Arts

Support local theatre by celebrating World Theatre Day

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Tuesday, 11 March 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Every year on March 27, theatre enthusiasts around the globe come together to celebrate World Theatre Day. This special day, initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute, serves as a reminder of the power of theatre to inspire, educate, and entertain.
The Significance of World Theatre Day
World Theatre Day is more than just a celebration; it's a call to action for governments, institutions and individuals to recognize the value of theatre in society. Theatre has the unique ability to bring people together, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. It provides a platform for storytelling, allowing diverse voices to be heard and shared.
The 2025 Theme: "Theatre and a Culture of Peace"
This year's theme, "Theatre and a Culture of Peace," emphasizes the role of theatre in promoting understanding and harmony. Theatre can be a powerful tool for peacebuilding, offering a space for dialogue and reflection. Through performances that tackle social issues, theatre can challenge perceptions and encourage empathy among audiences.
How You Can Celebrate
Whether you're a theatre professional, a student, or simply a fan, there are many ways to celebrate World Theatre Day.
• Attend a Theatre Workshop: Enroll in a masterclass or workshop to explore acting, directing, scriptwriting, or set design. These sessions provide valuable opportunities to enhance your theatrical knowledge and acquire new abilities.
• Discover Theatre History: Invest time in understanding theatre's journey, spanning classical Greek plays to contemporary avant-garde shows. Literature, films, and digital platforms offer compelling perspectives on the development of theatrical expression.
• Read a Play: Explore a theatrical script, from a timeless Shakespearean masterpiece to a modern dramatist's creation. Examining plays provides unique insights into narrative techniques and character evolution.
• Support Theatre Education: Champion performing arts education in schools and neighborhoods. Backing initiatives that expose youth to theatre help develop future performers and enthusiastic audience members.
• Share Theatre Memories: Post your memorable theatre moments on social media, from acting onstage to watching performances. Engage with fellow theatre enthusiasts and include popular hashtags to participate in worldwide discussions: #WorldTheatreDay #TheatreForAll #LoveTheatre #TheatreArts #SupportTheArts
• Visit a Live Theatre Show: Experience local performing arts by watching a stage production. Our community is fortunate to have several excellent theatres and acting companies nearby.
Local Theatres & Acting Companies
• Gilbert Theater, 116 Green Street
https://www.gilberttheater.com
910-678-7186
Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Fayetteville, the Gilbert Theater stands as a beacon of creativity and community engagement. Since its founding in 1994 by Lynn Pryer, the theater has been dedicated to delivering quality contemporary and classical theatrical productions to a diverse audience, including children, the elderly, minorities, and the economically disadvantaged. This commitment to inclusivity and artistic excellence has made the Gilbert Theater a cherished cultural institution in Fayetteville as they just celebrated their 30th season last year.
• Cape Fear Regional Theatre, 1707 Owen Drive
https://www.cfrt.org/
910-323-4233
In 1962, a small group of passionate local actors embarked on a journey that would transform the theatrical landscape of Fayetteville. Under the leadership of former Playmaker Bo Thorp, this small group of enthusiasts formed the Fayetteville Little Theatre. What began as a modest two-show season has evolved into one of the finest theaters in the state, known today as the Cape Fear Regional Theatre. Today, CFRT boasts a three-story complex with a 300-seat main stage. It attracts talented actors, writers, and designers from across the country, contributing to its reputation for excellence in the performing arts.
CFRT's primary facility stands at 1209 Hay Street, though this season their performances have moved to the Owen venue while renovations take place at their main building. Their mainstage productions will remain at Owen until the facility upgrades are finished.
• Sweet Tea Shakespeare,
126 Hay St.
https://sweetteashakespeare.com/
910-420-4383
Founded in 2012, Sweet Tea Shakespeare has become a vibrant part of the cultural tapestry in Fayetteville. What began as a series of summer productions at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden has blossomed into a year-round celebration of theater, music, and community. Sweet Tea Shakespeare was established with a mission to bring the timeless works of William Shakespeare to life in a way that resonates with modern audiences. The company regularly stages productions of Shakespeare's plays, offering audiences the chance to experience the Bard's work in a fresh and innovative way. In addition to these classic productions, the company occasionally presents musicals, concerts, and streaming productions, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
• Temple Theatre Company, 120 Carthage St., Sanford
https://templeshows.org/
919-774-4155
Built in 1925 as a Vaudeville house, the Temple Theatre stands as a testament to Sanford's rich artistic heritage. For nearly a century, this iconic venue has been a cultural cornerstone, drawing audiences and performers alike to its storied stage. In its early days, the Temple Theatre was a bustling hotspot for New York-based theatre troupes traveling to Florida. Today, Temple Theatre is celebrated as Central Carolina's Center for the Performing Arts. It offers professional, high-quality productions year-round, showcasing a diverse array of performances that captivate audiences of all ages. In addition to its mainstage productions, the theatre provides numerous opportunities for youth engagement, fostering the next generation of artists and performers.
• Artist Village, Hope Mills
https://ww.artistvillagehm.com/
910-364-9512
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of visionary artists came together with a shared dream: to create a vibrant community arts hub in Hope Mills and its surrounding areas. This dream gave birth to Artist Village, a dynamic organization dedicated to fostering creativity and providing diverse arts opportunities for the community. In July 2022, Artist Village was officially chartered, marking the beginning of an exciting journey. Artist Village has quickly become a hub for arts and culture in the region. The organization sponsors Artisan Fairs, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their work and engage with the community. As Artist Village continues to grow, it is expanding its offerings to include theatrical productions and educational programs. These initiatives aim to provide a wide variety of arts experiences, catering to diverse interests and genres.

