Egyptomania Hits Seattle

To celebrate the widespread fascination of ancient Egypt, the following community organizations from around Puget Sound are presenting Egypt-related programs this fall. Be sure to visit one or all of these exciting events!

Ancient Egypt Studies Association

Lecture Series
www.teleport.com/~jsarr/aesa.html
Seattle Art Museum, Nordstrom Lecture Hall
Dr. Paul LeRoy, professor emeritus of Central Washington University, presents this series of three lectures on ancient Egypt. Mummies
Saturday, October 31, 3 pm
This lecture will examine how and why the ancient Egyptians practiced mummification and how it related to their belief in the afterlife.

The Wonders of Ancient Egypt
Sunday, November 1, 3 pm
Explore the geography, cultural achievements, and religion of ancient Egypt, in this overview lecture.

The True Pyramid Complex
Saturday, December 5, 3 pm
Why did the ancient Egyptians build pyramids? Dr. LeRoy will discuss the sites, function, and evolution of pyramids.

Tickets: Series of three lectures $12 SAM and AESA members; $15 nonmembers. Individual lecture tickets: $5 SAM and AESA members; $6 nonmembers. Call (206) 654-3121.

Understanding the Mystery of Egyptian Hieroglyphs
Saturday, November 7, 3 pm
Seattle Art Museum,Nordstrom Lecture Hall
Learn the secrets of those cryptic pictures that cover the walls of temples and tombs throughout Egypt. Behind the pictures of animals, gods, and other symbols is a sophisticated writing system that served the needs of one of the ancient world's most advanced civilizations. Lecturer, John Sarr is the director of the Ancient Egypt Studies Association, and member of the International Association of Egyptologists. Tickets: $6 SAM and AESA members; $7 nonmembers.

Introduction to Egyptian Hieroglyphs Workshop
Saturday, January 2, 10 am - 5 pm
Seattle Art Museum, Simons Board Room
Have you ever wondered what all those images on the walls of Egyptian tombs and temples mean? Or how to read the signs on coffins? John Sarr, director of the Ancient Egypt Studies Association, and member of the International Association of Egyptologists will provide you with a basic understanding of the principles of the Egyptian hieroglyphic writing system. You will learn, among other things, to write your own name in hieroglyphs, read the names of pharaohs, and recognize simple funerary formulas. Enrollment limited to 25. Registration deadline: December 15. Tickets: $50 SAM and AESA member; $70 general public.

The Children’s Museum

Exhibition and Adventure
www.thechildrensmuseum.org

Earth 2U, Exploring Geography
October 17 – March 21
What is geography and how does it affect civilizations such as Egypt? Exhibition mascot Seymour D. Earth guides you through all of the various ways geography shapes our lives – from landscapes and landshapes to everyday things. Tickets: Free with museum admission. Call (206) 441-1768.

Archaeological Adventure!
Saturdays, October 24 and November 7, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Guided by an interpretive drama team, you’ll become an archaeologist and participate in an interactive role-playing program as you search for clues to unlock the mysteries of the past. Appropriate for youth ages 4 and up with their families. Tickets: Free with museum admission. Drop – in. Call (206) 441-1768.

James W. Washington, Jr. and Janie Rogella Washington Foundation

Squirrel Confined in the Cosmic Cycle of Time
Sunday, December 6, 1998, 3 pm
Seattle Art Museum Nordstrom Lecture Hall
Dr. Washington will talk about his sculpture and its connection with the ankh, the ancient Egyptian symbol of life. Dr. Washington's work is on view at the Seattle Art Museum's Rental/Sales Gallery from November 12 through December 12, 1998. Tikets: admission to the lecture is free with admission.

Middle East Arts International presents a 5 day celebration featuring Hossam Ramzy and Serena Ramzy

"The Stars of Egypt" Video-Lecture
Thursday, November 5, 7 pm
Seattle Art Museum Nordstrom Lecture Hall
Internationally renowned Egyptian composer and percussionist Hossam Ramzy traces the history of Middle Eastern dance in Egypt through film excerpts of its legendary stars of stage and screen.
Tickets: $10. Call (206) 654-3121.

