newsletter in pdf - Alliance Française de Chicago

Chicago’s French cultural and learning center dedicated to the study of French language,
cultural exchange, and friendship between Americans and French speaking people
The Alliance Française de Chicago is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 institution
The Best of French Decoration
Decorative Arts Symposium
Three lectures
April 12, May 10, and June 5, 11:30 A.M.
The term decoration first appears in France at the end of the 14th century when the dukes of Anjou, Berry, and
Burgundy began to decorate interiors with fine tapestries and other embroidered and woven textiles, following
the custom of hanging luxurious textiles in the vast tents of their many campaigns.
King
François
introduced
decoration
Ier
officially
Alain Gruber Art
Historian: Silver,
Textiles, Furniture
interior
into
France
at Fontainebleau, where
superb paneling, paintings,
furniture, textiles, monumental
mantelpieces and refined objects
were showcased and admired by
all of Europe.
Over three centuries, the finest
examples
of
furniture,
textiles,
Wednesday, April 11
(Patron Ticket Only)
apéritif 6:00 P.M.
lecture 6:30 P.M.,
or Thursday, April 12
(Regular or Patron Ticket)
pre-lecture coffee 11:00 A.M.
lecture 11:30 A.M.
tapestries, silver, bronze, ormolu,
Nowhere better than in France
porcelain, glass and many other
were highly talented artisans
decorative arts were produced in
able to adapt their innovative
France, achieving enormous success
and influence throughout the world.
Our four renowned scholars will
showcase the very best examples of
French decoration for our 6th annual
symposium, The Best of French Decoration.
Join us for one or more lectures on the French
decorative arts which set the international
standard for the best in taste and style.
creations to the different needs
of
their
highly
sophisticated
and demanding clientele: from
furniture made to impress and fit the
architectural frame of a grand interior
to charming pieces made for pleasure
and comfort.
World renowned art historian Alain
Gruber will present the lead lecture
Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory,
Londonderry Vase, 1813, ht: 137.2 cm,
The Art Institute of Chicago, Gift of The Harry
and Maribel G. Blum Fund and the Harold L.
Stuart Endowment (1987.1).
Photography © The Art Institute of Chicago.
in the series twice, showcasing best
examples of French decoration by
talented French artisans working in
silver, textiles, and furniture.
The Alliance Française salutes Sotheby’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Metropolitan Home,
lead program sponsors of The Best of French Decoration.
810 North Dearborn Street · Chicago, IL 60610 / USA · tel: (312) 337-1070 · fax: (312) 337-3019 · www.af-chicago.org
PRINTEMPS 2007
USA
CHICAGO
AllianceFrançaise
USA
CHICAGO
Decorative Arts Symposium
Ghenete Zelleke, The Art Institute of Chicago:
French Porcelain
Thursday, May 10 (Regular or Patron Ticket)
pre-lecture coffee 11:00 A.M. lecture 11:30 A.M.
With the establishment of Vincennes-Sèvres in the middle of
the 18th century, the French porcelain industry began to take
the stylistic lead, becoming an internationally coveted medium
of French high style.
Porcelain lover and expert Ghenete Zelleke will discuss the
history of porcelain manufacture in France from the late
17th century through the early 19th century, showing choice
examples made for both domestic use and decoration within
public and private spheres.
Bernardaud is the special sponsor of the French Porcelain lecture.
Two-Part Lecture:
Thomas Campbell
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Part One: Masterpieces that even Astonish Art Herself
Tuesday, June 5 (Regular or Patron Ticket)
pre-lecture coffee 11:00 A.M. lecture 11:30 A.M.
The Gobelins Tapestry Workshop was created in 1662 with
the goal of creating sumptuous tapestries to aggrandize
the monarch, Louis XIV. During the next thirty years, the
manufactory surpassed any other production of the age in
both artistry and quality and Gobelins tapestries became a key
component in the grandeur of French royal palaces.
Thomas Campbell will examine the origins and achievements
of the Manufacture Royale de Tapisserie des Gobelins and the
contribution that these woven frescoes made to the art and
culture of the Sun King’s Court.
Daniëlle Kisluk-Grosheide
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Part Two: All that Glitters is not Gold
Immediately following first lecture
Both functional and highly decorative, gilt-bronze mounts
and bronzes d’ameublement such as wall-lights, fire dogs, and
clocks, played an important role in the French interior from the
late 17th to the early 19th centuries.
Audience favorite Daniëlle Kisluk-Grosheide will describe the
process of casting, chasing, and gilding in the creation of gilt
bronze and will illustrate superb examples of gilt-bronze objects
from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s extensive collection.
PRINTEMPS 2007
Registration Information:
Symposium tickets are sold as a lecture series or as single
lectures. Patron tickets (Series and Single) include lunch with
the speaker following each lecture and a tax deductible
contribution to the Alliance Française. Alain Gruber’s evening
lecture on April 11 is available as a Patron Ticket only (Series or
Single) and will be followed by a dinner buffet.