Bringing emotion to life: Lady Natalia Perez Lozano’s Art

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Tuesday, 04 March 2025

Written by Sara Busman, Arts Council of Fayetteville

When walking through the gallery of the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County visitors may hear the quiet sounds of music, the scratching of pencils, or gentle brush strokes of oil paint on canvas. Rounding the corner into the small room off the main gallery, they’ll be greeted by dancing figures, growling tigers, and colorful flowers.
In the center of the room, quietly working on a large easel, an artist works on her next piece. While the tigers may look like they will jump toward them, guests can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they will stay on the canvas when current South Eastern Artist in Residence Lady Natalia Perez Lozano invites them into her studio to talk about art.
Lady Natalia Perez Lozano is originally from Colombia and has lived in Fayetteville for over a decade. She has been an artist as long as she can remember.
Throughout her childhood art felt like a game to be played through color and imagery. When she began studying through workshops and apprenticeships with established artists, she learned to focus her craft through individual techniques. She remembers honing skills on specific media, like the oil paint she currently uses, but also elements of painting, like color and texture.
Perez Lozano also studied fashion design, and the female figure remains a central force in her work.
“I think the piece of art always reflects the personality of the artist in some way or another,” she says.
Animals and nature also appear throughout her pieces. Her current series focuses on interaction and instinct, particularly on how emotions play a role in human nature. When creating a painting, Perez Lozano uses an organized, almost academic means of processing her next move.
“Let’s take something like [the idea of] empowerment. I close my eyes… and I see this power woman. She is sitting down, relaxed. She’s like ‘I am being myself. I OWN my life.’”
From this initial idea, she researches historical works, sketches ideas, and builds a color theory all before a drop of paint hits the canvas.
It’s this approach to creativity that Perez Lozano hopes to share with the community. As part of her six-month stint as the Arts Council SEAR, she will present two workshops for community engagement. She already knows she wants to share her insight into honing the creative process to work for participants.
She hopes attendees can take her ideas and adapt to their own process, whether the mission is art or otherwise.
While art has always been her mission, Perez Lozano had some initial hesitancy in applying for the Southeastern Artist in Residence program, but it quickly melted when she saw the potential benefits to her work. SEAR provides a mid-career artist an opportunity to lean into their craft through dedicated time, space, and funds.
Perez Lozano has already enjoyed more time focusing on her work and the opportunity to speak with the community. She looks forward to completing her series and showing them in August, with a constant mind to her goal: helping to educate and empower the community to feel through art.
“I want to make people feel something. To be moved. A little bit of the artist’s sensibility. You can like it. You can not like it. I just want you to feel something!”
For more information about SEAR and Lady Natalia Perez Lozano, visit https://www.wearethearts.com/sear.

