Arts and entertainment

May 23, 2017

Arts Roundup: UW Sings, Sueño, School of Art IVA Honors + Juried Show, I Dig Dinos, and Manimou Camara

This week in the arts, hear The University Singers, Women’s Choir, and Men’s Glee Club on one stage; see award-winning playwright José Rivera’s adaptation of the classic Life is a Dream, dig dinos at the Burke; check out the latest installment of the School of Art Graduation Exhibitions; and listen to a master drummer performs with his students. UW SINGS Friday, May 26, 7:30PM| Meany Theater The University Singers, Women’s Choir, and Men’s Glee Club present their popular year-end concert, directed by Geoffrey Boers. More info….

May 16, 2017

Undergraduate Theater Society mounts big production of ‘Spring Awakening’ May 18-28

The cast of the UW Undergraduate Theater Society's production of "Spring Awakening." From left, top row: Shiv Chitre, Jordan King, Michael Monicatti, Patrick McDermott, Sage Suzzeris, Jackson Ross. Second row: Ricky Spaulding, Caralee Howe, Charlene Kwon, Christine Munson, Saige Hawthorne, Alex Sturtevant, Olga Laskin and Spencer Stromberg. Not shown is cast member Candice Lundy.

For its final and biggest show of the year the UW Undergraduate Theater Society presents “Spring Awakening,” a musical exploration of youth and blooming sexuality that’s surprisingly timely for a story set in 19th century Germany.

May 10, 2017

Arts Roundup: UW Sings, Native Art Market, Emel Mathlouthi, Photomedia Grad Exhibition, and Cherdonna Shinatra

This week in the arts, hear alumni composers play Music of Today; celebrate Native art with the Burke Museum; hear “The Voice of the Tunisian Revolution”; check out capstone Photomedia work at the Jake; and get a first look at the month-long Henry residency of Cheradonna Shinatra. MUSIC OF TODAY: UW ALUMNI COMPOSERS Friday, May 12, 7:30PM| Meany Theater The University of Washington School of Music and The Center for Digital Arts and Experimental Media (DXARTS) present an evening of computer music and video…

Seattle Art Museum to exhibit work by UW art professor Denzil Hurley

The Seattle Art Museum will feature work by abstract artist and UW art professor Denzil Hurley. The exhibit, titled “Disclosures,” will be on display from May 20 through November. It’s a fitting tribute, as Hurley will retire from the UW at the end of the school year.

May 3, 2017

Arts Roundup: Harry Partch’s Oedipus, the Intersections series, Waterlines Class Series, and the Evergreen Trio

This week in the arts, see century maverick composer Harry Partch turn Sophocles’s play Oedipus into a visual and aural extravaganza; hear music inspired by great works of literature; and listen to the co-winners of the School of Music’s 2016 Strings and Piano Chamber Competition. HARRY PARTCH’S OEDIPUS: A MUSIC DANCE DRAMA May 5 – 7| Meany Center Twentieth century maverick composer Harry Partch turned Sophocles’s play Oedipus into a visual and aural extravaganza, combining spoken word, instrumentation, theater, and dance into…

May 2, 2017

Documents that Changed the World: Delayed stock market ticker tape, October 1929

A cleaner sweeps the floor after the Wall Street crash of 1929.

Timing is everything, they say. In the latest episode of his Documents that Changed the World podcast series, Joe Janes of the UW Information School explores how an overload of critical information helped trigger the stock market crash of 1929, and thus the Great Depression. “This is a story about fortunes lost, lives ruined, a world plunged into a decade of depression, the end of an era,” Janes says in the podcast. “And, a story of infrastructure. And like any…

April 28, 2017

New augmented reality app ‘GoHuskies’ gives UW community unique look at current and future campus

An app user holds up a phone with Kane Hall in the background

The University of Washington community has a new tool — designed as a digital scavenger hunt — to explore and learn about the existing Seattle campus as well as plans for the future.

