Upcoming theater, film events revisit history from modern lens
Living in the heart of Los Angeles, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich art culture both on campus and in Westwood. Read on for the Daily Bruin’s picks for this week’s upcoming theater, film and television events that are sure to put on a show for audiences.
“The Fabelmans” Screening – Nov. 8
Melnitz Movies is bringing a piece of Steven Spielberg to UCLA.
The Bruin Film Society will present an early screening of “The Fabelmans” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the James Bridges Theater. The semi-autobiographical film, directed and written by Spielberg, follows a young aspiring filmmaker named Sammy Fabelman as he grows up in Arizona after World War II. Tickets to the screening are free, although they do not guarantee a seat. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., but viewers are encouraged to line up early to ensure a spot in the theater.
By the time the credits roll, audiences will leave the theater in love with all things film.
“The Inheritance” – Sept. 13 – Nov. 27
Audiences are invited to view “The Inheritance” at the Geffen Playhouse.
With performances through Nov. 27, “The Inheritance” is now playing at the Geffen Playhouse. Written by Matthew López, the show is based on the domestic fiction novel by E.M. Forster titled “Howards End.” Continuing its award-winning Broadway and London runs, the play follows three generations of gay men, including couple Eric Glass and Toby Darling, in modern-day New York City.
Tackling themes of addiction, abuse and the tragic effects of the AIDS epidemic, “The Inheritance” is split into two parts that each run over three hours. Starring in the production directed by Mike Donahue are Juan Castano as writer Toby and Adam Kantor as social activist Eric.
After the show, audiences will be able to see not only what the past created, but also what the future holds.
“Happy Birthday Mars Rover” – Nov. 12 – 19
Macgowan Hall is celebrating the Mars rover’s birthday.
On Saturday, “Happy Birthday Mars Rover” will begin its run at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. The extraterrestrial play, directed by head of undergraduate acting Joseph M. Olivieri, will have performances up until Nov. 19, with 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. showtimes located at Macgowan Hall 1340.
Written by playwright Preston Choi, “Happy Birthday Mars Rover” is a comedic display of the meaning of life. On Mars, the rover celebrates its birthday alone as it searches to find existence on the foreign planet, while the humans on Earth contemplate the purpose of their own lives.
As the search for existential meaning continues, audiences can join the rover in its quest to find what it means to be alive.
“The Weeping Meadow” – Nov. 13
The Billy Wilder Theater is traveling back in time to view Greek history.
As a part of the “Landscapes of Time: The Films of Theo Angelopoulos” series, the Film & Television Archive will continue honoring Greek writer and director Theo Angelopoulos by screening “The Weeping Meadow.” The film was originally released in 2004 and is based on historical Greek events such as its civil war.
“The Weeping Meadow” takes place in Greece between 1919 and 1949 as a family of refugees escape from antisemitic uprisings and the country erupting into war. Audiences can watch Angelopoulos’ work for free at the Billy Wilder Theater located in the Hammer Museum at 7 p.m. on Sunday.
With the series continuing until Dec. 18, audiences will find themselves looking back at Greece with a new perspective.
