Gilgamesh Teaser from Sarah Wilson on Vimeo.
Gilgamesh. How do you stage a 4,000-year-old Mesopotamian epic in a way that resonates for a 2009 audience? With dance, puppets, ingenious set design and a director who knows her way around ancient text, that's how. Izumi Ashizawa, a visiting professor at USF's School of Theatre and Dance, is internationally known for her innovative explorations of Persian and Greek myth, and for Gilgamesh she brings to life one of the earliest works of world literature, the story of "a hero king who spurned a goddess, battled monsters, and found the secret of immortality." Fusing elements of Japanese Noh theatre and Bunraku puppetry with the rigorous physicality of Suzuki actor training and "a primordial puzzle box of a set" (created in collaboration with USF theater and art professors), Ashizawa's production sounds bold, ambitious — and definitely worth seeing. And it's only got four more performances left. April 8-10: 8 p.m. Wed.-Fri.; 3.p.m. Sat., USF-Tampa College of the Arts Theatre II, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, $8-$15, 813-974-2323, theatreanddance.arts.usf.edu.
Pratima: Reflection. Nrityagram Dance Ensemble of India stages this program of classical dance that brings the culture and history of India to the stage and incorporates elements of theater, music, mythology, sculpture and poetry. Wed., April 8, 8 p.m., Ferguson Hall, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center 813-229-7827.
Share the Hair. One event brings together two great causes today at the Mark Alan Salon in Citrus Park. The salon will provide a complimentary cut and style to those who wish to donate a 10-inch length of hair to Locks of Love, which provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the US and Canada under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. At the same time, money is being raised for the Eager Beavers, a local group raising money in the fight against breast cancer, with complimentary haircuts and styles offered to anyone who donates to either charity. Hors d'oeuvres and wine will be served. For more information, contact Dianna Gilley at 813-886-4446 or email Dianna@floridawestinsurance.com. Mark Alan Salon, 8627 Citrus Park Drive, Tampa, 813-792-5400.
This article appears in Apr 8-14, 2009.