April 27, 2017

Arts Roundup: Orlando, Environmental Writing at the Burke, Photomedia Graduation Exhibitions, and the Brechemin Piano Series

This week in the arts, experience “one of literature’s most beloved fantasies”; attend a one-day environmental writing program in both the field and classroom; celebrate the Photomedia Graduation show at a special reception; and hear the latest installment of the Brechemin Piano Series. ORLANDO April 28-30 and May 3-7| Glenn Hughes Penthouse Theater Virginia Woolf’s Orlando is one of literature’s most beloved fantasies—a love letter, a biography, and an epic poem that Woolf called, “too long to be a joke and…

April 12, 2017

Arts Roundup: Amazing Animals, Marc Seales — and Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band

This week in the arts, wrap up spring break at the Burke; hear a noted Northwest jazz pianist; see classically-inspired textural print works in Edmonds; experience the School of Art’s Painting + Drawing Graduate Exhibition; and hear the UW Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band present their spring quarter concert. AMAZING ANIMALS: WATER & SKY EDITION SPRING BREAK CAMP Through April 14 | Burke Museum Spend spring break with the Burke as we look high and low to discover glowing creatures of the…

Undergraduate Theater Society unleashes ‘Wolves’ April 13-23

Actors in the Undergraduate Theater Society's production of "Wolves," April 13-23 in the Cabaret Theater of Hutchinson Hall. In back, from left, are Colin Kolbus, Willy Picton and Andrew Forest; in front is Ashley Lobao.

The story of Little Red Riding Hood takes on a new dimension in the UW Undergraduate Theater Society’s new production, “Wolves,” by Steve Yockey, running April 13 to 23 in the Cabaret Theater in Hutchinson Hall.

April 5, 2017

Arts Roundup: Jacob Lawrence, 3D4M Grad Exhibition, A Final Look at the Wild Nearby, and Dido and Aeneas

This week in the arts, get one final look at the Burke’s Wild Nearby; see student’s capstone in ceramics, glass, and sculpture; celebrate the centennial of Jacob Lawrence; experience an experimental performance using a mind-driven instrument; and hear voice students in a monumental Baroque opera. Music of Today: DXARTS 7:30 p.m., April 6| Meany Theater The University of Washington School of Music and The Center for Digital Arts and Experimental Media (DXARTS) co-sponsor this series featuring groundbreaking new works and modern classics…

March 31, 2017

Music played by EEG featured in DXARTS Spring Concert April 6

UW Music School Director Richard Karpen plays an electromagnetic piano called a Disklavier. Though he is shown performing on the keys, some of the music for the April 6 DXARTS Spring Concert will be played hands-free, with only the EEG.

The Disklavier is an electromagnetic piano that — like the UW-created encephalophone recently reported on by the Seattle Times — is played by brain waves alone, via an electroencephalogram. UW audiences can see and hear this new technology in “Music of Today: The DXARTS Spring Concert,” April 6, in Meany Hall.

March 13, 2017

New from author David Shields: ‘Other People: Takes & Mistakes’

"Other People: Takes & Mistakes," by UW English professor David Shields, was published by Knopf in February.

UW English professor and New York Times best-selling author David Shields has a new book out and — perhaps unsurprisingly — it’s getting excellent reviews. Shields has a couple of local book events coming up for “Other People: Takes & Mistakes.”

March 8, 2017

Arts Roundup: Cino Nights, Pippin, a Faculty Recital and the Elements of Architecture

This week in the arts, see a former medical marijuana dispensary transformed into a makeshift theater cafe; experience the School of Drama’s telling of the Tony-winning Pippin; hear a faculty piano recital; see Shen Wei Dance Arts defy categorization in a fusion of calligraphy, dance, and choreography; and get a framework of the Elements of Architecture in a group exhibition from the School of Art + Art History + and Design. Cino Nights 7:30 p.m., March 4, 11, 18| 5267…

March 7, 2017

‘Pippin’: Dance, drama, music team for UW Musical Theater Program’s third production, March 8-19

The UW Musical Theater Program presents "Pippin" March 8-19 at the Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse.

Director Wilson Mendieta discusses “Pippin,” the third production of the UW’s Musical Theater Program, running March 8 – 19 in the Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse Theater.

