The South rises in new film
Documentary film director Kevin Willmott will speak on the Emporia State University campus at 3 p.m. Thursday. Willmott is the director of the faux documentary “C.S.A: The Confederate States of America,” which will be shown at 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday.
“C.S.A.” is a film about what America would have looked like had the South won the Civil War. How would slavery work in the 21st century? Would women have the right to vote? Would the United States have been an ally to Hitler during World War II? All of these are part of Willmott*s documentary.
The screenings and the lecture will take place in Science Hall, room 72.
“C.S.A” has been shown at various film festivals across the world in cities such as Denver, the Hamptons in New York, Locarno, Switzerland and Stockholm.
Willmott is a film professor at the University of Kansas. Along with “C.S.A.,” he has written, produced and co-produced the documentary “Ninth Street.” He has also co-authored the play “T-Money and Wolf,” about the Holocaust and contemporary gang violence.
As a screenwriter, Willmott co-wrote “Shields Green and the Gospel of John Brown,” “Civilized Tribes,” and “Little Brown Brothers” and he adapted Michael Blake’s book “Marching to Vallhalla.” He is currently writing the screenplay “Wilt of Kansas.”
For more information contact Gary Holcomb at gholcomb@emporia.edu.
Book series
The Emporia Public Library continues the “Kansas Connections” 2007 Book Discussion Series to help commemorate the 150th anniversary of the founding of Emporia. Meetings are at 7 p.m. at the library, 110 E. Sixth Ave., with multiple copies of the selected titles available for checkout. For more information, call Lynette Olson at 340-6451 or e-mail: olsonlyn@emporialibrary.org.
The series began Jan. 3 with “Home Town News: William Allen White and the Emporia Gazette” by Sally Foreman Griffith; and Feb. 7, “The Learning Tree” by Gordon Parks. The series continues March 7 with “Sod and Stubble” by John Ise; April 4, “Trail of the Spanish Bit” by Don Coldsmith; May 2, “Picnic” by William Inge; June 6, “Behold a Red Horse” by Cotton Smith; July 11, “The Last Cattle Drive” by Robert Day; Aug. 1, “Kansas Troubles” by Earlene Fowler; Sept. 5, “The Center of Everything” by Laura Moriarty; Oct. 3, “A Breed Apart” by Max McCoy; Nov. 7, “Virgin of Small Plains” by Nancy Pickard; and Dec. 5, “The Persian Pickle Club” by Sandra Dallas.
ESU Concerts
The ESU Department of Music presents the Woodwind Day Grand Finale Concert, featuring guest artists and student participants, at 4:30 p.m. Saturday in Albert Taylor Hall at Plumb Hall. There is no admission charge. There is a $5 charge for those taking part in activities, including master classes and rehearsals, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Registration is at 8 a.m.
On Feb. 16, guest artists Robert Spring, clarinet, and J.B. Smith, percussion, will perform, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Heath Recital Hall at Beach Music Hall. The Faculty Recital, featuring Jeff Hodupp, tuba and euphonium, will be at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 18 in Heath Recital Hall. The ESU Jazz Ensemble Concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 in Albert Taylor Hall. General admission is $5; student and senior citizens, $4. Information: 341-5431.
Valentine fundraiser
The Opening Gala for the third Annual Invitational Valentine Exhibition and Scholarship Fundraiser will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday (Valentine’s Day) at the Emporia Arts Center, 618 Mechanic St. Refreshments will be provided. The exhibition includes art works by ESU Art Department faculty, students and friends for sale to raise funds for department scholarships. The gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and by appointment. Information: 343-6473.
‘In the Mood’
“In the Mood,” described as a “retro 1940s musical revue featuring the ‘In the Mood’ singers and dancers with the sensational String of Pearls big band orchestra,” for all ages, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 in Albert Taylor Hall. Tickets, $30 each person and no cost for ESU students, are available at the Arts Center, 618 Mechanic St., or by calling 343-6473.
A shot at Sherwood
The Missoula Children’s Theatre will present “Robin Hood” at 7 p.m. today and 2 p.m. Saturday at Lowther South Middle School, 215 W. Sixth Ave. Tickets, available at the Arts Center, are $7.50 each for adults and $1 for students. Information: 343-6473.