This Oscar nominated documentary is a unique exploration of the mysteries of creative life, the obsession and talent of the dancers and the mind of an artistic genius.

The recent documentary film Dancemaker, featuring the work of Paul Taylor and his company, provides an important window into the creative life of one of modern dance's most accomplished choreographers. While for the most part the film is grounded in unabashed adulation for this creative genius, it allows one to see certain aspects of the artistic life of Paul Taylor, as well as the larger reality encompassing modern dance as a whole.

Taking as its axial point the rehearsal process of the dance company as Taylor creates a new work, the documentary branches out into other dimensions. The film travels through a variety of areas so as to present the viewer everything from vivid commentary on daily life as a dancer, to original film footage of Taylor performing one of his most acclaimed roles.

The screening, which is free and open to the public, will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2008 at 5:00 pm in Herter 227.

Our Angel Tickets program provides complimentary performance tickets to residents of Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin Counties whose financial and/or social situation would otherwise prohibit them from experiencing live performances. Last year, 678 tickets were distributed to the clients of more than 80 participating non-profit human-service organizations--the majority of which serve inner city Springfield and Holyoke, and handle at-risk youth , and battered women and children living in shelters. This program is fueled by the belief that the arts can improve people's lives with the power of joy and hope. You can make a difference in someone's life with a gift to the Angel Tickets program by visiting https://www.umass.edu/development/give/?ref=gum_givenow or by calling 413-545-3671.

The Fine Arts Center had its first Arts Give Back event on Saturday, November 1, the evening of the Sweet Honey in the Rock performance. Dress for Success, a local organization dedicated to promoting the economic independence of disadvantaged women, collected donations and was able to get information out about their work to concertgoers.

The Fine Arts Center and Dress for Success would like to thank the many patrons who donated a wide range of new and gently used suits and professional attire and accessories to Dress for Success.

Led by Paul Taylor, the reigning master of modern dance, this magnificent troupe makes spirits soar. The San Francisco Examiner proclaimed, "Paul Taylor is without question, the greatest living American choreographer." His works are known for their emotional depth, dazzling physicality, social reverence, humor, superb musicality and a rare sense of beauty. His dancers are brilliant and his choreography offers unending surprises.

"One of the most exciting, innovative and delightful companies in the entire world," says The New York Times.

Thursday, November 13, 7:30 pm, Concert Hall

Pre-performance lecture by Paul Taylor Dance Company's General Manager, John Tomlinson and Rehearsal Director Bettie de Jong. 6:45 - 7:45 pm

Tickets $40, $30, $15; Five Colleges/GCC Students and 17/under: $15

The Paul Taylor Dance Company performance is an Arts Give Back event. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, patrons are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. To find out more, visit www.foodbankwma.org.

Grammy nominated composer/musician Simon Shaheen and his Qantara Ensemble in collaboration with actor/storyteller Margaret Olivia Wolfson premier a new production of the epic of Gilgamesh on Friday November 14 at 8:00 PM in Bowker Auditorium. Considered one of the world's great masterpieces, Gilgamesh, with its central themes of hubris and its consequences, friendship and love, grief and redemption, has great resonance for our own times.

The performance of Gilgamesh is the culminating event in a two week long Festival of the Arts from the Middle East co-sponsored by the Asian Arts & Culture Program. Festival events include: an art exhibit and demonstration of Arabic calligraphy by M.J. Alhabeeb, (reception, Student Union Gallery, 5:00 P.M. November 3 and lecture demo, 5:00 P.M. November 6); the Art of Paper Marbling, demonstration and workshop from the Chena River Marblers, (November 14, Student Union Craft Center, registration required, 413-545-2096); and a talk and screening of two Arab films by the Arab Canadian film director, Izidore Musallam (November 12 and November 13, UMass Flavin Auditorium, 7:00 P.M.) as part of the on going Fall Film Festival, Arab Cinema Panorama.