newsletter in pdf - Alliance Française de Chicago

AllianceFrançaise
Chicago’s French cultural and learning center
dedicated to the study of French language and cultural exchange between Americans and French speaking peoples
Activités culturelles
La fête de la musique
Chanson Très Cool
An exclusive evening with French singer and
songwriter Keren Ann
Wednesday, June 22, 6:30 p.m.
Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, 33 E. Chestnut
Admission:$15. Reservations required!
Call (312) 337-1070
Join us at the Sofitel Water Tower’s Paris Ballroom and
celebrate la musique with cocktails, hors d’œuvres and
a concert by one of the leading singer/songwriters on
the contemporary French music scene, Keren Ann.
Keren worked with Benjamin Biolay on her wellreceived first album, La Biographie de Luka Philipsen.
The 2004 release
of Not Going
Anywhere (Blue
Note) debuted
h e r w h i s p e r y,
delicate, almost
fragile voice and
poetic lyrics in
the United States.
The album earned
her comparisons
to Joni Mitchell, Astrud Gilberto and Nick Drake
along with a nomination for Best Female Artist
of 2004 at the Victoires de la musique awards. Her
recent release Nolita (Metro Blue/Blue Note) is a
collection of intimate ballads sung in both French
and English. According to the New Yorker magazine,
“If Not Going Anywhere’ is the perfect day, Nolita is
that day remembered at night from far away; details
distended by wine and selective memory.”
A reception, cash bar, CD sales, and signing will
immediately follow the performance. A percentage
of each CD sale will benefit the Alliance Française.
Decorative Arts Symposium
Marie-Antoinette, Queen of France and
Patron of the Arts
Aileen Ribeiro
Wednesday, May 25, 11:30 a.m.
Call to reserve (312) 337-1070 – Space is Limited!
Final Lecture in the Series
Aileen Ribeiro, preceded by speakers Alain Gruber and
Danielle Kisluk-Grosheide, will complete our portrait
of Marie Antoinette. Ms Ribeiro is a preeminent
fashion historian from the Courtauld Institute of Art,
London and will examine the role played by Marie
Antoinette as one of fashion’s earliest arbiters of
taste and style. This Queen of France made fashion
a key element in late 18th-Century France, in styles
ranging from extravagant court costume to the
pastoral simplicity of informal dress. Signed copies of
Dress in Eighteenth Century Europe 1715-1789 will be
available following the lecture.
Aileen Ribeiro lecture Registration
Information:
You may purchase either a Patron ($125) or a
Regular ($45) ticket for this event.
Both tickets include a coffee gathering at
11:00 a.m. and the lecture at 11:30 a.m.
Patron tickets also include a lunch with the
speaker following the lecture at 12:30 p.m. and
a tax deductible contribution to the Alliance.
In conjunction with
the Symposium, the
Newberr y Librar y
will present “The
Many Faces of Marie
Antoinette,” a special
display of rare books
and pamphlets from its
collections, June 4 to
July 16 at the Newberry,
Library, 60 West Walton
Street, Chicago.
Sotheby’s is the lead corporate sponsor of the 2005 Decorative Arts Symposium.
810 North Dearborn Street · Chicago, IL 60610 / USA · tel: (312) 337-1070 · fax: (312) 337-3019 · www.afchicago.com
MAY/JUNE 2005
USA
CHICAGO
AllianceFrançaise
USA
CHICAGO
Activités culturelles
Gourmet Dinner, Drinks, and Demonstration
Ravinia Plays at the Alliance
Myriam Bransfield French Culinary Experiences
Thursday, May 12, 6:00 p.m.
Alliance members, $10, non-members, $12
Call to reserve (312) 337-1070– Space is limited!
This is a Jean Brown Program
If you’re interested in learning the secrets of French cuisine,
this promises to be the perfect evening! Several times a
year the Alliance Française features an interactive cooking
demonstration by Chefs from some of the best French
restaurants in the Chicago area. Guests learn how to prepare a
three-course meal, in English, in our state-of-the-art kitchen, in
an intimate setting (maximum capacity is 24). Of course, French
wine and interesting conversations are always included. Once
each course is prepared every guest is welcome to enjoy the
chef’s creations.
