Dance Kaleidoscope: World Carnaval

"Play Mas" from Dance Kaleidoscope will be on stage at the Indiana Repertory Theatre 7-10 January. Billed as "a vibrant up-beat collection of dances inspired by Brazilian and Trinidadian Carnavals featuring large costume sculptures like those in a Carnaval parade, and the return of Food of Love, an exotic blend of international music, sensual dancing and sumptuous costumes," it features music from Argentina, Pakistan, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Africa.

Tickets are available IRTLive.com, and range from $6 (for the "mini-matinee at noon Thursday, 7 January) to $37 for the performance on Friday (8 January) January.

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Asian Festival at Valpo on 4 April

Asian culture will be celebrated during an event organized by Valparaiso University students featuring the diverse food, music, languages and culture of the world's largest continent.

“Taste of Asia,” sponsored by Valpo's Asian American Association, will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 4 April in Harre Union on the campus in Valparaiso. The event is open to the public and tickets may be purchased for $2 at Harre Union Welcome Desk.

Samples of food from the Middle East, India, China and Mongolia will be served periodically throughout the event, and students will perform songs from India and the Philippines, a Middle Eastern scarf dance and a skit about Saudi Arabia.

Several interactive activities also will be available, including henna body art and a booth where people can have their name written in different languages, including Arabic and Hindi.

For more information, send an e-mail to Jessiemarie White, or call the Harre Union Welcome Desk at 219:464-5415.

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Saudia Arabian Official Visits Valpo

The Saudi Arabian cultural attaché to the United States will visit Valparaiso University 20 and 21 March to discuss on the role of Saudi Arabia in the Middle East as well as participate in meetings with the University’s Saudi students and community leaders, reports the Valpo news bureau.

Dr. Mohammed Aleissa (pictured), an expert in educational technology who has served as Saudi Arabia’s cultural attaché since 2007, will speak with students in Valparaiso’s International Commerce and Policy program and School of Law on 20 March, followed by a dinner with University officials and attendance of a Saudi Student Fair in Harre Union.

Dr. Aleissa also will talk with Valparaiso community leaders during a 21 March lunch and meet with Saudi students attending Valpo during his two days on campus.

The Saudi Student Fair will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. 20 March, and is free and open to the public. Displays at the fair will include Saudi culture, its economy, educational system and business climate.

Dr. Aleissa earned his Ph.D. and master’s degree in educational technology from Indiana State University.

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GE Plastics Sold to Saudi Arabian Company

GE has announced the sale of GE Plastics to Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) for $11.6 billion, according to Inside INdiana Business.

The sale includes a facility in Mount Vernon, which employs more than 1,400 people and is the largest employer in Posey County. The purchase is expected to close in the third quarter of 2007, pending regulatory approval.