‘Planetheads’ sought
PRESQUE ISLE – The Northern Maine Museum of Science at the University of Maine at Presque Isle is preparing for its second annual Planet Head Day. The event is held on the weekend closest to the anniversary of Pluto’s discovery (Feb. 18, 1930), which this year will be Saturday, Feb. 16.
According to Dr. Kevin McCartney, museum director, the event serves two purposes: it’s both a celebration of Pluto and a unique activity meant to increase cancer awareness.
During the event, participants either have their heads shaved or don elastic swimming caps, which are then painted to look like one of the planets in our solar system. A barber and an assemblage of ‘planethead’ painters will be available for the occasion. Astronomy and cancer organizations also will have displays up during the event.
Last year’s Planet Head Day saw participation from about 30 planetheads, including the university president, two other university administrators, community members, university students and children. All planets and several moons were represented.
This year’s goal is at least 50 planetheads. He is working to find a sponsor that will contribute $10 for each planethead – $20 for shaved heads – to a local cancer support organization. He also hopes to have local businesses and organizations challenge one another in contributing heads for the event. For more information about this event, contact McCartney at 768-9482 or e-mail kevin.mccartney@umpi.edu.
“Macbeth”
PRESQUE ISLE – A Portland-based acting troupe is paying a day-long visit to the city to perform one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies and to work with university students. The Theater at Monmouth will present its production of “Macbeth” at the University of Maine at Presque Isle at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 22, in Wieden Auditorium. On the day of their performance, the actors and production crew will spend the morning conducting a theater workshop with an English class at UMPI.
Their production of “Macbeth” will include live music, simple staging and lots of action. Time permitting, there will be a question and answer period with the cast following the show. Written in 1606 in honor of James I, the new Scottish-born king of England, “Macbeth” is Shakespeare’s shortest and darkest tragedy.
Tickets are available in advance at Morningstar Art and Framing and at the door; they are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Admission is free for UMPI, NMCC and SAGE students.
For more information about The Theater at Monmouth, visit www.theateratmonmouth.org.
