For release: October 24, 2011
For press information, contact Dr. Aram Goudsouzian, 901-678-2520

Entertainment fans can enjoy a pair of acclaimed shows in Memphis and also get expert insight into the performances.  The Marcus Orr Center for the Humanities at the University of Memphis will host “informances” about two November productions of the U of M’s Department of Theatre & Dance. (An informance is a thought-provoking lecture by an expert who digs deeper into a production, probing its history, its ideas, and its broader cultural meanings.)

On Tuesday, Nov. 1, before the presentation of his “Prophets of Funk,” a celebration of the music of Sly and the Family Stone, the show’s artistic director, David Dorfman, will discuss this interpretation of the legendary soul and funk band that released hits such as “I Want To Take You Higher” and “Dance To The Music.”

On Friday, Nov. 4, prior to the staging of Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia, Dr. Alistair Windsor from the U of M’s Department of Mathematical Sciences and Dr. Jeffrey Scraba from the Department of English will talk about the play, which has been called “the greatest play of our age.” They will offer insights into the nature of knowledge, explorations into evidence and truth, and forays into history, mathematics, physics, and even the romantic poetry of Lord Byron.

Both of the informances are free and open to the public.

 David Dorfman Dance informance: Tuesday, Nov. 1
When: 6 p.m., with reception to follow; the dance presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Rose Theatre Entertainment Lobby, University of Memphis

 Arcadiainformance, Friday, Nov. 4
When: 6 p.m., with reception to follow; the play will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Where: College of Communications and Fine Arts Lobby, University of Memphis

 For more information about these events or any of the programs of the Marcus W. Orr

Center, visit www.memphis.edu/moch, or call Dr. Aram Goudsouzian at 901-678-2520.