Events This Week (Part 1: 12/15-17)

Tuesday December 15:
Now in its 20th season, the Free at Last Players have done its best to shatter the illusions around mental illness and substance dependency.  The troupe, created with the help of CT Heritage Productions, uses theater, songs and poetry to get the message across.  The Buttonwood Tree presents the FALP at 7 p.m. tonight - check them out at www.freeatlastplayers.org. 

The performance duo of Eiko & Koma (pictured left, courtesy of Phillip Trager) will give a guided tour and video talk of the Retrospective Project &  Exhibition currently in Wesleyan's Zilkha Gallery at 7 p.m. Titled "Time is Not Even, Space in Not Empty", it's a fascinating view of how both dancers have expanded upon their visions to create new and groundbreaking work.  The event is free and open to the public.

A reminder - The Russell Library presents a lecture titled "The Brownstone Quarries of Portland" at 7 p.m. in the Hubbard Room.  Click here for more information. 

Wednesday December 16:
The 3rd of 4 scheduled Advent Organ Recitals at South Congregational Church takes place at 12:10 p.m. and features the fine local pianist Carolyn Halsted.

Thursday December 17:
The Russell Library's "Gutter to Penthouse: Depression Era Film Series" presents the classic 1934 Frank Capra movie "It Happened One Night"at 12noon in the Hubbard Room.  Starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, the movie is considered the grandfather of "screwball comedies" and is probably best known for its "hitchhiking scene" in which Ms. Colbert's character instructs Mr. Gable's out-of-work news reporter in the fine art of flagging down a ride.  It's a treat and well worth the time to view, even if you've seen it before.  Bring your lunch and the Library staff provides the beverage.  For more information, call 860-347-2528, extension 135.

GIFT IDEAS (continued) - I wrote about CD choices the other day for Holiday gifts but how about a gift that combines music with dance. Vinnie's Jump & Jive is offering gift certificates for as low as $10. and they're good for any of the classes the Main Street dance emporium offers.  Those classes range from Ballroom to Salsa to Swing, B-boy to Belly Dance to Tap and even Yoga.  All you have to do is call 860-347-6971, extension 3662, and the fun can start.