National Days of Remembrance

"Never Again" Sign at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site

Update: Click here to watch video of the May 17 national remembrance ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, which was broadcast live on the USHMM website. The ceremony included remarks by Holocaust survivor and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel, who spoke of how “human compassion was out of fashion” during the Holocaust, and Isreal ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren, who shared that remembering alone is never enough — because goodness must be “galvanized by action.” Other speakers included U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, who spoke about justice and the law, and USHMM director Sara Bloomfield. Click here to follow Twitter comments on this ceremony.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. has been charged by the United States Congress with leading our country’s national commemoration of the Holocaust.

This year’s Holocaust remembrance week is May 1-8. The theme is “Justice and Accountability in the Face of Genocide: What Have We Learned?” But you don’t need to visit D.C. to participate.

Observances are being held by state and local governments, military bases, workplaces, schools, synagogues and civic centers throughout the country, according to the USHMM.

Arizona events include the “CMS 3rd Annual Days of Remembrance Community Event” in Cottonwood — taking place Thurs, May 5, at 6pm at Cottonwood Middle School. Students will open the event “by sharing their published books about genocide and the Holocaust.”

A special USHMM program titled “Life After Death: Holocaust Survivors in the Postwar World” takes place that same evening in Scottsdale. It features Mark Roseman, Ph.D. , the Museum’s 2010-11 Ina Levine Invitational Scholar and the Pat M. Glazer Chair in Jewish Studies at Indiana University Bloomington.

Roseman will “explore the trajectories that survivors’ lives took after World War II and how popular perceptions of the survivor became central to the late 20th-century consciousness” at 6:30pm at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus in Scottsdale. RSVP by May 2 to Gerry Hoch at 972-490-6300 or southwest@ushmm.org.

Visit the website for Jewish News of Greater Phoenix for additional information about Holocaust remembrance and related events. If your organization is hosting an event, please share details by commenting below to let our readers know.

Click here to share a comment on the USHMM website about how you plan to remember the Holocaust this week, here to watch a webcast of the May 17 commemoration at the U.S. Capitol and here to learn how you can participate in a virtual names reading ceremony remembering victims of the Holocaust.

If you’re looking for additional information about Holocaust remembrance for children and teens, read “Remember and Act: Engaging children in social justice” in the May 2011 issue of Raising Arizona Kids magazine.

The article ends with the following reflection: Memory is never passive, and silence never neutral. We must remember, we must remain vigilant and every one of us must act.

– Lynn

Note: Information about the Holocaust, as well as Holocaust remembrance, is also available from Yad Vashem in Israel. Click here to learn more about “Jewish American Heritage Month,” celebrated in May.

Coming up: Bringing a Holocaust museum to the Valley

Celebrate women’s art!

Today marks the 100th annual  ”International Women’s Day” — which celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women.

It’s a lovely excuse to pause for a moment (or more) to reflect on the role of women in our personal and collective histories — and to enjoy an online collection of artworks by women from around the globe.

The “Global IWD Arts Initiative” features works by diverse women who aim to “inspire, challenge, entertain and provoke thought from a gender angle.”

Click here to enjoy some of their paintings, sculpture, photographs, drawings, sketches, collages and more — as well as stories written by women with diverse voices.

“International Women’s Day” is also a perfect reminder that women artists in our own neighborhoods and local communitiesare are doing remarkable things — and deserve our support.

The Arizona Women’s Theatre Company presents their 5th annual “Pandora Festival” May 20-22 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts — for which auditions are being held Sat, April 9, from 1-5:30pm.

The festival is focused on new works — which are presented as “staged readings.” This year’s festival will be the first to include the works of women playwrights within and outside of Arizona.

Arizona Women’s Theatre Company describes itself as “the only theatre in Arizona to focus on women playwrights and directors.” They specialize is producing “contemporary, provocative, thought-provoking plays written by women.”

But what about those among us who dream of dramaturgy? The Arizona Women’s Theatre Company presents a dramaturgy workshop as part of this year’s fastival. “Developing New Plays-Dramaturgy: Its Meaning and Uses” takes place Sat, April 30, from 1-4:30pm in Scottsdale.

The workshop will be led by Laurie Brooks, an award-winning playwright and fiction author — and is open to “invited playwrights, directors and actors involved in the festival.”

