TERRE HAUTE —
For four years, Anita Woodley has performed “Mama Juggs” — a play about her family’s experience with breast cancer — for audiences nationwide and in Africa.
Now Woodley is set to bring that play to Indiana State University along with the collegiate debut of her new creation, “The Men in Me,” about the struggles of the men in her life.
“The Men in Me” will play at 7 p.m. on Feb. 8 in the university’s New Theatre. “Mama Juggs” will play at 5 p.m. on Feb. 9 in the same theater. Admission is free.
“Mama Juggs” channels the voices of three generations of women in Woodley’s family as they deal with bra stuffing, breastfeeding and last-stage breast cancer. Written as a promise to her mother, who died of breast cancer before age 50, it seeks to challenge cultural taboos and stereotypes surrounding breast health and body image.
Woodley wrestles with these issues through a diversity of theatrical styles, including a cappella Negro spirituals, comedy, straight talk, improvisation and audience interaction.
“When she’s at her peak, it feels like she’s channeling these characters, not performing them,” said theater critic Byron Woods of The Independent Weekly.
College hosts also have praised Woodley’s shows, highlighting their value for students and community members.
“Indeed, the audience is transfixed by ‘Mama Juggs,’ as she relays to you the rather vivid and emotional consequences of womanhood; the phenomenology of motherhood; the complex meaning of having breasts,” said Jessica Knouse, student life coordinator at Harrisburg Area Community College-Gettysburg.
In “The Men in Me” Woodley tells the stories of the men in her life as they fight to survive in the Oakland projects amid the temptation of drugs, the threat of violence and the specter of prison.
Yet in this bleak environment, the narrator connects with her future husband, discovering the regenerative power of a healthy relationship after having endured domestic violence. And in her son, she sees the promise of a new generation raised outside the projects. Woodley shows how these men shaped her life, including by helping her narrowly avoid being sold into prostitution.
The Durham Arts Council named Woodley, based in Chapel Hill, N.C., its 2012 Emerging Artist in Drama. She is a national award-winning journalist and former producer for North Carolina Public Radio’s “The Story with Dick Gordon.” She recently stepped away from her journalism career to focus on performing full time.
Following her shows at Indiana State, Woodley will continue touring with performances scheduled in Pennsylvania, Nebraska and Hawaii.
Admission is free but seating is limited. Tickets must be obtained in advance by contacting the Indiana State University Office of Diversity, Rankin Hall, room 426, at 812-237-8513.
For more information about Woodley’s productions, including video clips, press, biographical information, show dates and more, visit www.mamajuggs.com.
Bash
Performer to bring ‘Mama Juggs,’ ‘The Men in Me’ to ISU
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Crossroads Rep opens with ‘You Can’t Take It With You’
The 2013 summer season for Crossroads Repertory Theatre at Indiana State University bears the theme, Three Laughs and A Scream. It opens June 21 with a comedy that has remained popular since it was first staged in 1936: “You Can’t Take It With You.”
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Kick off summer with Strawberry Fest today in Terre Haute
The First Congregational Church is planning its 25th annual Strawberry Festival from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Sixth and Ohio streets.
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‘Pirates’ to invade Terre Haute Children’s Museum on Saturday
The Terre Haute Community Band will perform “A Pirate Adventure: The Treasure of Music!” at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Terre Haute Children’s Museum.
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Marshall City Band to perform June 14
The Marshall City Band will perform a concert at 8 p.m. CDT Friday on the lawn of the Clark County Courthouse in Marshall, Ill., under the direction of Ralph Stewart. An ice cream social is planned in conjunction with the concert.
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Church to host 12 Points block party June 15
Maple Avenue United Methodist Church will host its annual block party for the 12 Points and Collett Park neighborhoods from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
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YMCA celebrates anniversary with open house
The Vigo County YMCA is planning a celebration in honor of its one-year anniversary from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The facility will be open to the public for free use, with the exception of the pool for non-members. Also, the Y will offer free youth and adult fitness classes.
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Fontanet FACT to host pasta dinner June 15
There will be a pasta dinner from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Fontanet Community Center, by the Fontanet Action Community Team.
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WWE event hits Hulman Center June 14
Wresting’s top superstars are crashing into the Hulman Center at 7 p.m. on June 14.
