Haggis on Hollywood

If you have taken in the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts’ spring quarter Focus on Film, you have seen one work by Paul Haggis and two others that influenced him. Now you can hear from Haggis himself, when he gives the last talk in the Mondavi Center’s 2008-09 Distinguished Speakers Series.

The address by the writer, director and producer is set for 8 p.m. May 11 in Jackson Hall. The title is “From Crash to The Valley of Elah: The Art and Craft of Hollywood.”

Haggis won the 2004 Oscar for best original screenplay for Crash and was nominated for the 2005 Oscar for best adaptation for Million Dollar Baby.

The Mondavi Center opened its spring quarter Focus on Film with Haggis’ In the Valley of Elah, and followed with these two Haggis picks: Rashomon (1950), directed by Akira Kurosawa; and Breathless (1960), directed by Jean Luc Godard.

Haggis also picked the final film in the series: Dog Day Afternoon, to be presented at 6:30 p.m. May 18 in the Studio Theatre. The 1975 film, directed by Sidney Lumet, is rated R and runs 124 minutes. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and children. A reception follows the film.

UC Davis music makers

Four UC Davis music groups are rehearsing for their final concerts of 2008-09. Program information was not available by press time.

Baroque Ensemble — 7 p.m. May 15, Studio Theatre, Mondavi Center.

Gospel Choir — Alumni Reunion Concert. 7 p.m. May 16, Freeborn Hall.

Early Music Ensemble — 3 p.m. May 17, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 640 Hawthorne Lane, Davis. (The starting time is different than previously announced.)

Jazz Band (Wednesday Night Big Band) — 7 p.m. May 20, Studio Theatre, Mondavi Center.

Tickets for the Baroque Ensemble and Jazz Band are available through the Mondavi Center box office: (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787, or www.mondavi.arts.org. Tickets for the Gospel Choir are available at the Freeborn Hall box office: (530) 752-1915. Admission to the Early Music Ensemble concert is by suggested donation at the door.