GREAT COLLABORATIONS PRESS RELEASE:
GREAT COLLABORATIONS SERIES SET
December 20, 2012
PITTSBURGH, PA -- The struggle for equality in American society for both Jews and Blacks has inspired a series of cultural programs sponsored by the August Wilson Center for African American Culture and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.
"Great Collaborations: The Alliance of Blacks and Jews in the 20th Century" is a seven-month educational and cultural series encompassing three performances, a major art exhibition and a series of Town Hall Meetings.
"Throughout the 20th century, Blacks and Jews have shared in the struggle against violence, bigotry and the fight for civil and human rights," said Sala Udin, Interim President of the August Wilson Center. "These collaborations have forever changed the world’s political and cultural landscapes, and we're excited to be exploring the history and its implications through the arts."
"This amazing series showcasing our two communities won't just explore past collaborations, but will also highlight the potential for going forward as partners," said Skip Grinberg, chair of the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation. "The prospect of engaging people in the arts to generate new ideas and an open dialogue is a very appealing one, and I hope it leads us to new collaborations in the future."
Among the programs that are part of the Greater Collaborations series are the following:
• The Nazi Olympics: Berlin 1936 exhibit, now through February 28, 2013: On loan from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the exhibit focuses on the 1936 Olympic Games, which showed the triumphs of Black and Jewish athletes – despite Hitler’s theories of “Aryan Superiority.” A partnership of the Holocaust Center of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and the August Wilson Center, where the exhibit is housed. For hours and fees, visitwww.AugustWilsonCenter.org or call 412.258.2700
• A Gershwinter Night, December 29, 8 pm, and December 30, 2 pm: A once-in-a-lifetime concert – a tribute to the music of George and Ira Gershwin, including selections from Porgy and Bess – featuring the Sean Jones International All-Star Quintet with special guest Eli Degibri, the famed Israeli saxophonist and Director of the Red Sea Jazz Festival. Rounding out the super-star quintet will be Roger Humphries on drums; Dwayne Dolphin on bass; Alton Merrell on piano; and Sean Jones on trumpet.
• The Sisters Grey, March 22 – March 24 & March 29 – 31 8pm: This theatrical presentation by Gab Cody and Lori Roper tells of two sisters in law – one Black and one Jewish – who both believe their family histories of racial oppression require retribution and sacrifice from others. A funeral, an heirloom ring which survived the Holocaust and a bevy of secrets set the stage for turmoil in this comedy that asks why we still question love outside our own tribe.
• Paving the Road of Survival, April 12 and 13, 8pm: The August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble journeys through two distinct times in history, representing our individual and collective strengths gained through our heart-wrenching pasts. Featuring "The List" choreographed by Christopher Huggins and "Dedication" choreographed by Kevin lega Jeff.
A series of Town Hall Meetings, free and open to the public, is also part of the Great Collaborations program. Meetings include:
• Tainted Games: The Politics of Race in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, December 27, 5:30pm, Jewish Community Center (5738 Forbes Ave.): Guest Speaker is Dr. David Clay Large, author of Nazi Games, The Olympics of 1936, and a reaction panel will feature Sala Udin; Joy Braunstein, Director of the Holocaust Center of the Jewish Federation; and Holocaust Educator Jason Russo.
Early 20th Century Collaborations, 1900-1930 – The Birth of the NAACP and National Urban League, February 21, 2013, 5:30pm, August Wilson Center (980 Liberty Ave.): Guest Speakers will be Dr. Esther Bush, President, Pittsburgh Urban League, and Constance Parker, President, Pittsburgh NAACP.
World War II and the Civil Rights Era, 1940-1970, March 14, 2013, 5:30pm, Center Avenue YMCA (2100 Center Ave.): Guest Speakers will be Dr. Barbara Burstin and Dr. Larry Glascoe – University of Pittsburgh Historians.
Political Maturity – Yes We Can, 1970 – 2009, Thursday, April 4, 2013, 5:30pm, Homewood Carnegie Library Auditorium (7010 Hamilton Ave.): This session will take place on the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination; guest speaker to be announced.
For ticket information about all events visit www.AugustWilsonCenter.org or call 412.456.6666. For more information visit:http://www.jfedpgh.org/greatcollaborations.aspx
Jennifer Wylie Faines
E: jennifer.faines@gmail.com
P: 412-559-2860
T: @jfaines
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfaines
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