September 17–18
Drums of India
This two-part percussion performance features the virtuosic talents of renowned artists from India. Co-produced with the India Focus Group.

Friday & Saturday, September 17 & 18, 8:00 p.m.
$15.00 for one concert; $25.00 for both.

September 20
Eckhart and Ibn Arabi: A Philosophical Dialogue
Dr. Ghasem Kakaie of the University of Shiraz, Iran, will discuss the increasing demonization of Islam by the media since 9/11 as it becomes ever more important for people of good will to gain an understanding of this third member of the Abrahamic tradition. Dr. Kakaie will address some of the most difficult stumbling blocks for mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims drawing from the mystical theologian of Christianity, Meister Eckhart (d. ca. 1327), and the master of mystical philosophy in Islam, Muhyiddin ibn Arabi (d. 1240). Co-sponsored with the Asian and Asian American Studies Department and the Center of Religious Studies.
Monday, September 20, 3:00 p.m., Wang Center, Room 101.
Free to all.

September 22
A Place for Edward Said in Asian America
This event, commemorating the first anniversary of the death of powerhouse cultural analyst and activist Edward Said, who died September 25, 2003, will include the screening of excerpts from Edward Said: On Orientalism, a 1988 documentary film exploring the implications and influence of Said's masterwork, Orientalism. Discussion on how Orientalism radically influenced the current understanding of Asianness and its relationship to the West by SB philosophy professor Gary Mar. Co-sponsored with Asian American Center Bridge, SBU Film Club, Social Justice Alliance, and the Undergraduate College of Global Studies.
Wednesday, September 22, 12:45 p.m., Wang Center Lecture Hall 1.
Free to all.

September 28
Film: Control Room (Jehane Noujaim/2004/84 min.)
A fascinating chronicle of the inner-workings of Al Jazeera, the Arab world's most popular news agency. Roundly criticized by US officials for its alleged anti-American bias, Al Jazeera's coverage of the Iraq War drew worldwide acclaim for its vigor and breadth. This documentary provides a counterpoint to the mainstream American coverage of the Iraq war. Co-sponsored with the Undergraduate College of Global Studies, SBU Film Club, and Social Justice Alliance.
Tuesday, September 28, 7:00 p.m., Wang Center Theatre.
Free to Students; $5 general admission.

September 29
Art Opening and Reception: Asian Latin America: New Photos from Cuba by Ayame Mizutome
Mizutome, a young and talented Japanese photographer, evokes the complex lives of this little-known diaspora in the Americas. Refreshments served. Sponsored by the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Department.
Reception: Wednesday, September 29, 5:00-7:00 p.m., LACS Gallery,
Social & Behavioral Sciences Bldg., N-320. Photographs on exhibit at LACS gallery until December 10, 2004.

October 7, 13, 21 & 27
Japanese Animation Film Series
The world's most popular, daring, and mindblowing animated films are made in Japan. This series includes the Hayao Miyazaki modern classics Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke; the groundbreaking animated melodrama Millennium Actress; and the Hindu-Japanese fusion epic Legend of Prince Rama. Co-sponsored with The Japan Center. Details and schedule ...
Thursday, October 7; Wednesday, October 13; Thursday, October 21; Wednesday, October 27. Wang Center Theatre.
All showings 7:00 p.m.

October 7
Happiness That Cannot be Ruffled: Lecture by Venerable
Bhikkhu Bodhi
Buddhism is often said to be concerned principally with suffering, but its real concern is with the achievement of happiness. The happiness that Buddhism aims at is different from ordinary happiness, however, for unlike ordinary happiness, this ultimate happiness is not dependent on external conditions. In this lecture, Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi will explain the Buddhist perspective on happiness and the practical process that leads to its attainment."
Thursday, October 7, 7:00 pm, Wang Center Lecture Hall 1.

October 8
Latif Bolat: Turkish Delight
Your soul, it is promised, will whirl to the music of premiere artist Latif Bolat on the baglama, the Turkish long-necked lute. Latif sings of love and spirit, with many songs featuring the lyrics of the great 13th century mystical poets Rumi and Yunus Emre. The dance of the whirling dervishes is a special feature of this concert. Program notes ...
Friday, October 8, 8:00 pm, Wang Center Theatre.
Students w/ID free; $15.00 general admission.

October 11
Swami Parthasarathy: Vedanta: The Ancient Philosphy of Hinduism
According to exponents of Vedanta, this venerable philosophy unravels the mysteries of life, bridging the gulf between the known universe and the unknown Reality. Well-known Hindu educator and corporate lecturer Swami Parthasarathy shares his wisdom.
Monday, October 11, 6:30 p.m., Wang Center Theatre.
Free to all.

