Performing Arts

Unforunately, this event has been cancelled due to muddy conditions.

Decoding Chinese Opera: Hello, My Concubine

Chinese opera draws on history, legend, and romance for its stories. The famous play Farewell, My Concubine combines all three and has inspired other art for two thousand years.

Decoding Chinese Opera Part Two : Appreciating Beauty

Classical Chinese drama, or opera, can be challenging for the uninitiated. This standalone companion to Part 1 looks at what makes Chinese theater mei (beautiful). We’ll see how the characteristic charms of opera relate to Disney animation, drag, and Las Vegas-style stage magic. We’ll conclude by watching comic and musical excerpts from the masterpiece Peony Pavilion.

Asheba is a musical storyteller specializing in Calypso, the musical and folkloric oral tradition of Trinidad, Asheba's homeland. Hope and happiness are the focus of his songs which range from original children's music to classic children's tunes with a Caribbean twist! 

 

Sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library 

Classical Chinese drama, or opera, can be a challenge for the uninitiated. Many Western and Chinese audiences want to like it but then get lost in the clashing gongs and cymbals.

This talk breaks down the visual cues of staging, costumes, music, and rap that make this vibrant art form a UNESCO-recognized Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage.

Join us for music with Melita! A founding member of both Octopretzel and Kid Kaleidoscope, Melita has performed all over the country for children and families. Ages 0-7.

San Francisco Magician Perry Yan offers a magic show has been time tested through thousands of performances for kids and families!  Perry’s Magic Show will have the kids AND adults entertained from start to finish!

This program will take place on the lawn of the North Branch. 

 

Sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library

Join us for a Special Pride Story Time at the Central Library Children's Room on the 4th floor. Plus take home a craft following the event!

Please RSVP here as craft kits and capacity may be limited. 

Delight in a fairy tale puppet show featuring a rolling backdrop (or crankie) set in the Gold Rush era beneath the waves at the Farallon Islands and in the city of San Francisco. Sing sea shanties, mermaid melodies, and create sound scapes for the hand-printed paper world. Ages 4-8. 

This program will be held indoors at the Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch. Registration required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/to-the-farallons-a-mermaids-tale-tickets-354836334027

Please join us Thursday mornings at 10:30am for live music, movement activities, and stories with our story time band. For children ages 2-6, but younger and older children are welcome.

Bateman Mall Park, 3027 Colby St.
Thursdays, June 2nd and June 9th

George Florence Park, 2121 10th St.
Thursdays, June 16th and June 23rd

Virginia-McGee Totland, 1644 Virginia St.
Thursdays, June 30th and July 7th

Prince Street Mini Park, 1631 Prince St.
Thursdays, July 14th and July 21st