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(03/25/05 4:13am)
The first Turkish Film Festival for Bloomington was the idea of Abbas Karakaya, a doctoral student at IU. Karakaya said he wanted to focus on sharing a mutual interest in cinema and working together to produce free public entertainment as a way to promote art on the campus.\nWhile limited to movies with English subtitles, the festival will show a variety of movies. Organizers attempted to select films that would appeal to a wide range of tastes. \nFor the next two weekends, Turkish films with English subtitles will be shown between 7 and 10 p.m. today, Saturday and April 1-2 in Ballantine Hall 013. The April 3 showing will take place in Ballantine Hall 109. All screenings are free.\n"All the films revolve around 'real' people and their experiences of love, fear, joy, grief, etc.," said organizing committee member and doctoral student Burcu Karahan. "In fact, with the exception for 'Baba,' all of the films belong to the period known as 'Yeni Turk Sinemasi' (New Turkish Cinema), which has been underway since the first years of the 1990s. Among other things, this new trend has managed to speak to the popular taste without neglecting what may be called aesthetic or idiosyncratic aspects of an art work." \nTurkish film is different from American cinema in some aspects. The purpose of the festival is to show people a glimpse of Turkey and these differences. Karakaya said generally speaking, Turkish cinema is low-budgeted, human-oriented and not as focused on the current Hollywood trend of special effects and technology use. For many Turkish directors and artists as well as film watchers, cinema is still more like an art form than a commercial industry. \nThe organizing committee said its members hope to attract to the festival those to whom art, artistic expression and cinematography are important because this is a valuable chance to be exposed to five examples of contemporary cinema made in Turkey. \n"Her Sey Guzel Olacak" ("Everything's Gonna be Great") is a 1998 comedy featuring many Western Turkish landscapes that will be shown Saturday. "Mustafa Hakkinda Her Sey" ("Everything about Mustafa") is a 2004 thriller to be shown Sunday.\nThe film for April 1 is "Baba" ("Father"), a 1973 movie with much acclaim. Director Yilmaz Guney was recently named as one of the most prominent cinema men (director, script writer, actor and producer) by the Ankara Cinema Association. The film's presence among the festival is tribute to Guney's contribution to Turkish cinema, Karahan said. \n"Im Juli" ("In July") is a 2000 romance scheduled for April 2. The final film, "Uzak" ("Distant") is a 2003 drama, which won the Grand Prix du Jury at the Cannes Film Festival and will be shown April 3.\nThe festival is sponsored by the Inner Asian and Uralic National Resource Center. The Resource Center is deeply committed to promoting artistic events and being a liaison between inner Asian and Uralic cultures and the public, said Aimee Dobbs, the graduate assistant outreach coordinator. It is this desire that brought forth the Bloomington Turkish Film Festival this year and possibly for years to come, as festival organizers hope. \nMore information on the films being shown and the Inner Asian and Uralic National Resource Center can be found at www.iub.edu/~iaunrc.\n-- Contact Staff Writer Liv Cole at olcole@indiana.edu.
