Events

World Cinema Series: The Reluctant Fundamentalist
2018-02-22 19:30 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Pollak Theatre
(Director:
Mira Nair, 2012) A young Pakistani man is chasing corporate success on Wall
Street. He finds himself embroiled in a conflict between his American Dream, a
hostage crisis, and the enduring call of his family’s homeland.
Rated R (130 minutes)

Jacob Landau and His Circle
2018-02-23 09:00 - 2018-03-23 19:00 | Pollak Gallery
An exhibition of paintings by the late Jacob Landau and works by members of the artist’s circle who were strongly influenced by his vision including Myron Wasserman, Jack McGovern and Joanne Leone. The exhibition was curated by Leone who studied with Landau from 1985-2001. This event is part of the Jewish Cultural Studies Program.

La Bohème
2018-02-24 12:30 - 17:59 | Pollak Theatre
An exciting young cast stars in Franco Zeffirelli’s classic production of La Bohème, the most-performed opera in Met history. Sonya Yoncheva stars as Mimì opposite Michael Fabiano as the passionate writer Rodolfo. Susanna Phillips reprises the role of the flirtatious Musetta and Lucas Meachem sings the role of her lover, the painter Marcello. The cast also features Alexey Lavrov and Matthew Rose as Rodolfo and Marcello’s friends Schaunard and Colline and Paul Plishka as Benoit and Alcindoro in this performance, led by Marco Armiliato.
Total runtime: 2 hours, 58 minutes

CAROLYN DORFMAN DANCE: The Legacy Project: A Dance Of Hope
2018-02-25 16:00 - 19:00 | Pollak Theatre
The Legacy Project: A Dance of Hope
Acclaimed choreographer and storyteller Carolyn Dorfman has created an exultant “dance-theatre” trilogy that connects us through our common human experience. Told through the lens of a child of Holocaust survivors, dances illustrate the devastation, yet inspires hope as immigrants’ journey to a new land that promises new beginnings! Our deepest desires for peace, freedom and family are illuminated in this triumphant work that will make you cry, laugh, think and celebrate the capacity of the human spirit to rise above all circumstance.
Described by critics as “ingenious” (The Star-Ledger) and “emotionally resonant” (The New York Times), the dances in the Legacy Project bring together Dorfman’s family stories, Jewish history, and a universal struggle for identity. Through this combination, Dorfman inspires in her audience feelings of familiarity and unity, creating dances that serve as metaphors for the greater truths of the human experience, “In her works, visual images become still photographs that capture and freeze certain universal truths…both reflect[ing] and engender[ing] a profound humanity. Because her dances are about people and life experience, often moving from the autobiographical to the universal, they hold immediate appeal” (The New York Times).
About Carolyn Dorfman Dance
Carolyn Dorfman Dance connects life and dance in bold, athletic and dramatic works by Carolyn Dorfman and nationally renowned choreographers. The company’s ten multi-ethnic and stunning dancers tap their unique talents to present high-energy and technically demanding dance that unleashes the powerful storytelling and imagery of its visionary creator. This distinctive combination takes audiences on intellectual and emotional journeys that ultimately illuminate and celebrate the human experience. This is contemporary dance that moves you to think, feel, laugh, cry and engage. The highly acclaimed ensemble is known for emotional resonance and artistic excellence both in performance and in its interactions with audiences, students and the community. Sharing art and process is the hallmark of this company. Celebrating 35 years, Carolyn Dorfman Dance continues to impact audiences at major theaters, dance festivals, universities, schools, museums and galleries regionally, nationally and internationally.

Sylvia
2018-02-28 20:00 | Lauren K. Woods Theatre
Feb. 28 – March 4 & March 6-8, 2018
All shows 8 PM except Sun. matinees at 3 PM.
Sylvia is one of A.R.Gurney’s funniest plays. Greg and Kate move back to New York city after raising two children and wanting the active life of Manhattan. Greg finds an adorable mutt while on a walk and decides to bring the pooch home. Sylvia immediately becomes an issue for Greg and Kate and begins to test their marriage in both funny and touching ways. Gurney is an expert at examining middle class life as we watch Sylvia bring Greg and Kate back on track in their new but lonely city life.

