When his brother brings his mysterious young wife Ruth (Cheryl Binnie, center) home to his seedy North London home, Lenny (Blake Bowen, left) finds that he and his father, Max (David Pollack, right) are irresistibly drawn to her in the University Theatre production of Harold Pinter’s The Homecoming, a dark, absurdist look at family dysfunction and sexual politics. University Theatre season opens with Harold Pinter’s The Homecoming University Theatre continues its 2004–2005 season with one of Harold Pinter’s most compelling works, The Homecoming, the story of a family disrupted by the return of its eldest son. Pinter is among the greatest, most widely imitated English-language dramatists of the 20th century, and The Homecoming is his signature work. The play depicts the strange consequences of the return from America of a successful professor, Tom, to his London family. He is accompanied by his wife, and her presence is the catalyst for the unsettling events that follow. Director Ray Paolino describes the conflict in The Homecoming as one of “heightened contrasts, a world where two powerful forces mix, collide, press against each other.” These heightened contrasts lead to a sense of unease as the professor’s two younger brothers and father engage in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with the young bride, Ruth, who finds herself the object of the their sexual advances. Pinter’s absurdist streak is revealed when we see that Ruth seems to find nothing odd in this familial situation and indeed seems to welcome it, despite Tom’s resistance. Paolino recognizes that the play’s subject matter is disturbing. “The audience should leave the play feeling unsettled, off balance, questioning truth and reality,” he says. “Their inner sense of what is ‘known’ and ‘not known’ should be disturbed.” This faculty for combining menace with suspense is one of Pinter’s hallmarks, and this production is no exception. The Homecoming will serve as the third-year M.F.A. thesis project for actor Blake Bowen. Bowen will play Lenny, Tom’s brother and a primary instigator of the sexual advances toward Ruth. “Lenny is a bully,” says Bowen, but also “a scared little boy.” He’s willing to take advantage of others. —Michelle Smith

Art exhibitions.
Regal Bodies, Royal Splendor: Reflections on Velázquez and Philip IV of Spain. Through Nov. 14. Georgia Museum of Art. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Wednesday; and 1–5 p.m. Sunday. 542-4662.

A full-length portrait of Philip IV, king of Spain (1621–65) and of Portugal (1621–40), forms the centerpiece of the exhibition. Attributed to the famous Spanish court painter Diego Velázquez (1599–1660), it belongs to a private collection in Atlanta. The painting highlights the importance of dress, posture and gesture in 17th-century courtly portraits.

Etchings by Rembrandt from the S. William Pelletier Collection. Through Nov. 16. Georgia Museum of Art. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Wednesday; and 1–5 p.m. Sunday. 542-4662.

Paintings by Robin Bolton. Through Oct. 17. Conservatory. Open -Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sponsored by State Botanical Garden. 542-1244.

Bolton, who received a bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Georgia, will exhibit landscapes and still lifes created in an impressionistic style, in addition to some of her abstract works. Many of Bolton’s landscapes depict scenes from north Georgia and the area around Lake Burton, where her parents have a home.

Jane Byrd McCall Whitehead’s Idealized Visions about Simple Living and Arts and Crafts. Through Dec. 5. Georgia Museum of Art. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Wednesday; and 1–5 p.m. Sunday. 542-4662.

Exhibits.
The 40th Anniversary of the Warren Commission Report. Through Oct. 15. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies. 542-5788.

The exhibit consists of materials related to the Warren Commission’s investigation of the assassination of President Kennedy. To resolve the conflicting accounts of the assassination and to ensure that all information about the case was considered fully, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Chief Justice Earl Warren to head a commission of government officials to investigate and report.

Johnson also convinced his old friend and mentor Sen. Richard Russell to serve on the commission. Materials related to Russell’s service on the commission are included in this exhibit: correspondence, reports, publications and photographs. Russell harbored reservations about the commission’s final report. The exhibit includes a set of notes, dated December 1963, in which Russell expresses his concerns, as well as his notes for interrogating Marina Oswald.

Summer 2004 Studies Abroad. Through Oct. 27. Circle Gallery, G14 Caldwell Hall. Open 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m., weekdays. Sponsored by College of Environment and Design. 542-8292.

The exhibit focuses on the summer 2004 studies-abroad programs from the College of Environment and Design. Locations featured include Ghana, Italy and Costa Rica. Different projects and experiences from the summer program, represented in a variety of media, are on display.

Monday, October 11
Plant Pathology Seminar.
“Urban Turfgrass/Ornamentals Pathology Program: Three Years Revisited.” Alfredo Martinez, plant pathology. 12:20 p.m. 2401 plant sciences building. Sponsored by plant pathology department. 542-2571.