(11/11/04 6:11am)
After 33 years at IU, Professor Howard Jensen is retiring. Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard," which opens Friday at the Ruth N. Halls Theatre, marks his farewell production for the Department of Theatre and Drama.\n"(It is) the greatest play in the last 150 years, and you might as well go out with a play you are incredibly passionate about," Jensen said.\nJensen's love of theater has been a lifelong passion that started when he was a child.\n"I got the acting bug before I even went to grade school and have been in love with theater ever since. I really love that it is live and it only exists in that moment that it is happening, and then it is gone," Jensen said. "There is just something about live actors communicating on stage that cannot be re-created anywhere else."\nJensen decided to follow a career path in the direction of his passion. \n"I knew I wanted to do two things when I grew up: One was teaching, and one was acting. I have a feeling that my mother put teaching in my mind. Because she went through the Depression, she saw that all of the people who kept working were school teachers," he said.\nFollowing these dreams, Jensen earned his Ph.D. from Wayne State University and accepted the position as chair of the acting program at IU in 1972. He held this position until 1999 and greatly shaped the Master's of Fine Arts programs in the department during his tenure, his colleagues say.\nJensen actually only planned on coming to Bloomington for one year, but he enjoyed Bloomington enough that one year turned into 33. Jensen recalls his many turns in the director's chair for some of the best plays ever written as his favorite moments at IU.\nJensen directed more than 35 productions while at IU, as well as shows at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and the Utah Shakespearean Festival.\nJensen was a founding member of the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespearean Festival. The Festival, about to celebrate its 40th anniversary, named Jensen as one of the 40 "illustrious persons who have illuminated our lives."\nAfter his retirement, Jensen will again return to the Festival to direct Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus," for which he made a script adaptation. \nJensen plans to continue directing after his retirement from IU.\n"I hope to freelance direct in professional theaters around the country," he said "I will also consider getting back to acting professionally, since I have not acted since 1996."\nJensen said while he will miss guiding students and watching their progression through art, retirement will bring a release of pressure and an opportunity for more travel.\n"Theater can sometimes be really quite nerve-wracking," Jensen said. "When you have classes to teach, meetings to attend and a play to direct, the days can get quite long."\nMembers of the Department of Theatre and Drama said they will miss Jensen immensely.\n"Theater is a collaborative enterprise, and Howard is able to bring out the best in fellow artists," said Jonathan Michaelsen, chairman of the department. "His spirit of enthusiasm and depth of knowledge has been an inspiration to generations of students and colleagues." \nThe great work Jensen has accomplished has not been ignored. While a member of the IU faculty, his work has been honored several times. In 1989, Arts Indiana declared Jensen a "state art treasure who has achieved international, national and regional recognition outside of Indiana during the years 1979-1989." In 2002, Jensen was recognized as an outstanding teacher and was awarded IU's Trustees' Teaching Award.\nProfessors within the department said Jensen well deserved his award.\n"Howard Jensen is one of the finest teachers, and definitely the most talented director I have ever personally known and worked with," said former student and current professor Ronald Wainscott. "When I was a graduate student here in the 1970s, I performed in four of his productions, and in those rehearsal periods I learned more about the acting and directing process than from any other director or teacher I encountered before or since. He has been a mainstay of this department and we will miss him sorely. In fact, he can never be truly replaced."\n-- Contact staff writer Liv Cole at olcole@indiana.edu.
(06/14/04 1:06am)
In Jon Brooks' intelligently written "The Button," now showing on the Bloomington Playwright's Project Timothy J. Wiles stage, the provocative power of a little red button becomes an item of mystery and intrigue in the final mainstage BPP play of the season.\nThe play is very entertaining, but at times Brooks' exuberance to captivate the audience overshadows the play's inherent message, which could have been shown stronger. \nIn the beginning of the play, the audience is introduced to Matthew Kirkham's character Joe, the new employee hired to press the button.\nJoe's highly peppy and eccentric boss DJ Glass was cleverly played by Lee Parker, who was able to maintain an exceptional level of energy throughout the show. The fantastical dialogue of Glass, paired with the creativity of Parker's delivery and willingness to be immodest, stole the show. \nAmanda Scherle, who played Kara, Joe's girlfriend, was crisp in the role of Kara. Unfortunately the character's terse dialogue left the role flat and did not allow Scherle to engage her full talent. \nRegardless of some shortcomings in the dialogue and character development, Brooks had a very solid idea for a play full of wit, which was entertainingly brought to life by talented guest director Jonathan Rest.\nAccording to the BPP's description of the play, "You press that little red button once a day, every day, and the paychecks keep rolling in. There's just one nagging question, which no one seems to be able to answer: exactly what does that little button do?"\nBrooks got the motivation to write the play while working as a file clerk in San Francisco at a prestigious bank's corporate offices. When he came across some paperwork which showed that the company behaved immorally in money lending practices, he contemplated quitting. He continued to work because he needed the money.\n"It was easy to justify staying by questioning what the resignation of a single file clerk would have on the policies of a multi-billion dollar institution," Brooks said. "But it got me thinking, if everyone just refused to take part on any level in something unethical or immoral, what would the world be like?"\nA discussion about the powers of authority, personal responsibility and the ensuing consequences triggered Brooks' idea for writing the play.\nEmily Lowder Wootten charmingly and demurely portrayed Joe's secretary. \n"The text presents us with this larger-than-life story that seems too crazy to believe, but the questions raised are quite pertinent," she said. "What are a person's limits? Just how far would you go for fortune and fame? If no one was looking, would you push the button?"\nThese questions undoubtedly ran through the minds of the audience members as they left this enjoyable and final show of the BPP season.