I’m intrigued by not only her young adult title, “Selkie Girl,” but also the names of several of her plays — including “Everyday Heroes,” “The Lost Ones, “Atypical Boy,” and “Brave No World.”

I saw the Arizona School for the Arts theatre arts department perform Brooks’ “The Wrestling Season” several years ago, and will be enjoying Brooks’ work again as ASA students present her play titled “Triangle” April 29-May 1 at the Phoenix Theatre Little Theatre.

We all work our art in different ways. Still, there’s one thing many of us have in common — an abiding gratitude for the many women who connect us to the past, enrich us in the present, and pull us forward towards the future.

– Lynn

Note: Click here to learn more about an independent film titled “Pushing the Elephant,” which airs later this month on PBS as part of its “Independent Lens” series. The film follows Rose Mapendo, a mother of 10 who escaped from the Democratic Republic of Congo during the late 1990s. Click here for information on screenings in Tucson and other cities.

Coming up: Seeing red in Arizona, Immigration takes the stage

Mothers and sons

I went to Scottsdale Community College recently to see the latest offering in the anti-hate film series they present each year with the Anti-Defamation League.

The film, titled “Bullied,” recounts events leading up to a court case involving a Wisconsin student who’d been brutally harassed during middle and high school because of his sexual orientation.

A title can be a telling thing. Given the name of the film, I expected to learn more about bullying and the challenges facing LGBT youth — and I did.

"Mother & Son" by Stephen Armstrong

But titles rarely reveal the whole story, for I found this film to be first and foremost a profound glimpse into the precious relationship of a mother and her son.

After the film, someone commented that “coming out is really something that happens for the whole family.”

The film “Bullied” beautifully portrays the impact of bullying on Jamie Nabozny’s entire family, and everyone around him — including other targets, bullies and bystanders.

We’re often reminded that “it takes a village to raise a child.” But “Bullied” reminds us that “it takes a village to protect a child.” If you’re not doing something to prevent bullying in our communities, you’re part of the problem.

The film offers ways that those who experience and witness bullying can stand up and reach out. During a post film Q & A session, a tall and slender young man from Africa stood to recount his family’s own experience with brutality.

We spoke a while near the close of the evening about his mother, Rose, and a film sharing their story — which I’ll feature in a future post.

I was especially moved by comments he shared earlier with the 100 + people gathered at SCC, noting that objections simply shouted in the street are easily ignored.

The real key, according to John Moise, is for parents to discuss bullying in their homes — even with their very young children.

Bullying will be banished only when each of us take responsibility for teaching our children that it is wrong to hurt others or to simply stand by as others cause harm.

I shared with Moise some of the words I’d helped my young children formulate when they were barely knee-high, so they’d know how to advocate in the moment for kids being teased or harrassed.

Telling our children they have to stand up to injustice is all good and fine, but too often we fail as parents to actually give them the concrete tools they need to do so.

Parents and teachers eager to learn more about bullying prevention have plenty of resources — including the Anti-Defamation League, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network.

As folks from the ADL pointed out after the film, bullying that goes unchecked too often escalates to violence — even genocide.

I was also moved during the Q & A session by a father who spoke of his work as a Christian minister, and how often he’d preached hatred toward homosexuality before learning that his own son was gay.

Life is plenty challenging for LGBT youth. But imagine what it’s like for those rejected even by their own parents.

As the mother/son story in “Bullied” makes clear, it’s our job to love and protect our children — and the other children of the world — no matter what.

– Lynn

Note: I also chatted after the film with a woman who does “Holocaust tracing” for the American Red Cross — who told me about the recent reunification of family members from Poland. I’ll share more of her story in a future post as well.

Coming up: Art speaks louder than words

Only the inside should matter

One of several bookmarks honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. -- created by ASU from K-12 student entries in their most recent MLK, Jr. Day poster-essay contest

I was struck by this simple sentiment as I enjoyed the online gallery of winning writings and artwork from an MLK poster-essay contest sponsored by Arizona State University.

After putting out the call last fall to K-12 students throughout the state, ASU received more than 17,000 entries. Students were invited to submit an essay about someone they know who “leads through service to others.”

