Get your tickets
special events
spring/summer 2011
Free Summer Lunchtime Concert Series: Rising Stars of FirstWorks at Washington Trust
Thursdays at noon: July 14-August 4
WASHINGTON TRUST DOWNTOWN PROVIDENCE BRANCH
At the intersection of Westminster and Orange Streets [map]
Representing FirstWorks and Washington Trust’s shared commitment to community and artistic excellence, this four-week series spotlights the diverse talents of our region’s most inspiring young performers.
Featuring performances by:
The Laotian Dance Troupe
of the Laotian Community Center of RI
July 14th, 12:00 noon
The lithe and graceful Laotian Dance Troupe will present a rich and colorful performance that focuses on one of the loveliest of mythological beings dwelling in the Himmapan Forest. The Kinnaly, also known as "daughters of the Sky God", often escape their father's celestial playground to descend to earth and enjoy its simple pleasures, such as bathing in the river. The song of the same name, "Kinnaly", depicts this particular bathing scene before the runaways fly back to the heavens.
Described as a beautiful half-woman, half bird in Laotian legend, the Kinnaly is renowned for her excellence in singing and dancing. Her graceful form is often seen in Laotian sculpture, traditional architecture, and temple murals.
Napua O Polynesia
Flowers of Polynesia
July 21st, 12:00 noon
Aloha! At this Rising Stars of FirstWorks concert, you'll be treated to a feast of both "Kahiko" (Ancient) and Modern hula. Together, the dancers, drummers and musicians of Napua O Polynesia will bring you on a cultural tour to the Polynesian islands of Hawaii and New Zealand, and further still to Tahiti and The Philippines.
Founded 20 years ago by Artistic Director Carolyn Castro, Napua O Polynesia is based at the Carriage House Theater in Providence. Troupe members have competed three times at the International Hula competition in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Music One
July 28th, 12:00 noon
Get on your feet with Music One, an innovative program designed to support and educate local youth by cultivating their talents in original music while providing mentoring, leadership development and empowerment for making positive change.
Music One supports young artists at various stages of their individual artistic development with resources including the environment needed to support creative artistic growth, a venue for performances and the guidance necessary to realize their full potential.
The Rising Stars of Music One will inspire us with a showcase featuring original musical compositions and arrangements.
SERIES FINALE
The Rhode Island Kung Fu Club & RPM Youth Voices
August 4th, 12:00 noon
The Rhode Island Kung Fu Club will perform the lion dance, a traditional cultural practice that combines kung fu-inspired movement by two practitioners as the “lion” with accompanying percussion music. The art symbolically represents the fostering of positive energy and good luck while warding away negative energy.
RPM Youth Voices provides a nurturing space that seeks to contribute to the cultivation of a musically literate society. Under the artistic direction of founder Dr. Clarice LaVerne Thompson, RPM Voices of Rhode Island was formed to provide a musical space for all voices to sing; learn basic rudiments of choral singing; and develop an appreciation of, and build a repertoire of choral music written and/or arranged from an African American perspective and experience. The organization comprises a group of people who love to sing, play and perform music that is spiritually uplifting and culturally enriching
Presented with support from:
FREE Film Screening with Heather Henson Handmade Puppet Dreams Vol. III and Junk Palace
May 2, 2011
RISD CHACE CENTER - MICHAEL P. METCALF AUDITORIUM
FirstWorks invites you to experience the most innovative and daring selections from the world of puppet films! Introduced by series curator Heather Henson, daughter of beloved puppetry pioneer Jim Henson.
Joining Henson for our annual insider's peek into the best of cutting-edge puppet film shorts will be special guest artist Lyon Hill, screening his short film "Junk Palace". Using elaborate paper puppets, Hill takes viewers into the strange, cluttered world of the Collyer Mansion, the labyrinthian domicile of brothers Homer and Langly Collyer, two of the world's most infamous hoarders.
highlights: celebrating ailey
For our 2010-11 season, FirstWorks celebrated Ailey: A Cultural Legend.
