At a Time of “Social Distancing,” the Theatre Brings Us Together

At such an uncertain time, with a foreboding spring break ahead and where concerns over COVID-19 are slipping into each aspect of life, we gathered to see the Russian National Ballet Company perform “Don Quixote.” The event, produced by the Cultural Events Series at Frostburg State University and financially sponsored by Dr. Julianne K. Ferris and Mr. Daniel F. McMullen was not standing-room only. A sign of the times; despite selling every ticket, there were empty seats when the curtain rose. 

It’s unfortunate, too, because this performance was a gorgeous production of the beloved tale of Don Quixote who intervenes when the beautiful Kitri has been disallowed by her father to marry her beloved Basilio. This show does not deserve criticism or critique, for it was a timely meditation on the advantages of living in a global community. How lucky are we to be in Frostburg watching Russian ballerinas perform the quintessential Spanish tale? To escape into machismo and exquisite beauty is a rare treat in life, as it is. To watch the tulle and swords fly for an evening when the future feels unknown, well that is seriously inspiring. 

You see, that is what the arts do. The arts suspend our disbelief. They comfort us when we’re hurt. They cajole us to better spirits. They skewer us when we need a wake-up call. The arts keep us together, and while we are talking about “social distancing” and “self-isolation,” having a night out where we can simply enjoy the company of other people is what we needed. A night at the theatre reminds us that we have more to learn than we have to teach. 

A person who knows the power of the arts is Ms. Shirley Giaritta, lovingly called the “Godmother of the Arts in Western Maryland.” 

Prior to the beginning of “Don Quixote,” Mr. Bill Mandicott crashed the stage to recognize her as she prepares to move closer to family in Ohio. Giaritta and her husband, the late Dr. Nicholas Giaritta, have been essential figures in the performing and visual arts in Allegany County for over four decades. The Giarittas were prominent early supporters of the Cumberland Theatre and much of Frostburg’s programming. Shirley was once the Chair of the Maryland State Arts Council. Her relocation is one worth mentioning as Shirley will be sorely missed by all those who make and enjoy art. 

Soon enough, we will return to Frostburg and the Cultural Events Series, and other programming

like it, will kick back up. Let this time of distancing serve as a reminder of the splendor of being together. Make a commitment to see work worth seeing, to watch on as others play on the stage, to reignite your love of the arts.

The Cultural Events Series can be found online. CES is supported by the Maryland State Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Allegany Arts Council, and the City of Frostburg.

Other live performance opportunities include the FSU Department of Theatre and Dance, the FSU Department of Music, and with the University Programming Council.