TCC invites the community to be part of unique music, visual arts, theatre and humanities programming

Arts, theatre and humanities faculty and staff at Tidewater Community College, along with local and regional artists and professionals, will connect students and Hampton Roads residents to diverse, eclectic and engaging programming that speaks to the times in which we live.

“Giving students and the community a place to engage during these times is vital,” said Kerry Ragno, Ed.D., dean of TCC’s Arts and Humanities pathway. “We’re delighted that since its inception last fall, the series is connecting people through the arts with topics that are relevant to all of our lives.”

The events — all virtual, free and open to the public — include a panel discussion on empathy; an artists’ showcase featuring performances from students and local actors and singers; monologues exploring topics and issues relevant today; and in-depth conversations with artists about their work.

The series kicks off Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. with Health Equity, Inclusion, and the African American Community.

Details for all events can be found at the TCC Roper Performing Arts Center’s Website.

The offerings:

Health Equity, Inclusion and the African American Community, YouTube live, Feb. 21, 4-6 p.m. View here.

Award-winning filmmaker and health advocate and educator Terrance Afer-Anderson will screen excerpts from “The Black Walnut,” his film about the alarming prostate cancer disparity impacting African American men. Afer-Anderson will lead a panel discussion on health equity issues in the Black Community. Get involved and submit questions and comments via the YouTube comments window.

Empathy Matters, set for Feb. 23 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., was inspired by questions posed by TCC students. A panel of experts will talk about empathy and its role in restoring balance and positive change. The discussion centers around the power of empathy to transform relationships, circumstances, context and trajectory.

Three professional artists address racial equity in the performing arts in Lifting the Curtain: Addressing Racism in Dance, Music and Theatre on March 16 at 12:30 p.m. Panelists include Anthony Stockard, producing artistic director of Norfolk State University Theatre Company; Theresa Ruth Howard, former company member of Dance Theater of Harlem; and Ismar Gomes, an internationally acclaimed cellist, recording artist, and member of both the Richmond and Virginia Symphony Orchestras. Get involved by submitting questions and comments via the YouTube comments window.

Visiting artist Ronald Jackson uses unique portraiture and relative speculation to imagine the personal experiences and stories of African Americans from the early 20^th century. Join us for Songs of Stories Untold on March 30 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Caged Birds Sing: Voices from Quarantine is hosted by Tory Slade on April 6 at 6 p.m. The artists showcase features performances from students and local performers, including original works.

Designing for Good, April 22 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., features visiting graphic designer Benjamin Gaydos, a designer, educator, co-founder of goodgood, and chair and professor of design at the University of Michigan -Flint where he directs the Community Design Studio. Gaydos finds beauty in the details, humanity through collaboration, joy in the act of creating, and wholeheartedly believes that design can sustain, heal and empower.

On April 26 from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Breaking Through: A Showcase of Actors. CORE Theatre Ensemble and the TCC Roper Performing Arts Center team up to present curated live monologues submitted by student, amateur and professional actors exploring topics and issues that are especially relevant to humankind today. For information about participating, contact roper@tcc.edu.

TCC invites the community to be part of unique arts, theater, music programming

Arts and theater faculty at Tidewater Community College will connect students and Hampton Roads residents this fall with diverse, eclectic programming that caters to the times.

The series, “my thoughts. my voice. my art,” explores themes of diversity, adversity, inequality, social justice and empowerment during a time of social change.

“Think about the impact of what is going on in their world right now,” said Kerry Ragno, dean of TCC’s Arts and Humanities pathway. “We wanted to give our students and the community a productive forum to engage.”

Events — all virtual, free and open to the public — include a live play, lectures, dance demonstrations, an art show and a twist on Shakespeare in the Gove. The annual outdoor festival was canceled this year due to COVID-19, but TCC Theatre will present the Bard’s play “Measure for Measure” in a radio format that will be broadcast on the college’s Facebook page.

The series kicks off from the TCC Roper Performing Arts Center on Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. Terrance Afer-Anderson’s award-winning play “Cast in History,” originally commissioned by the City of Norfolk as a tribute to the city’s African-American history, will be broadcast live on YouTube. TCC students auditioned for roles that were also open to community members. A Q&A featuring the actors and artists will follow the play.

