The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center and the New Bedford Whaling Museum have announced a coordinated partnership designed to heighten New Bedford’s profile as a cultural and historical destination utilizing “Moby-Dick” as a universal identifier for the city in a four-month program titled “Moby!”.

The partnership between two of New Bedford’s leading cultural institutions will focus on author Herman Melville’s 1851 novel, “Moby-Dick,” considered the greatest work in American literature. During four months of related programs and activities, “Moby!” will encompass the many facets of Melville’s creation, spanning whaling history, literature, theater, and popular culture.

The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center and the New Bedford Whaling Museum have announced a coordinated partnership designed to heighten New Bedford’s profile as a cultural and historical destination utilizing "Moby-Dick" as a universal identifier for the city in a four-month program titled "Moby!".

The partnership between two of New Bedford’s leading cultural institutions will focus on author Herman Melville’s 1851 novel, "Moby-Dick," considered the greatest work in American literature. During four months of related programs and activities, "Moby!" will encompass the many facets of Melville’s creation, spanning whaling history, literature, theater, and popular culture.

"Moby!" will reinforce Melville’s relationship with New Bedford, its history and development, increase the city’s visibility and foster cultural tourism, which will help drive increased hotel occupancy, retail and restaurant traffic, said James Russell, museum president.

"This effort has been forged in response to profound fiscal challenges, which all nonprofits must now address due to the ongoing economic crisis. Our partnership will strengthen areas of mutual benefit and it will be multidisciplinary and integrated, spanning history, literature, theater, and popular culture," Russell said, adding that "our shoulder season is the optimal time to launch this joint endeavor."

Katherine Knowles, Chief Executive Officer of the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center noted the partnership will create new perspectives. "This is a way to view New Bedford through new eyes and to work together in new ways. We will capitalize on our commonalities and show critical mass," she said.

Mayor Scott W. Lang emphasized the importance of new cultural initiatives. "This is the type of partnership we have worked to create. Both organizations have worked very hard foster New Bedford as a destination," he said.

Noting "Moby!" in pop culture, Congressman Barney Frank related how his first introduction to "Moby-Dick" was by reading the "Classic Comics" version, with its gripping images of the giant whale. "And there is a reputation of false opposites between cultural heritage and economic opportunity. We’re standing in this great museum just a few feet from a working waterfront. The Whaling Museum and the Zeiterion and the city together are not a zero-sum game, but an additive," he said.

Mr. Russell added that "Moby!" will run from October 2011 to February 2012 and establish a new chapter in cooperative cultural programming. It will draw on the strengths of the two organizations and affiliated groups such as the Melville Society Cultural Project toward a common goal: the branding of New Bedford as the cultural and maritime city, unique in its nautical traditions and artistic heritage with "Moby-Dick" as a central theme.

Moby! Preview: "Why Read Moby-Dick?"

Lecture and book signing with Nathaniel Philbrick. Free. Sponsored by Baker Books.

Welcome Reception for the Mayor of Youghal, County Cork, Ireland.

Zeiterion Performance Center, 6:00 p.m.

Film Screening: "Moby Dick" (1956) Starring Gregory Peck, Directed by John Huston.?

Zeiterion Performance Center, 7:00 p.m.

Exhibit opening of "Imagining Moby!"

New Bedford Whaling Museum, 5:00 p.m.

An exhibit including original works by Leonard Baskin, Richard Ellis & Rockwell Kent demonstrating the ways artists have explored aspects of this great American novel.

Stage Performance "Moby Dick" by Gare St. Lazare Players of Ireland.

Zeiterion Performance Center, 7:30 p.m.

Moby! Cartoon Festival

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Cook Memorial Theater, New Bedford Whaling Museum

A children’s film festival of animated films inspired by Moby-Dick, including an animated puppet version, a Spanish version, and others.? Free.

Stage Performance "Moby Dick" by the Gare St. Lazare Players of Ireland.

3:00 p.m. Matinee, Zeiterion Performance Center

Moby! Memorabilia Exhibitions

5:00 p.m., Cook Memorial Theater, New Bedford Whaling Museum

The Mayor of Youghal will present a slide show of pictures from the filming of Moby-Dick in Ireland in 1955.? The Whaling Museum and the Zeiterion will present an exhibit on memorabilia from the New Bedford World Premiere of "Moby Dick" on June 26, 1956. Free.

Stage Performance "Moby Dick" by Gare St. Lazare Players of Ireland.

Zeiterion Performance Center, 7:30 p.m.

Moby-Dick Marathon Reader Call-in Day

Anyone may call in to request an 8-10 minute reading slot, beginning at 12:01 a.m. Be sure to give us three alternative times when you could read. Call 508-997-0046 x151.

Moby-Dick Marathon Preview

5:30 p.m. Pre-Marathon Buffet Dinner & cash bar

7:15 p.m. Museum Theater, Free Pre-Marathon Lecture: "Moby-Dick in American Popular Culture" with Melville scholar, Dr. Timothy? W. Marr. After Nov. 15, call 508-997-0046 ext. 100 to purchase tickets for the buffet dinner. The lecture is free.

"Stump the Scholars!"

10:00 a.m., Cook Memorial Theater

As a prelude to the Moby-Dick, Marathon, the Museum hosts a truly Melville-centric event along the same lines as National Public Radio’s popular program, "Wait, wait, don’t tell me." You will have the opportunity to quiz Melville Society scholars on all matters Moby-Dick and Melville. No questions are too tough. Free.

16^th Annual Moby-Dick Marathon

Noon, New Bedford Whaling Museum

The Moby-Dick Marathon kicks off the non-stop reading of the great American classic. Come at any time; leave at any time. All are welcome to this 25-hour event commemorating the anniversary of 21-year old Herman Melville’s voyage from New Bedford harbor aboard the whale ship Acushnet in 1841. Free.

"Moby-Dick" the Opera

Whaling Museum Members’ Trip to the West Coast to see the critically acclaimed new opera by Jake Heggie, "Moby Dick," at the San Diego Opera House. Join the Whaling Museum for three days of activities, VIP receptions, and a visit to the San Diego opera to see their premier of Moby Dick! Contact Alison Smart for more details: (508) 997-0046 ext. 115

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For more information, contact:

Arthur Motta

Director, Marketing & Communications

New Bedford Whaling Museum

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 (508) 997-0046, ext. 153

 and/or

Rosemary Gill

Assistant Director

Zeiterion Performing Arts Center

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