Inspired by the genius of dancer/choreographer Alvin Ailey, this season celebrated the significant contributions of African American artists to our cultural heritage. Highlights included performances and arts learning programs by the Grammy award-winning a capella group Sweet Honey in the Rock®; Ailey II, the junior company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; and Nicki Mathis' Afrikan Amerikan Jazz Quartet. This exciting season culminated with the Rhode Island premiere performance by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at Providence Performing Arts Center.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater®
May 10, 2011
PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
FirstWorks presents ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER in their first ever Rhode Island appearance! Let Ailey’s gorgeous dancers lift your spirits as they perform thrilling premieres and new productions. Experience the power of Ailey and celebrate 50 years of the American masterpiece, Revelations, hailed by The New York Times as "Ailey's timeless tribute to humanity, faith and survival".
Co-presented with Providence Performing Arts Center.
May 10, 2011
PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER MARQUEE ROOM
Special guests joined FirstWorks at PPAC pre-show to welcome Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to Providence. Partygoers enjoyed cocktails and sampled delectable hors d'oeurves prepared by some of Rhode Island's best chefs. Guests mingled with Ailey's artistic staff before the main event, including Artistic Director Designate Robert Battle. It was the complete Ailey experience, brought to Providence by FirstWorks!
Nicki Mathis' Afrikan Amerikan Jazz Quartet
April 8, 2011
ROOTS CAFE - 276 Westminster Street, Providence
Effervescent jazz vocalist Nicki Mathis weaves the flavors of Africa, Mexico and Brazil into her passionate performance style. Get into the groove at the new Roots Café for Mathis' Providence debut performance, featuring original material as well as beloved jazz standards.
"An elegant, passionate, & rapturous tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Dinah Washington, Nancy Wilson and more…"
- El Paso Herald Post
event highlights 2009-2010
FirstWorks Festival 2010
September 25 - November 13, 2010
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
For its seventh exhilarating season, FirstWorks Festival 2010 draws artists from around the globe for a celebration of theater, dance, music, new media and visual arts. Experience debut performances from an internationally renowned dance company cutting-edge drama, direct from Ireland; innovative art and sound from new media artists; and soulful harmonies from a Grammy-award winning a cappella ensemble.
View photo highlights from our seven-week festival in the FirstWorks photo gallery.
Saturday, November 13
VMA
Renowned a cappella performers of Sweet Honey In The Rock joined a small group in the lobby of VMA Arts and Culture Center for the FirstWorks Festival Finale, an intimate evening of champagne and celebration, following Sweet Honey's performance. Rhode Island's best restaurants were on hand with delicious snacks, as attendees mingled with the performers and fellow advocates of "firsts" in the arts.
Autographed copy of "Out of My Hands" CD
Saturday, October 30
RISD Auditorium
Following the performance, there was a question and answer session with NPR host Christopher O'Riley and he autographed copies of his "Out of My Hands" CD.
Catch a Pint with Conor Lovett
Friday, October 29
Wild Colonial
Ever wanted to drink a pint after the show with an actor who has just changed your mind about the world - or at least about the world according to Samuel Beckett? Attendees got the chance to do just that and enjoy a pint with actor Conor Lovett, following the performance at the RISD Auditorium.
Sunday, October 24
LUPO's Heartbreak Hotel and Local 121 Speakeasy
Attendees enjoyed learning new dance moves while getting ready to feel the powerful Latin beats of salsa dura with La Excelencia, in concert on October 24th. After the performance, a post-show dance party was hosted downstairs at the Local 121 Speakeasy and where attendees danced the night a way!
Saturday, September 25
Providence Performing Arts Center
The FirstWorks Festival Kickoff took place on September 25th in the majestic lobby of PPAC. Following the performance by the incomparable Pilobolus, guests sampled small bites and sweet treats from Rhode Island's finest restaurants and mingled with the dancers and FirstWorks supporters who are helping to transform Providence through the arts.
