In Feburary, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford shows a trilogy of films that give a contemporary spin on the classic “Arabian Nights.” All three were made in Portugal by Miguel Gomes.
The first is “Arabian Nights: Volume 1 — The Restless One,” an allegorical fantasy that uses the classic tales to make a statement about Europe’s current economic woes and to take capitalism to task. The stories — about cost-cutting bigwigs, unheeded warnings and the anguish of unemployment — are woven together by a modern-day Sheherazade portrayed by Crista Alfaiate. It will be shown Thursday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 6, at 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m.
In two weeks, the Atheneum will show “Arabian Nights: Volume 2 — The Desolate One,” whose tales tell of an escaped murderer, a judge confronted by hundreds of people linked to her case, and a dog passed from owner to owner. It will be shown Feb. 18 at 7 p.m.; and Feb. 20 and 21 at 2 p.m.
Finally, “Arabian Nights: Volume 3 — The Enchanted One” tells stories about a birdsong competition and an immigrant trapped in the country. It will be shown Feb. 25 at 7 p.m.; and Feb. 27 and 28 at 2 p.m.
Also, on Saturday, Feb. 6, the museum will show the Alfred Hitchcock 1963 classic “The Birds” at 2:15 p.m. It will be preceded, at 1 p.m., by a talk by contemporary art curator Patricia Hickson and artist Valerie Hegarty about the museum’s new acquisition, Hegarty’s “Picnic with Downy Woodpecker.”
Admission to each film is $9, seniors and students $8, members $7, Insider Access members and above free. For “The Birds,” admission to the museum is free with admission to the film. The Atheneum is at 600 Main St. in Hartford. thewadsworth.org.