Homecoming: Dawg Rally.
4 p.m. Legion Field. Sponsored by University Union. 542-6396.

International Forum.
“The Economics of International Security.” Moderated by Terrell Austin. 4–5 p.m. 102 Moore College. Sponsored by Honors Program. 542-6908.

Faculty Recital.
D. Ray McClellen, clarinet. 8 p.m. Ramsey Hall. Sponsored by School of Music. 542-3737.

McClellen will be accompanied by David Starkweather, cello, and Liana Embovica-Rivkin, piano, performing works by Messiaen, Muczynski and Brahms.

Tuesday, October 12
Cellular Biology Seminar.
Steve Hajduk, Global Infectious Disease Laboratory, Marine Biological Inventory. 11 a.m. 404A biological sciences building. Sponsored by cellular biology department. 542-3310.

IHDD Core Seminar on Disability.
“Adapted Physical Education.” Michael Horvat. 2–4 p.m. River’s Crossing Building, 850 College Station Rd. Sponsored by Institute on Human Development and Disability. 542-1290.

Workshop.
“Ceramic Garden Ornaments.” $23 (members $20). 6:30–8:30 p.m. Sponsored by State Botanical Garden. 542-6156.

Retirement Workshop.
“I Chose ORP: When Can I Retire?” Free workshop for UGA employees on the Optional Retirement Plan. Pre-registration required. 7–8:30 p.m. Georgia Center for Continuing Education. Sponsored by Georgia Center. 542-3537.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Film Series.
Manuela Sáenz: La Libertadora del Libertador (Venezuela). 7 p.m. 150 Student Learning Center. Sponsored by Libraries media department. 542-7090.

Winner of several awards for best screenplay, the film is a retelling of the love affair between Simón Bolívar and Manuela Sáenz.

After the showing of the film, a panel discussion will be led by the writer of the screenplay, award-winning Venezuelan poet, essayist, and scriptwriter Leonardo Padrón.

Padrón is the author of four poetry books and three critically acclaimed primetime telenovelas.

The Democratic Process Film Series.
Who Counts? Election Reform in America. 7 p.m. Seney-Stovall Chapel, Lucy Cobb Institute. Sponsored by Vinson Institute of Government. 542-6221.

Wednesday, October 13
Hispanic Heritage Month Seminar.
“More than Melodramatic Love Stories: Telenovelas and Social Reality.” Leonardo Padrón. 12:30 p.m. 290 S. Hull St. Sponsored by Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. 583-0619.

Leonardo Padrón is an award-winning Venezuelan writer, poet and scriptwriter. He has taught courses at the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Caracas, Venezuela, and at the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain. He is the author of four poetry books: La Orilla Encendida (1983), Balada (1993), Tatuaje (2000) and Boulevard (2002). His poetry focuses on three topics: urban life, the feminine and the nature of love. Balada has been translated into English, German and Bulgarian. His published essay “Crónicas de la Vigilia” (1990) earned an honorable mention in the renowned Premio Fundarte de Ensayo.

In addition, Padrón’s work reflects a preoccupation with chronicling and analyzing Venezuelan culture. He has contributed to several edited publications in this area (Caracas en 20 Afectos; Frente al Espejo; El Libro del Béisbol: Cien Años de Pelota en la Literatura Venezolana; Yo, el Otro).

An essential component of Padrón’s commitment to the examination of the Venezuelan social formation is his authorship of telenovelas. A powerful Latin American television genre, telenovelas are watched by audiences that transcend gender and socioeconomic differences. He is the author of the successful and critically acclaimed primetime telenovelas Amores de Fin de Siglo, Contra Viento y Marea, El País de las Mujeres, Amantes de Luna Llena, and Cosita Rica. In each of them, Padrón combines personal and social problems in a narrative fiction that speaks to the audience in terms of a shared reality. These telenovelas, for which Padrón has received numerous awards, have been exported to more than 130 countries.

Padrón is also a renowned screenplay writer. He wrote the script for Manuela Sáenz. This historic epic, winner of several awards for best screenplay, is more than the mere retelling of the love affair between Simón Bolívar and Manuela Sáenz. It is a portrait of a woman who broke the social and cultural barriers imposed by a limiting definition of the feminine in the 19th century, a time in which Latin America was ripe with male heroes and male-dominated dreams. Padrón’s screenplay Miranda, a biopic about Venezuelan independence war hero Francisco de Miranda, is slated to be produced by the end of the year.

