The Bard and the Father of Modern Science. They were the superstars of their day. Literal Renaissance men whose words and ideas continue to shape our views on art and the universe.
Join UNCG for a year-long celebration of William Shakespeare and Galileo Galilei on the 450th anniversary of their births. Explore the connection between art and science, beauty and truth, with “The Globe and the Cosmos.”
“The Globe and the Cosmos” series originated with Dr. Peter Alexander, dean of the School of Music,Theatre and Dance. Alexander was looking for a collaborative project to bring together diverse talents and expertise from across the UNCG campus. Envisioning a unique project with a breadth that would challenge the intellect and stimulate the imagination, he reached out to Dr. Timothy Johnston and Dr. Jerry Pubantz, deans of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Lloyd International Honors College, to realize that vision.
“My hope is to offer a series of performances, lectures, films and classes that will sequentially enrich one another,” Alexander says. “The idea is to build bridges, tempting audiences to try something new in another discipline whether it be the arts, the humanities or the sciences.”
“The Globe and the Cosmos” will bring several renowned artists and lecturers to the UNCG campus. Composer Philip Glass, who wrote an opera about Galileo. Dava Sobel, author of “Galileo’s Daughter.” Science historian John Heilbron. Russ McDonald, professor of Renaissance literature and Shakespearean scholar. Theatre Gigante’s performance of “My Dear Othello,” which fuses drama, dance and music.
And UNCG’s homegrown talent is poised to shine as well. UNCG Opera Theatre will perform Glass’ “Galileo Galilei.” UNCG Theatre will stage Shakespeare’s comedy “Twelfth Night.” Dance professor Janet Lily will perform with Theatre Gigante. The Weatherspoon Art Museum will feature “Skyward,” an exhibition of artists who, like Galileo, are fascinated by celestial observation.
The celebration launched Sept. 6 with a sold-out Collage Concert. Next up is Theatre’s production of “Twelfth Night,” which runs Oct. 2-9 in Taylor Theatre.
“Twelfth Night,” directed by Theatre professor Jim Wren, will have a 1960′s jazz club aesthetic. “This is a big, busy show, lots of characters, lots of settings, musicians, layers of language, all of the challenges you can imagine from a Shakespearean comedy,” Wren says. “There is a great deal expected from everyone involved in the production. It’s a daunting and exhilarating way to start the semester.”
Get tickets for “Twelfth Night” at the Theatre Box Office, Room 115 of the Brown Building (402 Tate Street), or by phone at (336) 334-4392. Or buy tickets online at http://triadstage.org/tickets.
For a detailed listing of “Globe and Cosmos” events, visithttp://performingarts.uncg.edu/globe-and-cosmos/. It’s such stuff dreams are made on.
Story by Michelle Hines, University Relations
Globe and Cosmos logo by Kyle Webster ’99
