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.