Ticket Information:
Patron Series Ticket (3 lectures and 3 luncheons): $350
(includes a $150 donation); Patron Single Ticket (1 lecture, 1 lunch): $125 Regular Single Ticket (1 lecture): $45
Advance registration is required.
Please call the Alliance Française at (312) 337-1070, ext 113 to
register. All tickets will be held at the door. Please register early
as space is limited. Thank you for supporting the 2007 French
Decorative Arts Symposium, a special fundraising project of the
Woman’s Board of the Alliance Française.
Decorative Arts Trip To Alsace: The Alliance Française
trip to Alsace-Lorraine will be led by art historian Alain
Gruber on October 21–28, 2007. The program, which
will include the great collections of Basel, Freiburg,
Strasbourg, Mulhouse and many other unique venues,
will be described at a special reception on April 12
at 1430 N. Lake Shore Drive at 5:00 P.M.
All interested participants are invited to attend by calling
(312) 337-1070, ext. 113.
We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of
our 2007 Decorative Arts Symposium sponsors:
PRINTEMPS 2007
Conférences littéraires
Programmes musicaux
Yasmina Khadra
Béatrice et Bénédicte by Hector Berlioz
lundi 14 mai, 18h15
membres de l’Alliance Française, $10; non membres, $15
Discussion en français, (simultaneous English
translation provided)
Conversation & music
Tuesday, April 24, 6:15 PM
AF & COT members: $5; non members: $10
Yasmina Khadra est révélé en 1997 par Morituri, bientôt suivi
de L’écrivain, un roman autobiographique. Les hirondelles de
Kaboul, traduit aux USA par John Cullen, a été élu meilleur livre
de l’année 2005 aux Etats-Unis par le San Francisco Chronicle et
le Christian Sciences Monitor. L’attentat, publié en 2005 a obtenu
le Prix Découverte Figaro
Magazine-Fouquet’s,
le
Prix des libraires 2006, le
Grand Prix des Lycéens, le
Grand Prix des Lectrices
Côté Femmes et fera
l’objet d’un film réalisé
par Random House Films
et Focus Features. Vous
trouverez Les agneaux du
seigneur, Les hirondelles
de Kaboul, A quoi rêvent
les loups et Les sirènes
de Bagdad dans notre
Médiathèque.
“La
dérive
d’une
Palestinienne
vers
le
terrorisme, une descente aux enfers d’une brûlante actualité.
L’attentat de Yasmina Khadra est sans doute l’un des plus
beaux romans de l’année littéraire 2005 et à coup sûr, le plus
poignant” Edmonde Charles-Roux de l’Académie Goncourt, in
La Corse du 7 octobre 2005.
Monsieur Khadra lira des extraits de ses écrits, dans le but
d’initier des échanges informels avec le public sur, entre autres
thèmes, son travail d’écrivain.
Cette conférence est rendue possible grâce au Jean Brown
Lecture Fund.
COT production director Nicola Raab
L’ A l l i a n c e F r a n ç a i s e , e n
partenariat avec la Délégation
Générale de l’Alliance Française,
est
heureuse
d’accueillir
Yasmina Khadra, de son vrai
nom, Mohamed Moulessehoul.
Officier dans l’armée algérienne,
il a participé à la guerre contre
le terrorisme. Après trente-six
ans de vie militaire, il a quitté
l’armée en 2000, avec le grade de
Commandant, pour se consacrer
à sa vocation: l’écriture. Il choisit
de le faire en français.
AllianceFrançaise
USA
CHICAGO
French composer, Hector Berlioz, has often been cited as
extremely influential in the development of the symphonic
form, instrumentation, and the depiction in music of
programmatic ideas, features central to musical romanticism
and was considered extremely modern for his day. He also
adored Shakespeare, as evidenced in his last work, Béatrice et
Bénédicte, based on the bard’s “Much Ado About Nothing”.
The Chicago Opera Theater production of Béatrice et Bénédicte
has assembled an international roster of top artists to give this
French classic a contemporary twist.
This evening’s program will
feature COT production’s director,
Nicola Raab, designer, Johan
Engels and chorus conductor,
Errol Girdlestone who is Music
Director of Syrinx Concerts
Orchestra and Choir in Vence,
France and the conductor of the
Ensemble Cordial which performs
at the Musique-Cordiale Festival
in the Var, France in conversation
with COT’s General Director, Brian
Dickie. In addition, excerpts from
the opera will be sung and a wine
reception will follow.
COT’s Béatrice et Bénédicte will be performed May 23,
25, 27, 31 and June 2 with all performances at 7:30 P.M.,
except Sundays which will be at 3:00 P.M. All performances
will be held at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in
Millennium Park. Please visit www.chicagooperatheater.org
for additional information.
AllianceFrançaise
USA
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PRINTEMPS 2007
Fêtes et festivals
France: Le Grand Voyage, film and discussion, March 13
6:30 – 9:00 P.M. FREE
The accent is on French this March
Chicago’s seventh annual French Speaking Countries
Festival, Festival de la Francophonie
Over 150 million people speak French in almost every corner of
the world with millions more learning how. And if you’ve ever
used any of these words: coiffeur, déjà vu, boutique, savoirfaire, pot-pourri, omelette, souvenir, vernissage, ménage à trois,
ballet and prêt-à-porter, you already speak a bit of French.
