The Austin Community College District’s Arts and Humanities Division presents the fourth annual Carnival ah! arts festival April 12-13. The event showcases theater, live music, film, literature, dance, and art at Rio Grande Campus (1212 Rio Grande St.). Carnival ah! is free and open to the public.
The 2011 festival features more than 50 events, including many created by and for the Deaf community – a reflection of ACC’s ties with Gallaudet University, the world’s only university in which all programs and services are specifically designed for Deaf and hard of hearing students. ACC is a Gallaudet University Regional Center.
“This year, Arts and Humanities partnered with the American Sign Language and Interpreter Training Department to create unique events that incorporate ASL and are accessible to Deaf audiences,” says Lyman Grant, dean of arts and humanities. “This adds a wonderful new element to our Carnival ah! offerings, and it is an example of how ACC’s new partnership with Gallaudet enhances what we bring to the community.”
Highlights of this year’s Carnival ah! include:
“Ferocious Alphabets”
Tuesday, April 12 (2:30-3:15 p.m.)
This is a lively, interactive history of our writing system, from Egyptian hieroglyphics to the Roman alphabet. Event includes music, dancing, and hands-on activities that explore how our writing system evolved and what it means for us.
ASL Poetry
Tuesday, April 12 (5:30-6:30 p.m.)
Enjoy poetry expressed through American Sign Language. Performances by students, faculty, staff, and members of the Deaf community.
“Reflections of a Black Deaf Woman”
Tuesday, April 12 (7-8:30 p.m.)
This one-woman show is presented in ASL and spoken English. Written and performed by Michelle A. Banks, the play is about the bond between a mother and daughter and the hardships they face.
Foreign Languages Variety Show and International Finger Food Tent
Wednesday, April 13 (noon-1:30 p.m.)
Join the fun as ACC students perform in foreign languages and host a finger food tent with international offerings. Donations will be collected for relief in Japan.
Creative Writing Craft Talks
Wednesday, April 13 (1-5 p.m.)
ACC’s Creative Writing faculty members offer a series of talks on their craft, exploring the challenges and joys of the writing process.
“ASL Music Fusion”
Wednesday, April 13 (1:30-2:30 p.m.)
Watch as music comes to life in a visual forum. Students, faculty, staff, and members of the Deaf community present ASL interpretations of songs.
ACC Film Festival
Wednesday, April 13 (3-6 p.m.)
Check out continuous showings of films by Radio-TV-Film students, faculty, and staff.
“Corsets to Chanel and Beyond” – French Fashion Show
Wednesday, April 13 (7-7:45 p.m.)
This fashion show highlights the progression to French fashion, from the 17th century to present day.
Camille Dungy Reading
Wednesday, April 13 (7-8 p.m.)
Acclaimed poet Camille Dungy will hold a reading of her work in the Gallery Theater (Room 201).
Flamenco Dance
Wednesday, April 13 (7:45-8:20 p.m.)
Flamenco represents a synthesis of music and dance. This performance showcases the flamenco style one might see in a restaurant in Madrid or the caves of Granada.
For the full Carnival ah! schedule, please visit austincc.edu/carnival.
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