THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 12, 1995 TAG: 9503100084
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TERESA ANNAS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
NORFOLK ACTRESS Lucinda McDermott, known for her portrayal of the artist Georgia O'Keeffe, is working on a new piece about women's issues.
A staged reading of this work in progress is set for tonight at 6 at Generic Theater, 912 W. 21st St., Norfolk. The hourlong presentation is free and open to the public.
``These are pieces I've written to be performed around photography and other artworks that explore women's issues, that pertain to their bodies,'' McDermott said. The scenes delve into ``how we react to society's messages, as well as the messages of the beauty industry.''
McDermott wrote the one-woman show ``O'Keeffe!'' - presented at the Generic in December, and at theaters across the country.
Call 441-2160 for more information. HOME SHOW
If you're an artist, there's more than one way to get your work out there. Today from noon to 5 p.m., Everett Leo Swinson is opening his studio in Norfolk's West Ghent neighborhood for a show and sale.
``Getting into galleries isn't necessarily too difficult, but it takes too much time.'' Selling on your own ``allows prices to be lower. You don't have to add the commission galleries charge,'' Swinson said.
On display will be dozens of drawings, paintings and sculptures, including the oil pastel drawings on paper for which he has become known.
He has been a performance artist and exhibitor in this area since the late 1970s. Swinson's art has always conveyed a message about social problems, from homelessness to hunger.
In recent years, since being diagnosed HIV-positive, his art became more personal, communicating his private angst. He stressed that his work is about ``someone dealing with a serious illness. There are many serious illnesses; AIDS is just one of them.''
Swinson's studio is at 1020 Claremont Ave., Apt. 8. SHIRLEY, YOU JEST
Not so. Shirley Hurd's tour de force performance in the one-woman show, ``Shirley Valentine,'' will be repeated at 8 p.m. March 31 and April 1 and at 3 p.m. April 2 at Virginia Wesleyan College.
This poignant comedy takes place in the kitchen of a middle-aged Liverpool housewife, who is tired of being taken for granted. She dreams of escaping to a Greek island with a liberated girlfriend. Then her dream comes true.
The show played to sold-out houses in January at Little Theater of Virginia Beach.
Tickets are $6-$8. Reservations are required for the show, to be presented at Hofheimer Theater on campus. Call 455-3200. by CNB