Free Summer Lunchtime Concert Series: Rising Stars of FirstWorks at Washington Trust
July 2010
WASHINGTON TRUST DOWNTOWN PROVIDENCE BRANCH
At the intersection of Westminster and Orange Streets [map]
Representing FirstWorks and Washington Trust’s shared commitment to community and artistic excellence, this three-week series spotlights the diverse talents of our region’s most inspiring young performers.
Performances by:
Voces de los Andes
July 15th, 12:00 noon
Voces de los Andes celebrates the rich musical tradition of Bolivia and the Andean region of South America and will feature the haunting and evocative sound of the panpipes. The family ensemble of musicians is led by Bolivian master "charango" player and singer Silvio Cuellar and includes five children between the ages of 10 and 17.
Damhsa Irish Dance Studio
July 22nd, 12:00 noon
Damhsa Irish Dance Studio will perform a variety of Irish dances, with both modern and traditional choreography on July 22nd. Named after the Irish word for dance, the group was founded with the mission of giving children the opportunity to express their interest in Irish Dancing and Irish culture.
The Rhode Island Kung Fu Club
July 29th, 12:00 noon
The Rhode Island Kung Fu Club will perform the lion dance, a traditional cultural practice that combines kung fu-inspired movement by two practitioners as the “lion” with accompanying percussion music. The art symbolically represents the fostering of positive energy and good luck while warding away negative energy.
Harker: A look inside the short film
FREE comic book launch and film screening
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Rhode Island School of Design
Chace Center - Michael P. Metcalf Auditorium
20 North Main Street, Providence [map]
FirstWorks presents a FREE screening of the film short “Harker” and the world premiere launch of its new companion comic book “Harker: A look inside the short film”. The event is part of FirstWorks’ annual screening of cutting-edge puppet film shorts curated by Heather Henson, daughter of beloved puppetry pioneer Jim Henson.
Fashioned in homage to the silent classics of German Expressionist film, “Harker” tells the story of hero Jonathan Harker’s encounter with the vampire Nosferatu, a re-animated corpse that compels others to do its will through a malevolent psychic influence. The new comic book reveals artist Scott Shoemaker’s original storyboard illustrations for the film and captures a rare, behind the scenes look into the creative process.
Scott Shoemaker and puppeteers Scott and James Silson will attend the screening and the Silson twins will engage audience members in a hands-on workshop using puppets and props from the film. To celebrate the comic book launch, all audience members will receive a FREE copy of “Harker: A look inside the short film”.
FREE and open to the public.
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
Film screening with Heather Henson
Handmade Puppet Dreams Volume IV
and Yamasong
April 19, 2010
Rhode Island School of Design
Chace Center - Michael P. Metcalf Auditorium
20 North Main Street, Providence [map]
FirstWorks invites you to experience the freshest, funniest and most off-the-wall selections from the magical world of puppet film shorts! Introduced by series curator Heather Henson, daughter of beloved puppet film pioneer Jim Henson.
Special guest artist Sam Koji Hale joined Henson for our annual insider's peek into the best of cutting-edge puppet films. In a special, artist-up-close presentation, Hale unveiled his new short film "Yamasong", which was produced by Henson as a music video for the L.A. based percussion group On Ensemble.
View photo highlights in the FirstWorks online gallery.
Michael Moschen
illusions in motion
March 13, 2010
Veterans Memorial Auditorium (VMA Arts and Cultural Center)
1 Avenue for the Arts, Providence, R.I. [click for map]
One of the world's most visionary performing artists, Michael Moschen, the "juggler without compare" has revolutionized an ancient circus art, transforming it into a mesmerizing form of theatre. Be there as this master of illusion and MacArthur Genius Fellow wields the power of physics, math and art for an unforgettable performance experience.
Watch videos of Moschen in motion in the FirstWorks video gallery.
