Although the world has changed in how we gather at the moment, our mission to offer diverse and vibrant arts experiences that engage, inspire, and enrich our community has not changed.
Weekly, we will share performing arts experiences from Modlin Center artists that you can enjoy from your home. We will also highlight some of the work for which we are most proud — bringing arts-based educational experiences to University of Richmond students, area K-12 schools, Richmond community, and our patrons.
While the Modlin Center may be closed, the show must go on. Click here for an ever-growing list of organizations that are offering free online visual and performing arts experiences.
One Book, One Richmond
Palaces for the People
by Eric Klinenberg
2020-21 Selection
The One Book, One Richmond Committee recently announced that Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life by Eric Klinenberg is the 2020-21 book selection. One Book, One Richmond encourages students, faculty, staff, and members of the Richmond community to read and discuss a selected book on a social justice issue. Throughout the year, programs are organized to explore various themes found in the book selection and discover ways participants can work for positive social change.
In Palaces for the People, Eric Klinenberg demonstrates how social infrastructure can help solve some of our most pressing societal challenges. He suggests that the future of democratic societies rests not simply on shared values but on shared spaces: the libraries, childcare centers, churches, and parks where crucial connections are formed.
FEATHERS OF FIRE: A PERSIAN EPIC
On-Demand Streaming | All Ages
Audiences were mesmerized by the exquisite shadow theatre tale Feathers of Fire: A Persian Epic performance and visiting artist program at the Modlin Center a few seasons past. Now available through on-demand streaming as a cinematic shadow play Feathers of Fire: A Persian Epic tells the magical tale of the 10th-century Persian epic Shahnameh (The Book of Kings).
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE
Dive deeper into the creative process behind this beautiful work in these media interviews with the Feathers Of Fire team. The on-demand rental of Feathers of Fire includes several behind-the-scenes features. ShadowLight Productions provides an exhaustive list of shadow theatre and puppetry resources that are sure to spark some creative learning activities. The Kennedy Center provides a The Science of Shadow Puppets lesson plan aligned with Next Generational Science Standards.
VISITING ARTIST PROGRAM:
FEATHERS OF FIRE: A PERSIAN EPIC
In the days leading up to the Modlin Arts Family and Young Audience Series performance, Feathers of Fire artists were able to share their expertise with students and community members through workshops and post-show discussions. Students in Andy McGraw’s “Indonesian Music and Theatre” class participated in a Shadow Theatre and Indonesian Dance Workshop. McGraw, associate professor of music, is an expert in Southeast Asian traditional and experimental music and directs Gamelan Raga Kusama, Richmond's Balinese gamelan orchestra. Local puppeteers enjoyed a backstage tour and Q&A with Feathers of Fires artists and production team. Performances were followed by insightful discussions with Feathers of Fire Artistic director Hamid Rahmanian and Modlin Center Assistant Director Shannon Hooker that gave audiences a glimpse into the creative process and the history of shadow theatre.
University of Richmond Experts Share Research, Knowledge, and Helpful Tips Related to COVID-19
From mathematical modeling of infectious disease to healthy eating to the economic impact,
UR geography expert Beth Zizzamia created a dashboard tracking COVID-19 cases using technology from the Department of Geography's Spatial Analysis Lab.
President Dr. Crutcher on Detriot Public Television
Art Engines
President Dr. Ronald Crutcher shares his views on creativity during this week's episode of Detroit Public Television's Arts Engines, a program that highlights the perspectives of the thought leaders and game-changers who are creating significant impact in the field of the arts.
WATCH HERE
MUSIC LEARNING LAB
Online
Virginia Symphony Orchestra's Music Learning Lab is home to dozens of videos about musical instruments, technique exercises, a virtual instrument "petting zoo," and practice worksheets.
LEARN MORE
INFORMATION AND QUESTIONS
For information on performances that have been canceled, please visit our website.
Account credits and refunds have been processed for all performances from March 14, 2020. For questions or inquiries regarding account credits and refunds for tickets to canceled performances, please email the ticket office at modlinarts@richmond.edu.
"COOL KIDS" PLAYLIST
“This week, we have a special playlist to celebrate the brave children who have been most effected by the COVID-19 changes. In these challenging and scary times, we created a playlist to celebrate the perseverance of our youth. Please enjoy these fun, uplifting, and sometimes educational songs!”
The Wiggles “Social Distancing”
Frances England “Good Day”
Imagination Movers "So Glad You're Here"
They Might Be Giants "Alphabet of Nations"
Dan Zanes and Eliaza "This Little Light of Mine"
Ziggy Marley "Family Time"
Justin Roberts "I've Got the World (For You)"
Dan Zanes, Elizabeth Mitchell "Turn, Turn, Turn"
The Fresh Beat Band "Nobody Does You (Better Than You)
Elizabeth Mitchell "You Are My Sunshine"
Tom T. Hall "I Love"
They Might Be Giants "Infinity"
Patty Shukla "Shake and Move"
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole "Over the Rainbow"
Justin Roberts "Nothing On You"
Imagination Movers "We Can Work Together"
Splash'N Boots "I Love Dancing With You"
The Laurie Berkner Band "The Music In Me"
The Beatles "Here Comes The Sun – Remastered 2009"
