April, May CCA lineup to include Beijing Guitar Duo, Boston Trio, theatre broadcasts
April and May events in the University of Maine Collins Center for the Arts’ 2018–19 season will include a musical duo and a trio, and two theatre productions broadcast from London.
The Beijing Guitar Duo will perform at 3 p.m. April 14 in Minsky Recital Hall. Members Meng Su and Yameng Wang have toured extensively, performing and teaching all over the world. The pair’s performances and recordings have impressed the public with “an ability and artistry that exceeds their years.”
The Boston Trio will perform at 3 p.m. May 19 in Minsky Recital Hall. Since their formation in 1997, the cello, piano and violin trio has quickly become one of today’s most exciting chamber groups. Acclaimed for their superb sense of ensemble and wondrous balance, these virtuosic and profound musicians are committed to creating exceptional and daring performances of standard and contemporary repertoire.
Both chamber music concerts were chosen as selections in the John I. and Elizabeth E. Patches Chamber Music Series. A reception for patrons and artists will follow each concert.
Two recorded productions will be shown as part of the National Theatre (NT Live) series, which includes plays that are filmed in front of a live audience, transmitted via satellite to the CCA, then projected onto a high-definition screen — one of the largest in the state. When filmed, cameras are carefully positioned throughout the theatre to ensure cinema audiences get the best-seat-in-the-house view.
“The Tragedy of King Richard the Second” will be shown at 7 p.m. April 12 at the CCA. This visceral new production about the limits of power, broadcast live from the stage of the Almeida Theatre in London to cinemas, stars Simon Russell Beale as William Shakespeare’s Richard II and is directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins. Richard II, King of England, is irresponsible, foolish and vain. His weak leadership sends his kingdom into disarray and his court into uproar. Seeing no other option but to seize power, the ambitious Bolingbroke challenges the throne and the king’s divine right to rule.
“All About Eve” will be shown at 7 p.m. May 9 at the CCA, and tells the story of Margo Channing. Legend. True star of the theatre. The spotlight is hers, always has been. But now there’s Eve. Her biggest fan. Young, beautiful Eve. The golden girl, the girl next door. But you know all about Eve … don’t you? Lifting the curtain on a world of jealousy and ambition, this new production, from one of the world’s most innovative theatre directors, Ivo van Hove, asks why our fascination with celebrity, youth and identity never seems to get old.
To view the full season schedule, request a reasonable accommodation or purchase tickets, visit the CCA website.