The Power of Theater: Fall Term of The Masters Series

The fall term of The Masters Series presented by the Pasadena Senior Center will be virtual via Zoom Tuesdays, Sept. 22, to Oct. 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. and will be titled The Power of Theater.

The four sessions of The Masters Series, which embraces lifelong learning, will explore topics from adaptations and playwrights to Greek origins, socially relevant musicals and plays based on fact.

Beverly Olevin, director, playwright, teacher and award-winning novelist, will present the weekly, interactive classes which will include scenes from plays that explore the conflicts, joys and journeys of our lives and reveal what makes us laugh, touches our hearts and helps us live richer lives.

• Sept. 22: Novels Turned Into Stage Plays – A great novel does not necessarily make a great play. They are two very different art forms. Explore examples of successful adaptations from novel to screen, including “Crime and Punishment,” “Moby Dick,” “Lord of the Flies” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
• Sept. 29: The Works of Our Best Playwrights – Olevin will discuss plays by Tom Stoppard, Peter Shaffer, Lin Manual Miranda, August Wilson, Eugene O’Neil and William Shakespeare.
• Oct. 6: Spectacle! – Theater from Greek origins to today’s socially relevant musicals will be examined.
• Oct. 13: Plays That Bring Famous People to Life – Explore plays that transform true events into intellectually exciting theater.

The cost for the full series of four presentations is $50 for members of the Pasadena Senior Center and $60 for non-members. This online series is not available for payment for individual sessions.

To register for the fall term of The Masters Series or for more information visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org and click on Online Classes, call 626-795-4331 or email AnnieL@pasadenaseniorcenter.org. Everyone who registers will receive email instructions for joining each week’s Zoom class online.

For more information about other Pasadena Senior Center programs and services, including online options for classes, events and activities during the COVID-19 crisis, visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org or call 626-795-4331.

The center, at 85 E. Holly St., is an independent, donor-supported nonprofit organization that has been deemed an essential service provider for older adults, so its doors are open five days a week for social services and other assistance to older adults in need. Hours during this period are Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.