Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
Whether Swattie, Swattie-to-be, once-a-Swattie, Swattie-at-heart, or never-going-to-be-a-Swattie, the weather is fine, and you—yeah you!—should be enjoying it. Or, you could go to these sweet arts events. There are a plethora of activities to enjoy on and off campus this weekend; here are just a featured few that in my humble opinion are rather noteworthy:
Sam Goodman’s ’10 Honors Directing thesis, Bodas de Sangre (_Blood Wedding_) by Federico Garcia Lorca, will be performed in the Frear Ensemble Theater this weekend. Bodas de Sangre draws on traditions of Spanish folklore and surrealism to spin together a play of poetry and passion. The Bride is engaged to the Groom, but she runs off with Leonardo, the son of an enemy family, on her wedding night. The Groom must pursue them into the forest, where the chase ends with a bloody conclusion. Goodman’s adaptation of the play involves a Las Vegas wedding chapel and a group of punkish neo-flappers. The show is free and open to the public, and it will be performed today and tomorrow at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm.
It’s APIA Heritage Month, and lots of really cool acts have been and will be coming to campus. One such act is Zee Avi, who will perform at Olde Club tomorrow night at 10pm. Zee Avi is a Malaysian singer-songwriter, guitarist, and ukulele player. She gained popularity through YouTube and has since had her own concerts and toured with Pete Yorn. Her website can be found here. Opening her show will be Swarthmore acts, including Dan Chung and Jenn Yi; Silbia Han and the Sunshine Boys; i20 musicians; and Eric and Claris Chang (Chang & Chang).
A little sick of Swat? Get transported with an authentic New Orleans experience in Wharton Courtyard tomorrow evening, 6:30pm to 11pm! Munch on warm beignets, sip delicious coffee, enjoy and even dance to some Gulf Coast jazz music. Contact Mara Phelan (mphelan1@swarthmore.edu) for more information. Need to go farther than New Orleans? Enjoy the music and dance of Indonesia with Swarthmore’s Gamelan Semara Santi in the Scott Ampitheater on Sunday afternoon, 3pm to 5pm. You can find more information about Gamelan at their website, here.
Or maybe, you need to actually get off campus for a while. You should check out the Free Library Festival taking place this weekend. The Free Library of Philadelphia hosts annually the Free Library Festival, which is packed with free programs for all ages. There will be free talks by bestselling authors like Sapphire and Kitty Kelley, poetry readings, musical performances, and tours of the Library’s special collections. It’s a free and fun way to spend Saturday, Sunday, or both days, and you’ll meet lots of book lovers! The library’s website, with more information, is here!
Contemporary dance company BalletX will present four new ballets this weekend. The show promises to be filled with cutting-edge choreography, beautiful bodies, breathtaking technique, and unmistakable passion. You’ll see four beautiful, engaging, and moving acts. A sneak peak: Christine Cox, artistic co-director of BalletX, celebrates spring with a piece entitled ‘X’ or ‘Y,’ a lively light work set to Mozart’s score and an electro-tango ensemble. Student tickets are just $20! The last show is Sunday at 2pm, so see it while you can! More info here.