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Learn about ‘The Wabash in Legend and Lore’ at Symphony fundraiser
Hear Vigo County historian Mike McCormick speak on “The Wabash in Legend and Lore” during the Terre Haute Symphony League’s fundraiser at noon Wednesday in the Country Club of Terre Haute. Reservations are due Friday.
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Fire and Police Museum now open Saturdays
The Historical Fire Station No. 9, Fire and Police Museum at 1728 S. Eighth St., has reopened for the summer.
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Brazil Concert Band to honor retiring bandsman in Sunday concert
The Brazil Concert Band, under the direction of Matthew S. Huber, plans to honor retiring bandsman Wayne Parkins in a special edition concert “Hail To The Chief” at 8 p.m. on Sunday, rain or shine.
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Winery to feature Donnie Baker June 15
Comedy Night Saturday will feature Donnie Baker from the “Bob & Tom Show” with opening act Todd McComas from 6 or 9 p.m. on July 27 at Castle Finn Winery in Marshall, Ill.
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Indy Symphonic Band to perform June 15
The Indianapolis Symphonic Band will begin its fifth summer concert season with Flag Day concert from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. on Saturday at Fort Harrison State Park.
The performance will highlight band music themed to Flag Day, which was celebrated on Friday. -
Stroll among handmade treasures, walk among gardens
Gather at the gardens, and walk where Lincoln walked.
Take a leisurely stroll among the unique handmade treasures created by artisan vendors.
These opportunities are coming Saturday, as the Paris Altrusa Club and First United Methodist Church offer an “Art Faire and Garden Walk” for visitors. -
Celebrate heritage, horses during Heritage Days on Old National Road
Celebrate heritage and horses Saturday and Sunday in downtown Martinsville, Ill. An events team of Martinsville on the Move has planned a weekend of attractions and family activities during the Heritage Days on the Old National Road festival.
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Children’s Theater to present ‘Joseph’ June 28, 29
Children’s Summer Theater at Lincoln Trail College will present “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at 7 p.m. on June 28 and 29 in the Zwermann Arts Center Theater in Robinson, Ill.
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Meet PBS KIDS in the Park at Indianapolis June 15
For two decades, WFYI’s PBS KIDS in the Park has served as a treasured family tradition to nearly two generations of Hoosiers. This year, the festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary as one of the largest PBS KIDS events of its kind in the nation.
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See ‘Beanstalk The Musical!’ in Carmel June 14
Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre’s Jr. Civic will premiere the kids-only production “Beanstalk! The Musical!” on Friday at The Tarkington at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.
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EIU venue to feature Andy Gross
Eastern Illinois University’s Doudna Fine Arts Center will feature comedic performer Andy Gross on July 18.
- Theater listings: June 13, 2013
- Concert listings: June 13, 2013
- Live Events: June 13, 2013
- Museums listings: June 13, 2013
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Concert to honor Indiana composers, arrangers
The Terre Haute Community Band kicks off its summer season with Indiana’s official state song, “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away,” written by Terre Haute’s own Paul Dresser.
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Water show kicks off Vigo library program
The Vigo County Public Library will stage its kickoff event for the summer reading program “Dig into Reading” with a water show from 3 to 4 p.m. on Monday on Walnut Street in downtown Terre Haute.
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All Valley artists encouraged to submit art at Vigo County Fair
Artists from throughout the Wabash Valley are encouraged to submit works to the 84th Vigo County Fair, which will take place July 7-15 at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds.
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Boy Scouts to host wings dinner
Boy Scout Troop 311 is hosting an all-you-can-eat boneless chicken wings dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the VFW Post 972 at 12th and Mulberry streets.
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River City Art Association features Valley artist’s fused glass work
River City Art Association and the Vigo County Public Library are featuring fused glass artwork by Edith Acton of Terre Haute throughout June in the library at Seventh and Poplar streets.
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Coon Holler Kids to perform at festival
The Coon Holler Kids will perform bluegrass music after the Jonah fish fry on Saturday at the Rosedale Strawberry Festival.
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Paint on the Patio at The Landing
Terre Haute artist Sujata Gopalan will present Painting on the Patio from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 28 at The Landing at Fort Harrison.
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