Eckerd College offers myriad activities and programs as a service to the community. All events are held on the Eckerd College campus and are free and open to the public, unless otherwise stated.

Eckerd College is located at 4200 54th Avenue South in St. Petersburg. Programs and events are subject to change. For more information, email events@eckerd.edu, visit eckerd.edu/events or call 727.864.7979. To see all International Cinema Series at Eckerd College offerings, visit eckerd.edu/international-cinema.

The Needs of Community and the Problems of Modern Government

Thur., October 3, 7:30 p.m., Triton Room

John Russon, Ph.D., a professor of philosophy at the University of Guelph in Toronto, knows that government is an essential structure for human communities because it is the institution by which a community determines its own values, goals and ways of accomplishing those goals. That’s why he maintains that four problems in contemporary government actually undermine the communities it should be serving. Sponsored by the Center for Spiritual Life Burchenal Lecture Series.

The Boundaries of Elephant Communities: The Limits of a “Live and Let Live” Approach

Sun., October 6, 2 p.m., Sheen Auditorium (ES 100)

Otto Fad, an animal welfare and behavior specialist with world-renowned Precision Behavior Specialists, has worked closely with megavertebrates for more than 30 years. His scholarship focuses on the questions: In what ways can we increase cooperation and ensure the best lives and a future for elephants? And beyond specific strategies and tactics, can we identify basic guiding principles that might help unify the numerous constituents already working on behalf of Earth’s elephants? As humans and elephants come into increasingly frequent and intense conflict, ensuring a future for proboscideans will require a paradigm shift emphasizing collaboration and coexistence. Sponsored by the Animal Studies discipline and Behavioral Sciences Collegium. Photo by Harvey Sapir from Pexels.

Socially Supportive Communities: Communication While Facing Upward and Downward Social Mobility

Thur., October 10, 7 p.m., Triton Room

Angela Gist-Mackey, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of the Multicultural Scholars Program at the University of Kansas, will discuss difficult decisions faced by those living in poverty and how the absence and presence of socially supportive communities can change the outcomes of their decisions—promoting either temporary stability or downward mobility. Life transitions such as losing a job, finding a new job, going to college and going to jail can impact people in drastic ways. Belonging to a community can help people become more resilient when they are grappling with challenging decisions and life changes. Socially supportive communication has been found to decrease stress and promote well-being. When social support is absent, though, the effects can be devastating. Sponsored by the Communication discipline and the Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society.

A Conversation on Immigration: Intergenerational Experiences with the Border

Wed., October 16, 6:30 p.m., Cobb Gallery

Join Manuel Camacho, a poet and a Spanish professor at San Joaquin Delta College, and Osvaldo Flores, a DREAMer, future lawyer, and an undocu-ally, for a conversation focused around what’s happening at our border, immigration laws, citizenship and those seeking asylum in the U.S. Sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Coffee, Frogs and Workers: Conservation in the Anthropocene

Thur., October 17, 7 p.m., Dan & Mary Miller Auditorium

As the era of wildlife “enclosures” draws to a close and the frontiers of conservation begin to extend into wholly humanized landscapes, basic questions arise about the survival of people and other species. Paul Robbins, Ph.D., dean of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, investigates biodiversity, plantation export economics and labor dynamics in the booming commodity production landscapes of coffee, rubber and betel nut in southern India. The conclusion: Wild species are thriving in places that are not wilderness at all, but their fates are intertwined with the conditions and aspirations of the rural working poor. Sponsored by the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Photo: Dinesh Valke from Thane, India [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Not Giving Up: Maintaining Our Commitment to Justice in Unjust Times

Thur, October 24, 7:30 p.m., Fox Hall

Tim Wise—a world-renowned anti-racist educator, commentator and author of Under the Affluence: Shaming the Poor, Praising the Rich and Sacrificing the Future of America—will speak on the importance of staying strong in difficult times and committing to the struggle for justice, even when justice seems far away. Weaving social movement history with contemporary analysis, humor and storytelling, Wise will provide practical tools for movement building, self-care, how to build effective coalitions, and how to avoid some of the pitfalls that occasionally befall organizers and activists in every generation. In this talk, Wise also will examine the ups and downs of social media as a tool for movement building; the importance (and potential blind spots) of movement allies; and understanding the difference between systems of oppression and individuals who occasionally act in oppressive ways—how to stay focused principally on the former as a way to lessen the harms of both. Additionally, he will explore the importance of “radical humility” in movement work: recognizing our own mistakes, our own (often slow) process of becoming aware of injustices, and that we still have much to learn from one another. This presentation is a great primer for movement building and effective activism, which will help boost the resilience of those seeking a more just and equitable world but who find themselves frustrated by the slow—often backward—pace of change. Sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness

