Nov. 7, 2014
The Catholic University of America will celebrate International Education Week 2014 this month with an evening of Brazilian music, a Thanksgiving cultural potluck, and a theatrical production that blends the drama of Shakespeare with the Latino style of magical realism.The week - marked by the theme "Celebrating Internationalization at CUA" - also signals the launch of the Center for Global Education's yearlong Brazil Year Initiative.Mario Ortiz, associate provost for international affairs, says that the initiative "is only the beginning of a long-term University-wide goal to strengthen and expand academic and cultural ties between CUA and Brazil as well as between CUA and the vibrant Brazilian community in our Washington, D.C., area."The initiative builds on the "strong Brazilian presence" at Catholic University, notes Ortiz. That presence is evident in the world-renowned Oliveira Lima library with its collection of Luso-Brazilian materials; the study and performance of Brazilian music through the Latin American Center for the Graduate Study of Music; and the University's participation in the Brazil Scientific Mobility Program.This year's International Education Week events include:• Villa Lobos and Friends, an invitation-only Brazilian music gala concert and reception, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Ward Recital Hall• Thanksgiving Cultural Potluck, Thursday, Nov. 13, 5 to 7 p.m. Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center, Great Room• La Perdida, an invitation-only theatrical production, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Callan TheatreThe music school's Latin American Center was founded by the late Emma Garmendia and the late Robert Stevenson - considered by many the greatest expert of the last 50 years in the study of Latin American music.The center performs, preserves, and researches the music of the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America. It has hosted students from throughout the Americas, including several from Brazil who teach and perform internationally, says Grayson Wagstaff, dean of music."As one of the most important centers for such study in the U.S., our school takes pride in our many contributions over more than three decades that honor the rich traditions of Latin American music," he adds.The special performance of La Perdida , a full-length musical directed by M.F.A. directing candidate Elena Velasco, precedes the show's formal run at Catholic University Thursday and Friday, Nov. 20 and 21; Saturday, Nov. 22; and Sunday, Nov. 23. For more information on La Perdida , visit http://publicaffairs.cua.edu/releases/2014/La-Perdida.cfm .The play, with a book and lyrics written by Kathleen Cahill and music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, is an adaptation of Shakespeare's Winter's Tale set in pre-revolutionary Mexico in the early 20th century. The actions taken by a Don who believes his pregnant wife has had an affair with his best friend affect him and his newborn daughter for the rest of their lives."Of Shakespeare's plays, The Winter's Tale is my favorite, and this adaptation combines poetry, music, and action to cross boundaries and make Shakespeare's story of love and loss powerfully present," notes Patrick Tuite, chair of the Department of Drama.The week's events are presented by the Center for Global Education and the Office of the Provost with the collaboration of the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, the Office of Campus Activities, and the Department of Drama.For more information, visit cge.cua.edu or email Kathleen Dawson at dawson@cua.edu . Individuals seeking disability accommodations should contact the Center for Global Education at 202-319-4698.