The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre (The Gamm) is pleased to present an exciting series of educational and cultural events for the community celebrating the theater's upcoming production of Tom Stoppard's epic play Rock 'n' Roll. Inspired by Stoppard's 2006 masterpiece and focusing on the fall of communist dictatorships in Eastern Europe – specifically 1989's "Velvet Revolution" in what is now the Czech Republic – The Gamm will engage scholars and audiences in an ambitious series of lectures, panel discussions and talk-backs exploring the role of art, music, and theater in political transformation.
These events are sponsored in part by the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities and are open to the public at no charge. Seating is very limited. Please call 401-723-4266 ext. 10 to reserve your seats today.
Sunday May 9 following the 2pm performance of Rock 'n' Roll
Gary Thurston, Professor of History at the University of Rhode Island, will explore the dramatic events surrounding the complex issues in Stoppard's play, providing historical and political context including: Eastern European history, political science, revolutions both personal and political, the power (and social role) of music and the arts, and the continuing influence of classical culture. The timeliness of the issues will provide a springboard for deep discussion and profound examination of our own historical moment. The seismic shifts and revolutions of Eastern Europe resonate with America today as we witness the transformation of political symbols and the transference of power.
Professor Thurston received his Ph.D. from Columbia University and has published and lectured extensively on Russian culture and history. His current project is a book on "Soviet spaces." Maureen Moakley, Professor of Political Science at URI, will moderate.
www.gammtheatre.org
401-723-4266
172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860
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The Gamm presents plays of substance and distinction, acted with excellence and offered to the public in an intimate setting that allows the audience to be immersed fully in the ambiance of the production and the interchange between the actors themselves, and between the actors and the audience.
In 2003, the Gamm moved into its new home, the Pawtucket Armory, since renamed the Arts Exchange. The Arts Exchange is poised to be an exciting venue for the arts, and the large drill hall is often used for events, such as the Annual Foundry Artists Show.