Arts Briefs

Gy퀌_rgy Spir퀌_ visits Portland

Spir퀌_, considered one of Hungary’s most important writers, is in Portland from April 4-15 for a series of events, each presenting a different side of his multi-faceted works.

First, he will be doing a free public reading from his various short stories (in English), sponsored by the Literary Arts Council at PSU. The reading takes place in the Smith Center Browsing Lounge (Room 238) at 7 p.m. today.

Portland International Performance Festival and PSU’s Theater Arts Department are co-sponsoring an informal talk by Spir퀌_ and colleague L퀌�szl퀌_ Upor, a dramaturge, critic, and translator. Participants are encouraged to bring brown bag lunches, and beverages will be provided. This event takes place in the SMC Browsing Lounge at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9.

Spir퀌_ will then teach a workshop entitled “Playwriting: Creating Real Drama”

at PSU’s Center For Excellence In Writing on the third floor of Neuberger Hall on Saturday, April 13. Contact Sydney Thompson for details at 503-725-9422.

The Artists Repertory Theatre is sponsoring a staged reading of Spiro’s play “Quartet” as part of its PlayLab series at 7 p.m. Monday, April 15. A discussion with the playwright, director, dramaturge, and actors follows the performance. PlayLab is a program that allows the audience to participate in the development of new plays, and this is the first presentation of “Quartet” in English. This event costs $5. Artists Repertory Theatre is at 1516 S.W. Alder. Call 503-241-1278 for more information.

Michael Roll at Lincoln Hall

As part of the PSU Piano Recital Series, Michael Roll will play works of Beethoven and Schumann for two performances, one at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and another at 4 p.m. Sunday. Saturday’s performance will be preceded by a lecture by Harold Gray at 6:30 p.m. Roll was the winner of the first Leeds International Piano Competition at age 17 and is currently engaged with the Oregon Symphony. Recitals take place in the Lincoln Performance Hall. The charge is $25 general admission, $21 for seniors and PSU faculty/staff, and $12.50 for students. Call 503-725-5400 for more information.