The 24 winners will be honored Thurs, Jan 20, at a special event with ASU president Michael Crow and other special guests, including the students’ parents, teachers and principals.

Winners receive a savings bond and prize ribbon, and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing their work displayed both online and at two Valley locations — the Memorial Union at ASU in Tempe and the Student Union at ASU Polytechnic in Mesa.

The exhibits, being held Jan 18-31, are free and open to the public. They’re part of a month long celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy.

Other January events that are part of ASU’s celebration of MLK, Jr. Day include a march, a reenactment of MLK’s “I have a dream…” speech, a food drive, a film screening, a theater performance and a poetry jam. (Click here for event details/locations.)

Justice poster by a Gilbert senior named Amanda

Each sounds plenty inspiring, though I find the greatest meaning in simply enjoying the words and pictures of students who recognize the importance of justice, service and lifelong learning to the ongoing march towards greater civil and human rights for all people.

Many of the elementary school winners, including 2nd grader Miriah, live in Mesa.

Miriah wrote about a friend named Stephanie — who delights in giving free haircuts to those in need, including homeless people in her own hometown and people as far away as Africa. “I want to be like Stephanie when I get older,” writes Miriah.

Another 2nd grader, Brooke, wrote about grandparents and other family members who assemble “hygiene kits” for people effected by natural disasters, while a 2nd grader named Brady wrote of a grandfather who collects “coloring books, balls, food and toys” for children in Mexico.

“My dad,” writes 4th grader Annie, “is the best example of service I know. His name is Dad.” Annie says that her dad “volunteers for all sorts of things.” Annie’s essay describes how her dad spends his time — “and its not watching television.”

A 5th grader named Jenah wrote an essay praising a coach named Kyle. She describes him as “a kind, amusing, elated, brave man.” “Whenever I am with him,” writes Jenah, “I learn something new.”

Another 5th grader, Tanner, wrote about his grandfather picking up trash each day as he takes a walk through the neighborhood — and his grandmother sewing “very, very big quilts” for those who need them.

Abigail, a 6th grader, wrote about her 20-year-old sister — detailing Sam’s work with Best Buddies, Locks of Love and other programs that help Valley youth. Abigail notes that despite Sam’s busy schedule, “she can always take me to my classes and my plans.”

Many of the middle and high school students who won hail from Scottsdale, including a 7th grader named Sanket who wrote about Dave, a man who often reads to children and tells them stories.

Rachel, an 8th grade student, wrote about her father’s work with organizations like Make-a-Wish and Parents of Murdered Children. “I believe what my dad does to help people…makes the world a better place.”

A 10th grader, also named Rachel, detailed the work of a doctor who organized people to help victims of last year’s earthquake in Haiti after years of working with “disabled adults” in that country. 

She writes as well of the importance of education – ”I feel that in a country where we are so educated, we should take that education to help and teach other countries that don’t have the same opportunities as we have.”

A 1oth grader named Allysan wrote about a family friend in college who raises money to help victims of genocide in Darfur, while 10th grader Ema offered words about her sister that reveal insights into the role of youth in shaping the future…

“The early stages of our life determine who we are,” writes Ema, “and who we are going to be in the years to come.”

“The fate and future of the world,” she adds, “resides with the youth of today.”

– Lynn

Note: Families will one day be able to visit a Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial on the Washington Mall in Washington, D.C. To learn more about the nature and development of this memorial, click here.

Coming up: Local exhibits of children’s art inspired by MLK, Jr. Day

Fun with farce

I’m a relative rookie when it comes to the “farce” genre in theater — only recently enjoying my first live experience with the art thanks to Phoenix Theatre’s “Noises Off.” I hadn’t expected to enjoy the form, but now find myself becoming a bit of a farce fanatic.

Whether you’re a farce fan or merely farce-curious, this weekend presents a rare opportunity to enjoy farce at its finest — the Flaherty and Ahrens musical called “Lucky Stiff.” It’s a murder mystery based on the novel “The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo.”

“Lucky Stiff” is being performed this weekend at Greasepaint Youtheatre (formerly Stagebrush Theatre) in Scottsdale by students from Arizona School for the Arts (ASA).

It’s a real high school musical, directed by Toby Yatso, an artist in residence with Phoenix Theatre who leads the ASA theatre arts team.

