09/10 SEASON
Contact: Robin Rauzi
310.206.5305
rrauzi@arts.ucla.edu
UCLA Live 2009-10 Season Calendar
THE EIGHTH INTERNATIONAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
Sept. 23-Oct. 18, 2009
Medea —Annette Bening stars in a new interpretation of Euripides’ classic about the
passionate and destructive affair between the mortal Greek hero Jason and the mystical
and exotic Medea. Lenka Udovicki, who has directed theater and opera around the
world, incorporates classical elements, such as a 12-woman chorus and on-stage
musicians, into this stylized modern staging produced by UCLA Live. Written for an
Athenian audience that was at the height of its Golden Age, “Medea” remains a potent
critique of power. UCLA Live’s International Theatre Festival, Freud Playhouse,
Macgowan Hall, 245 Charles E. Young Drive East, Westwood. Opens Wed., Sept. 23,
continuing Tues.-Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 7 p.m. through Oct. 18. $80-$110.
(Previews Sept. 18, 19 and 22 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. $30-$50. ) (310) 8252101, www.uclalive.org.
Oct. 28-31, 2009
Purgatorio — Italy’s influential and controversial director Romeo Castellucci and his
company Socìetas Raffaello Sanzio have freely interpreted Dante to create a
“Purgatorio” where sin and forgiveness are embodied in a father and son’s appalling
ritual. Using a non-narrative, visual language, as the increasingly disturbing scenes
unfold, the hyper-realistic set gives way to a hauntingly beautiful nightmare. “Purgatorio”
is part of an ambitious and critically lauded “Divine Comedy” trilogy that Castellucci and
Socìetas Raffaello Sanzio recently presented in at major theater festivals in Europe,
including Avignon, Brussles and London. This is its exclusive U.S. presentation. Mature
audiences only. In Italian with English supertitles. UCLA Live’s International Theatre
Festival, Freud Playhouse, Macgowan Hall, 245 Charles E. Young Drive East,
Westwood. Wed.-Sat., Oct. 28-31 at 8 p.m. $28-$42. (310) 825-2101,
www.uclalive.org.
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Nov. 3-7, 2009
Once and For All We're Gonna Tell You Who We Are So Shut Up and Listen — The
raw urges and untamed thoughts rattling around in teenagers are let loose in this
raucous production from Belgium’s Ontroerend Goed. Thirteen teenage actors begin
sitting on old chairs, as if students in a badly behaved class, and then the lessons of
adolescence explode on stage. “It's not a play about adolescence, it is adolescence
itself,” wrote the Guardian, “making out, fighting, getting high, dancing, and defying its
adult audience not to be utterly absorbed.” For mature audiences. UCLA Live’s
International Theatre Festival, Freud Playhouse, Macgowan Hall, 245 Charles E. Young
Drive East, Westwood. Tues.-Sat., Nov. 3-7 at 8 p.m. $28-$42. (310) 825-2101,
www.uclalive.org.
Nov. 11-15, 2009
The Walworth Farce— At 11 a.m. in a grotty London flat, Dinny and his two adult sons
begin their daily routine. Iron the dress. Get the roast chicken. Brush the wigs. Start the
show. Then, over the course of two hours, kill off five people, as usual. Winner of the
prestigious Fringe First Award at the 2007 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this tragedy
wrapped in farce upends all cozy, homespun Irish-immigrant tales of the old country.
Enda Walsh, one of the leading new Irish playwrights, hilariously but unsparingly
unravels why Dinny left Ireland and why his sons haven’t left him. Director Mikel Murfi
leads the cast from the groundbreaking company Druid Ireland. UCLA Live’s
International Theatre Festival, Freud Playhouse, Macgowan Hall, 245 Charles E. Young
Drive East, Westwood. Wed.-Sat., Nov. 11-14 at 8 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. $28$42. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
Nov. 18-19, 2009
T.E.O.R.E.M.A.T. — An unexpected visitor descends upon the home of a wealthy
industrialist and his family and rips apart their structured lives. Writer-director Grzegorz
Jarzyna, artistic director at Poland’s always-adventurous TR Warszawa, took his
inspiration from Pier Paolo Pasolini’s 1968 cult-favorite film “Teorema” (theorem). In a
series of near-wordless scenes, the visitor will seduce the whole household—the
children, the wife, even the maid—and leave each wondering if he delivered salvation or
destruction. In Polish with English supertitles. Mature audiences recommended. UCLA
Live’s International Theatre Festival, Freud Playhouse, Macgowan Hall, 245 Charles E.