March 1, 2017

Arts Roundup: Brechemin Piano Series, Dobet Gnahoré, PIPPIN and more

As March marches in, UW welcomes an assortment of musical productions to campus. Enjoy a free performance by UW music students; experience the diverse musical talents of African artist Dobet Gnahoré; and see the School of Drama, School of Music, and Dance Program team up to tell the classic story of PIPPIN. Brechemin Piano Series 7:30 p.m., March 2 | Brechemin Auditorium UW music students perform works for piano at this free concert. More info. Dobet Gnahoré 8 p.m., March 2 | Meany Theater…

February 22, 2017

Arts Roundup: Wendy Red Star, Melia Watras, The Jake Legacy Residency, and Voice and Dance Exhibitions

This week in the arts, hear how Wendy Red Star explores Native American ideologies through photography, sculpture, video, fiber arts, and performance; explore a special group exhibition honoring the the 100th birthday of Jacob Lawrence at this namesake gallery; and witness UW faculty and students performing in array of forms, including classical violin, voice, and dance. Critical Issues in Contemporary Art Practice — Wendy Red Star 7p.m., February 23| Henry Art Gallery Wendy Red Star’s work explores the intersections of Native American…

Love, parenting and murder: Undergraduate Theater Society stages ‘Medea’ from translation by UW classics professor

The Undergraduate Theater Society will present "Medea" Feb. 23 through March 5 in the Cabaret Theater of Hutchinson Hall. Shown from left are student actors Ariaga Mucek, Jordan Kerlaske (in the title role), Annika Knapp, and Anaïs Gralpois.

The UW Undergraduate Theater Society will present “Medea” Feb. 23 through March 5 in the Cabaret Theater of Hutchinson Hall, home of the School of Drama.

UW’s Kristin Laidre awarded Pew marine fellowship to study effects of climate change, subsistence hunting on polar bears

A new, two-part project led by the UW’s Kristin Laidre aims to explore the interacting effects of climate change and subsistence hunting on polar bears, while also illuminating the cultural value of the species to indigenous peoples and the role they play in conservation.

February 15, 2017

UW affiliate faculty member in anthropology presents her book, ‘Seawomen of Iceland’

Maritime communities take various forms around the planet and through the centuries. Margaret Willson, affiliate associate professor of anthropology and Canadian Studies Arctic Program at the University of Washington, is the author of “Seawomen of Iceland: Survival on the Edge,” published in 2016 by University of Washington Press. UW Today asked Willson a few questions about the book, in advance of her talk Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at Seattle’s Center for Wooden Boats. How did you get interested in…

Arts Roundup: Hannah Black, Step Afrika!, Henry Curator Talk, and Music of Today

This week in the arts, learn about the intersection of feminism, pop music, and hope with lecturer Hannah Black; celebrate the 100th birthday of Jacob Lawrence with Step Afrika!; hear from the Director of the Henry on the photography work of Chuck Close; and explore the facilities of the 3D4M: ceramics + glass + sculpture Program. Critical Issues in Contemporary Art Practice – Hannah Black 7 p.m., February 16 | Henry Art Gallery Lecturer Hannah Black is an artist and writer living in London…

February 10, 2017

Ralina Joseph co-edits special journal issue on race, respectability and the media

Ralina Joseph, University of Washington associate professor of communication, has guest co-edited a special triple issue of the interdisciplinary journal Souls: A Critical Journal of Black Politics, Culture and Society with her former mentor and dissertation adviser, Jane Rhodes of the University of Illinois at Chicago. Joseph’s own article in the issue focuses on the creator of the television show “Grey’s Anatomy,” set in Seattle. The special edition, the guest editors wrote, resulted from a panel discussion called “The Right…

February 8, 2017

Arts Roundup: Solaris Vocal Ensemble, ArtVenture — and pianist Benjamin Grosvenor

This week in the arts, hear Solaris Vocal Ensemble join forces with Seattle Modern Orchestra, take the family on an ArtVenture at the Henry, and spend Valentine’s Day listening to the internationally recognized superstar pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. Guitar Studio Recital 7:30 p.m., February 10 | Brechemin Auditorium Students of Michael Partington perform works for classical guitar. More info. Solaris Vocal Ensemble with Seattle Modern Orchestra 7:30 p.m., February 10| Meany Studio Theater Solaris Vocal Ensemble (Giselle Wyers, director) joins forces with Seattle Modern Orchestra…