There’s no need to pack a picnic for this special Ravinia event.
Welz Kauffman, the innovative president and CEO of the Ravinia
Festival, the oldest music festival in North America, will perform
at the Alliance Française. After studying music at Tanglewood
and Occidental College, Kauffman began his career as an arts
administrator at the Los Angeles Philharmonic and subsequently
moved on to such organizations as the Atlanta Symphony
Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the New York
Philharmonic in 1995. He will provide piano accompaniment
for the award-winning baritone, Stephen Salters, who will sing
songs inspired by Don Quixote, as well as Ravel and Ibert. A
celebrated recitalist, Salters has thrilled and engaged audiences
all over the world and was a National Winner of the prestigious
Leontyne Price Vocal Arts Competition. The performance will
be followed by a light reception and some lively conversation.
Please join us for Ravinia at its most intimate.
Fête du 14 juillet
Thursday, July 14, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Alliance members, $15, non-members, $20
Call to reserve (312) 337-1070
Join the Alliance
Française as we celebrate
Bastille Day with an
assortment of French
culinary specialties, wine,
and the amazing music
of Gypsy Jazz ensemble,
Alfonso Ponticelli
and Swing Gitan. This
group recently returned
from triumphant
performances in Paris
and at the 25th Django
Reinhardt
Festival
in Samois-sur-Seine,
France. They also had
the honor of performing at the opening night festivities for
Chicago’s Millennium Park. Our special buffet will be set in the
salon of our Chicago Avenue building, the music of Swing Gitan
will flow out of our garden patio, and the beautiful sound of
the French language will be heard everywhere. Join us for this
much anticipated summer celebration!
MAI – JUIN 2005
Please note that all cancellations not made at least 48 hours
prior to the demonstration will be subject to a $15 cancellation
fee. We do not accept cancellations the day of the program.
Bistrot Margot
Wednesday, May 11 / 6:00 p.m.
Alliance members: $45; non-members: $55
Call to reserve (312) 337-1070– Space is limited!
Please join Bistrot Margot Chef de Cuisine,
Chef Gaytan for this special evening of
classic French Bistrot fare, French wine,
and instruction. Chef Gaytan has worked
with renowned French Chef Dominique
Tougne and participated in events such as
the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs,
the Moët et Chandon Brunch, and most
recently a special dinner given in honor
of Chef Jacques Pépin. Bistrot Margot is
known for dishes like coq au vin, steak
frites, escargots in garlic butter, and amazing profiteroles all
served in a casual yet elegant manner. According to Bon Appetit
magazine, “Guests are transported to Paris at Bistrot Margot”.
Menu
Stuffed artichoke with Brie cheese fondue
and toasted hazelnuts
Artichaud farci au Brie fondu et aux noisettes grillées
Braised short ribs, mousseline potato
and candied tomatoes
Côtes braisées, mousseline et pommes
aux tomates caramélisées
Apple beignet with vanilla ice cream
and caramel sauce
Beignet de pomme et glace vanille
MAI – JUIN 2005
Gourmet Luncheon and Demonstration
Joel Cooper of the Palmer House Hilton
Thursday, June 9 / noon
Members: $35; non-members: $45
Call to reserve (312) 337-1070 – Space is Limited!
Our evening cooking demonstrations have been so popular we
thought we would try something similar à midi. For our first
luncheon demonstration we’ve invited back Chef Joel Cooper
who has been creating in the kitchen since the age of 15.
Chef Cooper has worked in a variety of fine restaurants and
opened SWK here in Chicago in 2003. He has recently taken
the Executive Sous Chef position at the Palmer House Hilton.
Please join us for a delightful afternoon with this talented and
wonderfully personable chef.
Menu
Shaved farmers market vegetables, baby lettuce,
truffled sherry vinaigrette
Emmincé de légumes de saison, laitue,
vinaigrette de Xéres truffé
Pan seared fillet of wild salmon, Michigan morels,
wild ramps, crawfish, pea tendrils, pea purée
Filet de saumon à la poêle, morilles du Michigan,
oignons sauvages, écrevisses, pois et purée de pois.
