Artspree, UALR's performing arts series

Artspree Opens Season with Kathakaki LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Sept. 4, 2009) Artspree, UALR's performing arts series, opens its 2009-2010 season with Kathakali, an Indian dance drama by Viswanath Kaladharan and Kalamandalam Shanmukhan showcasing India's a highly stylized classical dance and drama. The performance will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, in the Stella Boyle Concert Hall of the UALR Fine Arts Building. Tickets are $20 for the main floor, $17 for the balcony, $10 for non-UALR students, and free for UALR students. Group discounts are available. For more information, call (501) 569-3288. The art form Kathakali combines dancing, acting, vocal music, percussion and costumes in one art form dating back to 17th century India. Kaladharan and Shanmukhan will be presenting selected scenes from prominent Kathakali plays. During the performance, Kaladharan will explain the story and context before each scene is performed by Shanmukhan. There will be a question and answer session on stagecraft and aesthetics following the performance. Artspree continues on Sunday, Oct. 29, with the Arianna String Quartet, followed by a Jan. 31 performance of Yeol Eum Son, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition silver medalist. The 2009-2010 season will conclude with a performance on March 7 by Gabriel Bianco, the 2008 Guitar Foundation of American Competition winner. For more information about the Artspree series, contact, (501) 569-3288