Lunch-in-Theory.
“Flamenco Meets Guaguanco: A Case Study of Musical Transnationalism.” Susan Thomas, music. 12:20 p.m. 147 Student Learning Center. Sponsored by Center for Humanities and Arts. 542-3966.

Entomology-Genetics Seminar.
“Neuroendocrine Control of Insect Ecdysis: Insights from Drosophila.” John Ewer, Cornell University. 4 p.m. C127 life sciences building. Sponsored by genetics department. 542-1441.

Flamenco Dance Festival and Demonstration.
5:30 p.m. On the lawn, weather permitting, or in Griffith Auditorium. Sponsored by Georgia Museum of Art. 542-4662.

Performed by Atlanta Flamenco Productions, the festival is being held in conjunction with the Regal Bodies, Royal Splendor: Reflections on Velázquez and Philip IV of Spain exhibition to “celebrate the traditions of Spanish culture through Flamenco,” according to Romita Ray, curator of prints and drawings at the museum.

Atlanta Flamenco Productions is a group of singers, musicians and dancers from around the world: singer Carmen Deal from Spain, bass guitarist Mike Cady and percussionist Jerry Fields from the United States, guitarist Witold Tulodziecki from Poland, and dancers Julie Galle and Martha SidAhmed from the United States. With such diverse performers, Atlanta Flamenco Productions aims not only to perform flamenco, but also to educate the public about this unique art form. Most of the members teach flamenco through private lessons or through class instruction.

Flamenco is a traditional dance from southern Spain, comprising song, dance and guitar playing. Flamenco is thought to have originated in the mid-16th century with gypsies and with the songs and dances of Andalusia. Other varieties of music, including jazz, salsa and varieties of Latin American music, influence modern flamenco.

Flamenco dancing is characterized by brilliantly colored costumes and energetic movements like foot-stomping and hand-clapping.

Over the centuries, modern art and music forms have added techniques found in ballet and folk music to flamenco dancing. Flamenco is constantly changing. While costumes and dances present ethnic traditions, modern aspects breathe new life into performances.

Figure-Drawing Workshop.
$3. Instruction by Brian Baugh, beginner to advanced levels. Participants must provide their own supplies; ages 17 and younger must have parental permission. 5:30 p.m. Forio Studio -Classroom. Sponsored by Georgia Museum of Art. 542-4662.

Latin American Film.
Plata quemada (Argentina, 2000, director Marcelo Piñeyro). 7:30 p.m. Georgia Museum of Art. Co-sponsored by Romance languages department. 542-9227.

Homecoming: Hypnotist.
Dale K. $5 (students $3), $1 more at door. Tickets: Tate Student Center cashier’s window (542-8074, open 9 a.m.–4 p.m.). 8 p.m. Volleyball arena, Ramsey Student Center. Sponsored by University Union. 542-6396.

Dale K has been seamlessly fusing comedy and hypnosis for more than
a decade. His comedy is popular in the corporate arena as well as at universities and theaters. His wacky humor is a far cry from the traditional hypnotist with tuxedo and pocket watch—it is his physical comedy and electrifying personality that make the show so memorable.

Dale K hypnotizes his volunteers to open their imaginations and create a visual release of hilarious talents into the spotlight. Once hypnotized, participants act like opera singers, foreign hot dog vendors, crocodile hunters and other off-beat characters.

University Theatre.
The Homecoming by Harold Pinter. $8–$10. 8 p.m. Oct. 13–15 and 19–23, 2:30 p.m. Oct. 17. Cellar Theatre, Fine Arts Building. Sponsored by drama department. Tickets: 542-2838 (box office open noon–5 p.m. weekdays). See story above.

Thursday, October 14
Microbiology Seminar.
“Regulation of Cell Differentiation in Caulobacter.” Yves V. Brun, Indiana University. 11 a.m. 404A biological sciences building. 542-1434.

Hispanic Heritage Month Seminar.
“The Politics of Gender, Human Rights and Being Indigenous in Chile.” Patricia Richards (sociology) and Milleray Painemal (Mapuche Indigenous Women’s Association of Southern Chile). 12:30 p.m. 290 S. Hull St. Sponsored by Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. 583-0619.

Poetry Reading.
Leonardo Padrón. 12:30–1:30 p.m. 207 Student Learning Center. Sponsored by Journalism and Mass Communication. 542-5680.

Padrón is an award-winning Venezuelan writer, poet and scriptwriter. His poetry focuses on three topics: urban life, the feminine and the nature of love.

Lanier Lecture.
“ ‘These Are Not Exercises in Style’: Alain Resnais, Raymond Queneau and the Song of Styrene.” Ed Dimendberg, University of Michigan. 4 p.m. 265 Park Hall. Sponsored by department of English. 542-7103.