Young Drive East, Westwood. Wed.-Thu., Nov. 18-19 at 8 p.m. $28-$42. (310) 8252101, www.uclalive.org.
Dec. 1-3, 2009
Triptych —Teatr Zar’s “Triptych” is less a play than an intimate, haunting experience.
The resident company at the Jerzy Grotoski Institute in Wroclaw, Poland, Teatr Zar
employs a revolutionary theatrical method emphasizing ritual movement, ancient sacred
songs and visceral acting techniques that dissolve the separation between actors and
spectators. Presented in three discrete sections—“Gospels of Childhood,” “Caesarean
Section” and “Anhelli”—these ingredients meld into primal expressions of love, death,
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suicide and redemption. Director Jaroslaw Fret and his international cast have been
developing “Triptych” for several years; UCLA Live presented the “Gospels of
Childhood” segment to critical acclaim in 2007. This staging is presented in multiple
locations in Royce Hall for a limited audience. UCLA Live’s International Theatre
Festival, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Tues.-Thurs., Dec. 1-3 at 8 p.m.
$28-$42. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
Dec. 2-6, 2009
The New Electric Ballroom — Humiliated by gossip after a dancehall scandal during
their halcyon days, 50-something sisters Breda and Clara have retreated into isolation
and obsession. With their much-younger sister Ada, they recount the fateful day and the
choices that followed in this funny and tenderhearted production from the renowned
troupe Druid Ireland. Written and directed by Enda Walsh, a standout among the current
crop of Irish playwrights, “The New Electric Ballroom” reveals how much we are defined
by the stories we tell and how compelled we are to tell them. UCLA Live’s International
Theatre Festival, Freud Playhouse, Macgowan Hall, 245 Charles E. Young Drive East,
Westwood. Wed.- Sat., Dec. 2-5, at 8 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. $28-$42. (310)
825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
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DANCE
Oct. 16-17, 2009
Hofesh Shechter Company — For its debut on the West Coast, Shechter’s company
presents a double bill of “Uprising,” inspired in part by the violent Paris protests of
2006, and “In your rooms,” about frustrated desires for intimacy. Shechter, an alumnus
of the Batsheva Dance Company and a onetime rock drummer, also created original
music for both pieces. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Fri.Sat., Oct 16-17 at 8 p.m. $24-$48. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
Nov. 6-7, 2009
DV8 Physical Theatre — The West Coast premiere of “To Be Straight With You,”
artistic director Lloyd Newson’s piece about tolerance, intolerance, religion and
sexuality. Drawn from 85 interviews—with the pious and apostate, straight and gay,
activist and mere passer-by— this docu-dance work incorporates spoken word,
recorded sound, video and animation. For mature audiences only. UCLA Live at Royce
Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Fri.-Sat., Nov. 6-7 at 8 p.m. $24-$48. (310) 8252101, www.uclalive.org.
Nov 20-21, 2009
Reggie Wilson/Fist & Heel Performance Group — “The Good Dance –
dakar/brooklyn” is a new evening-length work from the company known for fusing
contemporary dance with traditions of the African Diaspora such as body percussion,
aspirated breath, singing and shouts. Created jointly with Congolese choreographer
Andréya Ouamba, “The Good Dance” examines the parallels between the Mississippi
and Congo rivers and their cultures. West Coast premiere. UCLA Live at Royce Hall,
340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Fri.-Sat., Nov. 20-21 at 8 p.m. $24-$48. (310) 825-2101,
www.uclalive.org.
