Fine Arts, Film & Literature   

The final four plays by Anton Chekhov (1860-1904)–The Sea Gull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, and The Cherry Orchard–are like no others. Wise, funny, serious, perceptive, troubling, and unusual, they are uncanny in their presentation of characters and situations that strike us as true. They have become staples of dramatic repertoire all over the world and rank with the plays of Shakespeare and the Greek tragedians as “great.” We will spend two classes on each of these engaging, easy-to-follow plays. They all share the special “Chekhov quality” that makes them uniquely insightful and unforgettable.

Children's literature as a category covers books for humans who have been alive for 0-17 years, although most of us would probably confess to still loving a book we first read when we were very young. Each year, about ten-thousand new titles become part of an ever-growing collection of children's literature in the United States. With so many titles to choose from, how do we find just the right books for the children we love or for the child who still lives in each of us?

Participants will explore films of the genre called film noir through weekly viewings and with discussion if time allows. Spring-term films are What is Film Noir?, Out of the Past- a classic film noir; Chinatown- a neo noir; and Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid- a noir parody.

We will read and discuss four of Herman Melville's best works of short fiction, enabling us to recognize the artistic skill of the author in bringing us closer perhaps to fictional characters than to actual people in our lives. Such reading of imaginative literature reinforces our empathy and appreciation of our fellow humans as well as revealing the art of Melville.

We will read and discuss articles, essays, short stories, poetry, and even ad jingles on the topic of television. Authors include George Carlin, David Sedaris, Aziz Ansari, E.B. White, Gil Scott-Heron, and many others. Topics covered range from comedy, educational TV, news and politics to reality TV. There's no need to have watched the shows discussed, but an interest in American popular culture is desirable. LIMIT 16

We will read the book In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson. This book explores the rise of Nazi Germany in 1933-37 through the eyes of the first and last American Ambassador to Berlin. The book provides a firsthand account of Hitler's early rise to power through the experiences of the Dodd family.

From the Sundance Kid to the Sundance Film Festival, Robert Redford left a legacy of iconic characters and a commitment to independent filmmaking. This retrospective reprises roles spanning five decades. It begins with Neil Simon’s 1967 Barefoot in the Park with Jane Fonda and ends with Our Souls at Night from 2017, also with Fonda. Between those,we'll view The Way We Were (1973) with Barbara Streisand; the spy thriller Three Days of the Condor (1975) with Faye Dunaway; and Isak Dinesen’s Out of Africa (1985) with Meryl Streep. Three films directed by Redford follow: the Oscar-winning Ordinary People (1980) with Mary Tyler Moore, Quiz Show (1994) with Ralph Fiennes as Charles Van Doren, and All is Lost (2013), in which Redford directs himself as a solo sailor in trouble.

Enjoy a potpourri of favorite live Beatles performances, standout Beatles cover songs, media clips, first-time reaction videos, karaoke renditions, and other Beatles-related curiosities. Together, these selections illustrate the profound impact the Beatles have had on Western culture and highlight the joy, creativity, and cultural energy they continue to inspire.

Each week we will listen to songs by the four greatest folk singers in American history: Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, and Phil Ochs. Plan on hearing at least ten songs each week, with an emphasis on political/protest songs. You will learn about the historical contexts for these songs and their musical roots and judge their effectiveness and appropriateness. Participants will probably recognize a lot of these songs but doubtless you should be introduced to some "new" songs as well.

Participants will learn about the life of the ancient Persian mystic poet Rumi. There will be analysis of his writings and interpretations of his words as they apply to everyday life. Attendees will be encouraged to write an original poem from a Sufi perspective/through a Sufi lens. LIMIT 16

Beginners, intermediates, and those who just want to get together to paint while inspiring others: bring a brush and join the class! The weekly sessions consist of a demonstration, time to paint and ask questions, and the opportunity to share individual projects. Basic watercolor supplies are required. LIMIT 20