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Performing Arts

The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation announces 23 project grants
The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation

Left to right: Vice Provost for Faculty Anita Allen; John McInerney, executive director, The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation; President Amy Gutmann; Kathy Sachs, benefactor of The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation; and Provost Wendell Pritchett.

The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation announces 23 project grants

At a special event featuring a performance by John Waters and remarks by President Amy Gutmann, the late Keith Sachs was celebrated and $123,000 of grants were doled out for arts projects.
Musical magic
Musical magic with William Parberry

Penn Choral Director William Parberry conducts the University Choir through an intense section of “The Circus Band,” a piece by Charles Ives, performed just before intermission.

Musical magic

For 45 years, Penn Choral Director William Parberry has conducted thousands of Penn singers through hundreds of music scores, resulting in more than 270 concerts by his three ensembles.

Louisa Shepard

Filmmaker John Waters talks art, the meaning of ‘filthy,’ and humor as ‘terrorism’
John Waters Portrait

Filmmaker, author, comedian, and visual artist John Waters will deliver a 90-minute talk on April 24 as part of an announcement program commemorating the first grant recipients from the Sachs Program for Arts Innovation. 

Filmmaker John Waters talks art, the meaning of ‘filthy,’ and humor as ‘terrorism’

In a discussion with John Waters that previews his world tour performance-talk on campus on April 24th, the legendary comedic and camp filmmaker discusses his take on humor, culture, art and aging.
Penn’s Bloomers take on Shakespeare
Bloomers Spring Show 2018

Photo: ImageFlo/Lifetouch

Penn’s Bloomers take on Shakespeare

At the University of Pennsylvania, the nation’s first all-female collegiate musical and sketch comedy troupe, Bloomers, has just wrapped up its spring 2018 show, “Shakespeare in Bloom,” at the Iron Gate Theater.
Wolf Humanities story slam taps into thriving ASL storytelling culture
Windell Wink Smith

Windell “Wink” Smith, the emcee of a March 27 Wolf Humanities Center story slam combining ASL and English-speaking storytellers, is an ASL performer who tours the country. ASL storytelling has historically been a way to share the culture of the deaf community.

Wolf Humanities story slam taps into thriving ASL storytelling culture

The Wolf Humanities Center’s latest “Afterlives”-themed event recognizes a shared thread of humanity among us all: We all tell stories.
An artistic collaboration with Penn and local students in West Philly
West Philadelphia High School Sounds of the Soul

At West Philadelphia High School, students involved with the Netter Center After-School Programs perform "Sounds of the Soul." Photo: Tia Yang, ABCS Coordinator, Netter Center for Community Partnerships.

An artistic collaboration with Penn and local students in West Philly

Students from University-assisted community schools showcased art pieces, spoken-word poetry, choir performances, and a dance routine highlighting the work of iconic musicians.