Registration for all events can be found at tcc.edu/arts.

The offerings:

Cast in History Film Premier and Live Artists Talk-back, a YouTube live event from the Roper Performing Arts Center, Sept. 28, 7-11 p.m.

A sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant series of monologues written by Norfolk native and filmmaker Afer-Anderson, an impassioned advocate for the elimination of health disparities. Sign up for free tickets.

Pungo Art Contest, Oct. 1 deadline for submissions

Our sense of community is being redefined as we seek connection from a distance. What does it look like when we are forced to change our perception of human relationships with others and with ourselves? Student submissions only, which should reflect this theme.

Zines, Then & Now by former TCC instructor Janice Pang, Oct. 14, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

What are zines? Pang will walk students through the process to create a zine (short for magazine) with everyday household items. Making a zine (pronounced “zeen”) relates to self-expression and creativity. On Zoom.

Maria Nieves and the TCC Jazz Ensemble, Oct. 15, noon-1 p.m.

A live salsa demonstration and poetry reading featuring the TCC alumna. Event is in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. On Zoom.

Italians in America, Oct. 20, noon-1 p.m.

Illustrated lecture of the history of the Italian migration to the United States. Includes tradition, entertainment, cuisine. Gabriel Matte and Ilaria De Santis are presenters. On Zoom.

Real talk: My Voting Voice, an open debate, Oct. 27, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

One week before the election, explore the context with TCC professors Rick Alley and Doug Thiele. Debate will center on guaranteed free and open elections based on closed polling sites, restricted access to voting and the recent removal of federal mailboxes and sorting machines. On Zoom.

Quarantine Radio Theatre: Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure,” Nov. 12, 7 and 9 p.m.

TCC Theatre presents a one-hour radio production of Shakespeare’s play “Measure for Measure.” Broadcast via TCC’s Facebook page.

Channelmarker deadline, Nov. 1

TCC students are encouraged to submit their creative writing to the annual literary anthology. Selected authors can read their work during the TCC Literary Festival in the spring.

Reshaping bronze & stone: How artists are responding to public monuments, Nov. 10, noon-1 p.m.

TCC art history instructor Nancy Pettigrew will explore the history of monuments in Virginia and the way artists are responding in this illustrated lecture. Student discussion will follow. On Zoom.

Native American Heritage Month, Nov. 12, noon-1 p.m.

Learn about the past and present culture, language and history of the six federally recognized tribes of indigenous people in the Commonwealth. In recognition of Native American Heritage Month. On Zoom.

Renowned playwright part of TCC’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

Tidewater Community College will recognize Hispanic Heritage Month with a keynote program featuring world-renowned playwright Dino Armas, Professor Gabriela Christie Toletti, Juan Raúl Ferreira and other guests on Sept. 27.

The event, which begins at 5:30 p.m. at the TCC Roper Performing Arts Center in downtown Norfolk, is free and open to the public.

Dino Armas and Gabriela Toletti in Uruguay. — Gabriela Toletti, with Dina Armas, when she first presented her book at a special event in Uruguay.

The trio will discuss Toletti’s new book, “On the Scene with Migration and Dictatorship: An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Work of Uruguayan Playwright Dino Armas.” The conversation will focus on the migratory waves that shaped Latin America, as well as military dictatorships that changed the course of history.

Toletti teaches Spanish classes at TCC and is chair of liberal arts on the Norfolk Campus. Ferreira is a past Uruguayan Parliament representative and senator and Uruguayan ambassador to Argentina.

Dancers performing selected tangos and actors portraying scenes from Armas’ plays will be part of the evening. A book signing and reception will follow the event.

Armas’ works have been staged in Latin America, the United States and Europe.

“My book is a way to enter Armas’ world to inquire into Hispanic and universal human conflicts,” Toletti said. “This work constitutes a shared stage of reflection, analysis, collaboration and affection toward Armas, Hispanic culture and a universal multicultural heritage.”

TCC will celebrate the rich and diverse cultural traditions of Hampton Roads’ Hispanic-American community with activities on its four campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.

All Hispanic Heritage Month events are free and open to the public.

Visit tcc.edu/hispanicheritage for a listing of campus events.

For more information, contact the Intercultural Learning Center at intercultural@tcc.edu or 757-822-7296.