February 1, 2017

Arts Roundup: Japanese drumming, Shakespeare, and a public lecture

This week in the arts, traditional Japanese music, a modern twist on a Shakespearean classic, and a lecture featuring Cameron Rowland discusses contemporary art and its place in society. KODO 8 p.m., February 3 & 4 | Meany Theater An international phenomenon since 1981, the percussion ensemble KODO explores the limitless rhythmic possibilities of the traditional Japanese taiko drum. More info. As You Like It 7:30 p.m., February 7 through February 19 | Glenn Hughes Penthouse Theater Shakespeare’s glorious comedy of love and change…

January 31, 2017

Poetry, passion and social justice: Activist poets to gather at UW, perform at Seattle Public Library Feb. 3

Poet activists from around the nation will gather for daylong UW conference Feb. 3 on creativity in activism — and then give full voice to that creativity in performances 7 – 10 p.m. at the Seattle Public Library. All are welcome.

January 30, 2017

Artists in the lab: Talk will highlight a creative partnership between art and science

Jennifer Nemhauser leads a research laboratory of scientists, all immersed in the complex world of plant hormones. But last year, the University of Washington professor of biology boosted her lab’s roster with some unexpected talent. Claire Cowie — an artist, UW alumna and lecturer — spent three months in 2016 as a part-time artist-in-residence in Nemhauser’s lab. On Feb. 3, Cowie will deliver a talk to share her experiences and help spread the word about the benefits both she and Nemhauser see…

January 27, 2017

Meany Center joins visiting Step Afrika! dance troupe to honor 100th anniversary of artist Jacob Lawrence’s birth

A still from the dance troupe Step Afrika!'s production of "The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence," to be performed Feb. 16-18 at Meany Hall.

Meany Center for the Performing Arts and the School of Art + Art History + Design celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of artist Jacob Lawrence along with the Seattle Art Museum.

January 25, 2017

Arts Roundup: A trio, a quartet, and a chamber recital

It’s a musical week here at the UW! Attend the faculty-student chamber recital and performances by the Escher String Quartet and the Evergreen Trio. Undergraduate Theater Society: New Works Festival 7:30 p.m., January 27 through January 29 | Hutchinson Hall Cabaret Theater A long standing UTS tradition, the New Works Festival highlights work shopping new scripts, putting new work on its feet, and giving undergrads opportunities they can’t find elsewhere. All three plays featured will have been written by, directed…

January 18, 2017

Arts Roundup: Maple and Vine, a dance faculty concert, and Russian music of the 1960s

This week in the arts, take a trip in time with Maple and Vine, view choreography by nationally and internationally recognized faculty, and hear collaborative musical works at Meany Hall. Maple and Vine January 17 through January 22 | Jones Playhouse Written by Jordan Harrison and directed by Sean Ryan, this darkly funny and provocative investigation of the modern condition asks us to consider how much mobility we’d sacrifice for the chance to just stand still next to someone we love. More info….

January 17, 2017

Three unique pieces comprise 2017 Dance Faculty Concert Jan. 20-22

The UW Dance Program will team with the “vertical dance company” BANDALOOP for part of its annual Dance Faculty Concert, to be held Jan. 20 – 22 in Meany Hall.

January 11, 2017

Arts Roundup: UW Tower exhibits, a lecture-recital, and a Littlefield Organ performance

This week, two new exhibits featuring local artists are on display in the UW Tower through March, a lecture-recital at Brechemin Auditorium, and a UW vocal performance highlighting scenes from Mozart’s operas. UW Tower Exhibit: Don Silverstein January through March 2017 | UW Tower The illustrative work and abstract paintings of prolific artist Donald Silverstein will be on display on the Mezzanine Level of the UW Tower this quarter. More info. Lecture-Recital: Dainius Vaicekonis, Piano 7:30 p.m., January 12 | Brechemin Auditorium UW alumnus and…

January 4, 2017

Arts Roundup: ArtVenture, JACK Quartet, and Louis Lortie

This week, bring the whole family for an ArtVenture at Henry Art Gallery to discover how Paul McCarthy transformed small objects into giant sculptures, or catch performances from JACK Quartet and pianist Louis Lortie. ArtVenture: Toy Transformation! With Michelle Hagewood 1 p.m., January 8 | Henry Art Gallery How do toys reflect who we are? Bring a toy or dig through a collection of oddities to build a new doll, vehicle, or inventive plaything. We will explore how artist Paul McCarthy transformed…

December 12, 2016

Practical, personal thoughts on storytelling in Charles Johnson’s latest book, ‘The Way of the Writer’

"The Way of the Writer: Reflectioins on the Art and Craft of Storytelling," by Charles Johnson, UW professor emeritus of English, was published by Scribner.

