Note: The Other Side events are free unless otherwise indicated, though we are always happy to receive donations to help us keep the space open. For more information on any events, call me at 735-4825 or email: kodomenico@verizon.net
Monday, February 1, 2010, 7-9 p.m.
Shamanic Drumming Circle. The solid turnout for the first drumming circle last month means they will continue, on first Mondays each month.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 7:30 p.m.
Imagining America presents Cleopatra: From African Queen to Liz Taylor, a talk by Shelley P. Haley, Professor of Classics and Africana at Hamilton College.
Although Cleopatra was a minor player on the broad stage of world history, we continue to be fascinated by her. Professor Haley will explore the reasons for our continuing fascination and show that our views are not very different from those held by the ancient Roman male elite.
I did not get to see Liz Taylor's Cleopatra when it came out the year I was 12. However, my neighbor and friend Beth saw the movie at the drive-in with her parents, though she was only 11, and her awed reminiscences of her privileged viewing formed the basis of our play for a long time afterwards. It also gave us a new word, "suksy," which was Beth's version of the word "sexy" she no doubt heard passed between her parents in relation to the main point of the Hollywood blockbuster. I have no doubt that there will be more to learn about this legendary woman, in the February Imagining America lecture, and different ways and reasons to contemplate her place in history and in art.
Saturday, February 20, 7-9 p.m.
The Rag and Bone Shop Poetry Theater presents: In a Marrow Bone: An Evening of W.B. Yeats. Suggested donation: $5, with Orin's portion going to The Other Side.
The Other Side is a space especially dedicated to the tradition of the humanities and arts, a purpose we fulfill in several ways, from book discussions to the Imagining America series, through craft sales by local artisans and musical performances to occasional film series, and so on. So we cherish a particular honor for the Muse who inspires art, and for her devotees. Those who come to this reading/performance of the work of the great Irish poet, William Butler Yeats, will hear three such devotees in our midst: Adam Spiridilozzi, Rob Lecher and Orin Domenico. Poetry is meant to be heard, not read slently from the page, and few poets have paid as much attention as Yeats did crafting the sound of their verse. What's more, if its been awhile since you witnessed poetry performed for sheer a-musement - you are in for a special treat. Art unmediated by money, or classroom treatment, electronic media or celebrities reveals a different kind of gift. Come and see if you agree.
Ongoing: On alternate Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. the Outside/Inside Reading Group will be reading Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston (2/9 & 2/23) while the Temenos group will be reading Dancing in the Flames: The Dark Goddess in the Transformation of Consciousness, by Marion Woodman and Elinor Dickson (2/2 & 2/16). The Climate Crisis Action group will meet on the fourth Monday, 2/22, 7:00 p.m..