FirstWorks Festival 2009
September 24 - November 15, 2009
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
In its sixth year, the 2009 FirstWorks Festival celebrated: icons of music & the moving image, the cultural legacy of American masters, cutting edge digital arts and more. Audience members and students from communities from across the region engaged in exciting performances, "Artist-Up-Close" Q&A sessions, and arts learning workshops.
View photo highlights from our seven-week festival in the FirstWorks photo gallery.
Presented in collaboration with the City of Providence's Dept. of Art, Culture + Tourism.
Summer Lunchtime Concert Series: Rising Stars of FirstWorks at Washington Trust
July - August, 2009
WASHINGTON TRUST DOWNTOWN PROVIDENCE BRANCH
Representing FirstWorks and Washington Trust’s shared commitment to community and artistic excellence, this five-week series spotlights the diverse talents of our region’s most inspiring young performers, including vocalists, dancers and musicians.
Performances by: Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School Youth Jazz Combo, Voces de los Andes, JUMP!, Ocean State Children's Choir, and Masti.
Presented with support from:
Angkor Dance Troupe
June 7, 2009
RISD MUSEUM - CHACE CENTER, MICHAEL P. METCALF AUDITORIUM
The nationally acclaimed Angkor Dance Troupe leads audiences on a visually stunning journey through the sights and sounds of ancient Cambodia. In the hands of young dancers, coconuts and fishing nets bring to life the lively rhythms of the countryside.
Families will thrill to the splendor of mischievous mermaids and monkeys meeting onstage in colorful epic pursuit.
"Dancing Silks" Pre-show presentation
RISD MUSEUM - CHACE CENTER, MICHAEL P. METCALF AUDITORIUM
Join us before the Ankgor Dance Troupe performance for a closer look at the ancient costumes and characters of Cambodian dance. A panel of cultural experts will present "Dancing Silks," an exploration of the fabrics, fashions and archetypal figures that propelled these riveting stories through centuries of live performance.
View photo highlights in the FirstWorks online gallery
Heather Henson's "Handmade Puppet Dreams Vol. I"
Film screening and artist appearance
April 27, 2009
RISD MUSEUM - CHACE CENTER - MICHAEL P. METCALF AUDITORIUM
From the humorous to the horrifying, this zany collection of film shorts showcases the rising stars of cutting-edge puppetry. As part of our year-round programming, FirstWorks welcomes RISD alums Heather Henson and Emmy nominated puppet designer Paul Andrejco for an Artist-Up-Close screening of “Handmade Puppet Dreams, Vol. I”.
Daughter of the beloved puppetry pioneer Jim Henson, Heather introduces a new generation of puppeteers through her handpicked series of independently produced film shorts, exploring unique approaches to animation through a spectrum of puppetry styles.
View photo highlights in the FirstWorks online gallery
Presented in collaboration with the Rhode Island School of Design's Office of Student Life.
The Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma
March 6, 2009
U.S. Tour Premiere Performance - Providence Performing Arts Center
Legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma and his brilliant Silk Road Ensemble launch their U.S. tour in Providence with an unforgettable evening of music-making. Hailed as a modern Marco Polo, Ma unites artists from regions of the ancient Asia-Europe trade route known as the Silk Road to create musical experiences which have delighted audiences around the world. Together with Ma, these powerful Silk Road musicians set off on a cross-cultural journey to reach the heart of understanding.
Watch video highlights from our Season of the Silk Road
First Course with FirstWorks
March 1- March 6, 2009
Experience local flavor! Illustrious Providence restaurants celebrated FirstWorks’ “Season of the Silk Road” with a tantalizing offer: from Sunday, March 1st through Friday, March 6th, enjoy a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of any regular dinner entrée.
Participating restaurants included: Aspire, CAV, Costantino’s, Local 121, Rue de L’Espoir, Temple Downtown.
The Silk Road Celebration
post-performance party
March 6, 2009
Co-hosted by the Honorable David N. Cicilline, Mayor of Providence, Kathleen Pletcher, Executive Artistic Director, FirstWorks.
