ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, January 31, 1997 TAG: 9701310021
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: out & about
SOURCE: DONNA ALVIS-BANKS
"Life seemed to be easier when we were young. Our family was our special source of support. We fought with our siblings because we loved them. In the family, it didn't matter how different we were, there was always a place for us. What happened when we grew older? Why were we pulled apart from those we loved?"
Wendy Fletcher hopes to find answers to her own questions in her original play, "PB&J," an inside look at family relationships.
Fletcher, a senior majoring in theater arts at Virginia Tech, is also directing "PB&J." It opens Monday and runs through Wednesday in room 204 of the Performing Arts Building.
The play tells the story of Jonas and his relationship with his adopted sister, Allie. In their early years, Allie and Jonas are best friends despite their conspicuous differences.
Jonas, you see, is black. Allie is white.
As the two grow older, they are torn apart by their own misunderstandings and by the world in which they live. Although their struggling mother tries to keep the family together, she can't protect her children from the reality of racism.
Curtain time for "PB&J" is at 8 each evening. Admission is free, but plan to get there early because seating is limited.
For more information, call Tech's School of the Arts at 231-5200.
GOT THE JITTERS? Well, awwwwright!
Jitterbuggers are needed. Apply in person at the swing dance sponsored by the Southwest Virginia Swing Dance Society.
It's happening Saturday night at Old Dominion Ballroom in Virginia Tech's Squires Student Center. The dance begins at 8, right after a beginner's class taught by Wayne Clevenger of WayGo Dance Studios.
If you've been watching CNN or listening to NPR's "All Things Considered," you might have caught some of those stories about the swing dance revival going on around the country. Announcers remember with nostalgia the "Swing Era" of the '30s and '40s when GIs on leave would jitterbug the night away with USO volunteers in the grand dance halls.
Saturday's dance features live music by the Virginia Tech Jazz Ensemble. Admission is just $1.
The beginner's class starts at 7 and it's open to everyone. You don't even need a partner.
For more information about events sponsored by the Southwest Virginia Swing Dance Society, call Robert Fentress at 552-1753 or e-mail him at rfentresxc2runet.edu.
POLITICS AND PARABLES: Argentina's is a history of bitter civil strife and political crises.
Protests. Strikes. Violence. War.
The people of Argentina have been lost in the shuffle.
That's why Argentine playwright Osvaldo Dragun wants their stories to be told.
"Stories to be Told" is the latest offering from Radford University's experimental acting company, The Porterfield Ensemble. The students are presenting Dragun's political tragicomedy tonight and Saturday at 8 in Porterfield Hall's Black Box Theatre.
Dragun uses anecdotes and parables to examine the issue of human exploitation, but it's his use of song and dance that grabs (and holds) the audience's attention.
Admission to this weekend's performances is free and open to the public. The Porterfield Ensemble will be taking the show to high schools and junior highs around the state in the upcoming weeks.
ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT: It's all up to you.
If you're a musician, a poet, an actor or just a funny guy, bring your talent with you and come to Blacksburg's Community for Spiritual Living tonight. The group is sponsoring a coffeehouse from 7 to 10 p.m.
The site is 105 Lee St. in downtown Blacksburg. A $3 donation is suggested at the door and refreshments will be on sale.
Of course, you're welcome to come as a spectator, but if you plan to participate, call musician John-Michael at 951-2398. He'll be glad to sign you up.
HOW DO YOU SPELL THAT, AL? It's W-O-J-T-E-R-A.
Radford University music professor Al Wojtera will give his annual percussion recital Thursday. The program includes "To the Gods of Rhythm," a work for African djembe drum and voice. This will be Wojtera's first public performance as a singer.
The concert includes guest appearances by mezzo-soprano Clarity James and flutist Betsy Crone. The duo will join Wojtera for Thomas Schudel's "The Queer Cornered Cap."
The recital also includes other works showcasing Wojtera's skills on marimba and a variety of percussion instruments. It begins at 8 p.m. in Preston Hall. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children and free for RU students and staff.
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