I’ll be there all weekend in true stage mom mode — hoofing tickets and hocking candy. My daughter Lizabeth has been hush hush about the show, so I’ve had to do a bit of my own research. Here’s what I know…

It’s the work of the award-winning team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, whose other collaborations include “Seussical” and “Ragtime.” It’s got a dog, a dead body and hidden diamonds — plus a wheelchair and a heart-shaped box with surprising contents.

There’s stiff competition in Valley theater this weekend as the Herberger Theater Center reopens to reveal remarkable renovations, The Black Theatre Troupe presents the Tony Award winning August Wilson play titled “Fences” and the Broadway touring production of “Young Frankenstein” plays at ASU Gammage.

“Lucky Stiff” is recommended for ages 12 and up, so that’ll make theater-going decisions easier for parents of preschoolers to preteens. Your choices are equally appealing as Childsplay presents “A Year With Frog and Toad” at Tempe Center for the Arts and Valley Youth Theater opens their production of “Pinkalicious” (both based on children’s literature).

I narrowly missed the opportunity to see “The Ice Pirates” presented by the Dobson Drama Club at Dobson High School in Mesa this weekend. I only learned of the show when I stumbled on a flyer while Jennifer and I were looking for a “STAND Up 4 Africa” event held there on Saturday.

It looks like I’ll have other opportunities — since Dobson High School has upcoming productions that include “Friday Night Live” (Dec 17) and “The Breakfast Club” (Jan, 2011). And I do hope other schools will drop me a line to let me know their offerings.

Attending school and community theater events featuring the Valley’s many talented youth is a truly enjoyable and economical way to experience theater productions you might not encounter at other venues — and to support youth in our community who engage in positive, creative activities in the face (and farce) of so many competing and crass alternatives.

– Lynn

Note: Click here or go to Brown Paper Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com to purchase tickets to “Lucky Stiff.” For a comprehensive listing of family-friendly theater and other activities, visit the online calendar for Raising Arizona Kids magazine. Next up at Greasepaint Youtheatre is their production of “The Wiz” directed by D. Scott Withers.

Coming up: A marathon of movie reviews, Monsters among us, Getting to know you: Gammage goers

Update: Soon after posting, I learned of another comedic piece coming to a Valley stage (this one is for mature audiences). It’s a “comedic vaudeville” work titled “Romantic Fools” being presented by Chandler-Gilbert Community College Oct 14-17. For tickets call 480-732-7343 or go online. Theater Works opens “The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife,” also a comedy, on Oct 1 at Peoria Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets call 623-815-7930 or go online.

Musings on “gypsy” music

I’m as guilty as the next person.

I hear the word “gypsy” and I make all kinds of assumptions. But unlike the stereotypes held by so many others throughout history, my stereotypes aren’t negative.

They’re idealized, even romanticized.

I remember buying Jennifer a book of ‘gypsy fairy tales’ when she was in elementary school.

It was part of a series that included fairy tales from many countries–Russia, Ireland and more.

Jennifer, who now studies cultural anthroplogy and history at ASU in Tempe, has always been fascinated with India–its culture, its people, its religion.

The flag above, similar in some ways to the flag of India, has been adopted by the World Romani Congress.

Many trace the history of gypsies, described by most scholars as “Romani,” to India during the Middle Ages, though some trace their origins back much farther or to other regions such as modern-day Pakistan or Iran.

I’m eager to learn more about the topic–which landed on my radar when I discovered that a musical group called “Parno Graszt” (pictured at left) will be performing this weekend at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix.

They’re described as “Hungary’s #1 Gypsy Folk Band”–and have been performing “traditional gypsy music and dancing” for two decades.

I sometimes consider myself a bit of a gypsy simply because I moved a great deal as a child–from state to state and city to city–with a single mother I now think of as having some sort of a wanderlust.

But one of the first tidbits I uncovered while putting a mere tip of one toe in the ocean of historical and mythological information about these peoples is that they aren’t necessarily nomadic.

Those who study the Roma differ in their opinions of just how essential nomadicism is, and was, to their way of life.

Were I still a homeschooling parent, I’d be all over this topic (including the Romani alphabet at left).

It promises so many paths to explore–from the nature of historical research to the horrific outcomes of ignorance and intolerance.