Not only do words travel from one culture to another, but so
do ideas, arts and cuisine; making our lives all the richer. This
multi-cultural cross-pollination is the focus of our celebration.
So, bring whatever French you know to this year’s festival.
Everyone is welcome!
Below is a listing of just some of this year’s Festival events. For
the most up-to-date listing please visit our web site at www.
af-chicago.org and open the link to Cultural Events, Fêtes et
Festivals. All events will take place at the Alliance Française de
Chicago, enter at 54 West Chicago Avenue, unless otherwise
noted. Please call (312) 337-1070 for reservations.
The post-film discussion will be led by Hakim Abderrezak,
a Beur and Francophone cinema specialist. Questions of
monolingualism and bilingualism in North African families in
France, the impact of linguistic differences on generations of
immigrant children, integration into French society and the
importance of the French language in the Maghrebi community
will be discussed with the audience.
This program is sponsored by the French Consulate in Chicago.
Romania: An Artistic Expression, March 14
Soirée Commune, Saturday, March 10
6:30 – 9:00 P.M. FREE
6:00 – 10:00 P.M.
Entrance Fee: $12 for adults, $5 for children
Join us for an evening of arts from Romania, sponsored by the
Consulate General of Romania in Chicago.
Meet and mingle with people from all over the French speaking
world for an evening of food, spirits, music, a raffle and more.
Canada & Québec: Music & Film, March 16
Belgium: Baron Rouge 19-59, Novel by Freddy
De Pues, presentation & discussion, March 12
Canada and Québec invite you to enjoy
flavors from north of the border with a
reception at 6:00 P.M., a performance by
one of Québec’s fastest rising pop stars,
Mathieu Gaudet at 7:00 P.M. (the first
venue for his chansons in Chicago), and
a screening of the Québec box office
hit, Maurice Richard at 8:15 P.M. This
film chronicles his rise as the Montreal
Canadiens’ greatest scorer.
6:30 – 9:00 P.M. FREE
“In his first novel, Freddy De Pues concocts a powerful and
seductive Creole potion that will seduce any reader…veiled
realities reveal their partially hidden worlds with prose that is
suggestive of Les Amants by Magritte. Like petals of a Japanese
magnolia, the lives of the characters in this work unfold like
intertwining origami in a perfumed universe of spinning
sensuality. As in a novel by Thomas Mann, the characters die in
exquisite decadence, not in Venice, but along the 17th Street
Industrial Canal in an exhausted New Orleans… This is a work
filled with poetry that transcends the natural worlds of bayous
and lagoons”. Charles Larroque.
Join the author Freddy De Pues for a discussion of his Baron
Rouge 19-59 and the Editions Tintamarre, the only French
publishing house in the U.S. The presentation will be followed
by a Q & A session and a cocktail reception.
This program is sponsored by the Honorary Consulate of the
Kingdom of Belgium in Chicago and the Wallonia Trade and
Investment Office.
The film, Le Grand Voyage by Ismael
Ferroukhi (France/Morocco), was
made in 2004 and is French and
Arabic. Reda, a young man who lives
in the south of France, discovers he
must drive his father to Mecca. This
3,000-mile long journey takes them
through Italy, Serbia, Turkey, Syria,
and Jordan to Saudi Arabia. Father
and son have little in common and
even less to say to each other along
the way. They struggle to create a
relationship.
6:00 – 10:00 P.M. FREE
This evening is sponsored by the
Canadian Consulate of Chicago and the Québec Delegation in
Chicago.
Haïti: Music, Dance and Food, March 17
6:30 P.M. FREE
Flavorful cuisine will be enjoyed along with the special sounds
and dances folkloriques of the Haïtian people. Join us for this
lively evening, sponsored by the Consulate General of the
Republic of Haïti in Chicago.
PRINTEMPS 2007
A table !
Switzerland: Music of the Northern Renaissance,
March 18
6:30 P.M. FREE
Switzerland presents the Ensemble Lucidarium, “De tout
mon couer je t’exalteray”.
This ensemble is an international group of musicians specializing
in medieval and Renaissance music. Each of their programs is
the fruit of intensive research and preparation and offers a
vivacious combination of voices and instruments in addition to
knowledge of musical style and historical background. Their
unique approach has received critical acclaim and presented
new perspectives in historical performance.
AllianceFrançaise
USA
CHICAGO
The Myriam Bransfield gourmet meals and interactive
demonstrations are one of our most popular offerings. Anyone
interested in learning the secrets of French and French-inspired
cuisine from the best chefs in Chicago should attend. French wine
and interesting conversation are always included. Reservations are
required and space is limited. Any cancellation not made 48 hours
prior will be subject to a $20 cancellation fee. No cancellations
with refund will be approved the day of the event.
