(AP) -- CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - A new season of the Spoleto Festival USA is under way in Charleston.
The hundreds who gathered at Charleston City Hall at midday Friday saw ballet dancers and heard a plea for more state money for the festival.
Mayor Joe Riley said as the economy recovers, the festival needs and deserves more state support. Festival General Director Nigel Redden says the festival is getting only $14,000 from the state this year, down from more than $500,000 several years back.
The audience also heard from Fred Child, the host of "Performance Today" on National Public Radio.
The 35th festival is paying homage to founder Gian (Zhan) Carlo Menotti (Meh-NOT-ee) on the 100th anniversary of his birth. One of three operas being produced is Menotti's "The Medium."
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