(06/10/04 1:52am)
The Bloomington Playwrights Project will begin running its final mainstage play of the season this weekend. \n"The Button," a comedy by Jon Brooks' about life in 21st-century America, was runner-up in the 2004 Reva Shiner Full-Length Play Contest at the BPP. \nA New York City native, Brooks recently had another of his plays, "Better Than Hitler," performed at the 2004 Bay Area One Acts Festival in San Francisco. Last year, his one-act play "Red Light" was a finalist in the Playwrights Center of San Francisco's DramaRama festival. \nThis will be the second play to run from the contest. Earlier this season, the BPP produced the contest winner "Maleficia." BPP Artistic Director Rich Perez said "The Button" was given a full stage production as a runner-up because it had an intriguing theme of responsibility. Usually the award of full-stage production is reserved for the contest winner.\n"The play is very political -- a commentary on the fact that everyone who is involved in something that is a little unsavory bears some culpability, some responsibility for what happens," said Matt Kirkham, who plays the main character, Joe. \n"The Button" is about the world's most perfect job and according to the BPP's description of the play, "You press that little red button once a day, every day, and the paychecks keep rolling in. There's just one nagging question, which no one seems to be able to answer: exactly what does that little button do?" \nGuest artist Jonathan Rest, a member of The Lincoln Center Theater Director's Lab and the Artistic Director for the Jewish Theater of Pittsburgh, is directing the show. Rest earned his master's in fine arts from the Carnegie-Mellon School of Drama and an M.D. from the University of California at San Francisco. In addition to his directing, Rest has authored stage adaptations of "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Jazz Singer." He also wrote a multimedia presentation titled "Cosmic Chemistry Adventure," which is featured at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Science Museum. \nRest said he hopes the audience will enjoy both the light and dark moments in the play that cause the greater message to hit home -- that all actions have consequences.\nRest and the cast will hold a reception at which the audience can ask questions after their performance on June 26.\nThe cast features several members of the talented BPP Ensemble of Artists, including Matthew Kirkham, Amanda Scherle, Carmine DePaulo, Breshuan Joyner and Abhi Kumar. \nThe actors in "The Button" have endured an intense rehearsal schedule that began three weeks before its opening night. \nKirkham said the cast was fueled by the lack of time to prepare for the play.\n"Usually shows peak in rehearsal and go downhill from there, but with this show, everything is going to be fairly new, and that will work for us instead of against us," he said.\n-- Contact staff writer Liv Cole at olcole@indiana.edu .
