Weekend Arts Agenda: Prince’s Purple Rain Plays at the Fox May 12 2016

Plus, Brian Washington’s civil rights exhibit, <i>The Continual Struggle</i> debuts at Carter Library.

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Gone but not forgotten, Atlanta’s Fox Theatre pays their respect to the late Prince, and rightly so. The theater hosts a special screening of Purple Rain Sat., May 14, at 7:30 p.m. The 1984 film directed by Albert Magnoli follows the journey of the Kid (played by Prince) escaping his shaky home life, touring with his up-and-coming band The Revolution, and dealing with rival musician Morris (played by Morris Day) trying to steal his fame and girlfriend. The cult classic also stars Clarence Williams III and Apollonia Kotero, and features original music by the one and only Prince. 

ON THURSDAY
›› The Center for Puppetry Arts presents a four-day special event, Xperimental Puppetry Theater, with the opening performances kicking off Thurs., May 12, at 8 p.m. The uniquely innovative show features four films: Steve Morrison’s Akkadian Night Music, SCAD Atlanta’s Stop-Motion Club’s Princess Cottongrass, Sara Gaare and Jessica Sanchez’s Unicorn Princess, and Dante DeStefano and Colin Wheeler’s Tiny Traveler. The series also features six live performances: Ian Cluster’s Puppet Politics 2016, Matthew Siano’s Deep, Bean and Bear’s Fantagio di Fantastique, Moirra Bucciarelli’s Acts of Thecla, Spencer Murrill’s Stretch, and Shari Bohnsack’s I Loved a Broken Man
Experimental Puppetry Theater runs Thurs., May 12-Sat. May 14, at 8 p.m., and Sun., May 15, at 5 p.m. 

ON FRIDAY 
›› Christopher Holshek, U.S. Army Civil Affairs colonel and author of Travels With Harley, stops by the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum Fri., May 13, at 7:30 p.m. to sign and discuss his book. Holshek’s 2015 memoir explores life after war and gives a personal look at what service, freedom, and responsibility means to him. Holshek documents his two-wheeled journey through the U.S. in his search for national and personal identification. Holshek’s military career spanned over three decades, including time in the Middle East, the Balkans, and Africa. 

ON SATURDAY 
›› Brian Washington’s moving art exhibit, The Continual Struggle: The American Freedom Movement and the Seeds of Social Change, premieres at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, with the opening reception set for Sat., May 14, at 9 a.m. Washington’s emotionally charged collection features 23 original works and captures the pain, sacrifice, and dedication involved with the civil rights movement, while also paying respect to the oppressed men and women who lost their lives fighting for freedom. 
The Continual Struggle: The American Freedom Movement and the Seeds of Social Change is on view thru Sun., July 31.

›› Sat., May 14, from noon-4 p.m. is the last chance to view Black Chronicles II at Spelman College’s Museum of Fine Art before the archival art collection heads back to the UK. The special exhibit contains rare and some never-before-seen photograph portraits which examines Black presence during Victorian-era Britain in the late 19th century. Curated by Renée Mussai and Mark Sealy of Autograph ABP, a London-based arts agency, the unique collection features more than 100 vintage photos from more than 120 years ago. 

ALSO THIS WEEK 
Between the Sweet Water and the Swarm of Bees at Emory’s Michael C. Carlos Museum (Thurs., May 12-Fri., May 13, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat., May 14, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun., May 15, from noon-5 p.m.)
The Light in the Pizza at Theatrical Outfit at Balzer Theatre (Thurs., May 12-Fri., May 13, at 7:30, Sat., May 14, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sun., May 15, at 2:30 p.m.)
Simon Montefiore book signing at A Cappella Books (Mon., May 16, at 7:15)
Melissa Fay Greene book signing at A Cappella Books (Tues., May 17, at 7 p.m.)
Sibling Rivalry Press authors in conversation at Charis Books & More (Thurs., May 12, at 7:30 p.m.)
Ask a Curator: Daniel Fuller and Sarah Higgins at Atlanta Contemporary (Thurs., May 12, at 6 p.m.)
10 Ways to Ruin Everything at Dad’s Garage (May 12-June 4. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m. Mon., May 23)
Lit Laughs Lemonade presents Southern Gothic Salute at A Cappella Books (Thurs., May 12, at 8 p.m.)