Feb 26-27, 2010
Alberta Ballet — Folk icon Joni Mitchell and acclaimed choreographer Jean GrandMaitre join forces to create the “The Fiddle and The Drum.” Mitchell’s music is the sonic
accompaniment for the evening length work about human spirit’s capacity for creation
and destruction. Mitchell’s paintings are also projected on three large screens behind
the Alberta Ballet dancers. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Fri.Sat., Feb. 26-27 at 8 p.m. $24-$48. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
May 7-8, 2010
Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet — The Los Angeles debut of the company led by
artistic director Benoit-Swan Pouffer, a former Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
star. Friday’s performance is of “Orbo Novo,” a full-evening work with live music from
Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. Saturday’s program features new works by
Crystal Pite, Jo Stromgren and Didy Veldman. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce
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Drive, Westwood. Fri.-Sat., May 7-8 at 8 p.m. $24-$48. (310) 825-2101,
www.uclalive.org.
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POPULAR MUSIC
*** Oct. 3, 2009 / MUSIC — POP — JUST ADDED! ***
Marianne Faithfull — A rock icon since the 1964 when she recorded the hit “As Tears
Go By,” Faithfull has, despite hard times, re-emerged repeatedly onto the pop music
scene in the decades since, each time with something profound to offer listeners. She
applies her masterful interpretation to songs from her latest album, “Easy Come Easy
Go,” such as Dolly Parton’s “Down from Dover,” Billie Holiday’s “Solitude” or “The Crane
Wife 3” by contemporary indie band The Decemberists. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340
Royce Drive, Westwood. Sat., Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. $40-$65. (310) 825-2101,
www.uclalive.org.
Oct. 25, 2009
Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys plus Cherryholmes —Living bluegrass
legend Ralph Stanley, a National Medal of Arts honoree whose a cappella rendition of
“O Death” anchored the “O Brother! Where Art Thou?” soundtrack, is joined by
Cherryholmes, the top-selling band created by bassist Jere and mandolinist Sandy and
their four children. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Sun., Oct.
25 at 7 p.m. $28-$52. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
Oct. 31, 2009
The Tiger Lillies — These three godfathers of the alt-cabaret take the macabre magic
of pre-war Berlin and pushes it up against the savage edge of punk. For Halloween,
they stage a show full of dark and deviant theatrics, including songs from their smash
show “Shockheaded Peter” the Grammy-nominated album “The Gorey End.” UCLA
Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Sat., Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. $22-$40. (310)
825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
Nov 13, 2009
Loudon Wainwright and Richard Thompson — “Loud & Rich” is what these two call
their occasional joint shows. Thompson, a progenitor of English folk-rock from his
Fairport Convention days, is routinely ranked among the world’s best living guitarists.
Wainwright, known for his wry songwriting, recently added a new perspective to
musical material from his youth on the album “Recovery.” UCLA Live at Royce Hall,
340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Fri., Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. $24-$48. (310) 825-2101,
www.uclalive.org.
Nov. 14, 2009
They Might Be Giants — The deeply whimsical duo of Johns (Flansburgh and Linnell)
has steadily mixed adult smarts with childhood naiveté. Two Royce Hall shows give
them a chance to explore both ends of that spectrum. The family show at 3 p.m.
revolves around selections from the new “Here Comes Science.” The evening show –
for ages 14 and older – draws on material from throughout the New York duo’s career.
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UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Sat., Nov. 14 at 3 p.m. and 8
p.m. $24-$32. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
Jan 30, 2010
Los Lobos —Childhood friends David Hidalgo, Cesar Rosas, Louie Perez and Conrad
Lozano, with long-time member Steve Berlin, have gone from playing East L.A.
neighborhood parties to winning multiple Grammy Awards. Throughout, they’ve
chronicled the joys and sorrows of their community, most recently on 2006’s “The City
and the Town,” a veritable state-of-the-city album, whose songs anchor this evening
concert. A shorter afternoon family concert features tunes from Walt Disney animated
classics and favorites like “La Bamba” and “Wooly Bully.” UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340
Royce Drive, Westwood. Sat., Jan. 30 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. $28-$40. (310) 825-2101,
www.uclalive.org.
