KENNESAW, Ga. | Oct 31, 2023

Fall brings artistic offerings in Art, Dance, Music, and Theatre

There is no need for a passport to embark upon an amazing international journey in November and December with Kennesaw State University’s College of the Arts. Venture to the islands for musical theatre, enter a mystical world created by sages of dance, and stand on a rug made for a Parisian fashion house. Finally, arrive home just in time to kick off the holidays with artisan gifts and festive music.

Why We Tell the Story
The Department of Theatre and Performance Studies embarks for the islands with the Tony Award-winning musical “Once on This Island,” running Nov. 2-5 and Nov. 9-12. Watch as Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl in search of her place is the world, risks it all for love. Guided by the mighty island gods, she sets out on a remarkable journey to reunite with the man who has captured her heart. With a score that bursts with life through its Caribbean rhythms and instruments, the musical is a beautiful story—simply told—with the power to inspire and heal. Tickets are $12-$20 for the performance in the Stillwell Theater on the Kennesaw campus.  

A Sage’s Take on Dance
Be inspired by the creative exploration in the Department of Dance performance of “Sage,” featuring innovative works in both classical and contemporary dance by four experienced choreographers. Dance students in KSU Dance Company will present the works on Nov. 10-11, 8 p.m., at the KSU Dance Theater on the Marietta campus. The four choreographers—KSU Provost Ivan Pulinkala, two faculty, and a guest artist—all hail from a different country of origin, offering both patrons and dance students a unique look at the influence of culture and the wisdom of experience on dance. Tickets are $15-$20 for the concert in the KSU Dance Theater on the Marietta campus. 

Seen at the Grand Palais in Paris
The Bernard A. Zuckerman Museum of Art (ZMA), a unit of the School of Art and Design, invites patrons to see “Nirvana,” an exhibition featuring the work of Polly Apfelbaum, now through Dec. 9. With large-scale installations of ceramics, prints, and textiles, the contemporary American artist actively interrogates the boundaries between art, craft, and design. “Rainbow Nirvana Houndstooth” exemplifies this best. The two-panel rug was originally created for a group exhibition by Christian Dior at the Grand Palais in Paris. This work blends the French fashion house’s signature houndstooth pattern with the artist’s own palette scheme, creating a monumental work that viewers are invited to directly become part of—by standing upon it. This is the first time the rug has been exhibited in the United States. Apfelbaum will host a virtual lecture on Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.; both the lecture and admission to the Museum are free. 

Fine Artisan Gifts for Sale 
The School of Art and Design and the Spring Arts Festival Committee will proudly host the inaugural Holiday Artist Market on December 1 from 3-6 p.m. at the Visual Arts Building on the Kennesaw campus. This unique marketplace offers art lovers the opportunity to purchase handcrafted items and support the students. Artwork for sale includes pottery, art prints, soap, stickers, plushies, comics, tote bags, jewelry, 3D prints, digital prints, small paintings, and illustrations from about 50 artists. This event is free; learn more.  

Home for the Holidays
Settle in and begin the holiday season with the beloved Holiday Concert from the Bailey School of Music on Dec. 2 at either 2 p.m. or 8 p.m. The Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Choirs will perform festive favorites for the whole family. This year, selections from “Frozen” will be performed, along with classics like “Sleigh Ride” and “Jingle Bells.” Rounding out the performance is Handel’s “Hallelujah” Chorus from Messiah. Tickets are $24-30 ($5 for students) for this performance in Morgan Concert Hall on the Kennesaw campus. 

To learn more about Kennesaw State University’s College of the Arts, please visit arts.kennesaw.edu.

--Kathie Beckett