(Photo: Lady Natalia Perez Lozano is the new Southeastern Artist in Residence with the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. Photo courtesy of the Arts Council) 

Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17, Celebrates Sci-Fi Comedy

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Tuesday, 04 March 2025

Written by Adam Taylor

Fayetteville film lovers, mark your calendars—an electrifying cinematic event is coming your way. The Cameo Art House Theatre is set to welcome Mickey 17, the highly anticipated new film from Academy Award-winning director Bong Joon Ho (Parasite), on March 7.
Starring Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo, Mickey 17 is based on Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7 and delves into the mind-bending world of space exploration, human expendability, and corporate control.
The story follows Mickey Barnes (Pattinson), a low-level worker assigned to an interstellar colony mission. His job is unlike any other—he is an “expendable,” a worker whose consciousness is transferred to a new body every time he dies. As Mickey starts questioning the ethics and purpose of his existence, he uncovers secrets that could change everything.
Bong Joon Ho, known for his genre-bending storytelling and sharp social commentary, directs and co-writes the screenplay, promising another visually stunning and thought-provoking experience. The South Korean filmmaker has been a dominant force in modern cinema, blending social critique with thrilling narratives.
His 2019 film Parasite made history by becoming the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Bong has also helmed critically acclaimed films such as Snowpiercer (2013), Okja (2017), and Memories of Murder (2003). His unique ability to seamlessly mix genres, from dark comedy to horror and science fiction, has solidified his reputation as one of the most innovative directors of his generation.
Mickey 17 is particularly significant as it marks Bong’s return to science fiction, a genre in which he has previously excelled with Snowpiercer. This film not only explores the implications of human expendability and cloning but also raises deep philosophical questions about identity, labor, and corporate control in an increasingly technological world.
Given Bong’s track record of intertwining social issues with compelling narratives, Mickey 17 is expected to provoke thought and discussion long after the credits roll. With stunning visuals and a gripping storyline, it has the potential to redefine modern sci-fi cinema.
For those who love science fiction with humor, satire, and imagination, Mickey 17 stands among some of the most memorable sci-fi comedies that have entertained audiences over the years.
Some of my favorites in the genre include:
• Spaceballs (1987) – A hilarious parody of Star Wars, Mel Brooks’ sci-fi comedy follows the misadventures of Lone Starr and his sidekick Barf as they attempt to save Princess Vespa from the evil Dark Helmet.
• Back to the Future (1985) – This classic time-travel adventure sees teenager Marty McFly accidentally transported to 1955, where he must ensure his parents fall in love or risk erasing his own existence.
• Short Circuit (1986) – A lovable military robot named Number 5 gains self-awareness after being struck by lightning and goes on the run, pursued by the government that wants him back.
• Weird Science (1985) – Two teenage nerds accidentally create the perfect woman using a computer, leading to a series of wild and comedic misadventures.
• Ghostbusters (1984) – A group of eccentric scientists start a ghost-hunting business in New York City, battling supernatural threats with their proton packs and signature wit.
• Men In Black (1997) – Secret agents J and K protect Earth from extraterrestrial threats while keeping the public unaware of the universe’s hidden alien population.
• Her (2013) – A thought-provoking and emotional sci-fi romance about a lonely man who develops a deep connection with his AI operating system, voiced by Scarlett Johansson.
• The Truman Show (1998) – Jim Carrey stars as Truman Burbank, a man who slowly realizes his entire life has been a reality TV show, leading to existential and comedic dilemmas.
• The Fifth Element (1997) – A visually stunning, action-packed sci-fi film where a cab driver (Bruce Willis) must protect a mysterious woman who holds the key to saving humanity.
• Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022) – A mind-bending multiverse adventure that blends action, comedy, and philosophy as an ordinary woman discovers she has the power to exist across infinite realities.
With a runtime of 2 hours and 19 minutes, Mickey 17 is rated R and is expected to deliver a thrilling blend of suspense, dark humor, and philosophical depth.
Don’t miss your chance to see Mickey 17 on the big screen at the Cameo Art House Theatre.