Danú
2018-03-01 19:30 - 23:00 | Pollak Theatre
Hailing from Waterford, Dublin, Donegal and Cork, Danú is one of the leading traditional Irish ensembles of today. Their standing room only concerts throughout Ireland are true events featuring high-energy performances and a glorious mix of ancient Irish music and new repertoire. For over two decades, Danú’s virtuosi players on flute, tin whistle, fiddle, button accordion, bouzouki, and vocals (Irish and English), have performed around the globe and recorded seven critically acclaimed albums. Their live DVD, One Night Stand, was filmed at Vicar St. Dublin.
Winners of numerous awards from the BBC and Irish Music Magazine, Danú has toured throughout Europe, the Middle East, and North America with stops at The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Symphony Space in New York City, and major concert engagements in the United Kingdom, India, Israel, and across Europe. Danú takes its audiences on a musical journey to their native Ireland, offering a moving and memorable concert experience. Danú’s popular recordings are available on the Shanachie label and live performances are often broadcast on NPR, the CBC, and the BBC
“…impressive, immersive and uniquely and unmistakably Irish”~ Strings Magazine
“…a powerhouse band…”~ The Irish Times
“A spirit-raising concoction” ~ The Irish Times
“…a vibrant mix of virtuosity, energy, and empathy”~ The Washington Post
“… (Danú) stirs the blood and lifts the heart.”~Irish Music Magazine
“…fierce fiddle reels to pensive ballads.”~ The New York Times
“Compellingly original”~ The Los Angeles Times
More info: www.danu.net

ICCA Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinal at Monmouth University
2018-03-03 19:00 - 23:00 | Pollak Theatre
The top two finishing groups at this event will advance to the ICCA Mid-Atlantic Semifinal. 10 Universities will compete; Monmouth University, Rider, Wagner, Hofstra, Rutgers, The College of New Jersey and Georgetown. We invite you to tweet and Instagram this event using #ICCA
Monmouth University’s Sea Sharps will host and compete.

L’Elisir d’Amore (Encore)
2018-03-04 13:00 - 17:59 | Pollak Theatre
Donizetti’s comic gem L’Elisir d’Amore, staged by Bartlett Sher and conducted by Domingo Hindoyan, stars Pretty Yende as the spirited Adina, with Matthew Polenzani as Nemorino, the simple peasant who falls in love with her. Davide Luciano makes his Met debut as the role of Adina’s arrogant fiancé, Belcore and Ildebrando D’Arcangelo sings the role of the magic potion-peddling Doctor Dulcamara. Domingo Hindoyan makes his company debut conducting.
Total Run Time: 2 hours, 22 minutes

TUESDAY NIGHT RECORD CLUB: Radiohead, OK Computer
2018-03-06 19:30 - 21:00 | The Great Hall Auditorium
It’s just like book club but with albums! With new advances in technology, the way we consume music through our devices, apps and on demand streaming services like Pandora, Spotify and iTunes is making the idea of the “album” as an art form extinct. Get together with other music enthusiasts on Tuesday nights in Woods Theatre to discuss some of the greatest records of all-time! Listen to the album beforehand and then come prepared to discuss… there will be special guest moderators and panelists at each event!
This discussion will feature Radiohead OK Computer. This event is free but registration is required.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
2018-03-08 19:30 - 23:00 | Pollak Theatre
By Tennessee Williams

Directed by Benedict Andrews

Tennessee Williams’ twentieth century masterpiece
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
played a strictly limited season in London’s West End in 2017. Following his smash hit production of
A Streetcar Named Desire,
Benedict Andrews’ ‘thrilling revival’ (New York Times) stars Sienna Miller alongside, Jack O’Connell and Colm Meaney.
On a steamy night in Mississippi, a Southern family gather at their cotton plantation to celebrate Big Daddy’s birthday. The scorching heat is almost as oppressive as the lies they tell. Brick and Maggie dance round the secrets and sexual tensions that threaten to destroy their marriage. With the future of the family at stake, which version of the truth is real – and which will win out?
★★★★

“A bold reimagining…innovative and powerfully acted”

Sunday Times
★★★★

“A brilliant, lacerating account of the play… unforgettable”

The Independent
★★★★

“Miller and O’Connell get to a raw and naked truth”

The Metro

Semiramide (Broadcast in HD)
2018-03-10 13:00 - 17:59 | Pollak Theatre
Angela Meade makes her Met role debut as the title character in Semiramide. Rossini’s opera, which has not been seen at the Met in 25 years, will be conducted by Maurizio Benini and feature Elizabeth DeShong as the Commander of the Assyrian army Arsace, Javier Camarena as an Indian king Idreno, Ildar Abdrazakov as the prince Assur, and Ryan Speedo Green as the high priest Oroe.
Total runtime: 4 hours

