The art, people and culture of LatinAmerica will be the focus of “LatinAmerican Realities,” a monthlong program of events that will explore the art, people and culture of Peru and Brazil.
Perú Negro Presented by Monmouth University’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences,History andAnthropology Department and Performing Arts Series, in partnership with the Two River Film Festival, programs opened Jan. 22 and will run through Feb. 22.
The programwill include artists-in-residence exhibitions and demonstrations, lectures on Latin American history, book signings, documentaries and films followed by discussion, and the food, music and dance of Peru.
Opening the programJan. 22was “Art FromLatinAmerica,” an exhibit of works by artists Gregory Aparicio, Loida Gavilán, Betty Seminario and SayaWoolfalk, which will run through Feb. 22 at the 800 Gallery and Rotary Ice House Gallery at theWest Long Branch campus.An opening receptionwill take place Friday, Feb. 1, 7-9 p.m., preceded by a lecture by the artists in Wilson Hall auditorium 6-7 p.m. A closing reception will be held Friday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m.
“Winter Garden: Hybrid Love Objects” by Saya Woolfalk Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The centerpiece of the program is an evening performance by the official ambassadors of Peruvian culture, Peru Negro, on Friday, Feb. 8, at 8 p.m. in the university’s Pollak Theatre. Peru Negro honors and preserves Peru’s distinctive African heritage and expands upon indigenous Afro- Latin rhythms of its music and dance with a touch of electricity and contemporary style.
To complete the experience, Peruvian cuisine will be featured at a special dinner prior to the performance, at 5:30 p.m. at theWest Long Branch Community Center on Locust Avenue; the cost is $35. Tickets for the 8 p.m. performance at Pollak Theatre are $48, $36 and $24. For additional information and/or to purchase tickets for PeruNegro and the Peruvian dinner, call the box office at (732) 263-6889.
The events, with the exception of the Peruvian dinner and the performance by Peru Negro, are free and open to the public. Schedule of Events
“Musicians” by Gregory Aparicio Perú Negro
Friday, Feb. 8, 5:30 p.m., PeruvianDinner $35,West Long Branch Community Center; 8 p.m. Pollak Theatre, performance by Peru Negro, tickets: $48, $36, $24. Contact theMonmouthUniversity Performing Arts box office at (732) 263-6889.
Art exhibit
“Art from Latin America”
Through Feb. 22 at The 800 Gallery and the Rotary Ice House Gallery. Representations of Brazil and Peru. Open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lectures
Friday, Jan. 25, 6 p.m., Pollak Theatre, “LatinAmerica, There and Here: A Taste of Brazil and Peru” with professors Bill Mitchell and Kathy Smith-Wenning.
Wednesday, Jan. 30, 11:30 a.m.,Magill Commons Club Room107, faculty forumwith professorAaronAnsell on “Race and Development in Rural Brazil”; 7 p.m.,WilsonHall auditorium, lecture with Joan Gero,AmericanUniversity, “Gender and Power in theAncient Andes.”
Friday, Feb. 1, 6-7 p.m., Wilson Hall auditorium, lecture “Representations of Latin America” with the artists SayaWoolfalk, GregorioAparicio, Loida Gavilán and Betty Seminario; 7-9 p.m. reception for “Art From Latin America,” The 800 Gallery.
“Dancing and Drinking” by Betty Seminario Friday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m., Pollak Theatre illustrated closing lecture: “If theWorld Is Flat, WhyAre There soMany Bumps? The Economic Crisis in Peru and LatinAmerica” by professor BillMitchell. Followed by book signing. 7 p.m., “Perspectives on LatinAmerica from Chile and Argentina” by professors Rosemary Barbera and Ken Mitchell.
Peruvian ceramics workshop
Ceramics Studio Room 601 in the 600 Building, Gregorio Aparicio and Loida Gavilan, rural ceramicists from the Andean highlands of Ayacucho.