Feb. 12, 2010
Perla Batalla — From Batalla’s Los Angeles childhood in her father’s Spanish-language
record shop (honored on her album “Disco Teca”) through her years singing in Leonard
Cohen’s band (subject of the tribute collection “Bird on the Wire”), Batalla has a rich,
multicultural musical life to draw upon. This Valentine’s-themed concert, “The Love
Show,” features material from her new love-themed album, and guest appearances by
Culture Clash, Jill Sobule and Strunz & Farah. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce
Drive, Westwood. Fri., Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. $32-$60. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
Feb. 19, 2010
Randy Newman — America’s premiere musical storyteller shares his trenchant
vignettes, exaggerated outrage and disarming sentiment, including songs from his latest
album, “Harps and Angels,” in a rare concert appearance. UCLA Live at Royce Hall,
340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Fri., Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. $40-$65. (310) 825-2101,
www.uclalive.org.
April 9, 2010
Arlo Guthrie — Three generations – including Arlo, four of his children and a son-inlaw, plus various grandkids – revive the musical spirit of late patriarch Woody Guthrie
for “The Guthrie Family Rides Again” concert. A fourth generation will be represented
by Woody’s songs, both the classics and “new” compositions using lyrics uncovered in
the Guthrie archives. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Fri., April
9 at 8 p.m. $28-$58. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
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JAZZ
Oct. 2, 2009
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis — This resident orchestra at
New York’s famed Jazz at Lincoln Center is comprised of 15 of the nation’s most
exciting jazz talents under the direction of famed trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. UCLA Live
at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Fri., Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. $38-$85. (310) 8252101, www.uclalive.org.
Nov 12, 2009
McCoy Tyner —The master pianist who revolutionized jazz piano starting in his teens
when he played with the John Coltrane Quartet performs with his trio and special guest
Grammy-winning saxophonist Gary Bartz. Opening the concert is 2o-person collective
Build An Ark, featuring vocalist Dwight Trible. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce
Drive, Westwood. Thurs., Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. $38-$65. (310) 825-2101,
www.uclalive.org.
March 6, 2009
The Blind Boys of Alabama and Allen Toussaint — In the 70 years since its
founding, the Blind Boys of Alabama have applied their soulful style to songs by Tom
Waits, Prince and others. Composer-producer-musician Toussaint brought the New
Orleans sound to R&B on hits like “Workin’ In a Coal Mine” and “Lady Marmalade.” For
this double bill, both groups celebrate the Crescent City, including the music of Louis
Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton and other New Orleans legends. UCLA Live at Royce Hall,
340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Sat., March 6 at 8 p.m. $25-$66. (310) 825-2101,
www.uclalive.org.
April 22, 2009
Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour —Singer Kurt Elling, violinist Regina Carter, guitarist
Russell Malone and the Kenny Barron Trio (pianist Barron, bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa
and drummer Francisco Mela) perform individual sets, followed by the kind of
electrifying closing jam that generations of Monterey Jazz Festival fans have come to
cherish. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Thurs., April 22 at 8
p.m. $26-$50. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
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WORLD MUSIC
Oct. 8, 2009
Paco Peña — Peña leads a group of flamenco guitars and dance masters, as well as
singer Miguel Ortega and percussionist Nacho López. The show, based around his
album “A Compás!,” traces flamenco’s African and Asian roots, its flowering in Spain
and embrace around the globe. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood.
Thurs., Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. $28-$54. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
*** Oct. 23, 2009 – JUST ADDED! ***
Omara Portuondo — From dancing on stage of Havana’s famous Tropicana cabaret
as teen, to appearing on movie screens around the globe in “The Buena Vista Social
Club,” Omara Portuondo’s career has been full of remarkable moments and
unforgettable music. For her first U.S. tour since 2004, Portuondo explores the songs
that marked her path from celebrated Cuban chanteuse to international stardom,
including aching boleros and new Brazilian-influenced ballads. UCLA Live at Royce
Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Fri., Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. $38-$70. (310) 825-2101,
www.uclalive.org.
Oct. 24, 2009
Gal Costa — The Brazilian songstress, whose groundbreaking recordings launched
Brazil’s heady Tropicalia movement, focuses on the intimacy and intricacy of sambas
and bossa novas during this voice-and-guitar duet concert. She’ll revisit songs by
Caetano Veloso, Antonio Carlos Jobim and others she made famous, as well as music
from her new albums, “Bossa Tropical” and “Hoje.” UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340
Royce Drive, Westwood. Sat., Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. $38-$70. (310) 825-2101,
www.uclalive.org.
