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From a multimedia production that shares experiences in a Japanese internment camp during World War II, to a modern take on Irish folk music, to puppetry and performances for very young children, The Theatre at RVCC in Branchburg has a wonderful variety of offerings for all ages in May. The following productions will be presented:

Bend (Kimi Maeda), Saturday, May 6, at 7 p.m., $20 (General admission); Sunday, May 7, at 3 p.m., $15 (General admission; special matinee pricing)

Bend tells the true story of two men interned in a Japanese American internment camp during World War II: Kimi Maeda’s father, an Asian art historian who suffered from dementia at the end of his life, and the subject of his research—the renowned artist Isamu Noguchi. Using shadow and projection, theatre artist Kimi Maeda retells the story of her father and Noguchi, both of whom were incarcerated in a camp in Poston, Arizona. Referencing the landscape of the camp’s desert, she uses sand to create live highly detailed drawings inspired by these images. Both compelling and moving, this intimate visual performance examines the effects of losing one’s home, one’s cultural identity and one’s memory, and poses important questions about how the Japanese American internment camps will be remembered.

In conjunction with the performance, a sand-drawing workshop with Kimi Maeda will be held Thursday, May 4, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., in the RVCC Atrium Lounge (lower level, College Center). The workshop is free of charge and open to the public. For additional information, contact Cindy Alexander at 908-231-8801 or cindy@rvccarts.org.

Pulse (Teatro al Vacio), Sunday, May 14, at 10 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.; Monday, May 15, at 9 & 10:30 a.m.; $10 (General admission; recommended for babies and toddlers)

Carefully designed for the youngest of theatergoers, Pulse uses soft textures and lively games to invite infants and toddlers into a safe, positive and friendly environment that will stimulate their sense of creativity. Actors create an extraordinary space ready for exploration, connecting with simple materials to transform their surroundings into a world of play.

Makem & Spain, Thursday, May 18, at noon & 7 p.m.; $15 (General admission)

Makem & Spain has taken to the international stage with power and presence. The trio captures the essence of Irish folk music and drives it into the 21st century. The group combines precise, three-part male vocal harmonies with a host of various instruments to create a uniquely harmonious sound.
The noon performance features on-stage, theatre-style seating and is approximately one hour in length. The 7 p.m. performance, in a relaxed, on-stage cabaret setting, is two sets long and includes light snacks. Audiences members may pre-order a $5 box lunch before the noon show and have lunch before the performance. For information, contact the Box Office, 908-725-3420.

The Way Back Home (Teater Refleksion), Thursday, May 25, at 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.; Friday, May 26, at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 4 p.m.; Saturday, May 27, at 1 & 3:30 p.m.; $10 (General admission; recommended for ages four and older)

Audience members can fly to the moon and back in this star-spangled adventure. When a boy discovers a single-propeller airplane in his closet, he flies into outer space. The Way Back Home uses puppets to tell a simple yet profound tale about friendship. It’s a world where what makes people different isn’t nearly as important as what makes people the same.

After the show, young audience members will have the opportunity to assemble paper airplanes and watch them soar through the Theatre.

For additional information or to purchase tickets for any Theatre production, contact the Box Office, 908-725-3420, or order online at www.rvccArts.org. Senior citizen, student and group discounts are also available for most performances.

Raritan Valley Community College’s main campus is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. Serving Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for close to 50 years, RVCC is an educational and cultural center that is nationally recognized for its innovative programming, service to the community and environmental leadership. The College offers more than 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training, professional development, and adult and youth personal enrichment courses. The College also has a performing arts center and planetarium.

RVCC is committed to offering a quality and affordable education through effective teaching, liaisons with the community’s businesses, and state-of-the-art technology. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 18, 2017

Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383

PR #161