Wed., October 30, 7:30p.m., Fox Hall

Three decades ago, Father Gregory Boyle founded Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles to offer a training ground and support system for people leaving gang life behind and those who were recently released from incarceration. Along the way, he learned that love is the answer, community is the context and tenderness is the connective tissue. Tenderness reflects the foundational notion that there is no “us and them,” only “us.” Homeboy, now a global nonprofit, seeks to be what the world is invited to become. Kinship cannot happen without tenderness. Part of the Center for Spiritual Life Burchenal Lecture Series.

VISUAL ART

Visual & Interdisciplinary Arts Faculty Exhibition

Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Music, Theatre and Film

October 6 – November 27

Cobb Gallery

Gallery Hours: Mon.–Fri., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

DANCE

Las Hijas del Maiz: A Nicaraguan Dance Troupe

Tues., October 29, 6:30 P.M., Fox Hall

An evening of culture, dance and celebration focused around the Nicaraguan tradition. We will be hosting Las Hijas del Maiz (the Daughters of Corn) on campus to teach us about the significance of dance in the Nicaraguan culture. Sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

MUSIC

Music and Transcendence: An Evening of Rock, Jazz, and Art Music

Wed., October 23, 7:30 p.m., Dan & Mary Miller Auditorium

A concert event celebrating some ways that people find spiritual, religious, personal and communal transcendence through music. Students and faculty from Eckerd’s Rock Lab, Jazz Combos and Small Ensembles will present selections from rock, jazz, pop and art music genres. Each selection will be preceded by a short talk by an Eckerd faculty member discussing social and historical context and significance.

Day of the Dead: A Sonic Adventure

Thur., October 31, 7:30 p.m., Wireman Chapel

Sounds both eerie and playful will fill Wireman Chapel on this Halloween night. Edgy electronic works, jazz, classical, rock, vocal numbers and more. Wear your costume! Dozens of student performers.

FILM

Liz and the Blue Bird 

Fri., October 4, 7 p.m., Dan & Mary Miller Auditorium

Directed by Naoko Yamada (Japan, Japanese with English Subtitles, 90 min, 2018)

Naoko Yamada’s new anime film, Liz and the Blue Bird, uses music to interweave an examination of high school friendship with a fairy tale. It won Best Anime Movie at the 2018 IGN Summer Movie Awards. Part of the International Cinema Series at Eckerd College.

The End of the Line 

Mon., October 7, 7 p.m., Dan & Mary Miller Auditorium

Directed by Rupert Murray (English, 85 min., 2009)

This documentary examines the global effects of overfishing and how the devastation we wreak on marine life now has consequences that will come sooner than we realize. With gorgeous deep sea footage, this film travels the world, from the coasts of Senegal, Alaska, Newfoundland, the straits of Gibraltar to the fish markets of Tokyo and beyond. Investigative reporter Charles Clover confronts politicians with other priorities and celebrity chefs who fuel the public’s passion for the nearly extinct bluefin tuna and other endangered fish. If we continue fishing as we do, scientists predict we will see the end of most seafood by 2048. But The End of the Line also explores ways that consumers, corporations and governments can stop the crisis and protect our marine life, as a food source, and to sustain a healthy balance in our world’s oceans. Sponsored by the Marine Science Club.

Rafiki

Fri, October 18, 7 p.m., Dan & Mary Miller Auditorium

Directed by Wanuri Kahiu (Kenya, English and Swahili with English Subtitles, 90 min, 2018) Initially banned in Kenya, Rafiki chronicles a developing romance between two women to examine queer politics in its native country. The film premiered at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, and it has won the top prize at queer film festivals in Milan, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York, and Seattle. Part of the International Cinema Series at Eckerd College.