Feb. 20, 2010
Tinariwen — Formed in the crucible of the long freedom fight of the nomadic Tuareg
people of the Sahara, Tinariwen has since 2001 been leading a revolution in world
music. They lay down hypnotic bass and drums beats and overlay four lead guitars and
vocals in French and Tamashek. They were a hit at world music festivals in Europe and
Africa before taking Coachella by storm in 2009. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce
Drive, Westwood. Sat., Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. $24-$48. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
April 17, 2010
Baaba Maal —Schooled in the ancient griot (singer-storyteller) traditions of Senegal
and western music in Paris, Maal has crafted a distinctive joyous sound that fuses
traditional African music with pop and reggae elements. He performs music from his
new critically lauded album, “Television,” his long-awaited studio album. UCLA Live at
Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Sat., April 17 at 8 p.m. $26-$56. (310) 8252101, www.uclalive.org.
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OTHER MUSIC
Feb. 18, 2010
Max Raabe & Palast Orchester —Raabe and his 12-member band embody the style
of Weimar-era Berlin. Their new concert program, “A Night in Berlin,” celebrates the
musical glory of the 1920s and ’30s. A singer of incredible range, Raabe can capture
the cunning rasp of the cabaret singer, the confidence of the bel canto hero, the
carefree timbre of early jazz, as well as the falsetto of ragtime. UCLA Live at Royce
Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Thurs., Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. $32-$75. (310) 825-2101,
www.uclalive.org.
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CLASSICAL & NEW MUSIC
Oct. 22, 2009
Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain & Edgar Meyer — The banjo, tabla and double-bass
masters focus on the intertwining strands between American roots music and the
classical Indian tradition. Fleck virtually reinvented the image of the banjo: he's been
nominated in more different Grammy categories than anyone in history, winning eight
times. The classical tabla playing of Hussain has made him a national treasure in his
native India and a leader in world music globally. MacArthur Award-winner Meyer has
recorded with leading classical performers and, as a composer, adding substantially to
the bass repertoire. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Thurs.,
Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. $28-$58. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
Nov. 15, 2009
Felix Hell Organ Recital— Organ wunderkind Felix Hell gave his first organ concert at
age 9 – just two years after his first piano lesson. In the 15 years since the young
German has played more than 650 organs around the globe, from the Sidney Opera
House to Lincoln Center. For his debut on Royce Hall’s Skinner organ, he’ll perform
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in D-Major, BWV 532; Samuel Barber’s
Adagio for Strings; and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, C-Minor, op. 67.
UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Sun., Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. $18$32. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
March 10, 2010
Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France —Music director Myung-Whun Chung
will lead an all-Ravel program that includes suites from “Daphnis et Chloe,” as well as
“Ma Mère L'Oye” and Ravel’s masterpiece, “La Valse.” Anne Sofie von Otter, the
renowned mezzo-sporano, will join the orchestra for “Shéhérazade.” UCLA Live at
Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Wed., March 10 at 8 p.m. $34-$85. (310)
825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
March 24, 2010
Ian Bostridge — The impeccable English tenor, winner of nearly every major recording
award for classical music, makes his Royce Hall debut. His program of Schubert Lieder
represents the repertoire for which he has gained the most acclaim. The New York
Times in early 2009 wrote that his “expressive, nuanced and clear voice is ideal for
conveying the despair and amorous longing of Schubert’s songs.” Before embarking on
a music career, Bostridge earned a doctorate in history and philosophy from St. John’s
College of Oxford, and is known for approaching his material with intelligence and
grace. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Wed., March 24 at 8
p.m. $36-$75. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
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SPECIAL EVENTS
Oct. 30, 2009
Culture Clash 25th Anniversary — Culture Clash celebrates 25 years of getting under
America’s skin. The Latino performance troupe is known for unsparingly—and
hilariously—pointing out the many cracks and chips in the U.S. melting pot. In recent
years they've turned their anthropological eye on Miami, San Diego, New York and
other cities. But for this special anniversary, the boys are back in their hometown for a
raucous party with an all-star guest list: Zack de la Rocha of Rage Against the
Machine; the band Ollin; comedian Carlos Mencia; actors Edward James Olmos, Tony
Plana and Lupe Ontiveros; plus other special guests. The show include a sneak peek of
the next Culture Clash project, “Palestine, New Mexico,” and Clashers Richard
Montoya, Ric Salinas and Herbert Siguenza will also reprise hits from “Chavez Ravine.”
UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Fri., Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. $32-$60.
(310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
April 19, 2010
Hitchcock! — Organists Stephen Tharp and Christoph Bull honor two cinematic
geniuses: director Alfred Hitchcock and film composer Bernard Herrmann. Their fruitful
collaboration lasted from 1955 to 1964, a period that included classics such as
“Vertigo,” “Psycho” and “North by Northwest.” (Hermann even served as sound
consultant on the music-less film “The Birds,” creating the creature’s noises.) Tharp – a
composer and champion of new organ music – opens the program with a specially
composed suite derived from those films’ scores and others, such as “The Trouble With
Harry,” “The Man Who Knew Too Much,” “The Wrong Man” and “Marnie.” Then UCLA
organist Christoph Bull provides a live improvised score to an early Hitchcock silent film.
UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Sat., April 18 at 8 p.m. $22$36. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
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SPOKEN WORD
Sept. 30, 2009
Khaled Hosseini — Hosseini’s novels, “The Kite Runner” and “A Thousand Splendid
Suns,” capture everyday Afghans’ struggles to raise families and find happiness while
facing violent political upheavals, devastating wars and entrenched inequity. Born in
Kabul in 1965, Hosseini and his family sought political asylum in the United States in
1980 during the Soviet invasion. Interviewed by best-selling author Firoozeh Dumas,
Hosseini discusses his life, work and insights on Afghanistan’s people and future. UCLA
Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Wed., Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. $24-$48.
(310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
Oct. 9, 2009
Margaret Atwood — The Booker Prize-winning writer narrates dramatic excerpts from
her next novel, “Year of the Flood,” to be published in September. For this special
event, several local actors and a small chorus will join her to dramatically stage select
scenes. Atwood has written more than 35 volumes of poetry, fiction and nonfiction,
including the best-selling novels “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “The Blind Assassin.”
UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Fri. Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. $24-$48.
(310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
Oct. 29, 2009
An Evening with R. Crumb — R. Crumb’s psychedelic and overtly sexual comics—
including the characters Fritz the Cat, Mr. Natural and Devil Girl— propelled him
overnight to celebrity status in 1960s San Francisco, but also led to obscenity arrests,
copyright ownership lawsuits and years of IRS trouble. Now living in France, Crumb
makes a very rare public appearance, joining longtime friend and art editor for The New
Yorker, Françoise Mouly, for a candid discussion about the controversial artist’s life and
his highly anticipated new project, an illustrated version of Genesis. (Presented in
conjunction with the exhibition “The Bible Illuminated: R. Crumb’s Book of Genesis,” on
view Oct. 24–Feb. 7 at the Hammer Museum. ) UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce
Drive, Westwood. Thurs., Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. $36-$60. (310) 825-2101,
www.uclalive.org.
Dec. 12, 2009
Carlos Fuentes — The scholar, statesman and celebrated author makes his first
appearance at Royce Hall. His novels, including the bestselling “The Old Gringo” as well
as “Terra Nostra” and “The Death of Artemio Cruz,” delve into Mexico’s tumultuous
history and its relationship with its superpower neighbor. Alternately, many of his
nonfiction works celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Latin America. His work has
earned numerous awards, including the Miguel de Cervantes Prize, the highest honor
for a Spanish-language writer. Fuentes shares excerpts from his latest works and offers
a seasoned perspective on Mexican-American relations. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340
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Royce Drive, Westwood. Sat., Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. $24-$38. (310) 825-2101,
www.uclalive.org.
Feb. 4, 2010
Neil Gaiman —Gaiman’s recent Hollywood successes — including co-writing the films
“Beowulf” and “Stardust,” and an acclaimed animated version of his novella,
“Coraline”— propelled him into celebrity orbit. But Gaiman has been a prominent and
prolific creator of comics, novels, film, journalism and poetry for more than two decades.