Bill Kim, East Meets West
Executive Chef at Le Lan, FRENCH VIETNAMESE
Wednesday, March 28, 6:15 P.M.
AF Members: $50; non members: $60
Reservations required. Please call (312) 337-1070
“Le Lan”, LE is French for THE and
LAN is Vietnamese for ORCHID. This
beautifully thoughtful name depicts
the freshness and delicate balance
of eastern and western food and
culture blended together while still
maintaining their identities.
Please join us at the Holy Name Cathedral (entrance at North
State Street and Superior) for this special concert.
The Ensemble Lucidarium will also perform at: Mills Hall at
the UW–Madison School of Music in Madison, WI, on Tuesday,
March 13, at 7:30 p.m. (www.dcs.wisc.edu) and Fermilab at
Batavia, IL, on Saturday, March 17, at 8 p.m.
The Swiss contributions to the Semaine de la Francophonie
have been made possible in part by the Swiss Benevolent
Society of Chicago, the Swiss Club of Chicago, Holy Name
Cathedral, Chicago, the Service de la Francophonie of the
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Berne, Switzerland,
and the Consulate General of Switzerland.
France: Coloricocola — workshop & concert, March 25
1:00 – 1:45 P.M., workshop; 1:45 – 3:10 P.M., concert FREE
Brice Kapel presents an interactive story-telling concert in
French for children, young teenagers and their parents. Kapel’s
music has universal appeal, inspired by his Togolese and French
origins and his world travels. Language and differences are not
barriers in this interactive concert – they’re assets! Children will
write their own song in the pre-concert workshop and then
be able to sing their creations during the concert. Enter the
colorful and joyful world of Coloricocola!
This special program will be presented at the Chicago Cultural
Center and is sponsored by the French Consulate of Chicago.
Executive chef Bill Kim, former chefde-cuisine at Charlie Trotter’s and
sous-chef at Trio, combines archetypal
French techniques with traditional
pan-Asian fare, a wonderful mix of
new and classic dishes. Reinvigorating Le Lan’s menu, chef
Kim presents dishes like salmon wrapped in tofu skin served
with Chinese black beans and venison loin marinated in red
wine and Mirin before cooking. For the March 28 menu at the
Alliance, please visit our web site at www.af-chicago.org.
Damien Casten, the Language of French Wine
Sunday, April 15, 3:00 – 5:00 P.M.
AF members: $40; non members: $50
Reservations required, please call (312) 337-1070
Experience several French wines while you learn how to
describe them en français !
French vocabulary helpful in ordering, buying and simply
enjoying wine will be discussed. French cheese and bread will
also be served.
Damien Casten was bitten by the wine bug at Taillevent while
living in Paris as a twenty-two year old. At twenty-six, after
four years in the French corporate world and semi-professional
eating, he traded a suit and tie for a chef’s hat. After attending
the New England Culinary Institute he returned to Paris and
worked in kitchens for two years including the three starred
Michelin Lucas Carton.
Damien works with Candid Wines, a distribution and wine
events company that connects the people who grow and make
great wines with the people who love them. Their wines are
produced in small lots in vineyards farmed in a sustainable and
often organic manner. www.candidwines.com
AllianceFrançaise
USA
CHICAGO
PRINTEMPS 2007
A table !
Field Trips
Doran Payne
To enable the Alliance Française to reach out to more students,
Executive Chef, Rhapsody Restaurant
Wednesday, April 18, 6:15 P.M.
AF Members: $50; non members: $60
Reservations required. Please call (312) 337-1070
we offer a highly successful program of “Day Experiences at
the Alliance” open to all schools in the Chicago metropolitan
area. An entire French class may come to the Alliance for a
day of making crêpes, listening to rhythms from Paris to New
Chef Payne is a graduate
Orleans via Dakar, playing Djembe or watching hard-to-find
of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary
French movies or even taking a virtual tour of Paris in search
Academy in London and
of “The Holy Grail”.
served under Eric DeBlonde
at the Four Seasons Hotel
also in London. Following
his two year tenure, Doran
embarked on a training
tour of various five-star
hotels and gastronomic
restaurants
throughout
Europe. His tournant
included such prestigious
Each activity expresses aspects of French culture in entertaining,
establishments
Hôtel
participatory, and memorable ways. Students from middle
Le Royal in Luxembourg,
school, high school and the university level will leave with a
as
Auberge des Saints Pères in France, The Four Seasons Hotel
Berlin, among others. Additionally, he trained under the
guidance of Michel Del Burgo, Chef de Cuisine at Taillevent, a
three-starred Michelin restaurant in Paris.
newfound excitement for French culture and language!
For more details, contact Xavier Boillat at:
xboillat@af-chicago.org or (312) 337-1070.
We can also accommodate adult groups on request.
Hot Topics for this season:
Menu
Ahi Tuna Gravlax, Pineapple and Red Onion Relish,
Peppered Grapefruit Cocktail
Garvlax de thon Ahi, confit d’ananas et d’oignon rouge,
salade de pamplemousse au poivre
• Earth from Above — Through the photographers eyes, visit the
blue planet‘s beauties. They all have one common point… French.
