Join us in exploring a world of arts & culture at MSU

Curated by educator and fabric artist Chris Worland, this exhibit of West African traditional and contemporary fabrics at the MSU Museum will include the work of three guest Artists-in-Residence (Kandioura Coulibaly and Boubacar Doumbia of Groupe Kasobane in Mali and American Janet Goldner) who will also participate February 2-16, 2009 in Worland's spring 2009 RCAH 291 Fabric Art Workshop and in several community outreach and engagement projects. Other linkages planned include gallery tours at the MSU Museum and RCAH workshop space for local community and school groups.

Tanzania in Deep Time - A View from the Rift Valley documents an ongoing research project that has produced a series of exciting fossil discoveries from the Rukwa Rift Basin of western Tanzania, in the African continent. The research and the exhibit are collaborative projects being carried out by a team of researchers that includes the MSU Museum, Ohio University, Southern Utah University, and Tanzanian collaborators and students from the University of Dar es Salaam. A bilingual (KiSwahili and English) version of the exhibit first opened at the National Museum of Tanzania in Dar es Salaam, and now companion exhibits are set for the U.S. - in East Lansing and Athens, Ohio - as well as regional sites in Tanzania, including the cities of Arusha and Mbeya. The project was funded by a National Science Foundation grant aimed not only at the research questions being addressed, but also at achieving a broader impact through interpreting the research to the public.

One Flew East--- One Flew West---

The iconic characters from Ken Kesey's novel are thrillingly brought to life onstage in Dale Wasserman's script. New asylum inmate, R. P. McMurphy, is placed under the watchful eye of Nurse Ratched. Tensions mount as he gains the allegiance of his fellow patients, leading to the play's shattering conclusion.

Directed by Rob Roznowski
Guest Scene Designer: Rob Odorisio (Art Director of CBS' Guiding Light)

Director pre-show talk Sunday, November 22, 2009 @ 1:15 PM
Talk Back on Thursday, November 19, 2009. (Following the performance)

Michigan State University Museum Curator of History Val Roy Berryman is making a list and checking it twice for seven Santa-themed exhibits around the MSU campus and community this holiday season.

Berryman has been collecting Christmas-related artifacts for more than 25 years, including advertising and promotional items, illustrations, cards, packaging, figurines, decorations and other Kris Kringle collectibles. Over the years, he has shared his personal collections - showcasing Christmas traditions from around the world.  The exhibits are slated to be installed by Monday, Nov. 30, with a special downtown Lansing exhibit up in time for Lansing's Silver Bells in the City on Friday, Nov. 20.

On the MSU campus:
Crackers & Biscuits, An English Christmas --  MSU Museum
A Merry Dairy Christmas - Anthony Hall Dairy Store
Christmas Around the Globe -- MSU Student Union Building
Santa Takes a Break - Spartan Stadium Tower, 4th Floor        (University Advancement)

Around town:

Where's Santa - MSU Federal Credit Union headquarters, 3777  West Road, East Lansing
Signs of Santa -- Knapp's Building, 300 S. Washington Square, Lansing
TAKAAN, Christmas From the Philippines -- Williamston Depot Museum, 369 W. Grand River Avenue, Williamston

 

This exhibition is an attempt to understand the work of Cuesta Benberry, one of America's important collector/scholars, through interacting with a selection of textiles, rare books, patterns, ephemera, and samples of her personal journals, correspondence, and extensive research files.

The 3rd annual event designed to introduce MSU's newest actors and technicians to the community

A collection of scenes and monologues that will showcase all freshman actors and designers in the Department of Theatre. This event was designed to introduce our newest members so that audiences may chart their growth during their time at MSU.

Directed by Christina Traister

We've all got our health, and as far as anything else is concerned...

Family members in the midst of financial difficulties prove that the bond holding them together is stronger than any depression in Kaufman and Hart's comedy You Can't Take it With You. The title adage of this idiosyncratic clan is put to the test by the government, greedy bankers, and class differences. This classic American play is directed by MSU Alum, Williamston Theatre's John Lepard.

Directed by John Lepard (Executive
Director of Williamston Theatre)

Director pre-show talk Sunday, February 7, 2010 @ 1:15 PM
Talk Back on Thursday, January 28, 2010. (Following the performance)

Elaborate and edible chocolate masterpieces created by the area's finest chefs along with samples to savor from local bakeries and shops; all benefiting care and preservation of the MSU Museum's natural history and culture collections; order tickets online at museum.msu.edu

A time to laugh … a time to embrace … a time to dance. - José Limón

Dancing In Our Time, under the artistic direction of Sherrie Barr. Come and experience a mélange of styles and choreographic premieres. This concert exposes the audience to the gravity defying world of dance and features choreography by Provost Visiting Faculty Artist, Jin-Wen Yu.

Artistic Director: Sherrie Barr
Resident Choreographers: Sherrie Barr and Joni Starr
Guest Choreographers including Carolyn Pavlick, Heather Vaughan Southard and Jin-Wen Yu (Provost Visiting Faculty Program)

Artistic Director pre-show talk Sunday, February 28, 2010 @ 1:15 PM
Talk Back on Thursday, February 25, 2010. (Following the performance)

Suffering is an enormous turn on.

In the Blood by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks showcases her unique verbal agility and poetic vision. In the Blood is a retelling of Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. Rather than indicting Puritan society, Ms. Parks shows us a world of social services unequipped to help the modern day Hester Prynne. The play is an examination of fault, blame and honor. Ms. Parks will be discussing her work on campus April 5th.

Directed by Ann Folino White

Director pre-show talk Sunday, March 28, 2010 @ 1:15 PM
Talk Back on Thursday, March 25, 2010. (Following the performance)

Come sample and savor an array of fine wines as the Greater Lansing Vintners Club and the Michigan State University Museum present the annual MSU Museum Wine Tasting Benefit. Live music, hearty appetizers, silent auction and more. The event will feature more than 100 varieties of wines from Michigan vintners, as well as national and international selections. An informal, walk-around set-up lets guests casually sample different wines, and vendor representatives will be on hand to answer questions. The evening also features hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction and door prizes. The event benefits MSU Museum programs.

Suzan-Lori Parks will deliver the College of Arts and Letters "Signature Lecture" for 2010 on April 5 and will engage with MSU students in seminars and classes during her stay on campus following a Department of Theatre production of her play In the Blood.

Bohemia is Dead

Rent, the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical by Jonathan Larson, examines diverse denizens of Lower East Side Manhattan as they struggle to make the rent, find love, and cope with HIV. This iconic musical has become a modern day classic with its compelling score and tragically human characters.

Directed by Scott Burkell
Musical Director: To Be Announced
Choreographer: Joni Starr

Designer pre-show talk Sunday, April 25, 2010 @ 1:15 PM
Talk Back on Thursday, April 22, 2010. (Following the performance)