Arrive early at Longwood Gardens on November 2. Leave late with an appreciation of Asian culture. For one admission price, fans can experience several Asian-inspired offerings: an amphitheater performance of “U-Theatre: Sword of Wisdom,” and Ikebana International and Brandywine Bonsai Society shows. “Sword of Wisdom,” a show that blends martial arts, drumming, dance, and chanting, is performed by artists from Taipei, Taiwan. Performing arts coordinator Dara Schmoyer, who previewed U-Theatre performances on a recent visit to Taiwan, says the show is “quite an athletic display with phenomenal music.” Longwood is one of only two places in the country to offer an outdoor venue, which is where the show is meant to be seen. The Ikebana International and Brandywine Bonsai Society shows, a variety of exhibits that highlight the Japanese horticultural arts, will run all day in Conservatory Exhibition Hall. An expert will be on hand to demonstrate Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Though the Brandywine Bonsai Society has exhibited before at Longwood, “Sword of Wisdom” is a first. “Having witnessed the U-Theatre performers for myself,” Schmoyer says, “I can say that the show is unique to our region.” For more, visit longwoodgardens.org or call (610) 388-1000. —Maria Hess
Page 2: Spinning Reels
Spinning Reels
This year’s Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival November 5-9 will include 39 feature films, 11 documentaries, 23 shorts, seven children’s films and Short Takes Mexico, a program of five short works meant to appeal to local Latinos. Of the features, three were directed by Delawareans: “The Lantern” is by Gustave Rehnstrom of Ellendale, “No Denying: Delawareans Bear Witness to the Holocaust” is by Steve Gonzer of Middletown and “All Along” comes from Wilmington’s Robert A. Masciantonio. New this year are Friday morning films and Locals’ Night on November 5. “We just keep trying to make it better,” says executive director Sue Early. “The festival is a rare event in that it brings people from such diverse backgrounds together in a dialogue about film.” For more, visit rehobothfilm.com, or call 645-9095. —Maria Hess
Page 3: Peace in Politics
Peace in Politics
Why will this Return Day be more special than others? “We’ve got our greatest chance of having a vice president-elect and possibly a president-elect attend,” says Delaware Public Archives director Russ McCabe. Return Day, November 6 this year, is the day election results have been announced in Sussex County for more than 200 years. Today, winning and losing candidates parade together to make peace after their campaigns. Meet at The Circle in Georgetown about 1:30 p.m. for entertainment, receptions by the candidates and more. Former Governor Russell W. Peterson will serve as Grand Marshal. “He will be remembered 100 or 200 years from now as a pioneer and a protector of the environment,” McCabe says. “That he could be here for Return Day, 40 years after he was elected, is extraordinary.” If you want a free roasted ox sandwich, McCabe suggests that you line up early. “They’re pretty much down to the gristle by 4 p.m.” —Maria Hess
Page 4: Everything Antique
Everything Antique
A piece made with antique wood may not be an antique piece. Learn how to tell the difference at the 45th annual Delaware Antiques Show November 7-9. More than 60 nationally known dealers will stock the Chase Center on the Riverfront with antique furniture, paintings, rugs, ceramics and jewelry. Keynote speaker Elissa Cullman, president of the award-winning design firm Cullman & Kravis, will share her passion for decorating with fine art and antiques. Architectural Digest repeatedly ranks Cullman tops in her field. Want to break bread with the highly decorated before the show? Check out the preview party at the Chase on November 6. For more, call 888-4600.