(01/20/04 4:50am)
The Bloomington Playwrights Project ran the cabaret "Candy & Friends," on Friday and Saturday as a part of the Cabaret Nouveau Series. The show was an excellent chance to experience an interactive performance, as the singers made sure to draw in the audience. \n"I equate cabaret to giving a party for your closest friends and you are the host or hostess," said Candace Decker, the show's creator. "It's a journey told through stories and songs. It's immediate and real. It is an art form that breaks the fourth wall of conventional theater and includes the audience in its intimate performance."\nShani Wahrman, Cairril Adaire and William and Christina Shriner comprised the cast. \nThe performers' ages range from 17 to 83, plus a special guest performer, nine-year-old Maya Wahrman.\nShani Warhman, a Bloomington High School South senior made her debut as a cabaret artist.\nWharman's cabaret was entitled "When I was 17." She sang "Moon River," "Puff the Magic Dragon" and "Put the Blame on Mame." You could tell throughout her performance she was very excited to be there and have the opportunity to tell her story, which is truly just beginning. \nHer sweet innocent voice certainly did the songs justice. During her second number she was joined by her nine-year-old sister, Maya, who will obviously follow in her sister's footsteps to the stage. \nThe next cabaret was Adaire's, who began singing professionally at the age of 11 and has spent the majority of her life in theater and vocal performance with years spent composing as well. Adaire's cabaret, "The Sight of the Stars," included the songs "I Sing the Body Electric," "Angel Eyes," "Signing her Praises" and "O Watch the Stars." \nHer portion of the evening was more performance-driven than interactive with the audience, and often led to cold moments of narrative. While her commentary came off as being dark, her voice was certainly hot. Her smooth and sensuous voice made up for the tension between numbers. \nThe final cabaret of the evening was "A Love Affair to Remember" performed by William and Christina Shriner.\nChristina Shriner, a veteran performer and IU alumna, was a leading soprano at the Krefeld-Monchengladbach City Theatres in Krefeld, Germany. During her career, she has performed in a plethora of operas throughout Germany and the United States, as well as roles in Barcelona, Spain. \nShe was joined by her husband, former IU Professor of Voice, William Shriner. He was a leading baritone with the New York City Opera, Forth Worth Civic Opera, Houston Grand Opera and the NBC Opera Theater.\nThe Shriners' performance was a lovely walk down memory lane of their 31 years of marriage. The talent and chemistry the two share was undeniable. Every song was perfectly executed and full of their humor and still boiling passion for each other. \nIn addition to creating this cabaret series in Bloomington, Decker has 12 years of cabaret experience, starting with her career in Chicago. She was selected for the 2000 NYC Cabaret Symposium as a Cabaret Fellow at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center. \nShe sang "In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening," "Millwork," "My Sweet Caroline" and "Bye Bye Blackbird." All of her songs emitted true emotion that reached out to the audience as her performances ran through a gamut of emotions and showed off her energetic and powerful voice. She did a fabulous job of weaving together all of the performers, who were not only very talented as individuals but very moving and powerful as a group.
(01/16/04 4:24am)
Life is a cabaret. \nThis is a phrase that many are familiar with, hailing from the musical with the same title. This weekend, audiences can watch a new cabaret, "Candy & Friends," at the Bloomington Playwrights Project. \nThe show is produced by Candace Decker who performs several times throughout the year at the BPP in various cabarets. \nDecker, the creator of the BPP Cabaret Nouveau Series, is known for bringing in local performers and those from large cities to the stage. She defines cabaret as being a piano, a singer and the audience. \n"It's a journey told through stories and songs, and it's immediate and real," Decker said. "It is an artform that breaks the fourth wall of conventional theatre and includes the audience in its intimate performance."\nIn addition to creating the cabaret series in Bloomington, Decker has been doing cabaret for twelve years, starting her career in Chicago. She was selected for the 2000 NYC Cabaret Symposium as a Cabaret Fellow at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center, where she performed with such artists as Sally Mayes, Julie Wilson and Margaret Whiting.\nThe current group that she has collected for "Candy & Friends" is comprised of Shani Wahrman, Cairril Adaire and William and Christina Shriner. The performers' ages range from 17 to 83, in addition to nine-year-old Maya Wahrman, a guest performer. \nThe youngest cabaret artist performing will be Bloomington High School South senior Shani Wahrman. Wahrman is debuting as a cabaret artist but has performed for several years with the Sounds of South and the IU Children's Choir, performing in arenas such as Carnegie Hall. \nWahrman said she became interested in cabaret after seeing many of Decker's performances and winning a cabaret lesson from a BPP auction. \nDecker's accompanist, Hakan Toker, described the group as being "an intriguing variety of singers, ranging vastly in the amount and type of life experiences."\nWith the emergence of an outlet such as the Cabaret Nouveau Series, Decker said people become inspired to try cabaret as an expression. \n"To these people, the key to cabaret is honesty, to sing the lyric, and not to let the 'performer' get in your way," Decker. "You want to make eye contact with the audience and share the evening through stories and songs that bring you closer together."\nDecker equates the cabaret to giving a party for friends where the performers are the hosts or hostesses. \n"Audiences can expect to be entertained through stories and songs that are woven together by a theme," Decker said. "Audiences will appreciate the intimacy of the art form and the uniqueness of all the performers. If you come to the show you will be moved to laugh, cry and you will feel a connection with the artists onstage."\nDecker said the various ages and backgrounds of the performers add a special touch to the cabaret.\n"I knew that each of these artists had the ingredients to do a show but maybe not the recipe," Decker said. "I'm like the head chef helping them bring their vision to fruition -- like the perfect soufflé."\n-- Contact staff writer Liv Cole at olcole@indiana.edu.
