Winter-Spring 2018

Thursday, April 12, 2018
Nashville Ballet Modern Masters 
TPAC's Polk Theater

Modern Masters  brings the work of three internationally renowned choreographers together for a hand-selected program that shines a spotlight on some of the most innovative, spectacularly grand dance that’s come out of the ballet world.  View performance excerpts and learn from Nashville Ballet’s Artistic Director and CEO, Paul Vasterling, about the collaboration and creation of this outstanding production.

Video



Thursday, March 29, 2018
Nashville Opera's Susannah
War Memorial Auditorum

Set in rural Tennessee and rooted in Appalachian music, the opera tells the story of a young beauty intimidated and betrayed by narrow-minded townspeople. Jealousy leads to rumors, which leads to assault - giving Susannah no choice, but to defend herself. 

The opera was composed at the height of McCarthyism, premiering in 1955, and serves as a metaphor for paranoia and its dangerous repercussions. Cast members performed selections of the beautiful and haunting songs, and panelists discussed the themes of the opera and how they relate to our society today.

Video

Thursday, January 25, 2018
Smart People  
TPAC's Polk Theater

We discussed acclaimed writer Lydia R. Diamond’s play Smart People, produced by Nashville Repertory Theatre.  Set just before Barack Obama’s first election, the volatile dynamics of talking about race intertwine with the romantic interactions among four diverse Harvard intellectuals. A physician, an actress, a psychologist, and a neurobiologist all find that these discussions can turn unexpectedly, even among friends who are well educated and socially aware. With barbed wit, this smart play explores the inescapable nature of racism and other tricky topics.  Cast members performed excerpts from the play and discussed the show with director Jon Royal. 

Video