• Les héros de la BD — Marvel’s Heroes en français — Discover
the best French speaking cartoons, comics and movies. From
Astérix to Titeuf or even the press cartoon from Africa shows
the diversity of the 9th Art.
• Short French Films Festival — Choose from an exclusive
Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Orange Polenta Cake,
Caramelized Guavas and Tamarind Gastrique
Filet mignon de porc, polenta à l’orange,
guavas caramelisées et tamarin
Kaffir Lime Red Fruit Minestrone
with Fresh Basil and Olive Oil Sorbet
Soupe au kaffir et aux fruits rouges,
au basilic frais et sorbet d’huile d’olive.
collection of award-winning films. We have a wide variety from
animation to drama to surprise you or make you laugh. Many
of these films have won awards around the world such as the
Oscars, la Palme d’Or (Cannes) or even the Césars.
Spring 2007
Session French classes
begins March 26
PRINTEMPS 2007
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally
The Alliance Française Educational Outreach: The Award Towards Excellence Scholarship Program
AllianceFrançaise
USA
CHICAGO
ideas. The popular goûter, French for snack, mixes bread with
chocolate; a strange idea until they discover what French
schoolchildren already know — it’s really good!
An all expense paid trip to France!
Each year, a selected group of students who have demonstrated
outstanding progress are awarded a two-week, all expense paid
scholarship trip to France accompanied by one of their Alliance
Française teachers. For many, this is their first trip out of the
country. In addition to the thrill of the trip, these students
also become aware that they must represent America while
in France. “Our students play a vital role as ambassadors from
France to their home school classmates as well as ambassadors
from the United States and Chicago to France” says Francine
Saltoun, Chair of the Alliance Française Educational Outreach
Committee that directs the program. The successes of all the
students will be celebrated during a special ceremony at the
Alliance Française on May 17, 2007.
Good ideas are easy to support
A partnership with Chicago Public Schools that
makes a positive difference in young people’s lives
This unique partnership, begun in 1998, offers selected students
from several Chicago Public Schools the opportunity to be part
of our after-school French immersion program. Our two-hour
classes, held twice a week at the Alliance, accomplish so much
more than just improving French language skills.
College and beyond…
How motivated are these students? After a full day of school,
these kids travel a half hour or more on public transportation,
whatever the weather, to participate in our program. Many
of them will be the first in their family to pursue a higher
education. And while the national average of graduating
seniors attending a university hovers around 35%, the nearly
100% college attendance rate of this group is something to be
very proud of.
Special guest speakers and excursions outside of our classroom
help put the French language into context. Last year’s afterhours trip to the Field Museum’s permanent exhibit on Senegal
and Africa vividly presented the cultural links between Africa
and America through the French language.
Without the support of the funds raised through the generosity
of individuals, corporate and foundation donors and the
fundraising efforts of the Woman’s Board of the Alliance
Française, we simply could not offer this highly-successful
program. We salute you!
Our educational outreach program continues to flourish with
an enthusiastic endorsement from the Chicago Public Schools.
Clare Muñana, Vice President of the Board of Education had
this to say, “The Alliance Française program in partnership with
the Chicago Public Schools is a stellar example of relationships
that helps bring the world, specifically France, its languages
and cultures to the students of the city. This is a wonderful
opportunity for our students to experience a deep and rich
curriculum and exposure to all aspects of French culture. It
is an integral part of their educational experience and adds
significantly to their development as true global citizens.”
To learn how you can help support this program, please call
Jack McCord, Executive Director of the Alliance Française, at
(312) 337-1070, ext. 103.
The realization that French is spoken by over 150 million people
in over 35 different countries gets them thinking! The learning
of another language is a bridge to thinking more globally and
working more effectively in our increasingly multicultural world.
Chocolate with bread?
An appreciation of cultural differences is another added benefit
of this program. Students from different schools, backgrounds
and neighborhoods befriend each other. Our instructors use
role-playing, movies, music, guest speakers, field trips and of
course, food to improve oral expression and introduce new
AllianceFrançaise
USA
CHICAGO
Ciné Club
The Alliance Française and IFP/Chicago’s Ciné Club present
monthly Wednesday screenings at the AF. Please enter at 54
West Chicago Avenue. All screenings are free for AF and IFP
members, non members are asked to contribute $5 unless
otherwise noted.
Nuit de la Pub Francophone
Friday, March 30, 7:00 P.M.
AF members: $10, non members: $15
Alliance Française auditorium, please enter at
54 West Chicago Avenue
Join us for Chicago’s second annual screening of the
international award winning advertising commercials
conceived and edited by Jean-Marie Boursicot, Paris, France.
Commercials are shown in their native languages along with
English subtitles. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and undoubtedly
have a great time! French wine will be served.
Wednesday, April 18, 7:30 P.M.
