JANUARY 2008THE NEWSLETTER OF THE FRENCH CULTURAL SERVICES IN CHICAGO
For a listing of the French Cultural Events in the U.S.
check the pages of the Cultural Services of the French Embassy.
AIR FRANCE IS A PARTNER OF THE CULTURAL SERVICES OF THE EMBASSY
FILM
The Gene Siskel Film Center
164 N. State Street ; Tel: 312-846-2600
www.siskelfilmcenter.org
The Man of My Life (2006; 114 min.).
Directed by Zabou Breitman; with Charles Berling, Bernard Campan and Lea Drucker. While vacationing with his family at their country home, a young man befriends the gay man next door. Through January 3.
Music Box Theatre
3733 N. Southport Ave. Tel: 773-871-6604
www.musicboxtheatre.com
Diva (198). Directed by Jean-Jacques Beinaix; with Frédéric Andréi, Richard Borhinger and Roland Bertin. Newly restored print of this cult classic about romance, murder, philosophy and opera. Opens January 11.
Early Warning:
The 400 Blows (1959; 99 min.). Directed by François Truffaut; starring Jean-Pierre Léaud. A new 35 mm print of Truffaut's celebrated first feature, a coming of age tale largely viewed as responsible for launching the New Wave. February 1-7. Screening with the short Antoine and Colette (1962).
Alliance Française of Chicago
54 W. Chicago Avenue
Tel. 312-337-1070
www.af-chicago.org
La Vie promise (2002; 93 min.). Directed by Olivier Dahan; starring Isabelle Huppert and Maud Forget. A prostitute from Nice and her estranged daughter try to confront the past and rebuild their relationship while on the run after a homicide . January 16 at 7:30 pm. Video projection.
THEATRE
Eva Peron. A provocative dark comedy fromrenownedArgentine-French playwright Copi, about a hysterical and anxious Evita in her final hours. A Chicago premiere presented by Trap Door Theatre and directed by Beata Pilch. Through February 2 at Trap Door Theatre, 1655 West Cortland Ave. www.trapdoortheatre.com; Tel: 773-384-0494. Sponsored in part by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, Chicago. **** Liaison discount: 5 $ off the ticket price if you mention "Liaison / French Consulate" when you reserve.
Early Warning: February 24-25
Theatrical performance, lecture and panel
discussion by and around the work of
Maryse CondéTickets on sale now!
Maryse Condé, the internationally celebrated novelist and playwright from Guadeloupe, one of the most recognized names in "Francophone" letters, will be in Chicago February 24-25 for two events you will not want to miss:
Comme deux frères. This play by Maryse Condé is performed in French by Compagnie Siyaj, a theatre company from Guadeloupe. February 25 at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division Street, followed by a talk with the author and cast.
"La francophonie dans tous ses états:" a lecture by Maryse Condé, followed by a panel discussion with several specialists on Francophone literature; followed by a coffee break, then reading and book signing. February 24 from 3:00 to 6:15 at the Alliance Française of Chicago, 54 W. Chicago Ave.
Advanced reservations strongly recommended . Visit www.af-chicago.org for complete information. 312-337-1070. Details will follow in the February issue of LIAISON.
MUSIC
Pierre Boulez. The world renowned maestro returns to Chicago to conduct the Chicago Symphony Orchestra January 31, February 1 and 2. Works by Berlioz, Berio and Stranvinsky. Additional concerts take place later in February. Symphony Center, 200 S. Michigan Avenue. www.cso.org 312-294-3000.
French electronica:
Jérôme Derradji , the French Algerian Chicago based DJ and producer performs at Smart Bar January 11. 3730 N. Clark Street . www.smartbar.com Tel: 773-549-4140.
"Tribute to the Great Female Voices of Cabaret Chicago." Special performance by Claudia Hommel and Megon McDonough. January 26 at the Metropolis Performing Arts Center in Arlington Heights. http://www.metropolisarts.com/index.php/fuseaction/show.details/showid/67/megon-mcdonough--claudia-hommel.html Additional information: www.cabaret-paree.com and call 773-509-9360.
For information on performances by French jazz singer and bass player Cécile Savage in the Chicago area, please visit www.cecilesavage.com.
EXHIBITIONS
Looking and Listening in 19th Century France." Prints, paintings, drawings, sculptures and music from 19 th century France. Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S. Greenwood. Tel: 773-702-0200. www.smartmuseum.uchicago.edu Through March 23, 2008.
LECTURES
Early warning: Novelist and playwright Maryse Condé at the Alliance Française in February (please see THEATRE)
NEWS FROM FRANCE
"Vwa Lakay: The Voice from Home." Frantz Rémy, Patrick Augustin and other Haitians present music, news, and culture from the diaspora as well as the motherland, in Creole and French. Fridays from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. on WHPK 88.5 FM.
"The Old Songs" Traditional and folk music from North America, the British Isles and France. Mondays 4:00 – 5 :00 p.m. on WHPK 88.5 FM.
TV5, The International Channel: programs in French from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Africa and Canada. Around the clock throughout the United States. Now available on TV via satellite. Information: 1-888-902-5322 or 303-267-5801. http://www.tv5.org or International Networks.
Le Journal de 20h de France 2 (in French with English Subtitles):
- Monday through Friday from 8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., on RCN, channel 65 on Chicago Cable.
- Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. on COMCAST channel 240 on Chicago cable.
Radio France International: http://www.rfi.fr For information on Francophone music, visit RFI Musique at http://www.rfimusique.com
FRANCOPHONE GATHERINGS
Alliance Française of Chicago : please visit the website for detailed information on the monthly discussion groups Café Conversation, Café Littérature, Café Poésie, Café Théâtre, French Blues Café and Café Philosophie: www.af-chicago.org
Wednesdays from 6:15 to 10:00 p.m. Informal gathering of Francophiles and Francophones at Portillo restaurant, 100 W. Ontario. Information at 312-255-0567.
Groupe Professionnel Francophone . Francophones from various professions meet for cocktails, French conversation and networking in French. Great Street Restaurant, Renaissance Hotel, 1 W. Wacker Drive. The last Thursday of every month, starting at 5:30 pm www.gpfchicago.org; Tel: 773.525.5776.Alliance Française of the North Shore. Two café conversation groups monthly and occasional lectures. Visit their website for details: http://alliancefn.wlkcommunity.com
Alliance Française of DuPage County . Please visit www.afdupage.com for a listing of conversation groups, outings, lectures and other social activities in French.
"Les Bavards," a monthly francophone dinner and converstation group in DesPlaines. Information: lesbavards@yahoo.com or http://lesbavardsfrancophones.blogspot.com/ Tel: 847-698-7436.
"Les Bavards du Nord,” a monthly francophone lunch and conversation group in Buffalo Grove. http://lesbavardsfrancophones.blogspot.com/ or lesbavardsdunord@yahoo.com Tel: 847-921-7864.
L'Institut Francophone. Weekly francophone gathering, every Monday at Latitude, 4500 North Lincoln Avenue, from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Contact groupe.de.lundi@gmail.com to be on the mailing list.
For a list of activities organized by l'UFEC, (l'Union des Français à l'Etranger de Chicago) please visit their website at www.ufec.org