(Photo courtesy of Cameo Art House Theatre)

Cumberland Choral Arts presents “Covers”

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Tuesday, 25 February 2025

Written by Katie Herring

Get ready to rock! The Cumberland Choral Arts is thrilled to announce its upcoming concert, "Covers," a vibrant and energetic performance featuring popular rock and pop hits reimagined for choral voices. This unique concert experience will take place on Sunday, March 9 at 5 p.m. at Gray's Creek High School in Hope Mills. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
"Covers" promises an evening of electrifying music, showcasing the talents of not only the CCA, but also the Gray's Creek High School Choir, the Cross Creek Chorale, CCA’s smaller, auditioned ensemble, and the up-and-coming Campbellton Youth Chorus. Adding to the excitement, the Guy Unger Band will join the choruses, providing instrumental accompaniment on several pieces, and creating a dynamic fusion of rock instrumentation and choral harmonies.
This concert marks the fourth year that CCA has collaborated with area youth choirs and the second time they’ve partnered with Gray’s Creek High School. The inspiration for this ongoing collaboration comes from CCA’s Artistic Director, Michael Martin, who envisioned a way to introduce younger generations to the beauty and artistry of choral music.
“Our goal is to nurture the next generation of choral singers,” explains Sandy Cage, President of CCA Board of Directors. “We want to foster a life-long love of singing.”
The Campbellton Youth Chorus, directed by Lisa Packer, is a testament to this mission. With no participation fees, the chorus removes financial barriers, making involvement in the choir accessible to all children aged 9-16.
“Giving these younger singers a chance to perform alongside seasoned musicians is invaluable,” says Cage.
The "Covers" program features a diverse selection of pop rock classics from iconic artists like Billy Joel, The Beatles, The Eagles, Stevie Wonder, Queen and many more. The concert will culminate in a grand finale performance of Queen’s legendary “Bohemian Rhapsody.” While many pop songs are beloved, not all translate effectively to choral arrangements. The CCA has been meticulous in selecting arrangements that capture the essence of the original songs while showcasing the unique power of choral voices. Audiences can expect to hear familiar tunes in a fresh and exciting new light.
The relaxed atmosphere of the concert reflects the energy of the performance. In a departure from traditional formal attire, the singers will be sporting their favorite rock t-shirts, creating a fun and approachable environment for all ages.
The Cumberland Choral Arts has a rich history in the Fayetteville community. Originally founded as the Cumberland Oratorio Singers in 1991, the group’s inaugural performance was Mozart’s Requiem, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the composer’s death. For many years, the CCA has delighted audiences with its annual performance of Handel’s Messiah alongside the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. In recent years, the organization broadened its repertoire beyond classical music, leading to a name change around 2018-19 to reflect the increasing diversity of its musical offerings. Looking ahead, the CCA is looking forward to its upcoming performance at Carnegie Hall in June 2025, where they will perform “Lux Aeterna.”
Tickets for “Covers” are $15 for adults and $5 for children and can be purchased at the door or online at cumberlandchoralarts.org. Don't miss this opportunity to experience a unique and unforgettable concert that blends the power of choral music with the energy of rock and pop music. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for students and can be purchased by visiting https://secure.givelively.org/event/cumberland-choral-arts/covers