All Events
Cup of Culture
The Search for General Tso
MCC THEATER
Who was General Tso and why are we eating his chicken? This mouthwatering film travels the globe to unravel a captivating culinary mystery: the origins and ubiquity of Chinese-American food – in particular, an iconic sweet and spicy chicken dish. Told with the verve of a good detective story, Ian Cheney’s entertaining 2014 documentary is as much about the immigrant experience as it is about food. (71 min, English, 2014)
Art Exhibit
Salma Arastu: Songs of the Soul (Exhibit)
MCC LOUNGE
A native of India, Salma Arastu has been exhibiting her work internationally since 1974. Distinguished by an elegant and continuous lyrical line, her work speaks of human universalities. Born into the Hindu tradition, Arastu later embraced Islam; both world views inform her work. At birth, she was given the challenge of a left hand without fingers; she has transcended barriers of religion, culture, and limiting perceptions of handicaps. Arastu came to the U.S. in 1987 and currently lives in Berkeley.
There will be an opening reception on Tuesday, October 20th at 6pm in the MCC Lounge. FREE FOOD!
Cup of Culture
Shake the Dust
MCC Theater
From executive producer and rapper Nasir “Nas” Jones and director Adam Sjöberg, Shake the Dust chronicles the influence of breakdancing, exploring how it strikes a resonant chord in the slums, favelas and ghettos of the world and far beyond. Showcasing some of the most jaw-dropping breakdancing moves ever committed to film, Shake the Dust is an inspiring tribute to the uplifting power of music and movement. Associate Professor of English, Stephanie Batiste, will lead a post-film discussion. UCSBreakin’ dance group will perform following the film. (84 min, English, 2015)
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXaLLP6GJx4
The MCC in Santa Barbara
An Evening of Spoken Word: Bex Kwan
Coffee Cat, 1201 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara
Bex Kwan is a queer/trans chinese-singaporean multimedia artist who works in words, food, installation, image, and movement. Their creative practice asks questions about family, faith, domestic labor, race, migration, and tenderness. Bex uses performance as an intervention on political and personal complicity, creating gentle moments where people direct their attention inward and consider the heaviness that they have been trying not to carry. Bex has been invited to present at theaters/galleries/universities in Singapore and the US, and is based out of Brooklyn, New York.