Monday, Feb. 11, 2:30-6:20 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2-4 p.m.;Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2:30- 6:20 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 14, 2:30-6:20 p.m.
Films
Wednesday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m., Pollak Theatre, “Secrets of Lost Empires: The Inca.” This documentary is one in a four-part Nova series that tests theories regarding the architectural achievements of ancient civilizations. This installment tests theories regarding the ancient world ofMachu Picchu in Peru. Filmwill be followed by question-and-answer session with professor Bill Mitchell.
Ceramic Plate by Loida Gavilán Friday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m., “House of Sand.” Award-winning mother and daughter actresses FernandaMontengro and Fernanda Torres shine in an inspirational story of three generations of women struggling for survival among the inhospitable sand dunes of northeastern Brazil.Also featuring the Brazilian guitarist Seu Jorge. Followed by question-andanswer session.
Monday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m., Pollak Theatre, “Central Station.” Brazilian-French road movie tracing the travels and travails of a young boy and an aging woman across the Brazilian landscape. Followed by question-and-answer session.
Thursday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m., Pollak Theatre, “Black Orpheus” (France) Black Orpheus (Orfeu Negro) is a retelling of the “Orpheus and Eurydice” legend enacted by black performers. Amulti-award winner on the international scene, the film features a samba musical score by Luiz Bonfa and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Followed by question-and-answer session.
Monday, Feb. 4, 7 p.m., Pollak Theatre, “Bye, Bye Brazil.” The Caravana Rolidei rolls into town with the Gypsy Lord at themike: he doesmagic tricks, the erotic Salome dances and the mute Swallow performs feats of strength. A young accordion player is completely enamored of Salome, and he begs to come along. The Gypsy Lord shrugs, and the accordionist and his pregnantwife,Dasdo, join the troupe. Followed by question and answer session.
Wednesday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m., Pollak Theatre, “Agouti’s Peanut.” This filmexamines the everyday work and recreation of the Panará people, who blend their traditional ways with the influences of official Brazilian culture. Lighthearted and compelling, the documentary encourages viewers to question the simple dichotomy of tradition vs. modernity. Followed by question-and-answer session.
Monday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m., Pollak Theatre, “Quilombo Country.” Brazil, once the world’s largest slave colonies, was brutal and deadly formillions ofAfricans. Butmany thousands escaped and rebelled, creating their own communities in Brazil’s untamed hinterland. Largely unknown to the outside world, these communities, known as quilombos, struggle today to preserve a rich heritage born of resistance to oppression. Followed by questionand answer session.
Friday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m., Pollak Theatre, “Soy Andina” documentary/dance, tells the intersecting stories of two NewYorkers- amodern hip-hop dancer raised in Queens, and a folkloric dancer fromtheAndes- on a dazzling odyssey through Peru in search of roots and a world of folkloric dance. Followed by question-and-answer session.
Monday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m., Pollak Theatre, “Dias de Santiago.” Think “Taxi Driver” in Peru. A 23-year-old war veteran returns to Lima after spending six years fighting terrorists, the Peruvian drugmafia, and a nationalist war against Ecuador. Unable to smoothly transition back home, his life starts to spin out of control. Followed by question-andanswer session.
Wednesday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m., Wilson Hall auditorium, “Hands of God.” The dexterity and mastery of famous Afro-Peruvian percussionist Julio “Chocolate” Algendones are on display in this affectionate documentary about the great master. Afro-Peruvian music is rooted in multiple rhythms coming fromAfrica.Mixing the traditional and the contemporary, from Cajun to jazz, Chocolate composed and played many music styles, taught all over the world and contributed to the creative development of numerous artists, including the dance group Peru Negro. Followed by question-and-answer session.
Friday, Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m., “State of Fear: The Truth about Terrorism.” How can an open society balance demands for security with democracy? Based on the findings of the Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the filmfollows events in Peru, yet serves as a cautionary tale for nations like the United States. Followed by question-and-answer session.
For more information, visit www.monmouth.edu/arts.