UMKC’s weekly arts, sports and culture roundup

Each week, the University of Missouri-Kansas City offers an array of on-campus activities. It’s nothing new. UMKC has a long legacy of hosting countless culturally enriching events. These activities are part of what give UMKC a vibrant campus life, and make UMKC an arts and culture powerhouse. The influence of UMKC-based and UMKC-trained alumni extends well beyond the campus’ edge, so their activities are listed here as well.

Featured Event:

What: The Muñeca Project: An Exhibition by David Ford
For the last 35 years, David Ford has pursued an interest in Guatemalan culture. He first traveled there in the 1980s, during its civil war, as an observer for Amnesty International bearing witness to the potential violence in the region. In 2009, while visiting the lakeside market town of Panajachel, an object caught Ford’s eye—a muñeca, or doll. Vendors use these plastic doll busts with braided hair to demonstrate the various styles of hair wraps marketed to tourists. The Muñeca Project incorporates econometrics into drawings, paintings and installations, ultimately confronting issues of classical political economy and post-colonial theory.
Where: UMKC Gallery of Art, Fine Arts Building, 5015 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: March 5 – April 3. An Opening Reception is on Thursday, March 5, 5 – 7 p.m.
It’s free. For information, visit the UMKC Gallery of Fine Arts website.

March 4-11

What: The Rocky Horror Show by Richard O’Brien
“The Rocky Horror Show,” a production of UMKC Theatre, is a humorous tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies of the late 1940s through to the early 1970s. The musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple getting caught in a storm and coming to the home of a mad transvestite scientist unveiling his new creation, a muscle man named Rocky Horror.
When: Now through March 8
Where: UMKC Grant Hall, 5228 Charlotte, Kansas City, Mo.
Tickets and information here.

What: Women Playing Hamlet
A National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere by William Missouri Downs and directed by Cynthia Levin. Endearingly awkward Jessica has just been cast as Hamlet and she’s freaking out. Armed with a snappy PowerPoint, a Hamlet handbag and text messages from Patrick Stewart, she dodges the slings and arrows of outrageous characters played by an all-female cast. It’s time for her to woman up or sell out when faced with the greatest role ever written.
Where: Unicorn Theatre, 3828 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through March 29
For tickets and show times, visit the Women Playing Hamlet website.

What: Angels in America
Angels in America is written by Tony Kushner and directed by David Cromer. The Kansas City Repertory Theatre production is a world-class revival of a modern classic. The most honored play in a generation, winner of the Tony Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Angels in America melds love, hate, religion and politics into a uniquely American epic. Sensitively reimagined, Angels in America changed the landscape of American theatre. This production is appropriate for ages 17 and up. It contains adult language, sexual content and nudity.
Where: Copaken Stage, 1 H&R Block Way, Kansas City, Mo.
When: Now through March 29
For ticket prices, show times and information, visit the KC Repertory Theatre website.

What: Women’s basketball vs. Texas Pan-American
UMKC Athletics wants home court advantage for women’s basketball’s last regular season game! To help Kansas City experience their Division I team, UMKC Athletics is giving fans the opportunity for FREE tickets at Saturday’s women’s basketball home game finale. All individual fans wearing UMKC will receive one free reserved ticket. The UMKC gear that will get you free tickets can be anything from your favorite UMKC t-shirt, polo or any of the great UMKC accessories including ‘Roo beads or ‘Roos face paint!
Where: Swinney Recreation Center, 5030 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Saturday, March 7, 1 p.m.
It’s free for UMKC students with ID. Others pay $5 – $15. Children 3 and under are free.

What: Stand for Something – an African American History Show
This presentation showcases African American historical events incorporating authentic footage and a variety of dance styles to creatively interpret and artistically convey the emotional impact of these stories in history.
Where: UMKC Student Union, 5100 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Saturday, March 7, 7 p.m.
It’s free, but tickets are required from the Central Ticket Office. This event is sponsored by the UMKC School of Dentistry’s Office of Student Program in cooperation with the Student National Dental Association/Hispanic Student Dental Association.

What: Visiting Designer Lecture: Eric Melin
Eric Melin, senior social media community manager for Callahan Creek, will explain how to carefully consider your audience, but at the same time incorporate your personality, culture and factors that make you unique in your personal brand. Melin’s personal brand includes diverse interests from social media manager to movie reviewer to on-camera interviewer of prominent film stars to air guitar, a passion he practiced for years before breaking into fame in the international spotlight under the stage name Mean Melin.
Where: Fine Arts Building Room 106, 5015 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Monday, March 9, 4 p.m.
It’s free.

What: Purple Hibiscus Book Discussion
Purple Hibiscus is the best-selling debut of feminist author Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche. If you enjoy discussing literature, we welcome you to this lunch event. Co-sponsored by MSA, Women’s Center, and UMKC Libraries.
Where: Multicultural Student Affairs, Student Union, Room 319, 5100 Cherry St., Kansas City, Mo.
When: Wednesday, March 11, Noon – 1 p.m.
It’s free.