Debbie Croft: Stories will take center stage – in one form or another

Untold stories begging to be written and timeless tales from centuries ago will be featured in during the next couple months.

In the foothills communities of Mariposa, Sonora and Columbia, fact and fiction merge in print and on stage. Perhaps one of the following events will be of interest:

▪ The Mariposa County Arts Council will offer a short story writing workshop, led by California author C.B. Mosher, starting on Sept. 9. The six-week course is open to writers of every skill level. The only requirements are a desire to write and enthusiasm for learning.

Mosher has traveled extensively, residing in South America, New York, the American Midwest, Georgia, Los Angeles and the Sierra Nevada. Mosher has been a guest presenter with the council in the past. He has published several stories, scientific articles, textbook chapters, a couple books, and writes a regular newspaper column.

The workshop will run through Oct. 14, at the arts council’s Treetop Gallery every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. Contact the arts council office office at 209-966-3155 or friedland@mariposaartscouncil.org before Sept. 2.

▪ LothLorien Stewart is a metalsmith and artisan living near Yosemite National Park whose custom jewelry is known as Mostly Sweet.

She will present a two-part workshop next month for those interested in crafting jewelry from copper metal clay. On Sept. 15 and 22, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., join Stewart and others in this fascinating work. In session one, participants will learn the basics of shaping and refining metal clay before firing. And in session two, the artwork will be polished into finished jewelry pieces.

This workshop is a fundraiser to support the Artists in the Schools Program. For details and registration information, visit the arts council’s Adult Workshops page under Classes/Arts Education: www.mariposaartscouncil.org.

▪ The arts council is also pleased to announce a new program: the Mariposa Theatre Alliance. Council Executive Director Cara Goger is thrilled for the opportunity to bring together talented and accomplished individuals to offer the community not only a richer theater experience but also theater education.

Co-founder Fred Friedland had discussed the possibility of an alliance with Aaron Marcus, Richard Hoffman, Bryan Starchman and Connie and Lee Stetson. They are very pleased to now become part of arts council’s programs. The alliance is currently working on “Elephant Man” for October.

For more information about the group’s upcoming productions, visit www.mariposaartscouncil.org or call 209-966-3155.

▪ The Sonora Writers Group will host its third annual Tuolumne Writers Retreat, Sept. 25-27, in Columbia State Historic Park. Some activities are free and open to the public.

Saturday’s workshops will include the following authors/presenters: Dimitri Keriotis, Joy Willow, Antoinette May, Sarah Luck Pearson, Monika Rose, Jim Fletcher and Scott Thomas Anderson.

A book fair (with authors on hand for book signings), readings and performances, plus more are scheduled throughout the weekend. Details regarding registration, cost, class schedules and instructors’ biographies can be found at www.sonorawriters.org; or call 209-288-9950 or 209-743-8097.

▪ Sierra Repertory Theatre presents “Macbeth” for only a few short weeks. Shakespeare’s shortest literary work will run from through Sept. 13 at the East Sonora Theatre.

The story chronicles the life of a courageous Scottish general who receives a prophecy that one day he will become king. While consumed by ambition, and encouraged by Lady Macbeth, his journey leads on a dark, destructive road to pride, guilt, insanity and death.

Charles Pasternak plays the role of Macbeth. He is the co-founder and artistic director of a Los Angeles theater specializing in Shakespeare. And Sierra Repertory introduces Emelie O’Hara, starring as Lady Macbeth in her first role on the foothills stage.

Special effects provide texture and generate eeriness: hoofbeats, thunder, gusts of wind and shadowy fog surrounding an elaborate medieval castle with secret rooms and passageways.

“Shakespeare’s original language will also contribute to the mood,” says Dennis Jones, producing director.

“You can follow the plot and understand the characters’ motivations,” he says. “That’s what makes Shakespeare so fabulous. He had remarkable insight into the human character. He understood what motivated them, what they cared about.”

“Macbeth” runs through Sept. 13 with performances Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m.; some Thursdays at 2 p.m. and some Thursdays at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $28 to $35, with senior and student discounts available. For general admission tickets and information, visit www.sierrarep.org or call 209-532-3120.

This story was originally published August 20, 2015 at 5:37 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: Stories will take center stage – in one form or another."