Friday 7
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A specially commissioned work by South African choreographer Thuli Dumakade is the focus of the Muntu Dance Company’s 14th annual concert series. Dumakade’s work, Kindred Spirits, is a three-part suite about aspects of South African life the choreographer thinks have been overlooked during the turmoil there–an intertribal wedding, township life, and the resurgence of black culture. Also on the bill: Sama So, by Djibi Traore and Souleyman Diop, and Doudoumba Soli, by Youssouf Koumbassa. The series runs tonight through Sunday at 8, with a matinee Monday at 3:30. Admission to tonight’s performance, which is followed by dinner and the presentation of the Alyo Award (which Muntu gives to longstanding contributors to the arts), is $25. Tickets to the other shows are $12, $6 for children under 12 and senior citizens. Muntu is at 6800 S. Wentworth. Call 602-1135 for more information.
It’s Christmastime, when a local arts center’s thoughts turn to–the holiday sale! The young Cornelia Arts Building–conversion of the building, at 1800 W. Cornelia, started only about three years ago, but it now holds more than 30 artists–is generally closed to the public. But it’ll be open today from 10 to 5 and tomorrow from noon to 5, with everything from jewelry to sculpture to hand-painted children’s clothing for sale. It’s free; call 935-8094 for details.
Monday 10
Gordon Parks, who directed Shaft, Shaft’s Big Score, and Leadbelly, is also a photographer, author, and artist, and he just finished his autobiography. It’s called Voices and Visions; he’ll be signing it at Guild Books, 2456 N. Lincoln, tonight at 7. Call Guild at 525-3667 for details. Admission is free.
