January 22, 2008 | Arts

Nominations Being Accepted for Women of Spunk

By Judy Moore

Audio: Listen to a preview of the song "Git to the Git" from "Spunk."

EVANSTON, Ill. --- In honor of author Zora Neale Hurston, and in conjunction with the Northwestern University Theatre and Interpretation Center's upcoming production of "Spunk" (Feb. 15-24), the Theatre and Interpretation Center and the Northwestern University Women's Center will celebrate local women who have overcome adversity in their personal lives and made a difference in the community.

Nominations are currently being accepted. Nomination forms are available by visiting <http://www.tic.northwestern.edu/documents/WomenOfSpunk_contest.doc>. Completed forms are to be returned to Barbara Butts, Northwestern University Theatre and Interpretation Center, 1949 Campus Drive, Evanston, Ill 60208 or at <b-butts@northwestern.edu> by Monday, Jan. 28.

Honorees will be chosen by an advisory committee from submitted nominations. They will be recognized at a special pre-show reception and ceremony prior to the 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17 matinee performance of "Spunk."

Winners will receive a certificate of recognition from Northwestern University; a $100 gift certificate from Women and Children First Bookstore; four complimentary tickets to a performance of "Spunk"; and a copy of Zora Neale Hurston's book, "Their Eyes Were Watching God." Winners also will have their personal stories published on the Theatre and Interpretation Center's Web site.

Tickets to the Feb. 17 reception are $25 for the general public and include admission to the performance. The reception and performances will be held in the Ethel M. Barber Theatre, 30 Arts Circle Drive, on the University's Evanston campus.

"Spunk," a play by Tony Award-winning American playwright and director George C. Wolfe, is an adaptation of three stories by Hurston, a celebrated anthropologist and novelist.

Performances of "Spunk" will take place at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15; 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16; 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17; 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20; 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21; 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22; 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, at the Barber Theatre.

The "Spunk" production blends dance movement with music and the spoken word and showcases the rhythms and color of African-American speech and life through musical narration. Northwestern's production will be directed by Anthony C. Horne.

Single tickets are $25 for the general public; $22 for senior citizens and Northwestern faculty and staff; and $10 for full-time students with IDs and children. For tickets call (847) 491-7282 or visit <http://www.tic.northwestern.edu/>.