UCSC theater arts professor Kathy Foley and a student cast will present an evening of Indian and Persian stories titled Mughal Miniatures: Tales of Love, November 8-17, at UCSC's Second Stage.
The production features three great love stories from Iran and the Indian subcontinent that have been preserved in time, through folktales, songs, pictures, and storytelling, incorporating dance, puppetry, screens, and shadows.
“These are among the greatest love stories ever told, though they are not generally known to Western audiences,” Foley noted.
“They are stories worth telling to inform our community about the rich poetry and philosophy of these regions and cultures," she added.
Scenic design for the production was provided by visiting New York-based artist and puppeteer Amy Trompetter, who recently spent two weeks working with UCSC students in Foley's popular theater arts "Muppet Magic" class.
Audiences are invited to post-performance "Talk-backs" with the cast and director after the two Saturday performances.
Foley will also participate in a roundtable discussion titled Indian Arts and International Venues on Thursday November 14 with Fulbright Scholar Anita Singh (Benares Hindu University) Indian theater expert Marlene Pitkow, Asia expert Graeme Vanderstoel, and UCSC theater arts professor Patty Gallagher.
The roundtable takes place at the Porter Faculty Gallery (Room D-222, Porter College, UCSC), beginning at 4:30 p.m.
A related exhibit curated by Foley, Vision of the Sacred: Puppets and Performing Arts of South and Southeast Asia, will additionally be on display through December 10 at the Porter Faculty Gallery (located in Porter College, D-222). Gallery hours are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission to the roundtable and exhibit are free and open to the public.
Tickets to Mughal Miniatures: Tales of Love are $15 general, $12 seniors 62 and up, $12 youth and students w/ID, and $12 for UCSC faculty, staff, and Alumni Association members w/ ID (max. 2 tickets), available at santacruztickets.com, the UCSC Ticket Office (831) 459-2159); and the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium box office, 307 Church St or (831) 420-5260.
