Cultural Corner
Politics + Art = Progress
By
Lori Hope Baumel
“Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.”
– Percy Bysshe Shelley, A Defence of Poetry (England 1821)
Politics and art have often had a love-hate relationship. It seems as if this political season is endless. I often advocate living each day to the fullest, but, admittedly, I cannot wait until the presidential election is over. Those who have been given the opportunity for artistic expression during this tumultuous race have been taking full advantage of the situation.
When the political scene is particularly intolerable, artisans seem to flourish. Saturday Night Live sketches are sharper than ever. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is succinct and clever. Political cartoonists have a plethora of material to work with. Comic relief does make the reality of it all a bit more bearable.
Over time, artistic expression has provided more than just comic relief. It has opened the eyes of many who would normally turn away from issues like despair and poverty. Photojournalists that, often dangerously, capture images of people on bread lines, the horrors of war, and disasters like Katrina and Fukishima arouse an awakening in the social conscious of people all over the world.
This type of artistry has been incubating for centuries. Creative people are constantly seeking to break the mold. In 1913, at the world premier of Igor Stravinky’s Sacre du Printemps (Rites of Spring) the audience thought it sounded so outlandish that a riot was provoked. The police were called and Stravinsky fled the crowd by jumping through a window backstage. Considered a genius, his musical harmonies reflected the conflict and uncertainty of the era. Today, classical music enthusiasts would not consider his music to be discordant in any way. He paved the way for composers like George Gershwin and Arnold Schoenberg.
Hamilton, one of the most successful shows ever to reach the Broadway stage combines drama, hip-hop and an extraordinarily diverse cast. The musical expresses the political discourse of our nation’s founders. The show has managed to push the envelope; opening theatergoers minds to experience what would have been unacceptable on Broadway just ten years ago. (For more on Hamilton see the CBS feature at https://youtu.be/0wboCdgzLHg)
Ken Burns, the documentarian, has dedicated his life to educating the public about subjects including Prohibition, The Civil War, jazz, the National Parks and, most recently, Jackie Robinson. Is there a hidden message in his work? Is America still battling the Civil War in other ways? Had it not been for jazz, would there be hip-hop, rap or rock? Burns’ documentary on Theodore Roosevelt depicts a president of extraordinary strength, stamina, intelligence and a champion of conservation. What would dear Teddy have to say about the current climate change debate?
As long as the politicians rant, the artists will create. As long as artists create there WILL be progress.
Live… Go… Do!
Top 5 List for May 2016
1) Photography
Jordan Matter Exhibition
Miami City Ballet (MCB) teamed up with internationally acclaimed artist and photographer Jordan Matter on his latest collection of original photography of MCB dancers on the sands, streets and skylines of Miami. Matter was selected as one of 2014’s “Top Emerging Artists” (Art Business News) and is a New York Times bestseller for his work “Dancers Among Us”, a collection of photographs of dancers in everyday situations around the world. Proceeds from this collaboration will help underwrite the MCB Transition Fund to assist dancers who have devoted a significant portion of their careers to the company and to provide them with financial support as they move to the next stage of their lives and careers. The exhibition runs until June 4, 2016
Cultural Council of Palm Beach County
601 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth
Gallery hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
2) Honor Mother’s Day with a choice of cultural experiences:
Flagler Museum
One Whitehall Way Palm Beach, FL 33480
May 7, 2016: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm (Sat)
May 8, 2016: 12 pm – 3 pm (Sun)
The Flagler Museum invites all mothers and their families to celebrate this special day in the refined elegance of Café des Beaux-Arts. Guests will enjoy the Gilded Age style lunch of tea sandwiches, scones, sweets and the Museum’s own Whitehall Special Blend™ tea served on exquisite Whitehall Collection™ china. Each mother will receive a keepsake photograph, a rose, and a $10 gift card to the Museum Store. Honor your mother with this unique experience at one of America’s National Historic Landmarks.
For tickets and information see:
www.flaglermuseum.us/programs/mothers-day
3) Take Mom to the Ballet:
Cinderella
Presented by Ballet Palm Beach at Eissey Campus Theatre
May 7, 2016: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm (Sat)
May 8, 2016: 4 pm – 6 pm (Sun)
On Mother’s Day weekend, Ballet Palm Beach performs the classic rags to riches love story of Cinderella. Underscored by Sergei Prokofiev, audiences of all ages will enjoy the hilarious antics of the ugly stepsisters, the magic of the Fairy Godmother and the radiant Cinderella as she is discovered by her prince charming at the Royal Ball.
Eissey Campus Theater
11051 Campus Drive Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Tickets are $17 to $37. Available on the ballet’s website at
balletpalmbeach.org or call the Eissey Campus Theatre at
561-207-5900. (Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
4) Make your child’s summer a memorable, artistic one:
Cultural Summer Camps
Summer vacation is right around the corner and Palm Beach County has incredible offerings for children interested in the arts. Consider a week of photography, an introduction to robots or participation in a musical. It’s always fun to “break it up” by combining a variety of programs within the nine weeks they are off from school. For a full listing go to:
http://events.palmbeachculture.com/categories/index/33/0/SUMMER_CAMPS
5) 450 Voices – a spectacular program:
450 Voices Unite for One Grand Night of Singing!
May 22, 2016: 7 pm – 9 pm (Sun)
One night only! Young Singers of the Palm Beaches, Palm Beach County’s premiere youth choir presents “It’s A Grand Night for Singing.” And a grand night it will surely be as Young Singers also welcomes local guest choirs, Masterworks Chorus and Ebony Chorale of the Palm Beaches to the stage. In addition, Harold E. Pysher, master organist, will be playing the newly debuted Digital Opus 11 Organ, donated by Alexander Dreyfoos and just installed into Dreyfoos Hall at the Kravis Center.
For over 13 years, the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches has entertained audiences with their creative and powerful choral productions. This concert will once again showcase the talents of these young people with the added benefit of becoming part of the glorious sound of 450 inter-generational voices. Highlights will include “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, “Lift Every Voice for Freedom” and “Children Will Listen” from Into the Woods.
Get your tickets soon. This event sells out quickly!
Kravis Center of the Performing Arts
701 Okeechobee Boulevard West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Tickets: $15-$41