Summer “Fruit Salad”,
marscarpone ice cream, pirouette cookie
Salade de fruits d’été, glace au mascarpone,
cookie “pirouette”
Buffet en Fête: Cooking Lessons!
One day workshop (2.5 hours). In English.
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. / Saturday May 14
Tuition: $55 members, $65 non-members, $15 lab fee
Madelaine Bullwinkel
Madelaine teaches French cooking techniques at Chez
Madelaine Cooking School, now in its 27th year, in Hinsdale,
Illinois. She interprets classic French cuisine and instills every
student with an understanding of the basics and a confidence
to bring the techniques home to their own kitchens. Each
two-hour interactive class is followed by thirty minutes of
informal dining. Students have a choice from three different
delicious deserts!
060c CONFITURE ET DESSERT (Saturday, May 14):
Featuring strawberry and rhubarb jams and desserts from newly
published Gourmet Preserves Chez Madelaine. An autographed
copy of this cookbook is included in the price of the class.
SUPPORT THE ALLIANCE
AllianceFrançaise
USA
CHICAGO
We encourage you to consider a gift to help sustain the services
that you most enjoy — whether that is the sponsorship of a
cultural event, new acquisitions for the library or resources for
our teachers. A gift to the Annual Fund provides the Alliance
Française with critical general operating support that our
school, library and cultural arts programs depend on. As a notfor-profit cultural and educational center, more than 40% of
the Alliance’s annual budget must be secured from private
contributions. We gratefully acknowledge our donors for their
loyal generosity and look forward to their continued involvement
and interest in all that the Alliance is accomplishing. If you would like additional information on giving opportunities,
please contact our Director of Development, Lisa Tommelein at
(312) 337-1070 ext. 110.
Frédéric Castan invited to join the prestigious
Association of Master Chefs of France
Sofitel Chicago Water Tower is proud to announce that its Chef,
Frédéric Castan, has been invited to be a part of the Maîtres
Cuisiniers de France — The Master Chefs of France.
The Maîtres Cuisiniers de France is
a prestigious association of Chefs
who receive the highest classification
in restaurant guides, are often
recognized in the press, and who are
also recipients of prestigious awards
such as Ordre National de la Légion
d’Honneur and the Order National du
Mérite. The goal of the organization is to “preserve, advance
and perpetuate the tradition of great French cuisine”.
The Association of the Master Chefs of France promotes
professional excellence through numerous national and
international cooking competitions. Its members serve on
juries for official competitions such as the Meilleur Ouvrier de
France, the International Pierre Taittinger Prize, Bocuse d’Or,
and National Trophy for Pastry Making, among others.
A native of Avignon, France, the “heart” of Provence, Chef
Castan developed a passion for cooking at the early age of 14.
He was inspired by watching his mother create wonderful dishes
at home, and was fascinated by artistic shapes and colors. He
believes that these were some of the early memories that led
him to pursue a career as a chef.
In addition to this recent appointment with the Maitres
Cuisiniers, Chef Castan has received many awards and accolades,
including the 2000 Chef On the Rise in America Award; 1994
Chef of the Year of Southern California Les Toques Blanches
and 1994 Celebrity Chef Award in Alaska.
AllianceFrançaise
USA
CHICAGO
MAI – JUIN 2005
AWARD TOWARDS EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Our Chicago Public School Partnership continues to
earn top honors.
Since 1998, the Alliance Française has partnered with the
Chicago Public Schools to provide enrichment programs for
inner city high school students from underserved communities.
According to Arne Duncan, the Chief Executive Officer of
the Chicago Public Schools, “This program enriches what the
students learn at school by offering a ‘beyond the classroom’
experience, increasing their mastery of French and positively
impacting their overall academic achievement.”
Our Award Towards Excellence Program is sponsored by our
Educational Outreach Committee and is designed to encourage
the continued study of French language and culture. Currently,
40 students from 5 Chicago Public High Schools are chosen to
participate in this two to three year program that meets once a
week, after school for 2 hours here at the Alliance. The teachers,
native guest speakers, and special activities bring French to
life thus enhancing their enthusiasm for learning. Students of
diverse social, ethnic and economic backgrounds get to know
each other. They improve their academic performance and
increase their self-esteem while perfecting their language skills
and cultural awareness. It’s not all work and no play, however!