Charles Johnson, University of Washington professor emeritus of English, discusses his latest book, “The Way of the Writer: Reflections on the Art and Craft of Storytelling.”

December 7, 2016

Arts Roundup: Curator Talk, Jonathan Biss – and An Appalachian Christmas

The quarter ends with performances of classical piano, jazz and Appalachian holiday music. The School of Drama concludes its final production of the quarter. Visit the Jacob Lawrence Gallery for the final days of Utopia Neighborhood Club and join Henry Art Gallery’s Luis Croquer for a curator talk at the Henry. Jazz Innovations Part II 7:30 p.m., December 8 | Brechemin Auditorium Student jazz ensembles from the School of Music pay homage to the icons of jazz and break new…

November 30, 2016

Arts Roundup: CarolFest, Harry Partch, and The Inexplicable Redemption of Agent G

December brings a full slate of arts events on campus. The School of Drama kicks off a production about a playwright interacting with his own characters. The School of Music showcases the Harry Partch instrument collection and presents a night of Caribbean music and dance. Robin McCabe opens a three-part series exploring music and literature, and the School of Music presents CarolFest, its annual holiday concert featuring six choral ensembles and 500 singers. Luke Fitzpatrick: Cage & Partch 7:30 p.m.,…

November 28, 2016

Undergraduate Theater Society takes on Shakespeare — all of it! — in fast-paced show Dec. 1-11

Actors in the UW Undergraduate Theater Society's production of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised]," running Dec. 1 – 11 in the Cabaret Theatre in Hutchinson Hall, home of the UW School of Drama. From left, they are Ellie Mondloch, Daphne Sage Gomez and Jake Lemberg.

The UW Undergraduate Theater Society will perform the high-energy parody “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised],” Dec. 1-11 in the Cabaret Theatre in Hutchinson Hall.

November 16, 2016

Arts Roundup: DXARTS, American Art Lecture – and Baroque Ensemble

This week, DXARTS presents a new improvisational work in its fall concert and the School of Drama puts a modern spin on an American classic. Explore American art history with a lecture from the School of Art + Art History + Design, catch a performance by the School of Music’s Baroque Ensemble and watch instrumental students compete in a concerto competition. Kollar American Art Lecture 6 p.m., November 17 | Henry Art Gallery Wendy Bellion, associate professor of American art…

November 9, 2016

UW Libraries to hold Veterans Day open house for WWI-themed exhibit

"Washington on the Western Front: At Home and Over There" will be on display at Allen Library through Jan. 31, 2017.

UW Libraries will host an open house from 1 to 5 p.m. on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, in conjunction with the current World War I-themed exhibit, “Washington on the Western Front: At Home and Over There.”

Arts Roundup: ArtVenture, Music of Max Reger – and Jessica Lang Dance

This week in the arts: the Henry Art Gallery invites families and children to create their own portraits, and Meany Center for the Performing Arts presents performances by Jessica Lang Dance and the Imani Winds. The School of Music celebrates the music of composer Max Reger with a two-day symposium and kicks off this year’s Barry Lieberman and Friends series with a recital by bassist Ted Botsford. Jessica Lang Dance 8 p.m., November 10-12 | Meany Theater Hailed as “a…

November 2, 2016

Arts Roundup: Pianist Joyce Yang, UW Symphony – and Meet the Mammals

This week in the arts: the Henry Art Gallery opens an exhibition of works by Chuck Close and Meany Center for the Performing Arts presents programs by a classical pianist and a contemporary dance ensemble. Catch the UW Symphony’s first concert of the year or stop by the Burke Museum for its annual Meet the Mammals day. Joyce Yang 7:30 p.m., November 3 | Meany Theater Joyce Yang captivates audiences across the globe with her stunning virtuosity, combined with heartfelt…