Film
Don’t forget us for holiday shopping! We have a wide range of art and crafts produced by local crafters and artists True North Community Co-operative 279 Bay Street (inside The Green House) 807-285-4294
Mon-Fri 10-5:30, Sat 10-5
Under the Pearl Moon Connecting to the Natural World
Inspired by the story about a woman trying to live her life without garbage, well-known, award-winning local playwright Eleanor Albanese forays into the world of film as a means to address the “nature deficit” experienced by many, especially children, in today’s world. By Tiffany Jarva
Eleanor Albanese is pixie-like in her white blouse and dangling earrings, especially seated across the big table at Calico Coffeehouse. Her words, animated and thoughtful, tumble effortlessly and passionately when discussing her latest project, the film Under the Pearl Moon. “We have a natural longing to be connected with the natural world. If we’re cut off there is a true sense of loss,” explains Albanese. And as “brilliant and exciting” new technology is in terms of learning about many things, including the natural world, it is still on some level “kind of counterfeit,” when compared to the real experience, she says, “Children, I fear, are not always encouraged or given opportunities to develop connections with the natural world. Only then will any of us have the passion and desire to truly become responsible stewards of our earth.” In Under the Pearl Moon, an 11-year old urban girl, Pearl, spends time with an older aunt—an environmental activist in a remote cabin with no access to technology. Out of loneliness, Pearl is forced to explore the natural world around her, eventually establishing her own community and finding her “enchanted place.” In the end, says Albanese, “it is Pearl who discovers a sense of wonder and awe in nature, thus teaching her aunt how to return to that place of connection with the natural world.” Many years ago, inspired by a friend who reduced her garbage to a very small plastic bag per month, Albanese, along with composer Lise Vaugeois, wrote and toured a theatre piece, then titled Under the Moon with Aunt Birdie. This season the chamber orchestra version of the story will be produced by the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. It was Under the Pearl Moon’s co-producer, Sonja Obljubek, who originally suggested that the play be adapted for film, and after many years of this suggestion percolating, Albanese (best-known as a playwright) decided to try her hand at writing a screenplay. Albanese says that the ultimate goal of the film is to connect to arts-based and hands-on environmental lesson plans for elementary school students. She hopes that beautiful and authentic art created by the students will spark interest and connections with the natural world, carrying forward the seed of the project. Visit www.indiegogo.com/Under-the-Pearl-Moon to learn more.
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The Walleye
NSMA’s 21st Annual Bluegrass Masters Weekend Nov. 4-6, 2011 Lutsen Resort, Lutsen, MN
Jamming/Workshops/Performance Featured Instrument: Guitar Instructor/Performers: Tim Stafford and Steve Gulley Details: www.northshoremusicassociation.com/bluegrass.php Lodging: 1-800-258-8736 • Tickets sold at event
Ahnisnabae Art Gallery LET ME DRAW YOU!
All Ages -bring a friend and experience creative methods of painting & drawing each other Nov Thurs24 &Fri 25, 5-8pm Cost $30/pair all materials included
THE SHIRT OFF MY BACK! 14 to Adult –Seasonally inspired! Fri, Dec 2nd, 4pm-8pm, Cost $25 Bring a long sleeve cotton shirt
Creating an Appreciation and Awareness of Native Culture through Art
IT’S A WRAP!
All Ages - recycled materials! Sat, Dec 3rd 11am-3pm Cost $15 materials included
7-1500 James St. S Thunder Bay, ON 807-577-2656
www.Ahnisnabae-Art.com