The Flames of Paris
2018-03-11 15:00 - 19:15 | Pollak Theatre
Music Boris Asafiev
Choreography Alexei Ratmansky, after Vasily Vainonen
Cast The Bolshoi Principals, Soloists and Corps de Ballet
In the era of the French Revolution, Jeanne and her brother Jérôme leave Marseille for Paris in support the revolutionary effort that is taking over the capital. While fighting for freedom, they both encounter love along the way…
Very few ballets can properly depict the Bolshoi’s overflowing energy and fiery passion as can Alexei Ratmansky’s captivating revival of Vasily Vainonen’s The Flames of Paris. With powerful virtuosity and some of the most stunning pas de deux, the Bolshoi Ballet displays an exuberance almost too enormous for the Moscow stage.
Total runtime: 2 hours, 15 minutes

La Bohème (Encore)
2018-03-18 13:00 - 17:59 | Pollak Theatre

Eleanor Hooker & Clodagh Beresford Dunne
2018-03-20 16:30 - 20:00 | The Great Hall Auditorium
Two Irish poets, Eleanor Hooker and Clodagh Beresford Dunne will read from their works. Eleanor Hooker is a poet and writer. In 2013, her debut collection of poetry, The Shadow Owner’s Companion was shortlisted for the Strong/Shine Award for Best First Irish Collection. In 2016, she published her second collection of poems A Tug of Blue and she was included as one of Poetry Ireland Review’s ‘Rising Generation’ of Irish poets. In February 2016, her flash fiction The Lesson was awarded 1st Prize in the Bare Fiction Flash Fiction competition in the UK. Her poetry has been published in literary journals internationally including: POETRY (Chicago), PN Review, Poetry Ireland Review, AGENDA Poetry, The Stinging Fly, The SHOp, The Moth, The Irish Times, The Irish Examiner, Crannóg, POEM: International English Language Quarterly and Cyphers.
Clodagh Beresford Dunne was the recipient of the Arts Council of Ireland Emerging-Writer Award Bursary, 2016. Her poems have appeared in Irish and international print and online journals, including Poetry Ireland Review, The Irish Times, The Stinging Fly, Southword, The Moth, The Pickled Body, Spontaneity and Pittsburgh Poetry Review. She is the recipient of a number of literature awards from Irish Artlinks, Waterford City and County Arts Office. Born and raised in a regional newspaper family, her writing was first committed to print at age 8. Described by Irish poet Thomas McCarthy as “a writer of great seriousness and purpose,” Beresford Dunne’s poetry has been hailed as “announcing a new vision to us, a new vortex of energy that localises human experience and domesticates genius.”

World Cinema Series: Mountains May Depart
2018-03-20 19:30 - 23:59 | Pollak Theatre
(Director:
Zhangke Jia, 2015) China, 1999. Childhood friends Liangzi and Zhang are both in
love with Tao, the town beauty. Tao eventually decides to marry the wealthier
Zhang. They soon have a son he names Dollar… From China to Australia, the
lives, loves, hopes and disillusions of a family over two generations in a society
changing at breakneck speed.
Not Rated (131 minutes)

Hamlet
2018-03-22 19:30 - 23:00 | Pollak Theatre
Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC’s Sherlock, The Imitation Game) takes on the title role of Shakespeare’s great tragedy.
Now seen by over 750,000 people worldwide, the original 2015 NT Live broadcast returns to cinemas.
As a country arms itself for war, a family tears itself apart. Forced to avenge his father’s death but paralysed by the task ahead, Hamlet rages against the impossibility of his predicament, threatening both his sanity and the security of the state. Directed by Lyndsey Turner (Posh, Chimerica) and produced by Sonia Friedman Productions.

First Senior Show: Fine Art & Animation
2018-03-23 10:00 - 2018-03-30 05:00 | Joan and Robert Rechnitz Hall
Featuring the work of Monmouth University graduating seniors who will receive their degrees in Fine Art and Animation.

SONGWRITERS BY THE SEA
2018-03-24 20:00 - 23:00 | Lauren K. Woods Theatre
Distinguished NJ Songwriters Joe Rapolla and Joe D’Urso are back this year hosting the celebrated Songwriters by the Sea series at the Lauren K. Woods Theatre. What once started in a small coffee shop as an area for local songwriters has now grown into a series that features some of the top songwriters in the country. This year, the show features special guest Willie Nile.
The New York Times called Willie Nile “one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years.” His album Streets Of New York was hailed as “a platter for the ages” by UNCUT magazine. Rolling Stone listed The Innocent Ones as one of the “Top Ten Best Under-The-Radar Albums of 2011” and BBC Radio called it “THE rock ‘n’ roll album of the year.” Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend, Lou Reed, Lucinda Williams, Jim Jarmusch, and Little Steven are among those who have sung his praises. His album, American Ride, won “Best Rock Album of the Year” at the Independent Music Awards. Willie has toured across the U.S. with The Who and has sung with Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. As the induction program from the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame says: “His live performances are legendary.” In the summer of 2017 Willie Nile released his 11th studio album Positively Bob – Willie Nile Sings Bob Dylan to rave reviews.

