The Carver Youth Matinee Series is dedicated to bringing exciting and stimulating performing arts into the lives of young people in our community. All matinees are free and while geared towards school aged children, are open to the public and enjoyable for all ages.

Viva La Causa: The History of Cesar Chavez (a film)
Friday, September 28, 2012 at 11:00 am

Viva La Causa focuses on one of the seminal events in the march for human rights - the grape strike and boycott led by César Chávez and Dolores Huerta in the 1960s. This film will show how thousands of people from across the nation joined in a struggle for justice for the most exploited people in our country - the workers who put food on our tables. Recommended for grades 6-12.

Capoeira
October 19, 2012 at 11:00 am

Capoeira, brought to Brazil by African slaves, is a unique art form that combines elements of martial arts, dance and acrobatics performed to the background of Brazilian instruments and music. Students will not only be thrilled by the agility, precision and power of the dancers and the movements, but will also explore the rich historical significance of the 500 year old art form.

Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi
November 9, 2012 at 11:00 am

One of the greatest percussion ensembles in the world, the Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi have performed in the same way for centuries, passing down traditions and techniques from father to son. The origins of their performance being shrouded in ancient legend and mystery, the Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi channel the energy and creative spirit of a nation through these drums and the rituals surrounding them.

TU Dance
January 18, 2013 at 11:00 am

TU Dance, led by Alvin Ailey veterans Toni Pierce-Sands and Uri Sands, combine modern dance, classical ballet, African based and urban vernacular movements in inventive and unpredictable ways to provide opportunities for audiences, whoever they are, to experience the connective power of dance. This program is narrated to guide students through the performance with a question-and-answer session following the performance.

A Time for Justice: America’s Civil Rights Movement (a film)
February, 2013 at 11:00 am

This film depicts the battle for civil rights as told by its foot soldiers. They rode where they weren’t suppose to ride; sat where they weren’t suppose to sit and stood their ground until they won their freedom. A Time for Justice recalls the crises in Montgomery, Little Rock, Birmingham and Selma. But more importantly, it reveals the heroism of individuals who risked their lives for the cause of freedom and equality. Recommended for grades 6-12.

Origami Tales with Kuniko Yamamoto
March 8, 2013 at 11:00 am

Using origami, music and audience participation, storyteller Kuniko Yamamoto provides a magical entry into Japanese culture. Mythological character masks & puppets, amazing flowers and a dragon–all made from origami–set the stage while Kuniko shares heartfelt stories from ancient Japan.

Moving Myths of India
April 5, 2013 at 11:00 am

Moving Myths of India, present colorful stories of gods and demons, movements, and rhythms from ancient India in a fun, entertaining, and interactive manner. Opening with traditional ritual, continuing with interactive storytelling and miming, it concludes with clapping of rhythms and chanting traditional syllables. Costumes, hand symbols, language, characters, geography, and basic values of traditional India are all explained during the performance.

Philadanco!
May 3, 2013 at 11:00 am

With a legacy of breaking barriers across cultural divides, Philadanco is renowned for its artistic integrity, superbly trained dancers and electrifying performances. This program gives an introduction to dance, history of PHILADANCO, demonstrations of choreography and dance steps and audience participation. The program concludes with excerpts from the current repertoire and a question and answer period with the dancers and the director.

Ethel with Robert Mirabal: Music of The Sun
May 17, 2013 at 11:00 am

Students will be taken on a cross-cultural journey as America’s premier postclassical string quartet, ETHEL and GRAMMY (R) winning Native American flutist Robert Mirabal unite the contemporary with the traditional — the fusion of cello, violin, viola and Native American flutes and drums create a music performance inspired by the sun mythology of Native America. A question-and-answer session with the artists will follow the performance.

Magik Theatre’s Pochahontas
Friday, June 14, 2013 at 11:00 am

Experience the story of America's first well-known Native American heroine. Pocahontas tells the tale of the young daughter of the great chief Powhatan and the friendship with English settler John Smith, a friendship that overcame fear. Pocahontas is forced to choose between her father's wishes and what she believes is right.