30 The Queens Courier • april 23, 2015 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Photo courtesy Lloyd Mulvey Emily Trask as Desdemona Douglaston/little neck library’s History & culture lectures two outstanding lectures on history and culture were recently held to capacity crowds at the Douglaston/little neck community library. The first event was “An Evening with Donna Barron and the First Nations of Long Island” held on April 6th. Author and historian Donna “Gentle Spirit” Barron of the Little Neck Matinecock Native American Community (pictured last row, third from right) read from several of her works and discussed the history of Long Island’s various First Nations. Joining her in the presentation were Harry Wallace, Chief of the Unkechaug Nation of the Poospatuck Indian Reservation in Mastic, Long Island (last row, second from right), and Osceola Townsend, Chief of the Matinecocks (first row in aqua jacket). Then on April 9th Louise Dente, Founder and Executive Producer of Cultural Caravan Productions, Inc. (pictured second from right), and Dr. William Seraile, Professor Emeritus of African and African American Studies at Lehman College, City University of New York (pictured first from right), lectured on “African Americans Contributions to the United States Military: From the American Revolutionary War to Vietnam”. The Douglaston/Little Neck Community Library has also created special collections of books and other materials on both local Native American and African American history and culture. For more information, contact: Community Library Manager Ron Wan; Assistant Community Library Manager Tina Holinski; or Friends of the Douglaston/Little Neck Community Library President Arline Abdalian, 249-01 Northern Boulevard, Little Neck, NY 11363, (718) 225-8414, www.queenslibrary.org/ Douglaston Photos: C. Stossel ADVERTORIAL TITAN’S ‘OTHELLO’ IS GROUNDBREAKING SHAEKS PAEER While fireworks exploded over Citi Field on Saturday evening, a different kind of explosion electrified the audience at Queens Theatre. The all- female version of Shakespeare’s “Othello” by Titan Theatre Company kept the audience at the edge of their seats with fiery emotions, riveting fight scenes and well-executed, suspenseful deliveries. Most importantly, the troupe continues to break barriers with gender-shattering performances of the highest caliber. Director Lenny Banovez (who also adapted the story) and producer Kevin Beebee offer an impressive cast of powerful actors who transform Shakespeare’s intense A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN tragedy into an action/thriller. The title role is owned by Leah Dutchin as the doomed general. Her range of emotions is genuinely impressive. Dutchin’s anguished cries as she crumples to the ground are equally intense when she is felled by jealousy and when her sword exacts suicidal retribution. Conniving Iago is played with sinister skill by Laura Frye. Her swaggering strides and evil cunning send shivers through the packed house. Beautiful, dutiful Desdemona (Emily Trask) earns our affection and compassion as Othello’s wronged spouse. Abbey Siegworth as Cassio and Leah Gabriel as Roderigo are at their best in their fateful fight scene. In fact, the powerful and very exciting sword play (Jonathan Hicks, fight choreographer) converts the second act into a stunning tribute to live theater and the troupe’s professionalism. Titan once again proves that a 400-year-old play can be relevant and thrilling. Sets (Jasmin Nicole) are deliberately minimal. They are heavily influenced by effectively brooding lighting (Alan Piotrovicz) and costumes (Becky Willett) that convey both ancient and modern preferences. The brilliant hairstyles bring unique signatures to each character’s personality. Some take the look of stylized helmets. Brava! Supporting players add fire to this already sizzling, all- female production. Indeed, Shakespeare’s terrifying exploration of jealousy, rage, remorse and retribution has clearly created a new, well-earned audience. Kudos, then, to Molly Densmore, Deanna Gibson as Iago’s manipulated wife Emilia, Kate Gunther playing seductive Bianca, Carol Linnea Johnson, Erica Knight, Alex Spieth, Alyssa Van Gorder and Carolynne Warren. Applause as well for behindthe scenes support (Bailey Seeker, Lloyd Mulvey and others). For information on this and future projects, call 347-738- 5602 or the Queens Theatre box office at 718-760-0064. Like them on Facebook or surf to www.titantheatrecompany.com. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. An Evening of Song with Daphnee Fortunate An Evening of Song with 9145poster-2/15 Songstress Daphnee Fortunate will weave her vocal magic through new, soulful renditions of jazz and pop standards from the 20th and 21st centuries in a musical journey that will delight and inspire. Light refreshments will be served. Space limited; first come, first served. Songstress Daphnee Fortunate will weave her vocal magic through new, soulful renditions of jazz and pop standards from the 20th and 21st centuries in a musical journey that will delight and inspire. Light refreshments will be served. Space limited; first come, first served. Monday, April 27 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 27 Douglaston/6:30 Little p.m. Neck 249-01 Northern Boulevard Douglaston/718-225-Little 8414 Neck 249-01 Northern Boulevard Train: LIRR / Bus: Q12, N20, N21 718-225-8414 Train: LIRR / Bus: Q12, N20, N21 Admission is free. www.queenslibrary.org Library Hours Mon./Thu. 12-8 Tue. 1-6 Wed. /Fri. 10-6 Sat./Sun Closed Library Hours Mon./Thu. 12-8 Tue. 1-6 Wed. /Fri. 10-6 Sat./Sun Closed This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Douglaston/Little Neck Community Library. Queens Library is an independent, not-for-profit corporation and is not affiliated with any other library system. Admission is free. www.queenslibrary.org This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Douglaston/Little Neck Community Library.
QC04232015
To see the actual publication please follow the link above