Splendors of Egypt… Treasures of Music & Dance
Friday, November 6, 8 pm
Seattle Art Museum Plestcheef Auditorium
Don’t miss this rare and exciting opportunity to enjoy a Middle Eastern dance and music concert featuring internationally renowned Egyptian composer and percussionist, Hossam Ramzy, and artist Serena Ramzy in a spectacular Middle Eastern dance performances. This event is part of a five day celebration including weekend long dance and percussion workshops, and video lecture.
Tickets: $20 in advance; $22 at the door. Call (206) 654-3121.

Middle Eastern Dance Workshop
Saturday and Sunday, November 7 - 8, 9 am – 5 pm
Mountaineer’s Club, 300 W 3^rd
Hossam and Serena Ramzy teach this series of six 2 hour workshops that focus on how to listen to, understand and interpret Egyptian music through dance.
Tickets: For ticket prices and information call (206) 781-4244 or (206) 784-1532 or (206) 248-9050.

Middle Eastern Drum Techniques
Saturday, November 7, 7 – 10 pm
John’s Music Center, 4501 Interlake N
www.johnsmusic.com/drums
World-renowned percussionist Hossam Ramzy shares his mastery of Middle Eastern rhythms.
Tickets: For ticket prices and information call (206) 781-4244 or (206) 784-1532 or (206) 248-9050.

Welcoming Reception
Sunday, November 8, 7 – 10 pm
Caspian Grill, 5517 University Way NE
A celebration for honored guests Hossam and Serena Ramzy, featuring exquisite Persian cuisine, live Persian popular music by David Saee, and spectacular Middle Eastern dancing by Aziza of Portland.
Tickets: $5 cover, reservations required. Call (206) 524-3434.

Meet the Artist
Monday, November 9, 4 – 6 pm
John’s Music Center, 4501 Interlake N
www.johnsmusic.com/drums
A CD signing with Hossam Ramzy.
For information call (206) 781-4244 or (206) 784-1532 or (206) 248-9050.

Seattle Children’s Theatre

Drama Workshops
www.sct.org

Egypt: Gift of the Nile Dramashops
Can you walk like an Egyptian? These one-hour, interactive drama workshop explore the themes, ideas and characters of the Egypt: Gift of the Nile exhibit. Students actively explore the daily life of an Egyptian through dramatic exercises employing their voice, body and imagination. Appropriate for students in preschool through 12^th grade and are available for groups of up to 35 students per session. Call Chris Drajem, Dramashop Coordinator at (206) 443-0807 for scheduling a workshop and information.

Seattle Opera

Lecture
www.seattleopera.org

Opera on the Nile: Magic Flutes, Elephants, and Love Triangles
Saturday, October 24, 2 pm and Saturday, December 12, 2 pm
Seattle Art Museum Plestcheeff Auditorium
Perry Lorenzo, director of education at Seattle Opera leads an exploration of exoticism in romantic opera, using musical and visual illustrations. Tickets: $7 for SAM members/Opera subscribers and $10 for nonmembers. Call 654-3121.

Seattle Public Library

Lecture
www.spl.lib.wa.us
Check out the library's fascinating and extensive book list on Ancient Egypt

Discovering Egypt
Saturday, November 14, 12 - 1:30 pm, Central Library
Stan Shiebert, Librarian, Fine and Performing Arts Department, Seattle Public Library, leads this book talk on the many resources on Egypt.Free. Call (206) 386-4636 for more information.

Woodland Park Zoo

Family Event
www.zoo.org

Lions, and Hippos, and Sphinxes, Oh My!
Take a trip along the Nile at the zoo and learn all about the animals that make their home there. Then discover the same creatures in ancient Egyptian art at the Seattle Art Museum. Create an Egyptian diorama complete with animals and animorphs!

For 3- to 5-year-olds with an adult:

• Saturday, October 31, 10–11:30 am, Woodland Park Zoo
• Saturday, November 7, 10–11:30 am, Seattle Art Museum, Knudsen Educational Resource Room, Third Floor

For 6- to 8-year-olds with an adult:

• Sunday, November 1, 12–1:30 pm, Woodland Park Zoo
• Sunday, November 8, 12–1:30 pm, Seattle Art Museum, Knudsen Educational Resource Room, Third Floor

Tickets: $30 adult/child pair, $5 each additional family member, SAM or WPZ members, $45 adult/child pair, $10 each additional family member, nonmembers. Call (206) 684-4841.