(12/08/03 5:13am)
Just before 6 p.m. Saturday, the IU Auditorium was buzzing with anticipation to see Bill Cosby perform. The house was nearly full; however, it did not sell out. A probable cause for this, which even Cosby mentioned, was the basketball game taking place at the same time. People of all ages, from small children to seniors, came to see the legendary comedian of "The Cosby Show," "I Spy" and "Fat Albert." \n"I have seen Cosby on TV many, many times and always enjoyed him," said Bloomington resident Darl Miller, who attended the show. "I wanted to take this opportunity to see him in person, because I have heard that he is really good."\nFreshmen Kate Schonberger and Jen Na said they came to the show because they watched "The Cosby Show" growing up and thought they should take the opportunity to see if his live humor reflected what they remembered. \n"Coming here is a kind of walk down memory lane," Schonberger said.\nWhen Cosby came on stage, adorned in IU sweats and a pair of sneakers, the crowd went wild. He quickly informed everyone of the current game score. He then explained that he has been doing all of his performances in honor of Fred Rogers of "Mister Roger's Neighborhood" since the time of his death. He added that the show was also in honor of the men and women fighting for the United States, those who have lost their lives and those that had been wounded. He then left the stage and a tear-jerking version of "Ave Maria" was played while a sweatshirt that said, "Hello Friend," with an IU logo on it was spotlighted in the names of those he was honoring.\nOnce the audience dried their eyes, Cosby came back on stage and proclaimed it was about his 77th time performing at IU and there were still some people who had not graduated. From that moment on in the performance, there was not a time longer than two seconds when the whole audience was not erupting in laughter. \nThe show began with a discussion of college and the relationship between parents and children. Cosby pointed out that as students, we are actually without jobs and without real homes. This then introduced the idea that no real "functional" families exist, not even the first family of God, Adam and Eve, could be considered functional. He continued that the Bible must have left parts out of Genesis, such as Adam must have been stupid if Eve would rather converse with a snake than with him.\nThis topic easily led to talking about all fathers and what gifts their children give them. Cosby said fathers are sick and tired of getting mugs, soap-on-a-rope, ties and kids' drawings for Father's Day. These bad gifts need to stop, he said. The best gifts would be what fathers really want: Ferraris. \nCosby's tales of fatherhood led to telling the lessons his father taught him, or rather, did not teach him, about puberty. He said girls are always informed about what is going to happen to them and even get kits, while boys are never told and just assume they have something wrong with them. His tales of puberty included the first time he ever saw people kissing, his first round of spin-the-bottle and his own first kiss. \nThe show concluded with a hilarious conversation between a dentist and someone with his face numbed, Cosby perfectly performing both parts. Cosby then thanked the audience, and before he could finish his sentence, the entire audience was on their feet applauding wildly. \n"I loved it! Cosby is a great comedian, and this was one of the best acts I have ever seen of his," said freshman Emily Gage. \nArea resident Dan Goins was equally impressed. \n"He always has all new material, and he is just as funny now as he was when he first started doing his recordings, when I was in college in '61," he said. "He was tremendous!" \nEven the younger crowd identified with Cosby's humor.\n"I thought the show was great and very funny," said 12-year-old area resident Dillon Edward. "His comedy was inspiring to me and everyone around me. We all laughed through the whole thing." \nOne of the highlights of the show was Cosby admitting an embarrassing moment from his life -- when he allowed himself to think out loud. Cosby went to visit the suite of blind musician Ray Charles when the two were performing together, and the entire room was dark. He followed Charles into a room he believed to be the bathroom. He then discovered that Charles was shaving and exclaimed, "Ray, why are you shaving in the dark?" Charles then answered, "Bill, I have been shaving in the dark my whole life." \nOne of the biggest-selling points of the show was Cosby's clean style of presentation without lowbrow humor. \n"Bill Cosby is a warm and loving human being," said Bloomington resident Mark Smith, summing up the sentiments of the audience after the show. "He has inspired us through his hilarious and clean humor."\n-- Contact staff writer Liv Cole at olcole@indiana.edu.
