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After enduring a seemingly never-ending winter, Boston College will celebrate the arrival of spring later this month with the 16th Arts Festival, an annual showcase of campus arts in all genres.
The festival, which takes place April 24-26, will involve the talents of some 1,000 BC students, faculty, administrators and staff in a multitude of events highlighting the performing, visual and literary arts. Last year’s Arts Festival drew an all-ages crowd of more than 16,500, with an offering of participatory activities as well as performances, exhibitions and readings.
“Filter Your World” is the theme of the 2014 festival, which organizers say is meant to challenge traditional perspectives for perceiving and interpreting art.
“The dedication and creative energy of our students, faculty, staff and alumni shape an Arts Festival into one of the most anticipated events on campus,” said Associate Professor of Theatre Crystal Tiala, chair of the University’s Arts Council, which organizes the festival. “Each year the festival is better and bigger than the year before. It is the crowning achievement of everyone’s hard work, allowing – at last – the community to experience the wealth of creative talent in three exuberant days of spring.”
In addition, the festival highlights the achievements of accomplished alumni arts professionals. Anne Garefino ’81, executive producer of the long-running TV series “South Park” and Broadway hit “The Book of Mormon” (now playing at the Boston Opera House), will return to BC as a special guest: She will participate in special programming on April 24 and 25 and receive the Boston College Arts Council Alumni Award for Distinguished Achievement at a public presentation and reception on April 25. [For more on Garefino, see www.bc.edu/artsawards; registration for the awards event also is available at that site, or by calling ext.2-4700].
Also being honored this year is Sullivan Artist-in-Residence Séamus Connolly, director of BC’s Irish music programs, organizer of the popular Gaelic Roots music series and one of the world’s most respected master Irish musicians, who will receive the Arts Council Faculty Award. The awards ceremony also will recognize students’ artistic accomplishments.
The Arts Festival main performance tent is located on the Plaza at O’Neill Library. The Arts Tent on Stokes Lawn will host children’s activities and a smaller stage for more intimate performances, art displays and receptions.
Activities for children and families, which take place from noon-5 p.m. on April 26, include an original children’s play, “Nick of Time” by Adjunct Associate Professor of Theatre Luke Jorgensen, to be performed by students from one of his classes. Also that afternoon, the Undergraduate Government of Boston College will co-sponsor activities for families.
Other highlights of the festival include:
•A production of the award-winning musical comedy “The Drowsy Chaperone,” directed by Associate Professor of Theatre Stuart J. Hecht, from April 23-27 at Robsham Theater Arts Center [see www.bc.edu/robsham].
•A concert by student a cappella groups whose members prepared for the festival through sessions with Boston-based professional groups.
•Dance showcases featuring BC faculty and student choreographers, and a variety of genres; and dancing with BC bOp!, the University’s popular jazz band.
•A gallery opening and reception in the Arts Tent, with talks by BC student artists.
•The McMullen Museum of Art exclusive exhibition “Paris Night & Day: Photography Between the Wars,” on view through June 8 [see www.bc.edu/artmuseum].
•BC Underground, a collaborative arts event that features spoken-word artists, rappers, break dancers, DJ’s and electronic music artists.
•Performances by improv groups and winners of annual “Battle of Bands” and singer-songwriter competitions.
Sponsors of the festival include the offices of the President and the Provost, Center for Student Formation, Student Affairs and Carroll School of Management, with support from the Alumni Association and Bookstore. The festival coincides with, and is a part of, Boston’s annual Art Week, organized by the Citi Arts Performing Center.
For information on event times and locations, see www.bc.edu/artsfestival or call ext. 2-ARTS (2787); events are free unless otherwise indicated.