UMS presents exclusive U.S. performances of 'Boris Godunov'
ANN ARBOR – The University Musical Society (UMS) presents six performances of "Boris Godunov" at the University of Michigan Sports Coliseum. Declan Donnellan's critically-acclaimed production of Alexander Pushkin's only full-length stage play takes place on the Ann Arbor campus from Wednesday, Oct. 29 through Sunday, Nov. 2. Performance times are 8 pm on Wednesday through Saturday, and 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The performances are in Russian with simultaneous English supertitle translation.
The production is presented as part of the University of Michigan's multi-disciplinary festival celebrating the 300th anniversary of the founding of St. Petersburg, Russia and is funded in part by the University of Michigan. This production will be seen in only two U.S. cities (the other is Arizona State University in Tempe).
"Boris Godunov" was written in 1825 when Alexander Pushkin was in exile at his family's estate. Pushkin was particularly inspired by William Shakespeare's History plays, for their character development and for the extraordinary ability to make complicated issues in a turbulent time relatively comprehensible. The play follows a climactic struggle for power in tsarist Russia. Money, corruption, sex, blood, and betrayal thicken the plot in what has remained a radical play, with ongoing resonance for the Russian people. The play covers a period of seven years in 23 short scenes. Although it was Pushkin's only stage play, it was published just once in his lifetime and was the victim of censorship.
This particular staging led the University Musical Society to seek out a non-traditional venue for the production, which in Ann Arbor will take place in the Sports Coliseum, a converted ice rink that hosts the men's varsity gymnastics team.
The University Musical Society was founded in 1879 and presents its 125th season in 03/04. One of the oldest performing arts presenters in the country, UMS serves diverse audiences through multi-disciplinary performing arts programs in presentation, creation, and education.
For tickets or additional information, contact the University Musical Society at 734-764-2538 or online at http://www.ums.org. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the League Ticket Office (911 North University Avenue).
Black Tie Awards and Homecoming Benefit at Detroit Repertory Theatre
DETROIT – The Detroit Repertory Theatre's annual Black Tie Awards & Homecoming Benefit will occur Saturday evening November 8,2003. The Honorable Jennifer Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan is the Honorary Chair.
The event brings together long time theatre supporters and dignitaries who appreciate the artistic and civic commitment to Detroit and the State of Michigan. Since 1957, the Detroit Repertory Theatre introduced thousands of low to moderate income people to the cultural and educational benefits that intimate professional theatre provides.
The Rep is a designated Cultural Anchor Organization of the State of Michigan. According to a report from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs, "One may only begin to appreciate more fully the DRT's positive effects on the quality of life in Detroit by an examination of how it fulfills its artistic mission, not only through its theatrical productions but its education and outreach programs, as well as the partnerships the theatre has forged with the surrounding community."
A champagne and appetizer reception will start the evening at 6:30, followed by the DRT Subscriber Awards and a performance of the comedy "Here & There" by Esther Blumenfeld. An afterglow will follow.
The theme for this year's event is "Own a Piece of the Rep." Contributions will be allocated to the Repertory's Renewal Campaign to upgrade facilities and theatre operations. The capital funds raised will help to insure that the Detroit Repertory Theatre's reputation as a "cultural jewel" remains polished.
Benefit tickets are $50 each. Tax deductible contributions should be made out to the Detroit Repertory Theatre, 13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit MI 48238. Phone Maryl Kacir, 313-868-1347, if you wish additional information.