Romance Languages Colloquium.
“Ogres R Us: Demonic Imagery in Modern French Fiction.” Jonathan Krell. 5–6 p.m. 320 Gilbert Hall. Sponsored by department of Romance languages. 542-3177.

Twilight Toasts in the Garden.
$12 (members $10). 6:30–8 p.m. Sponsored by State Botanical Garden. 542-6156.

2nd Thursday Concert.
“The Art of the Concerto.” $12 ($7 students), at the box office in the Performing Arts Center, open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays. 8 p.m. Hodgson Hall. Sponsored by School of Music. 542-4400.

The UGA Wind Ensemble will perform music by Nelson, Kennan, Strauss, Golland, Williams and Kalinnikov. Featured performers will be the winners of the annual concerto competition: Jennifer Fischer, Heidi Lucas, Scott Stone and Heather Noyes. John Culvahouse and David Romines will conduct.

Friday, October 15
Women’s Studies Friday Speaker.
“Mi Camino.” Valerie Aranda, Georgia College and State University. 12:20 p.m. 250 Student Learning Center. Sponsored by Women’s Studies Program. 542-2947.

Equestrian Alumni Homecoming Challenge.
5 p.m. Equestrian Center, South Milledge Ave. 542-1231.

Hispanic Heritage Month Noche Latina.
6 p.m. Tate Student Center. Sponsored by Hispanic Student Association. chin33@uga.edu.

Homecoming Parade.
6:30 p.m. Downtown. Sponsored by University Union. 542-6396.

Volleyball.
vs. Arkansas. 7 p.m. Ramsey Student Center. 542-7954.

Soccer.
vs. Kentucky. 7 p.m. Women’s athletic complex. 542-1231.

Dawgs after Dark.
$5 (students free). 10 p.m.–2 a.m. Tate Student Center. Sponsored by Student Activities. 542-6396.

Saturday, October 16
homecoming Football.
vs. Vanderbilt. 12:30 p.m. Sanford Stadium. 542-1231.

Sunday, October 17
Volleyball.
vs. LSU. 1:30 p.m. Ramsey Student Center. 542-7954.

Soccer.
vs. Vanderbilt. 2 p.m. Women’s athletic complex. 542-1231.

Monday, October 18
Film Screening.
Intimate Stranger. 4 p.m. 213 Student Learning Center. Sponsored by Center for Humanities and Arts. 542-3966.

Intimate Stranger is being screened in conjunction with the lecture by filmmaker Alan Berliner on Oct. 26. Berliner’s film The Sweetest Sound will be screened on Oct. 20. Information about the films is available at www.alanberliner.com.

Hispanic Heritage Month Research Presentations.
6 p.m. 264 Baldwin Hall. Sponsored by Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. 583-0619.

Graduate students will present the summer research sponsored by CLACS that they carried out in Latin America and the Caribbean during summer 2004.

CHA-Peabody Conversation.
Esmeralda Santiago. 7 p.m. Tate Center Theatre. Sponsored by Center for Humanities and Arts and Peabody Awards. 542-3966.

Horace Newcomb (telecommunications), director of the Peabody Awards Program, will interview Esmeralda Santiago following a screening of her Peabody Award–winning screenplay Almost a Woman.

Santiago is author of When I Was Puerto Rican (1993) and Cuando era Puertorriqueña (1994); América’s Dream (1996) and El Sueño de América (1996); and Almost a Woman (1998). She is co-editor of Las Christmas: Favorite Latino Authors Share Their Holiday Memories (1998) and Las Mamis: Favorite Latino Authors Remember Their Mothers (2000). Santiago will be accompanied to the university by Marian Rees and Anne Hopkins, founders of ALT Films, which produced Almost a Woman.

Comedy.
Max Brooks. $2 (students free). Tickets: Tate Student Center cashier’s window (542-8074, open 9 a.m.–4 p.m.). 7:30 p.m. Chapel. Sponsored by University Union. 542-6396.

Coming up
Dance Concert.
Philadanco. $24–$29 (half-price students). Oct. 22, 8 p.m. Fine Arts Theatre. Sponsored by Performing Arts Center (Dance Festival). 542-4400.

Pamoja Dance Concert.
Spinderella. Call for ticket info. Oct. 22–23, 7 p.m. Morton Theatre, downtown. Sponsored by Minority Services and Programs. 542-8468.

Concert.
Manuel Barrueco, classical guitar. $17–$22 (half-price students). Oct. 24, 3 p.m. Hodgson Hall. Sponsored by Performing Arts Center (Music Series II). 542-4400.