La Promesse, 1996, 93 min.,
In French with English and
Italian subtitles
Réalisateurs :
Luc & Jean-Pierre Dardenne
Post-film discussion in English
This film, which opened to critical
acclaim, revolves around a boy
(Jeremie Renier) and his single father
(Olivier Gourmet). They both appear
destined to a life of petty crime;
preying on recent immigrants. A sudden turn of events causes
the boy to examine his conscience. This film touches on many
timely issues such as immigration, cultural and racial bias and
bureaucratic injustices.
Wednesday, May 16, 7:30 P.M.
Coup de Torchon, 1981, 128 min.
Réalisateur : Bertrand Tavernier
Post-film discussion in English
This adaptation from Jim
Thompson’s pulp novel, Pop. 1280,
follows the travails of Lucien Cordier
(Philippe Noiret), chief of police in
1930 French West Africa (modernday Senegal).The Bourkassa setting,
where concepts of good and evil
have no meaning, creates an unsettling atmosphere, further
accentuated with Tavernier’s use of non-traditional camera
angles and disjointed movement.
PRINTEMPS 2007
Cine-Club Classic Series — occasional Saturday
screenings of your favorite classics.
Saturday, April 21, 1:00 P.M.
Playtime, 1967, 126 min.
In French with English subtitles
Réalisateur: Jacques Tati
Post-film discussion in English
“Playtime”, Jacques Tati’s fourth film,
examines the filmmaker’s fascination
with man’s place in a technological
and impersonal world. American
tourists, Mr. Hulot, and a host of other
bizarre characters move through Tati’s
elaborate, expensive set comprising a
modern-day airport, office building
and restaurant. Don’t miss this
sophisticated, comedic masterpiece.
Dedication that pays off…The Volunteer Program
at the Alliance Française
Not only is volunteering at the Alliance Française a great
way to meet and interact with other Francophone and
Francophile community members, your hours eventually
add up to free classes, and a free membership after one
year of continuous service.
This is what some of our volunteers have to say about their
AF volunteering:
Pat Bingue : Ce qui m’a beaucoup plu durant mon expérience
de bénévole est la rencontre des francophones et des gens
qui ont une affinité pour la culture francophone vivant à
Chicago. Cela a été une expérience très enrichissante.
Sarah Anzia: I always look forward to my evenings at the
Alliance Française because I enjoy being surrounded by lovers
of French language and culture like myself. The cooking
demonstrations, lectures, and special events attract people
of all ages and backgrounds, a formula for fascinating
interaction. The quality of the events, moreover, is superb.
The food, wine, culture, and conversation make my evenings
at the Alliance Française fun and fulfilling.
Apply now
You can download the pdf application form on our web site,
www.af-chicago.org or simply contact Ryan Bergschneider at
rbergschneider@af-chicago.org or call us at (312) 337-1070
PRINTEMPS 2007
New Conversation Group
Dernières nouvelles
Les Matinées Littéraires
(intermediate to advanced level) NEW
Gayle Tilles honored with
l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
Discuss French literature over coffee with our morning
group. Anyone interested can join and participants have the
opportunity to suggest titles. 10:30 a.m. in the lounge.
The French government recently
awarded the title Chevalier de l’Ordre
des Arts et des Lettres to Gayle Tilles,
member of the Alliance board of
directors and Woman’s Board and
program director of the Decorative
Arts Symposium and travel programs.
This prestigious award, given out
twice annually to only a few hundred
people worldwide, officially recognizes
Gayle’s significant contributions to furthering the arts of France
throughout the world. The ceremony on January 3 was marked
with speeches, toasts, and the presentation of the medal by
the French Consulate’s attachée culturelle adjointe, AnneEmmanuelle Grossi “to publicly recognize these remarkable
contributions, which have brought new and delightful
experiences to so many lovers of the arts.” Félicitations Gayle !
Friday, February 23; Les sirènes de Bagdad by Yasmina Khadra.
Friday, April 6; Le voyageur sur la terre by Julien Green.
Friday, May 18; L’avalée des avalés by Réjean Ducharme.
Café Conversation du mardi
(intermediate to advanced level)
We are always ready to welcome new members to this lively
conversation group. Topics vary from week to week. 4:00 to
5:00 in the Lounge
Tuesdays, March 6, 13, 20 & 27; April 3, 10, 17 & 24;
May 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29.
Café Conversation du mercredi
(beginner to intermediate level)
Join us in our Médiathèque from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and practice
speaking in a relaxed environment.
Wednesdays, March 7 & 21; April 11 and 25; May 9 & 23.
Café Théâtre (advanced level)
Join us in the salon from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for some lively
discussions accented with a taste of wine. Monday, March
5 & 19, Saul by A. Gide; Mondays April 2 & 16, La guerre de
Troie n’aura pas lieu by J. Giroudoux and Mondays May 7 & 21,
Partage de midi by P. Claudel.
Conversations de Midi:
The Jean Brown noontime lectures
Alliance Française members: FREE, non members: $5
Please enter at 54 West Chicago Avenue
Now you can join us for presentations on French language,
culture and current events on your lunch hour. This ongoing
series of talks at noon is generously sponsored by the Jean
Brown Lecture Fund.
