At The Dietrich

By
Hildy Morgan

As I write this, looking out at the pale gold fields that crisscross into the hills like piecrust lattice, I can’t help but feel so fine because spring is actually here, some of those hills are tingeing green, and a big old fat robin is lunching on the lawn. Now really, who could feel bad on a day like this? It’s one of those “Wow, the sun is shining and I’m really, really happy to be alive and whoa(!) that’s cool,” days.

And, to top all this good weather cheer off, it’s festival time! Oh, Lordy, I love our festivals! We show the most terrific films and even if people don’t like some of them they start to talk about what they’ve seen and suddenly the movie crowd is made up of a thousand chatty Cathies. So many of these are films I would never bring in to stand on their own because, frankly, they wouldn’t have much of a commercial audience. Our festival audiences are not only local but come from as far as Allentown, Philadelphia and (who wouldda thunk it?) New York! So we can push the envelope a bit on what we show.

We have delightful films for you, as always, thanks to Jeffrey. (By the way – he has agreed to be our speaker at the fall festival. You can hear about the start-up of the Angelica, and he can answer any question you may have about the industry. He’s totally cool!) We have “Les Choristes” about a little school in France and a dedicated teacher who gives the rag-tag students the gift of music.

We have “Almost Peaceful”, a Holocaust film that takes place after the Holocaust. It’s about rebuilding shattered lives when the ultimate evil has happened, and, believe it or not, it’s a sweet and uplifting film. Don’t let the subject matter scare you away on this one. And remember, Nazism still exists in the world – hard to believe, isn’t it? A gentle film like “Almost Peaceful” is one to remind us that we can never let our guard down.

As does “Hotel Rwanda”, another example of what happens to innocent people when hatred becomes the watchword. Like Schindler’s List, “Hotel Rwanda” tells the story of what one person can do when he goes eyeball to eyeball with evil and refuses to blink. These are important films, folks. You won’t want to miss them.

What could be more appropriate than “The Sea Inside”, the Spanish film based on the true story of a paralyzed man who fights for years for the right to die. A life worth living is a personal decision and how much government intrusion into that decision is the stuff of great discussions and wonderful films.

“A Very Long Engagement” stars the remarkable Audrey Tatou (the star of “Amelie”) and is the story of a young woman in World War One who simply refuses to believe that her fiancée has been killed at the front. Time magazine called it “a movie miracle”.

Then there is the gorgeous filming of the Chinese countryside in “Postman in the Mountains.” We don’t get a lot of Chinese films, but those we do are breathtaking in their cinematic wonder. This is no exception as the camera follows a young man taking over his father’s postal route in the mountains of rural China.

“The Woodsnman” is tough. Kevin Bacon plays a pedophile desperately trying to start a new life. His heart and his spirit and his mind want so much to be normal, but his obsession makes him as much a victim as his victims are. Often the big difference between Hollywood films and these indies and foreign films is that Hollywood shows everything in black and white, good and bad. In these “little films”, shades of gray – in other words, our human-ness – prevail.

I see I have run out of room and haven’t discussed “Vera Drake” or “Kinsey” or “House of Flying Daggers” or even our opening night films, “Being Julia” and “The Merchant of Venice”.

Suffice it to say, they are all simply outstanding. Or else we wouldn’t have them at festival, now would we? You all come on down, now. We need to talk about these films with you!

See you at the Dietrich!

P.S. – Don’t forget to come to our Café Conversations where you get to talk about the films with Dr. Mosley and Dr. Bareiss! And you get to eat, too!

Live at The Dietrich

By
Erica Rogler

Live at the Dietrich April 6, 2005

It’s finally in the 60°F’s and it feels like spring! Last week our Everhart Museum classes started. On Tuesday, fourth through sixth graders came up with characters and storylines in “Pull the Strings” our puppet workshop with Elizabeth Hughes of the Everhart Museum. Then on Thursday, the Dietrich took its “Afternoon Adventures for Girls to the Middle School. Melissa Russo, certified Hatha yoga instructor, led a group of 12 girls in a yoga class. We would like to thank Mr. Papi and the Tunkhannock Middle School for their support and use of space in this project.

Our Drumming Workshop last Thursday was also a great success. Learning about African culture while drumming is a delight. We would like to thank Sybilla from Sybilla Ruark Insurance Services for use of her office space for the drumming class.