As you can see from
these photos, lessons
like the one on flipping
crêpes
were
wildly
successful! Oh! Miracle!
No crêpe landed on
anybody’s head. Just as
memorable were trips
to the Art Institute to
see the Impressionists’
works led by a French
docent and the French
Pastry School in Chicago. “Ah! Qu’il était bon le moelleux au
chocolat du Chef Jacky Pfeiffer”.
A trip to France!
The highlight of the program is the annual Award Ceremony
for outstanding achievement. Five students are selected to
spend 10 days studying in France over the summer. The award
includes a two-week all-expense paid trip supervised by their
Alliance Française instructor. Scholarships are entirely funded
by donors and by the fundraising efforts of the Woman’s Board
of the Alliance Française.
“The opportunity to learn about the French speaking world
directly from people who actually come from France, and even
from Senegal, is an experience I never imagined could happen
right here in Chicago.” Lakeview High School Student
“J’aime parler avec mes amis en français à l’Alliance Française.”
Hyde Park Academy student
“The program boosts
their self-esteem, the
students report on
their experiences to
other students, they
speak French at the
Alliance
Française,
and it makes what
they have learned
seem real. They see
French is something
that they can apply
to everyday life.” Ms.
Joan Callan, French
teacher at Lane Tech
High School
“Ultimately,
they
become envoys for
their schools, the
Alliance
and
for
the United States.”
Francine Saltoun, Educational Outreach Committee Chair
A strong potential for growth
Word of our Award Towards Excellence Program has gotten
around the Chicago Public Schools. Many requests have come
in from additional high schools asking to participate in this
Alliance program. In order for us to continue to achieve our high
standards and to reach out to new schools, we need additional
funding. We welcome any and all donations. Please note that
your generous gift will help support three different activities:
The Award Towards Excellence Program, One-on-One tutoring
in the Elementary Schools, and the use of Alliance Française
facilities and resources for Day Experience Field Trips for both
Elementary and High School students. The envelope attached
to this newsletter can be used for sending in any donation.
Merci beaucoup.
MAI – JUIN 2005
AllianceFrançaise
USA
CHICAGO
Colloque International de l’Alliance Française
Alliances from around the world rendez-vous in Paris
The 27th annual gathering of presidents, officers and directors
of Alliances Françaises from around the world took place
in Paris on January 27-29, 2005. In attendance were three
hundred participants from 83 different countries, including
over thirty from the United States, making us the most heavily
represented foreign country.
The keynote speaker at the official opening of the Colloque
on Tuesday morning was Monsieur Michel Barnier, Ministre
des Affaires étrangères, who was warmly greeted by JeanPierre de Launoit, Président de l’Alliance Française, and JeanClaude Jacq, Secrétaire Général. Throughout the next two and
a half days, participants had the opportunity to share ideas
and explore such varied topics as Inter-European Cooperation,
Cultural Diversity, and Communications (including the premiere
viewing of short video vignettes soon to be broadcast on
TV5). The closing session focused on the expansion of the
Alliance Française network around the world, with the guest
participation of Monsieur Philippe Etienne, Directeur général
de la coopération internationale et du développement.
Federation of Alliances Françaises USA Written by Rebecca Valette, Vice President of the Federation
and President of Alliance Française Boston and Cambridge
&RENCH,ANGUAGEAND#ULTUREFOR9OUNG0EOPLE
The Alliance Française de Chicago’s new Children’s
Education Center takes a totally fresh approach to
teaching children French.
Our fun and lively environment features six uniquely
colorful spaces appropriately named:
la Boutique, la Cabane, le Café, la Classe, le Musée, and le
Théâtre, which includes a puppet theater.
Our specially designed curriculum teaches French
vocabulary and sentence structure and makes it fun with
the use of images, symbols and games.
Fluency through creativity is our goal.
For more information or to register for our classes
and our summer Circus Camp
please call the Alliance Française at (312) 337 1070.
You can also visit us at
www.afchicago.com for more details.
POT LUCK: FASHION VICTIM!
