Schwartz Center announces its 2004-05 theater and dance seasons

Theater will be full of music, laughter and drama

King

The season will open with Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, the story of a struggling black family on the cusp of the civil rights movement. This American classic that, according to The New York Times, "changed the face of American theatre forever" premiered on Broadway in 1959. Activist and actress Yolanda King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, will play the role of Mama in the Schwartz Center production.

In October, Cornell theater will present a 35-song musical and cabaret revue based on the music and life of legendary Belgian songwriter and poet Jacques Brel. Jacques Brel (Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris ...) is a memorable evening of music and dance.

Next, the Schwartz Center will present The Good Person of Setzuan by Bertolt Brecht. A parable of man's search for humanity, this comedic tale with song and dance is Brechtian epic theater at its finest.

In the spring of 2005, the Schwartz Center will be the first regional theater to produce Alan Ball's Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. By the author of the film "American Beauty" and the creator of the HBO series "Six Feet Under," this hilarious play uncovers the hidden dramas at an ostentatious wedding reception.

The main-stage season will conclude with The Merchant of Venice, one of Shakespeare's most challenging plays. Religion and cultures collide in a duel that mirrors centuries of prejudice, suspicion and distrust.

This year, for an additional $5, patrons can add the Black Box theater production of The Nero Project to their subscription series. This world premiere work is based on the historical life of Roman emperor Nero and weaves words, music and improvisation into an innovative evening of theater.

Early theater season subscribers will receive a free Schwartz Center mint tin while supplies last. Subscriptions for both the 2004-05 theater season and the dance series at the Schwartz Center are on sale at the Schwartz Center box office (weekdays, 12:30-5:30 p.m.), by calling 254-ARTS or online at http://www.arts.cornell.edu/theatrearts.

Dance Series ranges from Asian artistry to hip-hop

Discounts are available for the dance events by purchasing early through subscription sales.

Rennie Harris Puremovement Bob Emmott/H-Art Management Inc.

The 2004-05 Cornell Dance Series opens Oct. 1 and 2 with The Monkey King's Journey to the West: The Beijing Opera. The majesty and artistry of Chinese opera encapsulates the country's culture and history, literature, music, dance, acrobatics and stage fighting into a kaleidoscope of color, costumes and dance.

Dance continues at the Schwartz Center with Dance Concert 2005, the annual concert choreographed and performed by Cornell dance students and faculty. This dance concert embodies music, costumes and scenery for a visually stunning evening of movement. The concert will be performed March 10-13.

The Schwartz Center will host a one-evening-only performance of Rennie Harris Puremovement on March 16. Harris and his high-impact dance company translate the energy and spirit of the street into an electrifying form of body language. This touring company seeks to encompass rich African and African-American traditions while creating dance theater in the true hip-hop style.

There are two ways to subscribe to the series: Purchase the Deluxe Dance Subscription for $57 (general public) or $48 (students/seniors) and receive all three dance performances; or choose the Mini Dance Subscription -- for $35 (general) and $28 (students) -- and see Dance Concert 2005 and one touring professional dance company.