Now onto upcoming events. The Dietrich’s Film Festival is just two days away, and we are all set! I can’t wait to screen “Being Julia” and “The Merchant of Venice” on opening night and sample the lavish dessert spread featuring thirteen different confections provided by Epicurean Delight. Dr. Philip Mosley will introduce the films, which always adds occasion to the event.

Then on the opening weekend of the festival we will feature Café Conversations. Take part in these casual discussions about film festival movies while enjoying light desserts and coffee. Admission and refreshments are free of charge. I love to get other peoples opinions and views about movies and the best time for discussion is right after the movie while it is still fresh in your mind. We came up with the idea because during previous film festivals people would linger in small groups after some of the movies and carry on conversations about what they just saw for about a half hour. I am sure some of the films in this year’s festival will breed some great discussions. On Saturday, April 9th at 2 pm, join us at the Prince Hotel (across the street from the Dietrich) to discuss “Born Into Brothels: Calcutta’s Red Light Kids after the film with Dr. Warren Bareiss. On Sunday, April 10th at 2:00 pm, Dr. Bareiss will facilitate another discussion at the Prince after a screening of the documentary “Bright Leaves”. Then on Sunday night, Dr. Philip Mosley will round out the festival’s café conversations with a discussion about “Vera Drake” after its 7:00 pm showing at the Dietrich. Please call 570-996-1500 for more information about these events

Now if you are looking for a family activity, on Saturday, April 9th at 11 am - noon, the Dietrich Theater is hosting “Theatre Fun for Families”. Admission is free. Take part in a fun morning of improvisation/interaction theatre with Michaela Moore of All About Theatre. Michaela has worked with kids of all ages at the Dietrich in the past. She has worked with teenager in her class “Theater Workshop” in which students wrote, acted in, and produced their own play. She also has taught “Theatre and Visual Arts Camps” in past summers with our artist-in-residence Amy Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A., in which students ages 5- 12 experience a certain culture while participating in theatre and art activities. Amy and Michaela will be teaching two “Theatre and Visual Arts Camp” at the Dietrich this summer. One camp will focus around Ancient China and the camp in August will center on Knights, Princesses, and Dragons. We will have shorter camps on the same topics for preschool age children.

Which reminds me, our spring and summer cultural brochures are here! If you haven’t received one yet, give the theater a call at 570-996-1500 and we will send one to you. We have so much to offer this spring and summer including batik, mixed media (for all ages), quilting, “Digital Arts Camp”, “Everhart Explorations”, “Mask Making”, pottery classes, decorative painting, “Open Studio”, “Portfolio Prep”, yoga, “Writers Group”, “Landscape Drawing and Painting”, Intergenerational Oil Painting” and a whole line up of concerts!

More than the Movies at the Dietrich Theater

Afternoon Adventures for Girls, grades 5 -8

Hey girl! You are a force to be reckoned with, an independent spirit. Celebrate yourself and your place in the world through interactive seminars on voice, body, culture, art and the environment. This series of classes will be held at the Tunkhannock Middle School. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Thursdays, March 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28. 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Free

Everhart Museum Staff

Batik for Adults, ages 13 and up

Students will have hands-on experience with Fiber Art. They will work with pigments, different materials, and learn traditional Batik practices. Please call 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays, April 4 - June 6, 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Cost: $80, includes materials

Instructor: Gail Jones, artist-in-residence

Batik for Kids, ages 7 -15

Students will have hands-on experience with Fiber Art. They will work with pigments, different materials, and learn traditional Batik practices. Please call 570-996-1500 to register.

Mondays, April 4 - June 6, 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Cost: $60, materials included.

Instructor: Gail Jones, artist-in-residence

Bus Trip to Everhart Museum, Nay Aug Park and Zoo

Preregistration required. Space is limited.

Saturday, July 30th, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm

Cost: $5 per person

Instructor: Everhart Museum Staff

Crafts with Sarah Sidorek, ages 10 and up

Enjoy making crafts with local artist Sarah Sidorek. Thursday, May 5th, 3:30-5:00 pm - Mother's Day gift - paint a gift box and make earrings for Mom or Grandma. Thursday, June 16th, 3:30 - 5:00 pm - Father's Day gift - Paint a frame to hold your photo and make gift wrap to wrap it. inCall 570-996-1500 to register

Thursday, May 5th, 3:30-5:00 pm and Thursday, June 16th, 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Cost: $1.00 for March Class. $8.00 for each May and June class