Rockin’ Road to Dublin
2018-03-24 20:00 - 23:59 | Pollak Theatre
Rockin’ Road to Dublin returns to Pollak Theatre in 2018 by popular demand! Created by the 2009 World Champion of Irish Dance Scott Doherty (Riverdance & Lord of the Dance) and worldwide touring Irish musician Chris Smith, Rockin’ Road is the new generation of Irish music and dance. RRTD is a breathtaking display of classic Irish tunes accented by rock ‘n’ roll riffs, electrifying dancers and a dynamic light show. Enjoy the thrilling sights and sounds as daring performers execute rapid-fire leaps, twirls and footwork, and nimble fiddlers square off with driving electric guitar chords and pulse-pounding drum beats. Fans say, “Rockin’ Road to Dublin not only combines Riverdance and Lord of the Dance perfectly, but actually surpasses them!”
“The artists were unbelievable. The dancers took my breath away. I didn’t want it to end!” ~Patron

Semiramide (Encore)
2018-03-25 13:00 - 17:59 | Pollak Theatre

Sam and Charlie Go to War: Letters Home from Jewish Immigrant Soldiers, 1918-1919 An Illustrated Talk by Patricia Klindienst
2018-03-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Edison Science Hall

BLACK MARIA FILM FESTIVAL
2018-03-29 18:30 - 22:00 | Pollak Theatre
The Black Maria Film Festival was founded in 1981 as a tribute to Thomas Edison’s development of the motion picture at his laboratory, dubbed the “Black Maria” film studio, the first in the world, in West Orange, NJ. Now in its 37th year, the festival attracts and showcases the work of independent filmmakers internationally. The festival is a project of the Thomas A. Edison Media Arts Consortium, an independent non-profit organization in residence at New Jersey City University’s Department of Media Arts. Unlike other major film festivals, the Black Maria Festival is not presented in only one location. Instead, the winning films are presented at universities, museums, libraries and cultural centers across the country all year.

Così Fan Tutte
2018-03-31 13:00 - 17:59 | Pollak Theatre
Phelim McDermott returns to the Met staging Mozart’s comedy Così fan tutte, led by David Robertson. Set in the 1950s on Coney Island, the cast features Amanda Majeski as the conflicted Fiordiligi; Serena Malfi as her sister, Dorabella; Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara as their feisty maid, Despina; Ben Bliss and Adam Plachetka as the sisters’ fiancés, Ferrando and Guglielmo; and Christopher Maltman as the cynical Don Alfonso. Così fan tutte is a co-production with the English National Opera.

Total runtime: 3 hours, 31 minutes

Artivism
2018-04-01 10:00 - 2018-05-31 19:00 | Pollak Gallery
As a universal language, the arts have always been an effective tool for addressing social issues. Artivism or “activist art” is a form of social protest that explores cultural and political concerns. However, it is much more than just an innovative tactic, Artivism involves an entire practice that attempts to inspire positive change in society. This juried exhibition features works of art that employ spectacle, symbolism and collective participation to fight for issues of social justice including racial discrimination, gender equality, fair labor practices, human rights and more.
Participating Artists Include:
Ellis Angel
Marilyn M. Baldi
Janet Boltax
Merry Brennan
Roberta C. Scott
Beverly Crilly
Patricia Dahlman
Michael Dal Cerro
Isabella DeAnglis
Dawn DiCicco
Mark Dornan
Anne Dushanko Dobek
Shekira Farrell
Nette Forne Thomas
Sophie French
Jessenia Gaviria
Ghazel Ghazi
Emily Gilman Beezley
Indira Govindan
Sandra Gustafson
Stephen Harrison
Jesse Hill
Annie Hogan
Patricia Hutchinson
Julia Justo
Edward Kelley
Louise Krasniewicz
Rashna Madon
Stephen Marc
Alexandra Martin
Bonnie McKee Totora
Irmari Nacht
Chris Revelle
Andrew Ricci
Patrice Robinson
Stuart Robinson
Charles Andrew Seaton
Rosary Solimanto
William Stoehr
Colleen Sweeney Gahrmann
Sandy Taylor
John Taylor-Lehman
Brad Terhune
Hannah Ueno
Joseph Villa
Maryann Vitiello
Terrill Warrenburg
Judy Wukitsch
Belgin Yucelen

