ART MAG’S PICKS for SPOLETO 2013
It’s amazing to watch Charleston transform into an arts mecca during the annual Spoleto Festival USA. For 17 days, our wonderful city gets even more spectacular, as artists, performers, and audiences from around the world come to the Lowcountry to witness an event that has been getting bigger and better since its humble beginnings in 1977. It’s truly something to be thankful for. Here are just a few of the must-see events. Get out, enjoy the sights, try to avoid the traffic, and witness one of the best arts festivals on the planet.
MUSIC
Angelique Kidjo
May 30, College of Charleston’s
TD Arena
Grammy winner and superstar in the world music scene, Angelique Kidjo is a powerhouse of a singer. She was once described as “the undisputed queen of African music” by the Daily Telegraph in London, and one of the top most inspiring women in the world by The Guardian.
Johnnyswim
May 31, College of Charleston Cistern Yard
A duo that includes Donna Summer’s daughter? Check. Two beautiful people whose sound is just as impressive as their supermodel looks? Check. A band that is on the rise in the music industry, mixing R&B and indie rock? Yep. I bet you’ll one day say to yourself “I saw them when…“ Kudos to the Spoleto Festival for bringing in younger music acts.
Bank of America Chamber Music
May 24 – June 9, Dock Street Theatre
These festival favorites are performed twice a day so you’ll have plenty of time to see the Chamber Music performances.
OPERA
Matsuzake
May 24, 26, June 1, 4, 8, Dock Street Theatre
Spoleto’s opera performances are always fantastic, and this year is no exception. Popular Japanese composer Toshio Hosokawa’s Matsukaze will take audiences on a spiritual trip. The opera centers around a monk who meets two ghosts who are wandering the earth looking for their former mortal lovers. It will be sung in German, with English super-titles.
Le Villi and Mese Mariano
May 25, 27, 29, 31, June 2, 4, 7, Sottile Theater
Two operas by Italian composers will grace the College of Charleston’s Sottile Theatre this year. Puccini’s Le Villi tells the tale of a man who is haunted by his ex-lover’s spirit after her death. Umberto Giordano’s Mese Mariano is also an emotional piece about a mother who seeks her son after giving him up to an orphanage.
DANCE
Jared Grimes
May 24 – 27, Emmet Robinson Theatre
Over the years, the art of tap dancing has been largely ignored by mass media. Jared Grimes is a performer who is proving that the genre isn’t just an old school pastime. Grimes mixes hip-hop, tap, and jazz culture on stage. He’s captivated audiences all around the world, and we’re excited to hear his tap-tap-tappin’. Check YouTube for some amazing videos of this phenom in action.
Shantala Shivalingappa
June 6 – 9, and 27, Emmet Robinson Theatre
On the other end of the spectrum is Shantala Shivalingappa, a celebrated artist from India. Accompanied by four Indian musicians, Shivalingappa’s graceful performance will portray ancient Hindu deities.
THEATER
The Intergalacitc Nemesis
June 5 – 9, Sottile Theatre
See a comic book come to life with Intergalactic Nemesis. This two-part performance uses more than 1,000 full-color comic book images projected onto a screen as a backdrop to three talented voice actors. Fans of comic books and sci-fi movies will love this one.
Oedipus
June 4 – 8, Memminger Auditorium
The United Kingdom’s Nottingham Playhouse is bringing some serious talent to the Lowcountry with their adaptation of Sophocles’ famous Greek tragedy Oedipus. The play is in good hands, under the guidance of actor and director Steven Berkoff, who was behind Rambo and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
PHYSICAL THEATER
Le Grand C
May 22 – 31, June 1, Memminger Auditorium
This is one of those “you’ll have to see this to believe it” types of acts. Le Grand C features 17 acrobats on one stage catapulting themselves in the air and making human formations that seem impossible. The show is evidence of how flexible and beautiful the body can be when you push it to its limits.
SPOLETO FINALE
The Red Stick Ramblers
June 9, Middleton Place Plantation, gates open at 3:30 pm,
concert begins at 8:30 pm.
The Spoleto Finale combines the international star-quality of the festival with one of the most beautiful places in Charleston. Grab a blanket, pack a picnic and come spend the afternoon at this gorgeous plantation. This year there will also be a Beer Garden with lots of local craft brews for you to enjoy. When the sun sets, Cajun-blues-honky tonk band The Red Stick Ramblers will take the stage. The evening will culminate with an explosion of fireworks, a beautiful sight over the ancient plantation grounds.
Head to the Spoleto website for a full schedule and to purchase tickets.
Words by Marcus Amaker
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