Café Littérature (advanced level)
Tuesday, May 1 at noon
Join us in the library from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Gloria Groom on Cézanne to Picasso Ambroise Vollard,
Patron of the Avant-Garde
Monday, March 26, Le destin de louri Voronine by H. Jelenik;
April 23 & Tuesday, May 29, Les particules élémentaires by
M. Houellebecq.
Café Philosophique (advanced level)
Join Northwestern University professor, Souleymane Diagne,
who facilitates discussions suggested by the group. Please meet
in the lounge from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesdays, March 14, April 18, May 23.
Café Poésie (advanced level)
Read and discuss French poetry from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in our
Médiathèque. Wine will be served. Participants should obtain
two books to be used for the sessions: Histoires and Paroles by
Jacques Prévert.
Tuesday, March 6; Monday April 9; Monday May 14.
AllianceFrançaise
USA
CHICAGO
This exhibition will be on view at The Art Institute of Chicago
until May 17, 2007. One of the exhibition’s Chicago curators,
Gloria Groom, will speak about possibly the most influential
and charismatic art dealer ever to set foot in Paris. The
lavishly illustrated exhibition catalog will be on hand for sale
and signing.
Tuesday, May 22 at noon
Michael Loriaux on the 2007 French presidential election
Northwestern University’s Associate Professor of Political
Science, Michael Loriaux, will speak about the results and
possible ramifications of the recent French election. In addition
to his teaching at Northwestern, Professor Loriaux is actively
involved in the Interdisciplinary Program in Critical Theory and
the Paris Program in Critical Theory and has authored numerous
books and articles.
AllianceFrançaise
USA
CHICAGO
Médiathèque/Library
Monday – Thursday, 11:30 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Friday,11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
Saturday, 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Join the library e-mail list at library@af-chicago.org and find
out about new arrivals!
Thanks to our many patrons who contribute books and other
support to the library. We couldn’t do it without your generosity!
News:
Off the Shelf features recommended items that are newly
available for check-out from the library. Resources in French
and English are selected to appeal to differing tastes, ages, and
language proficiencies.
Les Sirènes de Bagdad
By Yasmina Khadra
Celebrated
author
Mohammed
Moulessehoul, a former officer in the
Algerian Army who adopted a woman’s
pseudonym in order to avoid military
censorship, evokes the difficulties of
dialogue between the Orient and the
Occident in his new novel. Les Sirènes
de Bagdad is the story of a young Iraqi
man in a small village near Baghdad,
who must watch as his father and
fellow villagers are humiliated by
American soldiers. Vowing to avenge
the mistreatment of his father, he leaves
to join the Resistance in Baghdad, where this lost and hurt young
man is soon recruited by a group of radical Muslims. A gripping
tale of the horrors that result from gross misunderstandings, Les
Sirènes is the third installment in a trilogy that addresses EastWest relations.
A Good Year
By Peter Mayle
Straight from the vineyards of the
sun-drenched Luberon region of
Provence comes Peter Mayle’s fifth
novel, A Good Year. Following a
ruined financial career in London,
Max Skinner receives a stroke
of good luck when he inherits
his uncle Henry’s vineyard and
estate in Provence. Although the
estate Le Griffon is in need of
repair and attention, its caretaker,
housekeeper, and a host of locals
help Max adjust to the slow, easy,
and delicious Provençal lifestyle.
This light-hearted read is for anyone interested in good food,
great wine, and Mayle’s much-loved region of Provence.
10
PRINTEMPS 2007
A Good Year
Réalisateur: Ridley Scott, 2006, 118 min.
Loosely base on Mayle’s
novel, director Ridley Scott’s
film version of A Good Year
beautifully
captures
the
beauty of the South of France.
Money-grubbing Max Skinner
(Russell Crowe) is a London
stockbroker,
who
moves
to Provence to inherit his
uncle Henry’s (Albert Finney)
chateau and vineyard, where
he spent much time as a young
boy. Cutthroat businessman
Max learns to adapt to the
laid-back Provençal lifestyle
as he renovates the house for
sale. Nominated for a Satellite Award for Best Cinematography,
A Good Year’s breathtaking scenery is a perfect backdrop for
Max’s romances in this lush region.
In English, French, and Russian.
Les Poupées russes/ The Russian Dolls
Réalisateur: Cédric Klapisch, 2005, 125 min.
Sequel to the award
winning film L’Auberge
espagnole and
nominated for three
C é s a r Aw a r d s , L e s
Poupées russes reunites
Xavier (Romain Duris),
Wendy (Kelly Reilly),
Martine (Audrey Tatou),
and William (Kevin
Bishop) five years after
their summer together
in Barcelona. Xavier
is no longer a student
but nor is he a fulfilled
adult as he bounces
from job to job as a
reporter, ghost writer,
and corny TV soap writer. His love life, too, is full of one-night
stands and incomplete romances. However, while he prepares
to reunite with his old friends from the Spanish apartment for
William’s wedding to his Russian ballerina fiancée (Evguenya
Obraztsova), Xavier begins to reevaluate his career and personal
life in order to reunite with the woman he really loves.