Saving Our Own: Approaches to Suicide Prevention and PTSD for Law Enforcement Executives
2018-04-02 08:30 - 13:30 | Anacon Hall, 2nd Floor, Student Center

Blood Drive
2018-04-03 11:00 - 18:00 | Anacon Hall, 2nd Floor, Student Center

Artist Talk with Chris Clavio
2018-04-03 16:30 - 19:00 | The Great Hall Auditorium
Chris Clavio is an Electronic Artist and Entrepreneur living and working in Santa Fe, NM. His work explores the sublime and perception using light, sound, and interactive environments. Currently he is the Director of IT and Electrical Infrastructure Systems for the artist collective Meow Wolf.
Clavio has shown work across the United States, most recently in Pittsburgh, PA, with Energy Flow, a project in collaboration with Andrea Polli that highlights the Rachel Carson bridge with wind-turbine powered LEDs. His current projects integrate several software platforms and various hardware configurations to create immersive and interactive environments that stimulate the senses in order to evoke the imagination and push the limits of our perceived reality.
More info: www.clavionline.com

Straight Talk on #FakeNews
2018-04-03 18:00 - 19:30 | The Great Hall Auditorium
What is the difference between #FakeNews and fake news? Attempts to undermine the credibility of news reports can weaken an essential pillar of a healthy democracy. A panel of professionals will discuss the current environment and future of the Fourth Estate from the perspectives of print media, broadcasting, and data reporting. The forum will include an opportunity for audience Q&A.
Sponsored by the Monmouth University Polling Institute, Department of Communication, Monmouth Oral Communication Center (MOCC), Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Panelists

Jack Ford is an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist, documentary producer, prominent trial attorney, author, and professor. He is currently a CBS News Correspondent for “60 Minutes Sports” and Host of “Metro Focus” on PBS (WNET-New York). He is also the Co-Founder and Chief Anchor of the American Education Network and a consultant for the NCAA. Mr. Ford was an original anchor at the launch of Court TV and was Chief Legal Correspondent at NBC News. Mr. Ford has been awarded five honorary degrees, recognizing his professional accomplishments and his extensive public service work.

Katie Jennings is a reporter for POLITICO New Jersey. She writes about policy and politics with a focus on health care. Previously, she worked with a team from Columbia Journalism School on a year-long investigation into ExxonMobil’s internal climate change knowledge, which was published in collaboration with the Los Angeles Times in 2015. Her investigation into a secretive committee convened by the American Medical Association that helps determine how much Medicare should pay doctors was published in POLITICO Magazine in 2014.

Patrick Murray was named the founding director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute in 2005. In that short time, the Monmouth University Poll has established itself as one of the nation’s leading independent survey research centers, earning an A+ rating from FiveThirtyEight.com, making it one of only five polling organizations out of nearly 400 nationally to receive this top grade. Murray frequently appears as a commentator on national and regional TV and radio. During federal election years, he also serves as an exit poll analyst for the NBC News Decision Desk.

Michael Phillips-Anderson is an Associate Professor of Communication at Monmouth University. He is concerned with the role of public discourse in the creation of active citizenship. His teaching and writing examine historical and contemporary public address, new media and political rhetoric, and the strategic use of humor. He is currently writing a book about comedians who have performed satirical presidential campaigns.

Julius Caesar
2018-04-05 19:30 - 23:00 | Pollak Theatre
Ben Whishaw (The Danish Girl, Skyfall, Hamlet) and Michelle Fairley (Fortitude, Game of Thrones) play Brutus and Cassius, David Calder (The Lost City of Z, The Hatton Garden Job) plays Caesar and David Morrissey (The Missing, Hangmen, The Walking Dead) is Mark Antony. Broadcast live from The Bridge Theatre, London.
Caesar returns in triumph to Rome and the people pour out of their homes to celebrate. Alarmed by the autocrat’s popularity, the educated élite conspire to bring him down. After his assassination, civil war erupts on the streets of the capital.
Nicholas Hytner’s production will thrust the audience into the street party that greets Caesar’s return, the congress that witnesses his murder, the rally that assembles for his funeral and the chaos that explodes in its wake.
Run Time: 180 minutes

Second Senior Show: Graphic Design
2018-04-06 10:00 - 2018-04-13 17:00 | Joan and Robert Rechnitz Hall
Featuring the work of Monmouth University graduating seniors who will receive their degrees in Graphic Design.
