This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Spet. 4, 2011 - Finding meaning in tragedy is an important function of the arts. In that vein, St. Louis is marking the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorists attacks with several music and theater performances, including a free interfaith memorial at the Sheldon Concert Hall on Sept. 11.
Perhaps especially because this anniversary falls on a Sunday, many places of worship will look to the events of that day for a spiritual conversation. And several have reached out to invite the public in for reflection.
The following is not a comprehensive list, and the Beacon welcomes other submissions which may be added as they come in.
Arianna String Quartet: 'Tribute'
Where: Touhill Performing Arts Center, UMSL campus, 1 University Blvd., 63121
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9
How much: $23; $21 seniors, students
Tickets/Information: www.touhill.org/default.asp?touhill=51&objId=747
About: On Friday night, Sept. 9, the Arianna String Quartet performs "Tribute," a concert featuring Beethoven's "Harp" quartet in E-Flat Major, Op. 74 to commemorate the enduring power of the human spirit. Guest pianist Alla Voskoboynikova will join the quartet for the tribute.
An Interfaith Memorial In Music
First responders from St. Louis City and County police and fire department will join soloist Christine Brewer, the St. Louis Symphony String Quartet and musicians from a variety of faith communities on Sept. 11 at the Sheldon.
Sen. John Danforth will give the invocation. The musical memorial is sponsored by Interfaith Partnership/Faith beyond Walls and the Michael and Barbara Newmark Institute for Human Relations at the Jewish Community Relations Council, in collaboration with dozens of other organizations.
Where: Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108
When: 5:30-6:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 11
How much: Free
Information: http://thesheldon.org/showdetail.asp?showID=411
About: This event is offered to allow reflection, express sorrow, and unify the community in hope for peace. Music by celebrated St. Louis performers will join religious musical expressions performed by representatives of St. Louis faith communities -- Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu.
'Inalienable Rights: From Pearl Harbor To 9/11'
Gitana Productions will commemorate 9/11 by debuting its "In Search of America" series. The series' first presentation, "Inalienable Rights: From Pearl Harbor to 9/11" by Lee Patton Chiles, begins Friday night.
The play examines the meaning of citizenship, looking at the limiting of rights following 9/11 and, 60 years earlier, the internment of those with Japanese ancestry after the attack on Pearl Harbor. It also explores the ways in which fear can divide people from "others" who do not look like them.
A discussion will follow the Sept. 11 matinee, with a Japanese internment camp survivor, a local Muslim leader, other clergy and a member of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen.
Where: Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Bvld., 63112
When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays., Sept. 9-25
How much: $20, $18 seniors, students
Tickets/Information: https://www.gitana-inc.org
'End Days'
Where: JCC's Staenberg Family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus Dr., 63146
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8 through Sept. 25
How much: $35.50-$39.50
Tickets/Information: www.newjewishtheatre.org
About: The play by New Jewish Theatre uses humor to add some thought-provoking levity to the very grave issues around 9/11. Deborah Zoe Laufer's dark comedy focuses on a dysfunctional family (is there any other kind?) whose father has suffered from depression since the terrorist attack and hasn't been out of his pajamas in two years. His wife copes by waiting for the Rapture and his daughter's gone Goth. While the play is billed as hilarious, in the end, it asks a serous question: What would you treasure the most if you knew the end was near?
Webster University Commemoration
When: 4 p.m. Sept. 11
Where: Christ Church Cathedral, 1210 Locust
How much: Free
About: The Music Department at Webster University presents a concert of works featuring music and the spoken word.
Interfaith Prayer for Peace & Unity
When: noon-1:30 p.m. Sept. 11
Where: Gateway Arch grounds
About: Representatives from various faith traditions will gather under the St. Louis Arch to pray for peace and unity within our city, state, nation, and world. Members of the Islamic community will demonstate their prayer practice and share reflection on how the Islamic community was impacted by 9/11.
Peace Be Upon You
When: 4-7:30 p.m. Sept. 11
Where: The First Congregational Church of Webster Groves, 10 W, Lockwood Ave.
Reservations: 314-962-0475 ext. 10
About: an interfaith exploration of common purpose and collaboration, moving us from tolerance to empathy. The keynote will be delivered by Dr. Khaled Abdul Hamid - creator of the weblog Khaled Hamid Forum: Just some thoughts of an American Muslim on Politics, Religion, and Muslim Community Issues (www.KhaledHamid.com).
Workshops begin at 4 p.m. for ages 4 to 104. Childcare will be available for those younger than 4. Casual dinner will be served at no charge at 6 p.m. The keynote address is at 6:45 p.m.
Freedom River Walk
When: 9 a.m. Sept. 10
Where: Jefferson Barracks Park, South Trailhead on Hancock Road
About: To honor the memory of those who died in the Sept. 11 attacks. To thank those who wear and have worn the uniform of the U.S. military. To celebrate American freedom.
This is a free, family event includes walks of 1.1 miles or 2.6 miles. Patriotic ceremony begins at 10 a.m.
Veterans can sign up for and learn about programs offered to them by the VA, including medical care. A special invitation is extended to men and women who have been deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Welcome Home, Veterans" signups will begin at 7 a.m. on Sept. 10 at JB Park.
Reflection at UMSL
Reflection Room
When: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 12-15
Where: Room 315 at the Millennium Student Center
About: The room will be set aside for reflection and remembrance.
"One Nation, Under Suspicion? Living and Governing in a Post-9/11 World"
When: 12:15 p.m. Sept. 14
Where: Century Rooms A and B at the Millennium Student Center
About: Constitution Day is marked by looking at the 4th, 5th and 6th amendments, allowing participants to reflect on what has changed in America since 9/11. This experiential program will use role playing to deal with the difficult subject matter.
"Last Man Down: A Fireman's Story"
When: 7 p.m. Sept. 15
Where: Auditorium, J.C. Penney Building and Conference Center
About: Richard Picciotto, a FDNY Battalion Commander on Sept. 11, was trapped in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. His gripping, first-person account provides a firefighter's view of the 9/11 World Trade Center catastrophe and emergency response. Picciotto will speak about his experiences.
Blood Donation At The Rep
You can help save lives by donating blood at the St. Louis Repertory Theatre on Tuesday, Sept. 6. The Rep suggests you make an appointment by calling 314-968-4288, but walk-ins are also welcome. All blood types are needed, and Type O is especially critical, as it can be used for any patient.
Blood donors will receive $5 off a ticket to "Red," its season opener, about the life and anguish of abstract expressionist Mark Rothko.
Where: Repertory Theatre, 130 Edgar Road, 63119
When: 10-4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6
Information: https://www.repstl.org/blood_drive
