Arts advocate and producer Ekundayo Bandele is realizing just how big the lack of awareness is for African-American arts groups in the city, including his own.

Memphis dance troupe Project: Motion may call itself a modern dance company, but this weekend’s performance comes wrapped in an antiquarian package.

For more than a year, while Jordan Nichols toured the country playing the role of Marius in “Les Miserables,” there was another musical constantly repeating in the back of his mind.

“Anansi the Spider”: Presented by Hattiloo Children’s Theatre. 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday, final show 3 p.m. Sunday. $10 ($1 ages 12 and under). Hattiloo Theatre, 656 Marshall. 901-525-0009.

on stage

Valisia LeKae may have been born and raised in Memphis, but it’s the story of Detroit’s Motown record label that put her in the running for a Tony Award on Tuesday.

Since taking up residence in Playhouse on the Square a few seasons ago, Ballet Memphis has, in both physical and aesthetic ways, scaled down to fit the smaller space.

Memphis has been memorialized in music numerous times, mentioned in song titles alone at least 100 times.

Live stage events happening this week

“Hamlet” is not a play that professional theater companies perform lightly.

It’s a drought in so many ways. Without water, the cattle may die and the Curry ranch may shrivel. And without a husband, Lizzie — not getting any younger, y’know — may end up a permanent spinster.

Sopranos with horned helmets. Stout tenors weeping over lost loves. Pavarotti. Callas. Three hours of symphonic excess. To the man on the street, this is opera in a nutshell.

STAGE LISTINGS

Where are Ethan Hawke and Winona Ryder when you need them for an endorsement? The iconic faces of Generation X could be the poster children for the 2013-14 season at the Buckman Arts Center at St. Mary’s School.

A flight to New York won't be necessary to take in two of Broadway's current top-grossing musicals next season.