Events in the coming week that piqued our interest
Students at the College of Charleston present "The Vagina Monologues," a play by Eve Ensler that dives into the mystery, humor, pain, power, wisdom, outrage and excitement buried in women's experiences. The production is part of a global movement called V-Day, which aims to end violence against women and girls by raising funds and awareness. Last year, C of C raised nearly $10,000 for People Against Rape. This year's performances will benefit PAR and the Center for Women. 7 p.m. Thursday and Feb. 12, plus a special midnight showing Feb. 12, at Physicians Auditorium at C of C. Tickets are $20 and $10 for C of C faculty, staff and students. They are available at Caviar & Bananas (51 George St.) and City Lights Coffee (141 Market St.) Visit www.cofcvday.blogspot.com.
The Save the Light Half-Marathon and 5K to support the preservation of the Morris Island lighthouse starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday near the Folly Beach fishing pier. Cost: $40 for half-marathon and $25 for 5K. The race is a USATF-certified event. Call 795-8243 or visit www.actioncarolina.com/stl.html.
To celebrate Black History Month, Drayton Hall will feature its Connections: From Africa to America interactive presentation. Available three times daily, the program traces the journey of enslaved Africans to the New World and through slavery and emancipation. In addition, house tours through the month of February will include an emphasis on the plantation's African-American history. Also this month, Drayton Hall's "Family Fun" First Saturday Programs begin with "A Day in the Life of a Colonial Plantation," which will include interactive activities, such as using musical instruments with African traditions. 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday. Visit www.draytonhall.org or call 769-2603.
The city of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs presents "The Chittlin Circuit Review" featuring oil paintings by Washington, D.C., artist Rik Freeman at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park through Feb. 28. The exhibit features 25 paintings that follow the history of blues through cotton fields, juke joints, railroads and blues clubs throughout the American South and reaching northward into urban areas. Freeman's work includes vivid characters as they travel the "Chittlin Circuit," a term used to specify where black entertainers could perform during segregation. Admission is free. 34 Prioleau St. Call 958-6484 or www.charlestonarts.sc.
An exhibit featuring the photographs of South Carolina boys and girls who need adoptive parents will run through April 30 at Roper Hospital, 316 Calhoun St. More than 1,600 foster children in S.C. are waiting for adoption as a result of their biological families relinquishing or losing the right to care for them. The photographs in the South Carolina Heart Gallery work on an individual level to connect children with prospective parents while also elevating public awareness about an otherwise hidden need, inspiring viewers to consider how they can help even if they cannot adopt. The Heart Gallery is a collaborative program of the S.C. Department of Social Services and the Children's Foster Care Review Board, under the Office of the Governor. DSS can provide interested families with support and training, and unlike many private adoptions, there are no fees. Adoptive parents can be male or female, married or single. Visit www.scheartgallery.org or call 803-734-2595.