3OIRÏE3PRING
4HE!LLIANCE&RAN AISEINVITESYOU
YOURFRIENDSANDRELATIVES
TOCELEBRATETHEENDOFTHESPRINGSESSIONON
&RIDAY*UNEATPM
ENTRANCEON7EST#HICAGO
#OMEANDWEARANICEFANCYFUNANDORSURPRISING
FASHIONOUTFITANDDONOTFORGETTOBRINGYOURFAVORITE
&RENCHDISHORWINE
!LSOWELLBERAFFLINGOFFAFREECLASSANDMEMBERSHIP
0LEASECONTACT%RWANOR%MMANUELAT
FORMOREINFORMATION
Des nouvelles de l’école…
Learn French in May and June!
May 2– June 6
Learn French in the Summer!
June 20 – August 29
View the course brochure on line at
www.afchicago.com
or call to request one at (312) 337-1070
+6-:46..&3$".1
&2%.#(#)2#53#!-0,%#/,%$5#)215%
!'%3n ns*ULYn 4HEMONTHOF*ULYISTRULYATHREERINGCIRCUSHEREATTHE!LLIANCE
/UR#HEZ+IDS!CADEMYISOFFERINGASUMMERCAMPFULLOFJUGGLING
MAGICTRICKSMASKMAKINGTUMBLINGSINGINGDANCINGANDMORE
)TSNOTJUSTALLCLOWNINGAROUNDHOWEVERWHILEYOURKIDSARE
HAVINGTHETIMEOFTHEIRLIVESTHEYLLALSOBELEARNING&RENCH
INARELAXEDBILINGUALENVIRONMENT
&ORMOREINFORMATIONONOUR3UMMER#IRCUS#AMP
CALLORATKIDS AFCHICAGOCOM
2EGISTERFORTHEFULLMONTH
%NROLL.OW3PACEISLIMITED
AllianceFrançaise
USA
CHICAGO
MAI – JUIN 2005
Médiathèque / Library
NEW Our Library Collection is now searchable over the Internet
on our website: www.afchicago.com. Just look for the line,
Click here to browse our collection and you’ll be automatically
linked to our amazing collection.
MORE NEWS:
• Patricia Dupont has given the library a very generous gift, in
addition to her numerous volunteer hours. Thank you Tricia!
We rely on the goodwill of people like you.
• Our USED BOOK SALE is ongoing. Stop by and browse.
Donations are always welcome.
• NEW DVDs: Mauvais sang by Leos Carax, The Clockmaker
by Bertrand Tavernier, Drôle de drame by Marcel Carné and
others.
Café Théâtre
Practice your French in this group that welcomes new members
regardless of prior experience. Participants rotate reading the
play and talking briefly about its author. Each play is discussed
over two sessions. Wine is served.
Level: Advanced French; Location: Lounge
Day: Monday; Time: 5:30 –7:30 p.m.
May 2 & May 16: L’invitation au château by Jean Anouilh
No Café June, July, August.
Café Philosophique with Professor Souleymane Diagne
Dr. Souleymane Diagne, professor of philosophy, religion, and
African studies at Northwestern University, facilitates discussion
in his approachable style. Topics are determined according to
the interests of the group and a light snack is provided.
Level: Advanced French; Location: Library
Day: Wednesday or Thursday, once per month
Time: 6 –7:00 p.m.; Date: May 26. No Café June, July, August.
Café Poésie
Isaac Cohen, Professor at Northwestern University, animates Café
Poésie. His love of French poetry sets the tone for this group,
which provides a great way to improve your comprehension of
spoken French. Wine is served.
Café Conversation I
We are always ready to welcome new members to this
conversation group. Topics vary from week to week.
Free for Members; Non-Members $3.
Level: Intermediate to Advanced French; Location: Room 207
Day: Tuesday, weekly; Time: 4 – 5:00 p.m.
Café Conversation II
Due to overwhelming popular demand, this café is now available
for the after-work crowd. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to
practice your French in a non-threatening environment.
Free for Members; Non-Members $3.
Level: Beginning to intermediate French; Location: Library
Day: Wednesday, twice per month; Time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Dates: May 4 and May 18. No Café June, July, August.
