Back to school means the performance halls are open

One of the great things about the new school year is the plethora of cultural offerings at institutions of higher learning available not just to students, but the public as well.

For example Macalester College's Theater and Dance department will present John Cage's landmark 1948 piece, "Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano." There are two free performances on Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, September 27 at 2 p.m. in Macalester College's Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center Theater.

A release from Mac describes the featured instrument in this way: "A prepared piano is one in which the pitches, timbres, and dynamic responses of individual notes are altered by placing bolts, screws, mutes, rubber erasers, and other objects at particular points on the strings." Music Department chair Mark Mazullo will be at the keyboard.

Meanwhile in Northfield at Carleton College the New York-based SITI Company will present performances of a new adaptation of Sophocles "Antigone." The company will present what are called two "dress rehearsal" performances of Irish playwright Jocelyn Clark's contemporary adaptation. The shows are in preparation for the play's world premier in New York in late October. The Carleton shows are on Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26 at 8:00 p.m. in the College's Arena Theater.

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.