He created the best-selling DC Comics series “Sandman,” which was the first comic
ever to receive a major literary award. “The Graveyard Book,” published in 2008,
received the Newbery Medal, the top prize for children’s literature. At the podium,
Gaiman shares stories of imagination and urges audiences to take note of the creative
ideas that linger in each of us. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood.
Thurs., Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. $48-$24. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
Feb. 25, 2010
Mary Oliver — Oliver, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award, is
renowned for her evocative and precise imagery, language that transforms our
everyday surroundings into a place of magic and discovery. Alternating poems of
humor with ones showcasing bittersweet truths and honest emotions, Oliver’s rare
readings leave audiences awed and inspired. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce
Drive, Westwood. Thurs., Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. $24-$48. (310) 825-2101,
www.uclalive.org.
April 23, 2010
Titans of the Graphic Novel: Harvey Pekar and Alison Bechdel —Two graphic
novelists explore the confessional aspects of the medium. The unlikely ascent of Harvey
Pekar began in the halls of Cleveland’s VA Hospital, where in his spare time, he wrote
and self-published the autobiographical “American Splendor” comics. The series gained
a cult following, and eventually was adapted into a 2003 feature film. Joining him is
“Dykes to Watch Out For” cartoonist Alison Bechdel, who took seven years to complete
the graphic memoir “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic,” which was named the best book
of 2006 by Time magazine. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood.
Fri., April 23 at 8 p.m. $24-$48. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
May 5, 2010
David Sedaris — The bestselling writer and public radio star returns for an evening of
incisive social critique, tall tales of odd jobs and humiliating family anecdotes. Sedaris,
who was catapulted to fame after recounting his experiences as a Macy’s Christmas Elf
on NPR’s Morning Edition, has published six New York Times best-selling books. He
brings his unwavering sardonic wit and hilarious storytelling prowess back to Royce Hall
for what is sure to be another sold-out appearance. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340
Royce Drive, Westwood. Wed., May 5 at 8 p.m. $32-$58. (310) 825-2101,
www.uclalive.org.
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FAMILY
Nov. 14, 2009
They Might Be Giants — The youthful side of They Might Be Giants gets the spotlight
in a special afternoon concert filled with songs kids will have to share with their parents.
John Linnell and John Flansburgh will bring to colorful life material from their popular,
award-winning albums “Here Come the 123s,” “Here Come the ABCs” and the insistent
“No!” At the core of the set will be selections from the new “Here Comes Science”—an
exciting prospect for the many who have loved such earlier TMBG science-informed
ditties as “Particle Man.” UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Sat.,
Nov. 14 at 3 p.m. $18 (ages 12 and younger) and $28. (310) 825-2101,
www.uclalive.org.
Jan. 30, 2010
Los Lobos — The Pride of East L.A. rocks the Magic Kingdom. For this matinee
performance, tunes from Walt Disney animated classics—songs beloved by
generations—get twists and personality that could only come from Los Lobos. Getting
back to these songs is something fans have demanded ever since Los Lobos sly turn
on the Disney tribute album “Stay Awake” some 20 years ago. Also in the mix may be
songs from the 1995 album “Papa’s Dream,” which tells a musical tale of a fantastical
flying family, with original songs, Mexican folk tunes and pop favorites “La Bamba” and
“Wooly Bully.” UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Sat., Jan. 30 at
2 p.m. $18 (ages 12 and younger) and $28. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
Feb 13, 2010
Royce Hall Organ & Silent Film — Audiences of all ages are transported back to
Hollywood’s silent film heyday of the 1920s during this always-popular event. This year,
German organist Otto Krämer accompanies a selection of short comedies from Laurel
and Hardy and other masters of the form. Krämer is renowned for his skills at
improvisation – he once created a spontaneous symphony – and incorporation of new
sounds into old musical forms. So get ready for a movie experience that looks vintage,
but sounds fresh. UCLA Live at Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. Sat., Feb. 13
at 2 p.m. $18 (ages 12 and younger) and $28. (310) 825-2101, www.uclalive.org.
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