(12/02/03 5:18am)
During college, students are exposed to topics such as global warming, international politics and affirmative action. What is not given is a venue to thoroughly explore the ordinary. This is why the Phoenix Society of Gentlemen and Ladies was founded this fall by Collins Living-Learning Center residents Kristen Peach, a junior in the Individualized Major Program for screenwriting; sophomore political science major Andy Shapero; sophomore comparative literature major Scott Shoger; and junior philosophy major James Bourke.\nThe Phoenix Society is a lecture series that tackles not serious topics in a serious way in the spirit of knowledge, discovery, and infinite progress, organizers said. They said it was conceived with the notion that the mind is an organ that must be consistently exercised and stimulated through virtuous activities. Its exercises will include communal art, first-rate prose, anecdoted storytelling or travelogues and non-fictional lectures.\n"The Phoenix Society of Gentlemen and Ladies earned its name because the phoenix suggests rebirth and the gentlemen and ladies suggest sophistication, although it is a rather tongue-in-cheek brand of sophistication," Peach said.\nThe founders were directly inspired by a traveling lecture series, Trampoline Hall, that came to Collins last fall. Peach said the series inspired them because it truly united the audience through a shared and interactive experience. \nPeach, Bourke, Shapero and Shoger took this inspiration and began planning how to bring this type of circuit to campus permanently. \n"After that, it was easy for the four of us to work together because we had a shared vision," Peach said. "We knew what we wanted: an 'old-timey' approach to seeking knowledge, virtue, and artistic ventures."\nThe Society's first night of entertainment and education took place Nov. 16 at the Collins Coffeehouse. Topics ranged from business interviews and roofing to being a camp counselor to a presentation about Imagination Dimension and an original work by Peach.\nThe topics addressed by the Phoenix Society are not typical. Shoger said the storytelling element is also important because personal things are often overlooked, but when something is about someone's life and what is important to them, it is significant.\nWhen heavy topics are discussed, an expectation of expertise exists, organizers said. But the Phoenix Society is looking for lecturers who have general qualifications. This is why faculty and professionals will not be lecturing. This wish is also extended to the audience.\n"We want a supportive audience ready to learn about such topics as 'What is it like to have your mom for a teacher,' 'Trivial Pursuit,' and other topics that have no other venue to be taken seriously," Peach said.\nThe next lecture series by the Society will be presented at 8 p.m., Wednesday at the Collins Coffeehouse. Topics include crop rotation and the Peace Corps and will be intermixed with music and storytelling. \nA Diorama-Rama will also take place featuring dioramas depicting the structure and function or animal organs to be judged by the Society. \nThe Society will also host a Spelling Bee of Unusual Words at 8 p.m., Jan. 22 at the Collins Coffeehouse. Peach said the Society wanted to hold the event because spelling is the backbone of the American education system. Peach also said this is a return back to basics and a revival of the use of words such as 'jabberwocky.' Anyone interested in competing should contact Bourke at jbourke@indiana.edu.\nShapero said all the Society's events take place at Collins because it is a healthy environment and stimulates the atmosphere desired by the Society. However, the Society does not limit participation to Collins residents.\nThe Society hopes to present two or three more lectures next semester and is looking for people interested in speaking. Anyone interested should contact Shoger at sshoger@indiana.edu. Diorama entries will be accepted up to 10 minutes before the lectures begin. Anyone wishing to enter dioramas should contact Peach at kpeach@indiana.edu.\n-- Contact staff writer Liv Cole at olcole@indiana.edu.
