A&E

This Weekend's Calendar events

Bloomington Playwrights tell an old story from a new angle

Throughout the ages, many tales have been told of the enigmatic life of Theodora, a Byzantine empress. But this week, the Bloomington Playwrights Project, 312 S. Washington St., tells the story from a different perspective -- a female point of view.

A community 'in step'

Iris Rosa's energy is contagious, especially when the subject of dancing comes up. Her graceful hands help in telling a story, and her soft brown eyes sparkle with excitement for the future. For Rosa, associate professor in the Department of African American Studies, dancing is not just a hobby; it's a part of someone.

New exhibit explores the abstract

Jared Janovec is interested in the parallels between human portraiture and botanical phenomena. He never had a particular flair for horticulture, but that didn't stop him from using fruits and vegetables as his medium in a School of Fine Arts exhibit that is now showing ceramics, metal works and paintings by last semester's masters of fine arts students. SoFA gallery director Betsy Stirratt said there will be a reception to officially kick off the show on Friday, Jan. 11 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The reception will be open to the public.

How to feng shui

With bulky residence hall room furniture and little financial freedom, challenges exist for students who want to practice feng shui. But experts, practitioners, books and articles are full of tips to help.

Live from Bloomington

For the 16th year, the Live From Bloomington program is offering a diverse mixture of the local bands' music through its Club Night and compilation CD. The project features country, blues, rock and roll, folk and punk music from community musicians to benefit charity.

'Essence' shared tonight

In the past, Lucinda Williams would spend years perfecting the lyrics, rhythms and melodies of her songs before she stepped into the studio to record them, as the uncompromising singer-songwriter would settle for nothing less than perfection. But her latest album, Essence, was written at Williams' kitchen table during a short, intense six-week burst of creativity and has been praised just as highly as her earlier works that took three times as long to complete.

Habib Koité kicks off Lotus Festival

Trills of approval from barefoot dancers and audience members filled the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre during every break in the music Wednesday night at the kick-off concert for the Eighth Annual Lotus World Music and Arts Festival. Habib Koité and his band Bamada switched flights, stayed in airports for hours and finally made it to Indiana in time to open the world music festival that is dancing on despite seven artist cancellations in the wake of last week's terrorist attacks. Paris Combo and the Gangbé Brass Band were set to send the music world spinning for Wednesday's special reduced-price show until they had to cancel because of travel complications. But judging from the cheers and energy from the audience Wednesday, Koité and Bamada more than filled in.

Out-of-town music talent reaches Bloomington

As the temperature rises, an array of musical talent from around the country -- and across the Atlantic -- promises to heat up Bloomington even more this week. Music lovers of all ages should find something to strike their fancy, whatever their taste might be.

Brain Surgeons to operate in Bloomington this weekend

You might not have ever heard of the Brain Surgeons, but chances are you know one of their predecessors. The Surgeons are fronted by ex-Blue Oyster Cult drummer Albert Bouchard, who also wrote the bulk of the famed '70s arena rock giant's catalogue.

Dance troupe combines music, motion

Gathered in a tight clump in the center of the dance floor, the 25 members of dance company In Motion press their bodies together, forward, around and sharply back to the front again during a rehearsal. This formation is one of many in the company's opening piece, "Music," which they will perform in an upcoming performance at Willkie Auditorium.

Buskirk-Chumley to open for public viewing

Few, if any, Bloomington residents have seen the backstage area of the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre -- unless they've performed in a community production or logged hours moving and painting sets. But this weekend, IU Musical Arts Center manager and longtime Buskirk enthusiast Ted Jones will open the theater in its entirety to the public.

Üt Haus celebrates 12 years

"Jazz is my adventure," famed musician Thelonius Monk once said. For the Üt Haus Jazz Band, this genre of music has created just that sort of unique adventure. Combining their love of jazz and endearing friendship, the four IU alumni have been performing, composing and entertaining for the past twelve years.

'Carmina burana' returns to MAC after 10 years

"Carmina burana" is coming back to IU after 10 years. The ballet, which had its premiere at IU in 1991, is being presented by the School of Music at the Musical Arts Center this weekend. The production will feature a full orchestra, 150 choral members and more than 35 dancers.

Arts Week a 'cultural gem'

Working to bridge various aspects of the performing arts, Bloomington's 18th annual Arts Week celebration will begin today and run through March 2. The week-long celebration's opening reception is at 6 p.m. tonight in the new Theatre/Neal-Marshall Education Center in the Ruth N. Halls Theatre foyer.

Waldron to present twist of 'Hamlet'

For lovers of Shakespeare, the John Waldron Arts Center's latest play could be considered either sacrilege or genius. "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead" is a comedic twist on the Bard's classic tragedy, "Hamlet."

Savory recipes

FOOLPROOF CHEESE FONDUE FOR FRIENDS 2 large garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons butter 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 14-ounce can evaporated milk 4 cups (2 8-ounce packages) Italian or 4-cheese blend shredded cheese 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Final curtain falls on University Theatre

Simultaneous feelings of sadness and joy soared through the University Theatre as the curtains closed after the final performance of "Waiting for Godot" Saturday. The lights will be dimmed and the doors will be closed until the theater's renovation, which will occur in the next few years. The fate of the room that has served as the University Theatre is uncertain, but it might reopen as a lecture hall.

Best-selling author receives award at IU

Jean Auel, an award winning and best selling author, sparked an evening of excitement for many in Bloomington, Thursday. The Center for Research into the Anthropological Foundations of Technology (CRAFT) presented Auel with an outstanding craftsmanship award, while promoting its new research center just north of campus, which is expected to be done in a year.

Criticism of 'A Beautiful Mind' irks filmmakers

LOS ANGELES -- The makers of "A Beautiful Mind" have objected to what they say is a whisper campaign to hurt the Oscar chances of their movie, which is up for eight Academy Awards including best picture.