Instructor: Sarah Sidorek

Decorative Painting for Adults, age 13 and up, Spring and Summer Day Sessions

Try your hand at painting decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. All levels of experience welcome. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, April 6-May 18, June 8-29, July 13-20, August 3 -31. noon - 3:00 pm

Cost: $15 per lesson + cost of painting surface

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Decorative Painting for Adults, ages 13 and up, Spring and Summer Night Sessions

Try your hand at painting decorative pieces for your home or to give as gifts. All levels of experience welcome. Call 570-996-1500 to register

Thursdays, May 5, 12; June 9, 16; July 14, 21; August 11, 18. 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Cost: $15 per lesson + cost of painting surface

Instructor: Eileen Balboa

Digital Arts Camp

Claymation, robotics, and special effects!

Monday, June 21 - Friday, June 24. Session 1 - ages 12 and up: 10 am -noon. Session 2 - ages 9 - 12: 1 - 3:30 pm

Cost: $45

Instructor; Rand Whipple

Everhart Ancient Art Explorations

Explore the art of ancient Greece and Rome, ancient Egypt, Cave art, and Babylonian art.

Fridays, July 8, 15, 22, 29. Session 1 - Ages 5-8: 10:00 -11:00 am. Session 2 - Ages 9-12: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Cost: Free

Instructors: Everhart Museum Staff

Golden Days of Radio Players Group

Come back with us to those thrilling days of radio drama and comedy. Join us as we prepare a radio play production. Together we will explore the magic of "The Theater of the Mind". Call 570-996-1500 for more information.

Tuesdays, through April 26, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Admission is free.

Instructor: Valerie Paulus

Intergenerational Oil Painting

Students of all ages and levels of experience will have the opportunity to learn the skills of oil painting.

Monday, August 1 - Friday, August 5, 9:30 - 11:00 am

Admission is $55 for adults and $30 for children

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Intergenerational Quilting for all Ages

Learn early American quilting. Recreate the classic pattern Amish Broken Bars (Chinese Coins). Bring a friend or family member. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, through March 30, 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Cost: $6 per lesson

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Peggy Lane

Intergenerational Quilting for all ages - Spring Session

Learn early American quilting. Recreate the classic Log Cabin pattern.

Wednesdays, April 6 - June 8, 6-7:30 pm

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Peggy Lane

Intergenerational Quilting for all ages, Summer Session

Make a traditional quilt sampler. The prep work will be done for you.

Wednesdays, June 15 - July 27, 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Cost: $6 per lesson, all materials provided.

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Peggy Lane

Landscape Drawing and Painting

Ages 6 to adults are invited to experience drawing and painting landscapes as they see it. Classes will be held at Riverside Park. All materials will be provided. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Monday, August 1 - Friday, August 5, 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Cost: $55 for adults and $30 for children

Instructors: Amy and Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Mask Making

A mask is an ideal structure for exploring three-dimensional art with children. Children will create their own masks as they discover a variety of mediums. Children will be exposed to masks of various cultures and discuss how masks have been worn and decorated throughout history and what purpose they served.

Ages 5-12: Monday, July 18 - Friday, July 22 from 9:30 - 11:00 am. Ages 4 and 5: Tuesday, July 26 - Thursday, July 28 from 10:00 am - 10:45 am.

Cost: $45 for ages 5- 12, $30 for ages 4 and 5.

Instructors: Michaela Moore and Amy Colley

Mixed Media Fridays, ages 5- 12

A new artist will be introduced each week as students will learn about famous artists in Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, etc., as they create their own works using a variety of materials including clay, tempera, charcoal, pastels, etc.

Fridays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Session 1 - April 15, 22, 29, May 6. Session 2 - May 13, 20, 27, June 3. Session 3 - June 10, 17, 24.

Cost: $30 for each series of four classes or $25 for each series of three classes

Instructors: Steve and Amy Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Mixed Media Wednesdays, ages 5- 12

A new artist will be introduced each week as students will learn about famous artists in Impressionism, Cubism, etc., as they create their own works using a variety of materials including clay, tempera, charcoal, pastels, etc.

Wednesdays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Session 1 - April 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 2 - May 4, 11, 18, 25.

Cost: $30 foreach series of four classes

Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Mommy & Me Mixed Media, ages 3 and 4

Young artists and their Moms, Dads, or grandparents will create works of art in an assortment of materials including clay, tempera, watercolor and collage.