I hope you’ll make time to enjoy the richness of musical experiences offered by the MIM–including the performance art of “Parno Graszt.”

But don’t leave it there.

Let the music inspire you to do a bit of your own musing on Romani art and culture.

I’ve located several resources for those of you who want to join me on this journey of discovery:

Amnesty International USA at www.amnestyusa.org. This organization offers information on human rights news, policy and advocacy regarding many cultures and countries–including the Roma. Website features info on “Artists for Amnesty.”

Dosta! at www.dosta.org. This website offers information on the “Dosta!” (“Enough!”) campaign against anti-Roma discrimation–and resources such as Romani museums and contemporary Romani musicians.

Museum of Romani Culture (Muzeum romske kultury) at www.rommuz.cz. This museum in the Czech Republic offers information on Roma history, culture, music (hudba), children’s activities and more.

Romani.org at www.romani.org. This website offers information on Roma history, stereotypes, persecution, dance, music (including discography) and more.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum at www.ushmm.org. This D.C.-based museum offers information on various groups persecuted and murdered by the Nazi regime, including the Roma. The website features “Music of the Holocaust” information and recordings (including Roma music from Auschwitz).

University of Minnesota Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at www.chgs.umn.edu. This academic center offers information on Roma history and culture–as well as poignant images of the persecution of Roma (including the above photo of a couple at the Belzec extermination camp).

Voice of Roma at www.voiceofroma.com. This California-based non-profit offers information on Roma music, dance, film, culture and human rights.

I’ll never be anything close to an expert in Romani culture, but I can certainly look beyond the limits of my own time and place.

I can learn more.

I can do more.

I can be more.

And music is a great place to start…

–Lynn

Note: Click here to read the official statement of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on International Roma Day (April 8, 2010)

Coming up: Roundup of weekend art offerings in the Valley, which include the third staged reading of Phoenix Theatre’s 13th annual Hormel New Works Festival–featuring Nathan Sanders’ “Divine Fruit/Kundalini Rising” directed by William Partlien. It’s the perfect pick for mature teen and adult audiences interested in issues of multiculturalism, religion and gay rights.

Musings on Mother’s Day

James’ mother nicely shared with us that she “really doesn’t need anything for Mother’s Day.” Many of us find that “less is more” as time goes by, although I find it hard to believe that a grandmother can ever have too many homemade gifts.

Through the years we’ve made plenty of them—photo albums loaded with pictures and favorite quotes or notes from the kids, homemade candles and glycerin soaps, hand-painted vases and trinket boxes, bouquets of tissue paper and pipe cleaner flowers, and more.

But this year my mother-in-law suggested we simply make a donation to charity on her behalf, graciously trusting us to make the choice about which cause we’d like to support while honoring her special day. There are oodles of options given my children’s diverse interests, including nature and wildlife, civil and human rights, and AIDS/HIV awareness.

James’ dad is often recognized for his contributions to higher education so we’ll keep that in mind for Father’s Day. But I’m leaning towards a museum membership for his mom. Museum memberships are something moms can enjoy alone, with family and with friends.

For a truly memorable Mother’s Day, consider taking your special moms to a museum. Sometimes the greatest gift of all is time together, enjoying new experiences that create lifelong memories. Take a camera along to capture the fun for après-museum scrapbooking.

Some museums have cafes or restaurants where you can treat mom to a special meal or dessert. The Phoenix Art Museum in Phoenix has both Arcadia Farms cafe and lush grassy grounds perfect for picnic celebrations.

River of Time Museum Shop

Remember too that many museums have museum shops filled with a variety of unique gift items—some whimsical, some nostalgic, some humorous, some elegant, some practical. The Phoenix Art Museum, for example, has everything from jewelry and books to kitchen utensils and family-friendly games.

Sarah Weber, president of the Central Arizona Museum Association, was kind enough to put out the call to member museums asking for Mother’s Day gift suggestions for our readers.

