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 20th 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.
