Theatre, musical performances in spotlight at medieval congress

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Special events affiliated with Western Michigan University's 52nd International Congress on Medieval Studies Thursday through Sunday, May 11-14, include a variety of theatrical and musical performances that are part of the new Mostly Medieval Theatre Festival.

All performances take place at 8 p.m., except as noted, in the Gilmore Theatre Complex and tickets are available to the public. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for any student with identification for evening shows. For the Saturday matinee performance, tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for any student. Call Miller Auditorium at (269) 387-2300 or visit millerauditorium.com.

WMU alumnus Joey Huizar as Esmoreit (Photo credit: Brett Schaberg.)

Performances

Wednesday, May 10

"Cosmic Dance," by Early Music Michigan—This music and dance performance is based on the life and music of the 12th-century mystic and visionary Hildegard of Bingen. The performance combines ancient music with contemporary dance interpreting Hildegard's vision for a new age. Ann Marie Boyle of Early Music Michigan and choreographer Becky Straple join forces for this innovative and engaging theatrical event.

Thursday, May 11

"Leaf-by-Niggle," presented by the University of Maryland, and "Cooch E. Whippet (Farce of Martin of Cambray)" by Radford University—This two-part performance features a Tolkien fairy tale staged in a medieval style, a florilegium of fakery and a French farce, courtesy of Radford's ensemble and translator Jody Enders.

Friday, May 12

Saturday, May 13 (3 p.m.)

"Esmoreit & Lippijn," presented by WMU—In new translations by Mandy L. Albert and directed by Festival founder Lofty Durham, this performance features a contemporary reimagining of a pair of plays from the 15th-century Middle Dutch Van Hulthem manuscript.

Saturday, May 13

"Floris and Blancheflour" by the Pneuma Ensemble and "Dulcitius, or Sex in the Kitchen" by Poculi Ludique Societas—Toronto's Pneuma Ensemble shares a period musical presentation of the first extant romance in English, before the venerable PLS performs Colleen Butler's new translation of Hrosvit's 10th-century tragicomedy about the Roman emperor lured into carnal embrace with cookware.

For additional information, visit wmich.edu/medievalcongress/events/special-events.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.

WMU congress puts focus of world's medieval scholars on Kalamazoo| May 5, 2017

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