In French, English, Russian, Spanish, and Italian with
English subtitles.
PRINTEMPS 2007
Chez Kids Academy
AllianceFrançaise
USA
CHICAGO
Chez Kids Summer Camp
From June 18th to July 27th, 2007, Chez Kids Academy presents
its annual Summer Camp. Thanks to our team of dedicated
and experienced teachers, we’ll offer six weeks of discovery
through various entertaining workshops to develop your
&RENCH,ANGUAGEAND#ULTUREFOR9OUNG0EOPLE
children’s language and social skills, broaden their horizons,
make new friends and expose them to French: A Journey
into Art and Crafts, Song, Dance and Music, Games, Sports,
Culture, classes, clubs, camps and more…
Children from ages 1 through 15 learn basic French language
skills in their discovery of French culture. Many of our classes
have been prepared especially for our youngest students, like
the stimulating French Discovery Zone, where children learn
French words and expressions by playing games, listening to
music and enjoying healthy snacks! Another course teaches
youngsters French vocabulary and sentence construction
through the use of images, symbols and games. The emphasis
is placed on fluency through creativity.
Cooking and Field Trips… and much more, for children ages 6
to 13. All levels of French are welcome.
The camp is held in the Alliance Française de Chicago’s
classrooms, garden and the beach at Lake Michigan. For more
information, please call (312) 337-1070 ext. 116 and ask for
Philippe Schaller, our children’s center coordinator.
Snacks are prepared and served by teachers with the students’
active participation.
We also offer various clubs like the popular Ciné-Kids and
Ciné-Teens. Children take a two-hour journey through French
cinema as we present different categories of age-appropriate
movies featuring genres such as comedy, drama and cartoons.
These films are presented in French with English subtitles.
Please visit our website at www.af-chicago.org for the latest
offerings at Chez Kids Academy.
Youth Membership! This special category for those 17 and
under is just $40 and offers discounts on classes. Don’t forget to
ask about it when you register.
Family Cooking Class
One day workshop (2 hours) In English but in a
French environment
Saturday, March 3, 2:00 – 4:00 P.M.
All levels of French (and cooking skills) are welcome,
ages 7 – 10
Tuition: $45 parent, $30 for one child and $55 for
two siblings
What’s on the menu? French recipes that are easy and fun to
make, plus a delicious way to add some French culture and
language to your diet! Learn how tasty, simple and pleasant
French cooking can be, bring home samples, and be able to
recreate them in your kitchen at home. Children will make
crêpes for snacks while they’re also working on the main recipe.
All children must be accompanied by a parent. Bon appétit!
11
AllianceFrançaise
• Unless indicated otherwise, all programs take place at 54 West Chicago Avenue
• Programs are subject to change · for the latest information call (312) 337-1070
The success of the Alliance
Française cultural season is a
result of the generosity of its
donors. Merci beaucoup !
MARS
samedi 3
Family Cooking
lundi 5
Café Théâtre
mardi 6
Café Conversation
mercredi 7
Café Conversation
samedi 10
Festival Francophonie
lundi 12
Festival / Belgium
mardi 13
Festival / France
Café Conversation
mercredi 14
Festival/Romania
Café Philosophique
vendredi 16
Festival / Canada Québec
Samedi 17
Festival / Haïti
dimanche 18
Festival/Switzerland
lundi 19
Café Théâtre
mardi 20
Café Conversation
jeudi 12
Decorative Arts Symposium
mardi 8
Café Conversation
mercredi 21
Café Conversation
dimanche 15
Language of French Wine
mercredi 9
Café Conversation
dimanche 25
Festival / France
lundi 16
Café Théâtre
jeudi 10
Decorative Arts Symposium
lundi 26
Café Littérature
mardi 17
Café Conversation
lundi 14
Yasmina Khadra
mardi 27
Café Conversation
mercredi 18
Cooking Demo
Café Philosophique
Ciné Club
mardi 15
Café Conversation
mercredi 28
Cooking Demo
vendredi 30
Nuit de la pub
AVRIL
lundi 2
Café Théâtre
mardi 3
Café Conversation
vendredi 6
Les Matinées Littéraires
mardi 10
Café Conversation
mercredi 11
Decorative Arts Symposium
Café Conversation
samedi 21
Ciné Club
lundi 23
Café Littérature
mardi 24
Béatrice et Bénédicte
Café Conversation
mercredi 25
Café Conversation
MAI
mardi 1
Café Conversation
Conversation de midi
lundi 7
Café Théâtre
mercredi 16
Ciné Club
jeudi 17
Awards Ceremony
vendredi 18
Les Matinées Littéraires
lundi 21
Café Théâtre
mardi 22
Café Conversation
Conversation de midi
mardi 23
Café Conversation
Café Philosophique
mardi 29
Café Conversation
Café Littérature
Chicago, IL
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PAID
810 North Dearborn St · Chicago, IL 60610 / USA
AllianceFrançaise
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