American Dreams: Stories of Immigration

Tue., October 22, 6:30 p.m., CEC, Flamingo Room

Polls throughout the United States show that one of the greatest concerns Americans have currently is illegal immigration. Is it a true crisis and what does it look like here in Florida, particularly around St. Pete? Come enjoy some inspired immigrant cooking, watch a local documentary, American Dreams: Stories of Immigration, and have conversations with UnidosNow Director Luz Corcuera, judges Durand Adms and Charles Williams and METV Station Manager Charles Clapsaddle following the film. Sponsored by Executive and Continuing Education. 

Paris is Burning

Fri., October 25,7 p.m., Dan & Mary Miller Auditorium

Directed by Jennie Livingston (USA, English, 78 min, 1990) Newly restored, this groundbreaking documentary—a hallmark of the New Queer Cinema—follows African American and Latinx performers in the Harlem ballroom scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Part of the International Cinema Series at Eckerd College.

Sincerely, the Black Kids

Mon., October 28, 7 p.m., Dan & Mary Miller Auditorium

Across the country, universities everywhere are becoming battlegrounds for racial politics and agendas. For every loud proponent of “agreeing to disagree” that surfaces, there’s a group of black students who don’t enjoy the privilege of choosing to be moderate. Follow the stories of black student leaders from American University, Cornell University, Clemson and New College of Florida in Sincerely, the Black Kids, a documentary of triumphs and tribulations that prove sometimes it IS because you’re black. Join the Eckerd College Afro-American Society and the directors of the film, Shakira Refos and Miles Iton in a Q&A to follow. Sponsored by the EC Afro-American Society.

THEATER

Performance:  As It Is In Heaven

A Play by Arlene Hutton

Directed by Gavin Hawk

Wed., October 30 – Fri., November 1, 8 p.m. and Sat. November 2, 2 p.m., Bininger Theater 

In 1830’s Kentucky, a Christian sect known as the Shakers live together in a simple and uniform society that emphasizes piety and equality, but when a newcomer arrives claiming to see angels in the nearby meadow, she quickly threatens to tear their utopia apart, separating the people who believe in her visions from those who do not. A play with beautiful a capella songs and rhythmic dance, As It Is In Heaven asks us what it truly means to be a believer. General admission $10, Nonstudent Eckerd community $5, Eckerd students free

Live in HD at Eckerd College

Get your tickets at eckerd.edu/olli/performance—$25 for the general public and $22 for members of the Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College (ASPEC) and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).

Met Opera Live: Turnadot
An Opera by Puccini

Sat., October 12, 12:55 p.m., Dan & Mary Miller Auditorium
Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Franco Zeffirelli’s celebrated production of Turandot, which stars Christine Goerke in the title role of the icy Chinese princess who has renounced all men. Roberto Aronica sings Calàf, the suitor who risks his head for her hand and sings the famed aria “Nessun dorma.” Eleonora Buratto is the slave girl Liù, and James Morris is Calàf’s long-lost father, Timur.

National Theatre Live: All About Eve
A Play adapted by Ivo van Hove
Fri., October 25, 12:55 p.m., Dan & Mary Miller Auditorium
Gillian Anderson (X-Files, NT Live: A Streetcar Named Desire) and Lily James (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again) lead in All About Eve, broadcast live to cinemas from the West End in London. All About Eve tells the story of Margo Channing. Legend. True star of the theatre. The spotlight is hers, always has been. But now there’s Eve. Her biggest fan. Young, beautiful Eve. The golden girl, the girl next door. But you know all about Eve…don’t you…?

Met Opera Live: Manon
An Opera by Jules Massanet

Sat., October 26, 12:55 p.m., Dan & Mary Miller Auditorium
Manon’s story—from innocent country girl to celebrated courtesan to destitute prisoner—is one of the great tragic tales in literature and music. Lisette Oropesa stars as the irresistible title character, the tragic beauty who yearns for the finer things in life, in Laurent Pelly’s revealing production. Michael Fabiano is the besotted Chevalier des Grieux, whose desperate love for Manon proves their undoing. Maurizio Benini conducts Massenet’s sensual score.

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