The Beauty in Suffering
If you keep up with Oprah’s Book Club, it’s likely you’ve read Uwem Akpan’s brutally tragic yet ultimately hopeful 2009 book, Say You’re One of Them. Its cover features “The Race” (pictured), a spirited and sublime photo by Bryn Mawr native David Sacks that was included in 2006’s Portraits of Hope silent auction. The latest installment of the biennial event will be held on May 21, bringing together similar images of joy and tenderness—often amidst chaos and strife—taken by the acclaimed photographer. Sacks has earned multiple honors over his 20-year career, including first place in the International Photography Awards and grand prize in the 2007 Nikon & Photo District News “World in Focus” competition. From human subjects to stunning landscapes, his work inspires awareness and hope for the children of Africa. This time, the geographic focus is on Zambia. Proceeds benefit event organizer Covenant Mercies, a Glen Mills nonprofit serving AIDS orphans in Africa, some of whom are pictured in Sacks’ work. Attendees can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and desserts while perusing the limited-edition prints. 7-9:30 p.m. Free. The Mansion at Archmere Academy, 3600 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, Del. Call (610) 361-0606, ext. 114, or visit davidsacks.com and portraitsofhope2010.org. —Shannon Hallamyer
For portraits that are still available after the event, click here.
And They’re Off!
For the 80th year, a mad scramble of hooves will kick up the turf in six steeplechase events at the Radnor Hunt Races on May 15. Benefiting the Brandywine Conservancy, this annual tradition is shared by some 20,000 racegoers. In anticipation of the big day, spend a serene evening at May 14’s black-tie Wildflower Ball. Grounds open 10 a.m.; first race 1:30 p.m. Minimum $50/car. Parking passes and subscriptions available through May 8. Radnor Hunt, 826 Providence Road, Malvern. Call (610) 647-4233 for tickets and sponsorship opportunities. Visit radnorraces.org. —Katie Doud
Arabian Night
Scores of kids have dreamed of Agrabah, that magical place where the hero is a street rat, a genie cracks one-liners and monkeys make good pets. Now, they can see all those things for themselves May 7-8 in the Haverford School’s production of Aladdin Jr. Based on Disney’s wildly popular 1992 film, Aladdin, this 90-minute interpretation features award-winning music, professionally designed sets constructed by upper school students, and a cast of 35 singing, dancing middle-schoolers. $5/students and seniors, $10/adults. Centennial Hall, 450 Lancaster Ave., Haverford. Call (610) 642-3020, ext. 1386, or visit haverford.org. —K.D.
