Japanese filmmaker Kurosawa
Director Akira Kurosawa created films in Japan for more than 50 years until his death at the age of 88. His work mirrors Japanese history from before World War II to the economic boom of the 80s. On Saturday, Jan. 19, the documentary "Kurosawa" will be shown at the Katharine Cornell Theatre in Vineyard Haven. Special guest speaker Peter Grilli, president of the Japan Society of Boston and co-producer of the film, will be on hand. Mr. Grilli, a seasonal resident of Vineyard Haven, worked with Mr. Kurosawa on a number of his later films.
The documentary is narrated by Sam Shepard and features excerpts, archival footage never before seen in the West, interviews with actors including Clint Eastwood and James Coburn, and recreations from Mr. Kurosawa's autobiography, "Something Like An Autobiography."
Tickets are $8 or $5 for Martha's Vineyard Film Society members. For more information, call 774-392-2972.
Folksongs in Woods Hole
This Sunday evening, the Woods Hole Folk Music Society presents Claudia Schmidt, a folksinger from Michigan, who accompanies herself with a 12-string guitar and dulcimer. Her live performances showcase a range of styles, from traditional folk songs and hymns, to jazz and original pieces that incorporate drama, poetry, and satire. Ms. Schmidt is a regular voice on NPR's "A Prairie Home Companion," and has recorded 14 albums of mostly her own songs. Recently, she collaborated with the New Reformation Jazz Band on a Dixieland gospel recording and a tribute to George Gershwin and Duke Ellington in celebration of their 100th birthdays.
Claudia Schmidt, Sunday, Jan. 20, 7:30 pm. Woods Hole Community Hall, 68 Water Street, Woods Hole. Presented by Woods Hole Folk Music Society. $12: $10 for members; discounts for students and seniors. Doors open at 7 pm. For more information, call 508-540-0320 or visit arts-cape.com/whfolkmusic.
Opera at the Capawock
In conjunction with Emerging Pictures, the Capawock Theater in Vineyard Haven presents High Definition recorded performances from La Scala, the world-famous opera house in Milan, Italy. Coming up this Sunday, Jan. 20, is "Tristan and Isolde" composed by Richard Wagner. This production of "Tristan and Isolde" has been called a "sublime new version" and a "grave and shockingly intense performance" by the New York Times.
"Tristan and Isolde," Sunday, Jan. 20, 1:30 pm, Capawock Theater, Main St., Vineyard Haven. $20; $18 for seniors and students (with valid ID); $80 for 5-performance subscription.
Geraldine Brooks in Woods Hole
After inaugurating an international book tour at the M.V. Hebrew Center two weeks ago, Geraldine Brooks will discuss her latest novel, "People of the Book," in Woods Hole on Friday, Jan. 25. Part of the Herman Epstein Endowed Falmouth Forum, the talk is titled
"Making Fiction from Fact: The Writing of People of the Book." It will take place in the Marine Biological Laboratory's Lillie Auditorium. The lecture is free, and Ms. Brooks will sign books afterwards. Admission to the buffet dinner prior to the lecture is $20, and seats are limited.
Author's talk with Geraldine Brooks, Friday, Jan. 25, 7:30 pm, Marine Biological Laboratory's Lillie Auditorium, 7 MBL Street, Woods Hole. Free. Buffet dinner: 6 pm, $20. For tickets or for more information, call 508-289-7423.