Preceded by lecture: The Science of Life
Life and its constituents, subjective and objective science, the structure of the human personality, intelligence vs. intellect, the power of the mind; the Self within: the Supreme Enlivening Principle. Sponsored by BERA's Indian American Association and the Asian Pacific American Association.
4:00–5:15 p.m., Berkner Auditorium, Brookhaven National Laboratory

October 14
Untitled: A Solo Theatrical Performance by Lushin Dubey
An enraged queen, expressive puppets, a moving story, and the electrifying Lushin Dubey are sure to transport you to the deserts of Rajasthan and to the core of the human heart. Dubey's much-praised solo performance blends elements of Dario's Fo's Medea with the Indian classic Nyari Nyari Maryada. A Theatreworld Production directed by Arvind Gaur, music by Dr. Sangeeta Gaur. Untitled has produced 118 shows to date and continues to travel widely.
Thursday, October 14, 8:00 p.m., Wang Center Theatre.
Students w/ID free; $15.00 general admission.

October 23
Ermo
Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can get you very close, as Ermo, the heroine of this delightful comedy discovers. To impress her family and friends, Ermo decides to buy the biggest and most expensive television set. Watch how Ermo becomes a business dynamo, stopping at nothing to reach her goal. Co-sponsored with the Undergraduate College of Global Studies. (Zhou Xiaowen, 1995, 95 minutes, Mandarin with English subtitles)
Saturday, October 23, 2:30 p.m., Wang Center Theatre.
Free Admission.

October 28–31
Exhibition: Maitreya Project Shrine Relic Tour
An extremely rare and precious collection of more than 1,000 relics of the Buddha and many other Buddhist masters provides a unique opportunity to make a personal, spiritual, and socio-cultural connection with theological precepts, the healing power of faith, and the witnessing of religious relics. There will be discussions, films, and performances to enrich our understanding of Buddhism, the role of relics in religious practice, and the power of faith. Co-sponsored by the American Buddhist Confederation, Asian and Asian American Faculty and Staff Association at SBU, Asian American Center Bridge at SBU, Asian and Pacific American Association at Brookhaven National Lab, Buddhist Study and Practice Group at SBU, Charles B. Wang Center at Stony Brook University, Department of the Asian and Asian American Studies at SBU, DDMBA Chan Meditation Center, Long Island Council of Churches, Long Island Multi-Faith Forum, New York Buddhist Vihara, One Mind Zen Group, Peaceful Dwelling Project, and the Yuan-Ji Society. Details and schedule ...
Thursday, October 28, 3:00–8:00 p.m.; Friday, October 29, 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Saturday, October 30, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Exhibition at Wang Chapel; related programs in Wang Center Theatre. Free to all.

November 3
Lecture: European Chinese and Chinese Literature in Europe
Eminent author Suzie Chen (Shu Hsia Chao) explores the contributions of Chinese authors living in Europe to European, Chinese, and World literature.
Wednesday, November 3, 12:45, Wang Lecture Hall 2

November 8
Menon Dwarka on Music: My Home (and Native Land)
Born of Indian parents who immigrated to Toronto via British Guiana, composer Menon Dwarka will discuss his music and how he explores his Indian roots in a new work (for violin, cello, piano, flute, clarinet, and percussion) to be premiered by the Contemporary Chamber Players on Thursday, November 11, 2004 (8:00 p.m.) at the Staller Center with a repeat performance at New York City’s Baruch College (Engelman Hall) on Sunday, November 14 (3:00 p.m.).
Monday, November 8, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Wang Lecture Hall 1
Reception to follow.

November 11
Our Debt to Chinese Gardeners
Plants that have had the greatest influence on Western gardens have come from the gardens and nurseries of China. Acclaimed Australian botanist, Dr. Peter Valder will discuss the millennia old contributions of Chinese gardeners to horticulture. Sponsored by the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden and the Charles B. Wang Foundation. For more information, call: (718) 362-1008 or (718) 273-8200 and visit the Staten Island Botanical Garden.
November 11, 3:00 p.m., Wang Lecture Hall 1

November 4, 11, & 17
Korean Film Series
This series includes Yoon Taek Lee's Ogu: A Hilarious Mourning (2003); Yoon Hyung Chang's Jeobsog: The Contact (1991); and Jin-ho Huh's Christmas in August (1998).
Co-sponsored with the Korea Studies Program, the Asian & Asian American Studies Department, and the Korean Cultural Service. Details and schedule ...
Thursday, November 4; Thursday, November 11; Wednesday, November 17. Wang Center Theatre. All showings 7:00 p.m.

November 18
Beijing Opera: The Adventures of the Monkey King
Blending singing and dialogue, acrobatic tumbling, kung-fu fighting, sparkling costumes, and brightly stylized masks makes for a memorable evening of theater. This action-packed performance by the International Monkey King Troupe stars its director Ghaffar Pourazar, the leading exponent of this marvelous theatrical art form in the West. The International Monkey King Troupe was trained at the National Academy of Beijing Opera in China. Produced by the Cornell East Asia Program.
Thursday, November 18, 8:00 p.m., Wang Center Theatre.
Students w/ID free; $15.00 general admission.

November 19–21
South Asian Languages Analysis: SALA 24
The 24th annual conference of South Asian Languages Analysis will be organized by the Center for India Studies, in collaboration with the Linguistics Department, the Department of Asian and Asian American Studies, and the Charles B. Wang Center. Call for papers deadline: October 1, 2004.
Visit the Conference Web site for more information.
E-mail inquiries: SALA24@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
SALA Program
SALA Registration Form (pdf)

Previous seasons' programming