Friday, February 08, 2008
USI’s International Week 2008 offers the sights, scents, and flavors of the world
 USI’s International Week festivities kick off with a performance by the Bunraku Bay Puppet Troupe, a traditional Japanese puppetry group, and culminate with the International Club Food Expo, an event that attracts food-lovers from throughout the community. Bunraku Bay Puppet Troupe is the only troupe in the United States performing traditional Japanese puppetry, known as “ningyo joruri” or Bunraku. The troupe’s performers were trained in Japan by artists from the 170-year-old Tonda Puppet Troupe and the 300-year-old Imada and Kuroda puppet troupes. From 2004 to 2007, Bunraku Bay Puppet Troupe participated in the Iida Puppetry Festival, the largest puppet theatre festival in Japan. Bunraku Bay Puppet Troupe has performed at many venues in the U.S., including the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Florida; the Japan Society in New York, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; and the Smithsonian Institution. They will perform at 6 p.m. Monday, February 18, in Carter Hall in the University Center at USI. The event is free and open to the public. A reception to kick off International Week will be held immediately following the performance. On Tuesday, February 19, “Enemies of Happiness” will be shown at 7 p.m. in Kleymeyer Hall in the Liberal Arts Center at USI. The film follows the campaign of Malalai Joya, a 28 year-old Afghan woman running in the country's first democratic parliamentary elections in 35 years. The elections represented a special milestone for Afghan women, who had endured second-class citizenry their entire lives. During the campaign, Joya's life was threatened multiple times because of her vocal and fearless opposition to the presence of warlords in the nation's government. But Joya's dedication also inspired many Afghanis to join her in the cause of real reform. The film won the World Cinema Jury Prize in Documentaries at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. “Enemies of Happiness” is part of the One World Film Series sponsored by USI, University of Evansville, Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library, and the Committee to Promote Respect in Schools (CYPRESS). The One World Film Series uses the power of film to illuminate diversity issues and create discussion. All films in the series are free and open to the public. And finally, the International Club Food Expo will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, February 22, in Carter Hall in the University Center. There will be food and entertainment from more than 20 countries. International delicacies available will include: New Year’s dumplings from China; Costa Rican Chifrijo; Bratwurst and Kaiserschmarren from Germany; Butter Chicken Curry and Samosas from India; Oinari from Japan; Mexican Flautas; Breadfruit from Nigeria and Kenya; Kabsa from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait; Fried rice balls from Taiwan; Patatesli Borek from Turkey; and Arepas from Venezuela. Tickets are $8 in advance (at the International Programs and Services Office) or $10 at the door. Children age six and under are free. Some of the proceeds will benefit Food for the Poor, an international relief and development organization. Here’s the complete schedule of International Week events: Monday, February 18 Study Abroad Information Session, 11 a.m., University Center Room 215. Bunraku Bay Puppet Troupe, 6 p.m., Carter Hall, University Center. Tuesday, February 19 One World Film Series: “Enemies of Happiness,” 7 p.m., Kleymeyer Hall, Liberal Arts Center. Wednesday, February 20 Global Community Mardi Gras Celebration, 7:30 p.m., Ruston Hall Multipurpose Room. Friday, February 22 International Club Food Expo, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Carter Hall, University Center. For more information, contact USI International Programs and Services at 812/465-7183. |
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