Café Littérature
Join us as we examine the works of recent Prix Goncourt
winners. You’ll find like-minded people who are passionate
about contemporary French literature. Books are discussed
over two sessions and members alternate facilitating. Wine is
served.
Level: Advanced French ; Location: Lounge
Day: Monday; Time: 5:30–7:00 p.m.
May 23: Les âmes grises by Philippe Claudel.
Level: Advanced French; Location: Library
Day: Monday or Tuesday; Time: 6 – 7:00 p.m.
Date: May 9. No Café June, July, August.
•••
The Alliance now has a 15 minute drop off and loading zone
directly in front of the 810 North Dearborn entrance.
Please leave your car’s flashers on while you are using
this space.
Our TV5 area is available for viewing during public hours.
This is an excellent way to improve your listening comprehension
in a relaxed setting.
Become an Alliance Française Intern this Fall
Our internship program offers a unique opportunity to meet
and work with a diverse group of people and to experience
life inside a French-American not-for-profit organization.
Intern positions are available in the library, cultural programs,
development, and business administration. In addition to
working in a bilingual environment, our internship program
allows you to earn points towards a free language class!
Submit your applications for the Fall today! For more information, contact Angela Maloney at
[email protected] or call (312) 337-1070.
MAI – JUIN 2005
Ciné Club
The Ciné Club again presents an eclectic selection of films for
the months of May, June, and July.
In May we present two very different imaginings of
interactions between the French and their former colonial
subjects: Madame Rosa with Simone Signoret, and Jacques
Doillon’s acclaimed Raja.
In June we will focus on the work of two of the contemporary
French cinema’s key actors: Mathieu Almaric (La Sentinelle,
Alice and Martin) and Jeanne Balibar (Sade, Va savoir!), via
two films starring both: My Sex Life… or How I Got Into an
Argument and Late August, Early September. We’ll also be
showing a feature directed by Almaric and featuring Balibar:
Le stade de Wimbledon.
Finally, in July we celebrate the Toulouse-Lautrec exhibition
to appear at the Art Institute by showing Jean Renoir’s French
Cancan, which pays tribute to the great painter’s vision of Paris.
Also in July, Jacques Feyder’s classic La kermesse héroïque.
Madame Rosa
This 1977 film by Moshé Mizrahi, based on a Romain Gary novel,
features Simone Signoret in one of her greatest performances
as Rosa, an aging former prostitute who cares for a group of
children in an Arab immigrant neighborhood in Paris. Rosa,
who survived the concentration camps, is terrified that the
Gestapo is after her, and in exchange for her love and care her
young charges vow to “protect” her.
In French with English subtitles - 105 minutes
Wednesday, May 11 / 7:15 p.m.
Raja
In this 2003 film by Jacques Doillon (Ponette, Petits frères), set in
Marrakech, a middle-aged Frenchman (Pascal Greggory) begins
a tentative and eventually tense courtship with a 19-yearold Moroccan orphan (Najat Benssallem). The negotiations,
misunderstandings (especially linguistic ones), and conflicts
between these two characters are subtly observed, making Raja
not just an engrossing drama but a meditation on the social
and emotional legacies of colonialism.
In French and Arabic with English subtitles -112 minutes.
Wednesday, May 25 / 7:15 p.m.
My sex life… or how I got into an argument
Directed by Arnaud Desplechin (whose new masterpiece, Kings
and Queen, opens in Chicago soon), My sex life (1996) is a
modern epic of twenty-something Parisian romance. It centers
on Paul (Amalric), an assistant professor at a university in Paris
who can neither finish the doctorate that would make him a
full professor nor organize his chaotic love life. In this indecisive
state he lives a sort of half-life, waiting to begin what he calls
“his life as a man.” Also starring Virginie Ledoyen and François
Cluzet. (Note special time for this screening.)
AllianceFrançaise
USA
CHICAGO
Le stade de Wimbledon
This is Almaric’s second feature film as a director (2001), based
on a novel by Daniele Del Giudice. A young French woman
(Balibar) travels to Trieste, Italy to investigate the life of a
literary figure who gained fame without ever publishing his
own work. Her search for information on this mysterious figure
leads her to encounters with an unusual set of characters, not
to mention musty Italian bookstores, and eventually to the
English countryside of Wimbledon—a new “stage” (stade) of
her lonely research.
In French, English, and Italian with English subtitles - 80 minutes
Wednesday, June 22 / 7:15 p.m.
Late August, early September
Like My Sex Life, this is a sustained and intimate study of the
interconnected personal lives of several no-longer-quite-soyoung Parisians by a major French director—in this case, Olivier
Assayas (Irma Vep, Les Destinées). It again features Almaric and
Balibar, alongside Virginie Ledoyen, Alex Descas, and François
Cluzet. Reader critic Jonathan Rosenbaum writes: “Assayas’s
sense of how relationships evolve between people over time is
conveyed with a rich and vivid novelistic density.”
In French with English subtitles - 112 minutes
Wednesday, June 29 / 7:15 p.m.
French Cancan
Jean Renoir’s 1955 Technicolor spectacular about the opening
of the Moulin Rouge is a delightful tribute to a fin de siècle
Paris of the imagination, and recalls equally the celebrated
paintings of Toulouse-Lautrec and those of Renoir’s father,
Pierre-Auguste. Starring Jean Gabin as the impresario of the
Moulin Rouge and the popularizer of the cancan, Maria Félix as
his spirited lover, and Françoise Arnoul as his new protegé.
In French with English subtitles - 102 minutes
Wednesday, July 13 / 7:15 p.m.
La kermesse héroïque
Belgian director Jacques Feyder’s 1935 antiwar satire, also
known as Carnival in Flanders, was long considered a classic,
but its fame has receded somewhat in recent decades. Notable
for the astonishing sets designed by the great Lazare Meerson,
which reproduced in 2/3 scale an entire 17th-century Flemish
town, and for compositions and costumes reproducing of the
world of paintings by Breughel (a character in the film) and
other Flemish masters, the film tells the story of a town saved
from destruction during a Spanish invasion by the charm and
ingenuity of its women. Starring Françoise Rosay and the great
Louis Jouvet.
In French with English subtitles - 110 minutes
Wednesday, July 27 / 7:15 p.m.
In French with English subtitles - 178 minutes
Wednesday, June 8 / 6:00 p.m.
AllianceFrançaise
The success of the Alliance
Française cultural season is a
result of the generosity of its
donors. Merci beaucoup!
Mai–Juin–Juillet
• Unless indicated otherwise, all programs take place at 54 West Chicago Avenue
• Programs are subject to change · for the latest information call (312) 337-1070
Lundi
Mardi
Mercredi
Jeudi
Vendredi
2 Mai
Café Théâtre
3 Mai
Café Conversation I
4 Mai
Café Conversation II
5 Mai
6 Mai
9 Mai
Café Poésie
10 Mai
Café Conversation I
11Mai
Ciné Club
12 Mai
Ravinia at the Alliance
Française
13 Mai
Cooking Demo,
Bistrot Margot
16 Mai
Café Théâtre
17 Mai
Café Conversation I
18 Mai
Café Conversation II
19 Mai
20 Mai
23 Mai
Café Littérature
24 Mai
Café Conversation I
25 Mai
Decorative Arts Lecture
Ciné Club
26 Mai
27 Mai
30 Mai
31Mai
Café Conversation I
1 Juin
2 Juin
3 Juin
6 Juin
7 Juin
Café Conversation I
8 Juin
Ciné Club
9 Juin
Cooking demonstration
Joel Cooper
10 Juin
Pot Luck: Fashion Victim
13 Juin
14 Juin
Café Conversation I
15 Juin
16 Juin
17 Juin
20 Juin
First week of class
21Juin
Café Conversation I
22 Juin
23 Juin
Ciné Club
Chanson Très Cool, Keren Ann*
24 Juin
27 Juin
28 Juin
Café Conversation I
29 Juin
Ciné Club
30 Juin
13 Juillet
Ciné Club
14 Juillet
Fête du 14 juillet
27 Juillet
Ciné Club
®
*Event takes place at the
Sofitel Water Tower Hotel,
33 East Chestnut, Chicago.