscar- and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick is about one of America’s most shameful secrets — the epidemic of rape within the U.S. military. The Department of Defense estimates there were a staggering 19,000 violent sex crimes committed in the military in 2010. A panel discussion led by Congresswoman Chellie Pinegree will follow. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of a canned good.
On Thursday, Sept. 27, the Aquila Theatre Company will present Edmond Rostand’s “Cyrano de Bergerac,” one of the most famous romantic adventures in world literature, in collaboration with Bates College. The classic story of unrequited love will be staged at 7:30 p.m.at Schaeffer Theater. Cost: $15. Call 782-7228 or visit www.laarts.org.
Also on Sept.27, soldier-poet Brian Turner will share his work, insight and inspiration as part of the Poet As Art: A Poetry Series. Turner is the author of two poetry collections, “Phantom Noise” and “Here, Bullet,” which won the 2005 Beatrice Hawley Award, the New York Times “Editor’s Choice” selection, the 2006 Pen Center USA “Best in the West” award, and the 2007 Poets Prize.
He served seven years in the U.S Army, including one year as an infantry team leader in Iraq with the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. Prior to that, he was deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1999-2000 with the 10th Mountain Division.
The reading/discussion will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Muskie Archives at Bates College, 70 Campus Ave. Cost: free.
On Friday, Sept. 28, at 6 p.m., Turner will give a repeat presentation at the Lewiston Public Library’s Callahan Hall.
Also on Sept. 28, the Aquila Theatre Company will present “Ancient Greeks/Modern Lives” a program of poetry, drama and dialogue designed to inspire people to come together to read, see and think about classical literature and how it influences American cultural life. Professional actors will perform a repertoire of scenes from Greek drama. “Ancient Greeks/Modern Lives” will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Lewiston Public Library’s Callahan Hall. Cost: free.
On Saturday, Sept. 29, Aquila Theatre Company will present “The Taming of the Shrew,” William Shakespeare’s play about the timeless battle of the sexes. Curtain will go up at 7:30 p.m. at Schaeffer Theatre. Cost: $15. Call 782-7228 or visit www.laarts.org.
On Friday, Oct. 5, L/A Arts will present “LunaFest: Connecting Women Through Film,” established in 2000 by LUNA, makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, LUNAFEST to connect women, their stories and their causes through film. Diverse in style and content, LUNAFEST is all about storytelling — by, for and about women. Proceeds will benefit the Breast Cancer Fund and L/A Arts. The showing will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Franco-American Heritage Center, 46 Cedar St. Cost: $15. Call 782-7228 or visit www.laarts.org.
On Friday, Oct. 12, the Dempsey Challenge Community Celebration will be held at 5 p.m. in the downtown as part of Art Walk Lewiston Auburn. Photography, paintings and sculpture will be displayed and there will be multiple musical performances — all focusing on the theme of hope, healing and survival.
On Saturday, Oct. 13, Francine Reed, who is as happy in the juke joint as in the world’s finest concert halls, will perform at 7:30 p.m. at Olin Arts Center, Bates College, 75 Russell St.
A W.C. Handy nominee for her solo recording, “I Want You to Love Me,” the widely recognized voice in Lyle Lovett’s Large Band has also collaborated with many of the most respected names in gospel, country, rhythm and blues, including Delbert McClinton and Willie Nelson.
Cost: $15 for adults/$10 for students and seniors; tickets sold at the door $2 more. Call 786-6135 or visit batestickets.universitytickets.com.
On Nov. 9, The Capital Steps, a group that gets its inspiration from the headlines of the day to create song parodies and skits jampacked with satirical humor, will perform. Capital Steps began in 1981 when staffers for Sen. Charles Percy set out to satirize the very people who employed them. The performance will be at 7:30 p.m. at Lewiston Middle School Auditorium, 75 Central Ave. Cost: $27. Call 782-7228 or visit www.laarts.org.
On Dec. 14 and 15, vaudeville performers with LAVAfest will present a family-oriented program of music and magic, mirth and mayhem. The shows will feature juggling, illusions, magic, storytelling and physical comedy. The performance will be at 7:30 p.m. at Schaeffer Theater. Cost: $20 for adults/$10 for children 12 and younger. Call 782-7228 or visit www.laarts.org.
Other MainStage Series performances include pianist Christopher O’Riley, Jan.26, at the Franco Center; and Lady Smith Black Mambazo, a male choral group from South Africa that sings in the vocal styles of isicathamiya and mbube, Feb. 8, Bates Chapel.
Also, Flamenco Vivo/Carlota Santana in “La Pasion Flamenca,” an eclectic performance of Spanish dance and music, Feb. 27, Lewiston Middle School Auditorium; and The Hot Club of San Francisco presenting “Cinema Vivant,” an evening of vintage silent films accompanied by live gypsy swing, May 10, Olin Arts Center, Bates College
Imagination Series
As part of its Imagination Series, L/A Arts will present the internationally acclaimed Cashore Marionettes’ “Simple Gifts,” portrayals and poignant scenes from everyday life set to music by composers Vivaldi, Strauss, Beethoven and Copland, Oct. 28, Olin Arts Center; and Mad River Theater Works Company in “Wings of Courage,” an original play , with music by Mad River Theater Works, based on the life of Eugene Bullard, the first African-American combat pilot and adventurer who was also a professional boxer, jazz musician and band leader in Paris in 1920s, Nov. 4, Lewiston Middle School Auditorium.
Also, “LAVAkids,” a vaudeville-style performance for children, Dec. 15, Schaeffer Theatre; and Michael Cooper, who spins tales using an unusual and colorful cast of characters, in “Masked Marvels & Wondertales,” Jan. 11, Franco Center.
For the full schedule of upcoming events and more details, visit www.laarts.org.
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