Here’s a sampling of items they shared with me…

Arizona Capitol Museum in Phoenix. Turquoise jewelry. Copper bracelets. State seal brooches, donkey pins and elephant pins with crystals. Cactus jams and jellies. Books on notable Arizonans (past and present). www.lib.az.us

Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum in Phoenix. Various items related to rocks, fossils and minerals. Jewelry. Books. Decorative items (such as amethyst towers). www.admmr.state.az.us

Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg. Contemporary Navajo jewelry. Glitterflops (high-end flip flips with leather uppers and Swarovski crystals). Cowgirl hats and “bling” cowgirl shirts. www.westernmuseum.org

Mesa Historical Museum in Mesa. Wallace and Ladmo DVDs. Items featuring historic citrus labels from Arizona citrus companies. Aprons, bonnets and other pioneer-theme items. www.mesahistoricalmuseum.org 

More River of Time Goodies

River of Time Museum in Fountain Hills. Southwestern jewelry and pottery. Handmade silk scarves. Coffee table books. Books on history, wildflowers, cooking and more. www.riveroftimemuseum.org

Superstition Mountain Museum in Apache Junction. Collection of books by or about women who had great influence on the people and places of the early West. Gardening, cooking, home décor gifts. T-shirts and turquoise. Pottery and pendants. Christmas ornaments and cacti. www.superstitionmountainmuseum.org

Information about these and additional museums, including the newly-opened Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, is available through the Central Arizona Museum Association. Please check with individual museums for gift shop hours and offerings before visiting.

Remember too that many performing and visual arts venues—including the Mesa Arts Center, the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and Tempe Center for the Arts—have gift shops featuring everything from original art to fine jewelry. Some venues and museums even offer catalogues and/or online shopping.

Making museums a part of your Mother’s Day celebration is a great way to support the arts in Arizona (and local businesses whose wares are featured in museum gift shops). You can even bring mom along and let her choose her own special gift.

–Lynn

Update: The day after this post was published, I had the opportunity to visit the museum shop at the Phoenix Art Museum, where patrons were enjoying special Wed. eve free admission hours (check museum website for details). Here’s a list of some of my “fun finds”: Exquisite boxes with inlaid burl and other materials in assorted sizes (perfect for jewelry, special desktop items and such), Ikebana (the art of Japanese flower arranging) note cards, “Furoshiki” (traditional Japanese wrapping cloths), Turkey baster complete with bright orange turkey (plus blue whale ice cream spade, white mouse cheese grater, red porcupine scrubber, orange monkey peeler and more), Bright yellow “Swiss cheese” doorstop complete with holes, Andy Warhol theme plasticware, Tres chic trash cans, Funky spins on your boring old ‘to do’ notepads, Magnetic Poetry Kits-Artist theme, Unique wearables (scarves, “Fear No Art” & other T-shirts, purses), Art-theme jigsaw puzzles (Jackson Pollock, Monet, Tiffany, Frank Lloyd Wright, Diego Rivera), Pens and paperweights, Art prints and posters, Soleri bells, Reading glasses, Bridge and playing cards, Luggage tags & travel accessories and plenty more. They also have an extensive offering of books, music and DVDs. Just a few of the books I noticed–The DC Vault, Weird Arizona and Shoe Design. Couple the latter with a gift card for shoe shopping and you’ll win points for thoughtfulness and creativity! I just happened to be at the Phoenix Art Museum, but I know from visiting many other museum shops that each has its own special offerings, so keep both our best-known museums and your smaller neighborhood museums in mind each time you shop for parents, children, teachers and friends.

Note:  Single or season tickets for theater, music or dance performances also make terrific Mother’s Day gifts

Coming up: A weekend of dance delights

Today’s tidbits: ASU Herberger School of Theatre and Film presents “Interrobang” as part of their New Works Series featuring the works of emerging artists in the MFA graduate school cohort. See “And What She Found There,” which examines questions about the nature of theatre and performance, tonight (May 4) at 7:30pm at the Lyceum Theatre at ASU’s Tempe campus. Tickets: $7.

MORE MUSEUM NEWS: Save the date! The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum presents “From Memory to Action: Meeting the Challenge of Genocide” Monday, May 10, at 7pm with Bridget Conley-Zilkic, the museum’s Director of Research and Projects, Committee on Conscience. Event is free and open to the public but reservations are requested at www.ushmm.org/events/templesolelaz, 972-490-6300 or southwest@ushmm.org. Event takes place at Temple Solel, located at 6805 E. McDonald Dr. in Paradise Valley.