Mondays, noon - 12:45 pm, Session 1 - April 4, 11, 18, 25. Session 2 - May 2, 9, 16, 23. Session 3 - June 6, 13, 20.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes or $20 for each series of three classes

Instructor: Amy Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Open Studio

Students of all ages and levels of experience will have the opportunity to work at thier own pace and medium of their choice with instructor Steve Colley. A model will be provided for an additional fee if the group chooses. Please call 570-996-1500 to register.

Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Session 1 - June 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 2 - August 9, 16, 23, 30.

Cost: $30 per child, $45 per adult

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Portfolio Prep, ages 13 and up

In this class, you can build a diverse art portfolio as you draw, paint, and create pottery and sculpture. Even if you are not planning a portfolio you will be able to experience art using a variety of materials and learn new techniques. Please call 570-996-1500 to register

Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:30 pm, Session 1 - April 5, 12, 19, 26. Session 2 - May 3, 10, 17, 24.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Pottery and Scuplture for Adults, ages 13 and up

This class is designed for students of all levels of experience. Students will work on pottery wheels and learn hand building techniques as well. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Session 1 - April 6, 13, 20, 27. Session 2 - May 4, 11, 18, 25.

Cost: $45 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Steve Colley, B.F.A. and M.F.A

Preschool Art, ages 4 and 5

Preschool students will be introduced to a famous artist each week as they explore a variety of materials such as clay, tempera, watercolors, collage, etc. Call 570-996-1500 to register.

Thursdays, noon - 12:45 pm, Session 1 - April 7, 14, 21, 28. Session 2 - May 5, 12, 19, 26. Session 3 - June 2, 9, 16, 23.

Cost: $25 for each series of four classes.

Instructor: Amy Colley, B.F.A., M.F.A.

Pull the Strings, grades 4 - 6

Lights! Camera! Action! Go behind the scenes, write an original play and create a cast of puppet characters for the final puppet theater performance in the Dietrich's very own theater! Call 570-996-1500 to register. Space is limited.

Tuesdays, March 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26. 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Cost: Free!

Instructors: Everhart Museum Staff

Quilting for Kids, ages 6 and up - Log Cabin Project

Cabin Fever - Warm up while cold winds blow with this Log Cabin/Barn Raising quilting project. Construct one log cabin in 4 easy lessons or build more and discover variations of this popular pattern. Call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 to register.

Wednesdays, through March 30, 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Cost: $6 per lesson

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Gloria Eastwood

Quilting Kids Spring Session, ages 6 and up

Take an Amish adventure. Kids will learn the art of the Amish while recreating classic quilt designs.

Wednesdays, April 6 - June 8, 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Cost: $6 per class, materials provided and not prepartion is necessary

Instructors: Ingrid Rogler and Gloria Eastwood

Theater Workshop

Hands-on activities with sound effects, makeup, special effects, and more!

Monday, June 13 - Friday, June 17th, 10 am - noon

Cost: $45

Instructors: Carl Canedy and Patti Dunning of First Act Children's Theatre

Theatre & Visual Arts Camp - Ancient China

Theatre and art activities centered around Ancient China

Ages 5 - 12: Monday, June 27 - Friday, July 1 from 10 am-noon. Ages 4 -5: Tuesday, June 28 - Thursday, June 30 from 12:30 - 1:30 pm

Cost: $45 for ages 5 -12, $30 for ages 4-5

Instructors: Amy Colley and Michaela Moore

Theatre and Visual Arts Camp - Knights, Princesses, & Dragons

Theater and art activities centered around medieval times.

Ages 5-12: Monday, August 8 - Friday, August 12 from 10 am - noon. Ages 4 and 5: Tuesday, August 9 - Thursday, August 11 from 12:30 - 1:30 pm

Cost: $45 for ages 5 - 12, $30 for ages 4 and 5

Instructors: Amy Colley and Michaela Moore

Writers Group

Love to write? The group celebrates all different types of writing styles and formats. Join at any time. Admission is free.

Thursdays, March 17 - August 25, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Admission is free.

group format - no instructor

Yoga for You

Accomodations will be made for beginners, experienced practitioners, and those with special needs. Call 570-996-1500 to confirm dates. Please bring yoga mat or beach towel.

Wednesdays, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Call 570-996-1500 for class dates.

Cost: $10 per lesson. Children are free.

Instructor: Melissa Russo: Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor