Southern Progressives

Moving to the left one post at a time

National News:

Israeli forces cut off north Gaza as Palestinian death toll from monthlong war passes 10,000

Troops are expected to enter the city and are likely to face militants fighting street by street using a vast network of tunnels. Casualties will likely rise on both sides in the month-old war.

apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-6-2023-51286d15dddd77ae0dd7ea76ee52bc71

Mississippi has a history of voter suppression. Many see signs of change as Black voters reengage

Mississippi's long history of voter suppression has created widespread voter fatigue among Black residents in a state where they account for nearly 40% of the population.

apnews.com/article/black-voters-mississippi-suppression-election-2023-90e2b6df8e3f0f2ed4141830fa1ee8f6

State News:

Local News:

Athens Community Theatre (ACT) has announced auditions for the Rogers & Hammerstein musical “The Sound of Music” will be held on Sunday and Monday, Nov. 12 and 13, at The Arts Center.

Sunday’s audition is at 4 p.m. and Monday’s audition is at 6:30 p.m. Show dates for “The Sound of Music” are Feb. 15-25, 2024.

Director Melonie Carideo and music director Ellen Kimball encourage all community members to audition for this multigenerational musical. This show requires a cast of actors, dancers and singers (ages eight through adult) of a variety of genders and backgrounds. Auditioners should come prepared to sing a solo and perform choreographed movement. Bring a change of shoes if necessary. Anyone who wants to help with the production in any capacity should attend auditions.

According to a news release, “’The Sound of Music’ is set in Salzburg, Austria, in 1938, on the eve of the Anschluss. A Roman Catholic postulate, Maria, is sent to serve as governess to the seven children of a former naval officer, Captain Georg von Trapp. When Maria discovers the children are treated like a ship’s crew (complete with a whistle of all things), she sets out to help them — and The Captain — experience joy and music. The children thrive under her care, while a quiet attraction blooms between the staid Captain and the free-spirited Maria. Though the children are happily learning music and puppetry, the adults must choose between appeasing Nazis or staying loyal to Austria.”

All Athens Community Theatre productions take place in the Sue E. Trotter Black Box Theater at The Arts Center or in the newly-renovated Peggy Dow Performance Center at The Arts Center. Prices for ACT tickets range from $15 to $20. Patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets early as ACT shows tend to sell out on or before the show date.

All AACA programs are supported by premiere sponsors Edward Jones of Athens, Tennessee Valley Authority, Willsonthropic, Inc. and Mintie C. Willson, and Wolfenden Family Pharmacies. Additional support comes from presenting sponsors: Friendly City Festivals and Muddy Waters Two Wine and Spirits. All other sponsors are recognized on AACA’s website.

More information about AACA programs is available at athensartscouncil.org or over the phone at 423-745-8781.

Staff is available via phone or in person at The Arts Center. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Arts Center is located at 320 North White Street in Athens.

The Arts: