newsletter in pdf - Alliance Française de Chicago

Chicago’s French cultural and learning center dedicated to the study of French language,
cultural exchange and friendship between American and French speaking people.
Join us this season for
a city-wide celebration of
FALL / WINTER 2008
USA
contemporary
French literature.
French Classes
9-week session: November 10 – January 31
First 4 1/2-week session: November 10 – December 11
Second 4 1/2-week session: December 15 – January 27
810 North Dearborn Street · Chicago, IL 60610 / USA · tel: (312) 337-1070 · fax: (312) 337-3019 · www.af-chicago.org
The Alliance Française de Chicago is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 institution
We’ve been getting
a lot of attention
We were selected 2008’s best language
school in the city by the Chicago
Reader. Last May, Town & Country, the
Chicago Tribune, Sun Times, Pioneer
Press, and Chicago Social all published
stories about our Gala for which Chefs
Christophe Pouy and Didier Steudler
flew in from l’Ecole Ritz Escoffier
in Paris to prepare an exceptional
dinner. Our cooking classes have been
recommended in numerous papers,
web sites, and culinary blogs. And our
new Facebook network, which we
started back in July, already has over
400 members; and we’ll be adding My
Space soon. On the international front,
Le Nouvel Observateur ran the article
“L’étonnant miracle de L’AF” while
Le Monde wrote about the Alliance
Française language school in Lima, Peru.
We invite you to browse our current
press coverage on the PRESS link at
www.af-chicago.org. Of course, the best
way to learn more about our Alliance
Française is to experience it first hand.
A trés bientôt.
Chicago’s French learning
and cultural center
a not for profit organization
one of 1,075 Alliances
Françaises established in
131 countries
one of the 148 U.S.
Alliances Françaises
our mission is to
increase and enhance
the knowledge of the
French language
and French &
Francophone cultures
there are
over
400,000
Alliances
Françaises
students
worldwide,
why not
join them?
OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
In 2006, we implemented the AF FRAMES project, which stands for
Alliance Française FRench-AMerican Educational Standards.
It is adapted from the Common European Framework of Reference
for Languages (CEF), a practical tool setting clear standards to be
obtained at successive stages of learning languages. The CEF has been
implemented in many European countries and at a number of American
universities. AF FRAMES seeks to adapt its philosophy and components
to the American context and specificities.
What does it mean for your Alliance Française?
In participating in the AF FRAMES project, the Alliance Française de Chicago clearly states its
commitment to pedagogical excellence.
What does it mean to you as a student of the Alliance Française?
• It provides the Alliance Française team with an even better understanding of your needs;
• AF Frames provides you with clear learning objectives, as described in the CEF’s global scale:
www.af-chicago.org/classes
• AF Frames guarantees a standardized evaluation;
• It offers you official documentation and, thus, greater “portability” of your achievements.
Overall, you get the guarantee that you have enrolled in a school which dedicates a great deal of its
resources and time to upgrading and ensuring the quality of its teaching.
OUR SPONSORS
© Didier Brunel
Recently, the press, both local and
international, has taken notice of the
Alliance Française’s accomplishments.
The Chicago AF, in particular, has
attracted a lot of attention.
Le qui et le quoi du paysage littéraire
contemporain français
A discussion with four young French novelists and editors of the literary revue INCULTE
Saturday, November 1, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
FREE and in French
Claro
Rohe
Bertina
Larnaudie
Join us for this important symposium as we attempt to define the ‘who’s who and the what’s
what’ in contemporary French literature. These four talented writers, Arno Bertina, Claro,
Mathieu Larnaudie, and Oliver Rohe will be joined by moderator Alison James, Assistant Professor
of French literature at the University of Chicago for an enlightening and entertaining session
to include topics such as: the notion of a writers’ collective and its consequences for the revue
INCULTE, a portrait of the writers working post le nouveau roman such as Marie NDiage and
Michel Houellebecq, French philosophy and literature after Jean-Paul Sartre, and the influence of
American writers on French literature.
All are welcome to join us for this rare opportunity to ‘talk books’ with young French authors. There
will be a pause-café as well as a reception following the panel discussion.
This program is co-produced by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in Chicago and The
France Chicago Center and the Romance Languages Department at the University of Chicago with
additional support from the Alliance Française de Chicago.
Les grands prix littéraires
Discussion of Rue des boutiques obscures by Patrick Modiano
Presentation by Alison Rice, Professor of French Literature at the University of Notre Dame
Saturday, November 8, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
FREE and in French & English
Our novel reading group is modeled on the One Book/One Chicago concept. Of course, ours is a One
Book/One Francophone Chicago idea. We have selected four award winning books for our 2008/2009
season that we hope you will read and then join us for each subsequent discussion. When possible,
we will have learning support materials on line for everyone and in our library for members.
Our first title is Rue des boutiques obscures written by Patrick Modiano and winner of the 1978
Prix Goncourt. It is the story of Guy Roland, a private detective who, after suffering from amnesia,
embarks on an investigation to find his true identity.
Patrick Modiano was born in 1945 in Boulogne-Billancourt to a father of Jewish-Italian origins and a
Belgian mother. He was awarded the Grand prix du roman de l’Académie française in 1972 and the
Prix Goncourt in 1978.
The next book in the series is La stratégie des antilopes (2007) by Jean Hatzfeld, followed by La
condition humaine (1933) by André Malraux and then La nuit sacrée (1987) by Tahar Ben Jelloun.
Please look for the discussion leaders and dates for these books in our next brochure or on our web
site, www.af-chicago.org.
This program is generously sponsored by the Jean Brown Lecture Fund.
© Bruno Watel
All programs take place at the Alliance Française de Chicago, 810 North Dearborn Street, unless noted otherwise.
Call (312) 337-1070 for reservations or information. Programs are subject to change.
Please note: As a courtesy to our chefs and sommeliers, registration and full payment are required for all our culinary
and wine tasting events. Any cancellation not made 48 hours prior will be subject to a $25 cancellation fee.
Merci pour votre compréhension.
Wines of the Rhône
with Michael Corso
Sunday, November 9, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
AFC members: $45, General Public: $55
This tasting will accent some of the wonderful reds coming from the heart of France’s Mediterranean
wine making region – the famed Rhône Valley. Syrah and Grenache are king and the spicy flavors of
rosemary and thyme are faintly evident. These reds of renowned appellations like Châteauneuf-du-Pape
and Hermitage are heady, aromatic, well balanced and perfectly suited for bistro fare.
Table d’hôte with Madelaine Bullwinkel
Dinner in Cognac
Tuesday, November 18, 6:15 p.m.
AFC members: $65, General Public: $75
Reservations required
The rolling Charentes countryside is the Cognac and Pineau des Charentes capital of France. The
fermenting of Ugni Blanc grapes, first planted by the Romans, has evolved over centuries into this
elegant, twice distilled spirit. We will imagine we have been invited to the home of third generation
Grande Champagne Cognac producer, Pascal Fillieux for a meal of his wife Monique’s Cognac-inspired
recipes. Our menu begins with a Pineau des Charentes cocktail accompanied by Toasted Roquefort Cake.
Our meal includes Scallops sautéed in Pineau with Pasta, Guinea Fowl (chicken) fricassée with mushrooms
and Cognac-soaked raisins, and Chocolate Fondant with Crème anglaise. The evening includes a taste of
Jean Fillieux Trés Vieux Cognac.
Michael Loriaux on the Belgian Standoff
Wednesday, December 3, 6:15 p.m.
AFC members: $5, General Public $10
The political turmoil beleaguering the Belgian government, due to the tension between the country’s Dutch
and French speaking communities, seems too deep for resolution. This linguistic barrier set up between
Flanders and Wallonia has resulted in nearly separate economies and cultures, in addition to a collapse
of government. What is the likelihood that this kingdom will split? What role has language played in the
disagreement? As Els Witte, a Belgian historian proclaimed, “A language is a culture”. Presently, it looks
like the cultural divide may be getting the best of Belgium.
Table d’hôte with Madelaine Bullwinkel
Holiday Menu
Tuesday, December 9, 6:15 p.m.
AFC members: $65, General Public: $75 · Reservations required
You can look forward to holiday entertaining with a menu of classic recipes that will please your guests
whether the setting is casual or dressy. Madelaine will share some “trucs” as she prepares a Soupe aux
marrons (Chestnut Soup), Entrecôte à la bordelaise (Rib Steak with a Bordelaise Sauce), Pommes de Terre
Rôties (Oven Roasted Red Potatoes),and a Tarte aux airelles (Cranberry Tart — an American touch). Join us
to see how easy celebrating can be.
www.af-chicago.org
Fête de fin d’année with songs of the season by
Chicago a cappella
© Dan Rest
Friday, December 12
AFC members: $15, General Public: $20, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Reservations required.
Hailed as “a jewel in the crown of Chicago’s musical life” (The American Organist), Chicago a cappella
has become known as one of the area’s most accomplished and innovative vocal ensembles. Spanning
a repertoire from Gregorian chant to the Beatles and beyond, the group is acclaimed for its superb
ensemble singing, fascinating programs, and intimate, engaging performances under founder and
artistic director Jonathan Miller.
Join us for this festive holiday gathering complete with song, sparkling wine, hors-d’œuvres, and lots
of good cheer.
In April 2009, the ensemble will perform Chansons d’Amour: April in Paris, a charming collection of songs in the language of love, from
the 15th-century Parisian chanson to the irresistible music of French Impressionists. Information about upcoming performances and
recordings is available at www.chicagoacappella.org
French cheese & wine —a match made in heaven.
Saturday, January 24, 2:00 p.m.
AFC members: $40, General Public: $45
Reservations required
Most likely, you already have a list of your favorite French cheeses and another that includes your best
picks for French wines. The intention of this special workshop, presented by Chicago’s Pastoral is to
help you put the two together. We’ll mix information with experimentation as we sample our way to
perfect pairings.
Ciné Club
Auditorium, enter 54 W. Chicago Ave.
Admission: $5 / Wine will be served
Mon Oncle Antoine
• Claude Jutra
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
7:00 p.m. discussion · 7:30 p.m. screening
Photo credits © 1971 Office National du film du Canada. Tous droits réservés.
Still considered one of the best Canadian movies ever made, Mon Oncle Antoine tells the
story of a day in the life of a young boy on Christmas Eve. Set in the 40s in a small mining
town where Benoit’s uncle Antoine, the undertaker, also owns the general store, the film
tracks a journey into the night and the snow where innocence will be lost along with a
small coffin. Through the candid yet unsparing eyes of a child, Claude Jutra captures a
time and a place already bygone while reflecting on what the future holds for a society in
upheaval.
1974, 109 min. In French with English subtitles.
FALL / WINTER 2008
Part of the Films from Quebec Series. Discussions are led by noted Quebecois
author and film curator Aimée Laberge*
*Watch four movies this season that chart Québec’s coming of age, from a slow moving
rural setting under the church’s rule to the craziness of the 60s to the vibrant, multicultural
society of the present day.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
7:00 p.m. discussion · 7:30 p.m. screening
Courtesy of New Yorker Films
• Francis Veber
Director Francis Veber (The Dinner Game and The Closet), brings
us another light farce loaded with impeccable comedic timing.
The tale revolves around a wealthy billionaire’s (Pierre) plot to
convince his wife of his faithfulness in order to avoid a messy
divorce. He needs to convince her that a beautiful woman seen
photographed with him and suspected of being his mistress,
is actually the girlfriend of another man in the same photo.
The woman (Elena), his mistress, is ensnared in this subterfuge and agrees to help out
by pretending to be with the other man (Pignon). The comedic twists revolve around
the deception with Pignon, merely a humble valet, and the setting of his very simple
backwoods abode. He hopes to use the cash payoff for his part to woo the bookstore
owner he considers to be his true love.
2006, 85 min. In French with English subtitles.
calendar of cultural events
The Valet
médiathèque
& cafés
MÉDIATHÈQUE
Monday – Thursday, 11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join the library e-mail list at [email protected] and
find out about new arrivals! Thanks to our many patrons
who contribute books and other support to the library. We
appreciate your generosity!
NEWS: Check out the newly reorganized music CD
collection! Find your favorite CDs quickly using new colorcoded labels and stickers. For example, Jazz artist Michel
Petrucciani can easily by found right at your fingertips—
just look for the blue label. Francophone artists such as
Mauvais Sort now have yellow labels. Rap, R&B, and
Reggae artists are grouped together as are Rock, Punk,
and Metal artists. We will be increasing our Music CD
collection soon so look for many new contemporary
selections to appear.
OFF THE SHELF features recommended items in French
and English that are selected to appeal to differing
tastes, ages, and language proficiencies.
Paris Nineteenth
Century:
Architecture and
Urbanism
by François Loyer
The author, a French
historian and critic, draws
upon a wealth of
unpublished prints, maps,
architectural drawings
and elevations and both
vintage as well as new photographs to present
Haussmann’s approach to urbanizing what we recognize
as modern day Paris. Loyer presents a detailed analysis
of Paris’ public spaces, streets and buildings. Included
are black-and-white plates showing building façades
that were originally published in nineteenth-century
architectural reviews. In contrast to books that typically
highlight the monuments of Paris such as the Arc de
Triomphe, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, Loyer
celebrates the preciseness of the urban structures that
together orchestrate and bring to life the city of Balzac,
Baudelaire and the Impressionists. He retraces the
history of architecture with the social evolution from
neoclassicism to art nouveau. Against the backdrop of a
detailed history of Paris’ architecture, Loyer presents a
visual story of what makes Paris the city that it has
become today. If you love Paris, you’ll enjoy this
historical perspective from whence today’s Paris
originated. Abbeville Press, New York: 1988. 478 pages.
Robert Doisneau’s Paris
by Robert Doisneau
Edited by Annette Doisneau
The photographer, Robert
Doisneau (1912–1994), one
of the world’s most famous
and popular photographers,
is known for his ability to
capture images of daily life in
poetic fashion and subtle
nuance. This collection of
photojournalistic style black-and-white photographs
illustrates the remarkable depth and breadth of his work
in unprecedented fashion. Many of the 560 photographs
appear in print for the first time. Photos are organized
thematically revealing a unique portrait of Paris as lived
by the Parisians who defined their city in decades past.
The book contains his popular snapshots as well as more
composed and structured works. Accompanied by a
collection of often nostalgic quotations from the
photographer’s personal notebooks, the works show
Doisneau’s celebrated ability to capture on film ordinary
people in everyday situations. Doisneau was a celebrated
photographer during his life and, since his death in
1994, he has been the subject of major retrospectives in
Paris, Chicago (The Art Institute), and New York (the
Witkin Gallery).
Flammarion, Paris: 2005. 391 pages.
HotPoint Wireless is available on the 2nd floor of the
Chicago Avenue building.
CAFÉ CONVERSATION DU MARDI
(intermediate to advanced level)
We are always ready to welcome new members to this
lively conversation group. Topics vary. Meets Tuesdays,
4:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the library.
Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25 · Dec. 2, 9 · Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27
CAFÉ CONVERSATION DU MERCREDI
(beginner to intermediate level)
Join us in our médiathèque from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
to practice French.
Nov. 5, 19 · Dec. 10 · Jan. 7, 21
CAFÉ THÉÂTRE
(advanced level)
Join us in the salon from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for some
lively discussions accented with a taste of wine.
Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 12: Deux femmes pour un fantôme,
La babysitter, and Classe terminale by René de Obdalia.
Jan. 5, 19: India Song by Marguerite Duras
CAFÉ LITTÉRATURE
(advanced level)
Join us in the salon from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 24: Nadja by André Breton
Jan. 26: La Maison du retour by Jean-Paul Kaufmann
CAFÉ PHILOSOPHIQUE
(advanced level)
Adoulaye Sounaye, Professor of Philosophy (University
Abdou Moumouni de Niamey, Niger and Boston
University Program at Niamy) facilitates discussions.
Topics vary depending on participants.
Meets monthly in the library from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.
Date subject to change, please check the website.
Nov. 12 · Jan. 14
CAFÉ POÉSIE
(upper intermediate and advanced level)
Read and discuss French poetry. If you like Impressionist
paintings of Monet, Pissarro, Sisley, Renoir and
Caillebotte that you can find at the Art Institute of
Chicago, you will like the Symbolist poets Baudelaire,
Verlaine, Rimbaud and Mallarmé. Impressionism is
indeed a reflection of Symbolism. Improve your French
phonetics as well as acquire the correct rhythm of the
French language. How can you resist the beauty and the
music of Verlaine’s “Les sanglots longs / Des violons /
De l’automne…”? Facilitated by Professor Isaac Cohen.
Meets in the Library from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 10 · Dec. 8 · Jan. 12
www.af-chicago.org
“Lucien Lagrange: The Search for Elegance”
Lecture and book signing
Tuesday, October 28, 6:15 p.m.
Admission: $5
This new book reveals the story of one architect’s mid-course
adjustment, a journey of discovery from Modern to Classical
and back again, from disillusionment to renewed inspiration.
In addition to M. Lagrange’s projects, stunningly captured
by Mr. Zbaren; you’ll find an essay by Mr. Sharoff and a
conversation with Mr. Lagrange in which he discusses early
years at Skidmore Owings & Merrill and subsequent career as
one of Chicago’s most prominent architects.
“Lucien Lagrange: The Search for Elegance” will appeal to
those interested in the history of architecture and design in
the post-Modern era as well as those curious about the role
history and context play in contemporary architecture and
the opportunities they provide for innovative design.
© William Zbaren
Please join us post-lecture for a book sale and singing, as
well as a complimentary glass of wine.
Born and raised in France, Lucien Lagrange moved to
Montréal in 1959 (then 18-years-old) in pursuit of a start in
the field of Architecture.
He graduated from McGill University School of Architecture
in 1972 and came to Chicago in 1968 where he worked at
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (S.O.M) during the summers as
an intern.
Mr. Lagrange made Chicago his permanent residence in
1978, and became a Senior Designer and Studio Head at
S.O.M, contributing to 7 major projects during his 7 year
career there.
Having established Lucien Lagrange Architects in 1985 — now
a 60-person firm — both his office and his residence have
remained in Chicago, where he keeps a finger on the pulse of the city that has become his home.
A Culinary Tour of Paris. At home in Montmartre
with Chef Madelaine Bullwinkel
May 2009
The dream of living in Paris, shopping at local markets and
coming home with fresh ingredients to cook and share a
simple, elegant meal — just as the Parisians do — can come
true, at least for a week.
This is the ideal trip for those interested not only in Paris
history and style but in the way the real Parisians live!
Our group will be limited to five so please reserve early.
Please check our web site soon for pricing information.
Price include six nights in Paris, France, shopping and
preparation instruction for three meals, special activities,
free time to explore, and a tax-deductible contribution to
the Alliance Française de Chicago.
For questions please contact Norah Delaney, AF Director of Programs at (312) 337-1070, ext. 112.
(312) 337-1070
Take your child
to France
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS:
Pre-school program (ages 3–5)
Mornings in French / Matinées
Chez Kids (5 days a week see pg #)
Saturday children and teen classes
(ages 2–15 see pg #)
Classes with parents and children
activities (all ages see pg #)
Field Trips
Take a trip to France without leaving Chicago by
attending a fine cooking demonstration (maybe wine
tasting for adults), by discovering French culture through
our cyber café activities and by watching a French movie
in our auditorium, followed by exciting conversations…
en Français bien sûr !
For adult groups or classes of students from age 8 – 22.
Teachers have brought their students to our Field Trips as far away as Kentucky and
Iowa, and as close as Walton Street in Chicago, and they took a little of France home.
For more details, contact Xavier Boillat at: [email protected] or (312) 337-1070
www.af-chicago.org
© Larissa Rolley
(312) 337-1070