By Susan Granger

Set in 1930s Korea, during the Japanese occupation, auteur Park Chan-wook’s romantic melodrama “The Handmaiden” revolves around larcenous Sookee (Kim Tae-ri), an ambitious pickpocket recruited to help a con man, known as Count Fujiwara (Ha Jung-woo), who is planning to seduce lovely, lonely Lady Hideko (Kim Min-hee) to obtain her large inheritance.

This aristocratic Japanese heiress lives in a magnificent manor house, deep in the woods, with her tyrannical uncle Kouzuki (Cho Jin-woong), an avid collector of rare exotic books whose tongue has turned black from licking his ink brushes.

Groomed since childhood to marry avaricious Kouzuki, devious Hideko tells Sookee that, when she was little, her deranged aunt (Moon- So-ri) hanged herself from a cherry tree and has become a ghost.

When Sookee has slyly established her servant status in the sumptuous household, fraudulent Count arrives, explaining he’s a painter from an impoverished noble family. Perverse Kouzuki hires him to forge illustrations for new books that can then be sold as originals.

By James Lomuscio

The Westport Library’s long sought redo transforming it into a state-of-the art information and community center got a major boost tonight as the Board of Finance unanimously approved $5 million for renovations.

An architect’s rendering of how the proposed Westport Library’s Great Hall will look in a forum set up. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

The approval came with the contingency that the Library board raise the remaining $4.8 million for the project totaling $19.5 million before construction begins.

A target date for construction is Aug. 1, with a 17-month expected completion, according to Tom Walsh of AP Construction. He also said the work would be orchestrated in phases to keep the library open during construction.

Library Director Bill Harmer made the tonight’s request, noting that the town’s commitment, which has been part of its long-term capital forecast, represent about 20 percent of the total $19.5 million tab. The rest is being raised by the Library supporters via private donations and grants.

There was special recognition tonight for Westporter Ann Sheffer (who could not be present) at the 2016 Governor’s Patron of the Arts Awards ceremony at the governor’s residence in Hartford. Sheffer was honored for her “long standing commitment to fostering and improving the arts in Connecticut and beyond.” Accepting the award for Sheffer was Helen Klisser During (2nd r) , artistic director emeritus of the Westport Arts Center (and contributing WestportNow photographer) who took Sheffer’s place on the Connecticut Arts Council and the Connecticut Arts Council Foundation. Pictued (l-r) are Fritz Jellinghaus, chair, Connecticut Arts Council & Connecticut Arts Council Foundation; Catherine Smith, commissioner, Deparment of Economic & Community Development, and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Following the Westport Cinema Initiative’s (WCI) screening of “The Candidate” tonight at Westport Town Hall, there was a panel discussion with First Selectman Jim Marpe, Democratic Town Committee Chair Melissa Kane, and Douglas TIrola, filmmaker and WCI board vice president. Participants pointed to the local politicians’ ability to work with each other for the good of the town. “The Candidate,” a 1972 satirical comedy-drama film starring Robert Redford examines the various facets and machinations involved in political campaigns. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Pianist Jenny Lin played a “Sketches of Spain” program today at the Saugatuck Congregational Church in the second concert of the Westport Arts Center’s 2016-17 Chamber Music series. Her concert featured the music of Igor Stravinsky, Antonio Soler and Enrique Granados. Born in Taiwan, and raised in Austria and the United States, she began her piano studies at the age of 4. Upcoming WAC concerts include a special jazz lounge event featuring Atla and Matt DeChamplain on Thursday, Nov. 3 and pianist Pedja Muzijevic on Sunday, Dec. 4. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Aubrey Grodin for WestportNow.com

Westport photographer Richard Frank (r) tonight discussed his work with Westport Library Artist-in-Residence and illustrator/photographer Miggs Burroughs. They talked about Franks’s 40-year career and the path that led him into photography, including taking the seminal photo of Muhammad Ali, which helped validate his decision to pursue photography as a career.  Frank’s works are featured in the Great Hall exhibit “Always Looking,” which runs through Jan. 4. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Nicholas Pisarro, Jr. for WestportNow.com

By Susan Granger

I’ve always been fascinated by the Ouija Board. For the past century, this creepy board game, manufactured by Hasbro, has intrigued players around the world.

Its popularity rose sharply after America’s Civil War, since families lost so many loved ones in battle, many of whom remained unidentified. Using the Ouija Board, grieving relatives often gathered in the parlor to consult the ‘spirits’ for reassurance.

But there’s also been a fear that using the device could lead to demonic possession, which led to admonitions for users, like never play alone, never play in a graveyard or where a terrible death has occurred, and never bid ‘goodbye’ to the entity with whom you are in contact.

So it’s altogether appropriate that “Ouija: Origin of Evil” revolves around this supernatural concept. Set as a prequel to “Ouija” (2014), it begins with the Zander family back in 1967 in California.

Students from New Beginnings Family Academy, a tuition-free public charter school
in Bridgeport, today visited the Westport Arts Center (WAC) and viewed its current exhibit, “MORE Than Words,” which focuses on bullying. They are involved in the Connections program for students in Bridgeport and Norwalk inspired by the art and themes of the exhibition. WAC Education Manager Noah Steinman led the tour and provided background for the visitors. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Xenia Gross for WestportNow.com

Get ready for a tourist wave to Westport, thanks to “American Housewife” and a popular women’s website.

The popular women’s website Bustle takes a look at the real hometown of “American Housewife.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Photo from Bustle.com

The website, Bustle, which reportedly attracts more than 15 million unique visitors a month, Tuesday published an article on the Westport-based ABC TV sitcom headlined: “Is Westport a Real Town? This ‘American Housewife’ Setting Is Homey & Historical.”

The article outlines Westport history, quoting the town website, and its attractions, quoting TripAdvisor, including the Westport Country Playhouse and Compo Beach.

Bustle sums up: “It’s definitely more than yoga legging-clad moms and Range Rovers, so go give it a visit and discover more for yourself.”