(11/04/03 5:11am)
Since Halloween has just ended, many people are still plagued with thoughts of candy and other sweets. For those still craving one of those sweets, the Bloomington Playwrights Project is producing one right now -- "Cookie Bites the Ninja," by local playwright Doug Bedwell. \nThe play began its run Halloween and will continue through Nov. 16. Despite the date of its opening and the title, sweets are not the play's focus. Rather, it is "a comedy about life, love and literature," said director and set designer Steve Decker.\nDecker said the play's main character Nathan is a struggling but talented young writer of serious fiction, who earns his living on the side by writing anonymously published "adult" novels. Racing against deadlines and writer's block, he pens the worst dirty book in publishing history, and things go downhill from there. In addition to Nathan's plight, the story examines prostitution of the body, mind and spirit.\nIts creators say the play is far from banal.\n"I wanted to direct this play because it is a fun look at a serious idea," Decker said. "It pokes fun of the crazy world of academia, publishing or perish frenzy."\n"Cookie" is written in a way that urges audience members to consider their own opinions and rethink the ones they had about writing, especially in the world of academia. Bedwell brings this challenge to his audience.\nThis type of new and multi-faceted drama is always being performed at the BPP, because the group constantly tries to produce new works by new writers. Working with new plays and "Cookie Bites the Ninja" has been a great experience, said the cast which consists of Nicole Bruce, Benji Loudermilk, Diane McLell, David Mickler, Kevin Roach and Hannah Smith.\nThe excitement of working with a new text was especially true for Bruce.\n"New plays give you so much freedom, because there is no expectation to uphold," she said. "You are creating this character for the first time, usually."\nAs well as having an intriguing plot, the play's dialogue is reason enough for going.\n"It's extremely, intelligently funny, so sharpen your wits for this beforehand," Bruce said.\nNot only is Bedwell's writing important, but his presence was very beneficial to the cast. \nPerhaps one of the greatest benefits to working on this show has been the continuous ability to have direct communication with the playwright himself, said cast members.\n"Bedwell attended almost every rehearsal, and offered answers to any character or plot-related questions that any of us had," cast member Smith said.\nBedwell and Decker's work is supported by lighting designer Greg Hofman and costume designer Dixon Reynolds.\n"The designers just had fun with their jobs," Smith said. "It was obvious."\n"Cookie Bites the Ninja" plays at the Bloomington Playwright's Project Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Nov. 16 at 312 S. Washington St. Tickets are $15 general admission and $12 for students and seniors. Student rush tickets will be sold 10 minutes before the performance for $5 if seats are available and a valid student ID is presented. To make reservations, call 355-9001.\n-- Contact staff writer Liv Cole at olcole@indiana.edu.
(09/11/03 5:08am)
Bloomington has long been a city known for its cultural diversity and artistic endeavors. Recently, these two traits combined for the creation of WFHB-FM's newest talk radio program "bloomingOUT," a radio program based on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender issues. \nThis is a show that is run completely by volunteers to "educate, entertain, and engage listeners on issues and events affecting the GLBT population of south central Indiana by facilitating communication between the GLBT community and the rest of the Bloomington population," according to the "bloomingOUT" mission statement.\nThe program originated as a part of WFHB's News and Public Affairs Initiative. This plan was meant to boost the station's amount of talk programming from 5 to 20 percent within the past year, said WFHB News Director Chad Carrothers. In reviewing all of the programs already scheduled and the large listener response the station receives, adding a GLBT program was the obvious answer, Carrothers said. Once the program begins airing, it will complete the News and Public Affairs Initiative.\nAfter deciding the character of the show and inviting a community discussion to receive input from various groups around Bloomington and IU, "bloomingOUT" was born.\nMark Brostoff, the associate director of undergraduate career services, and Helen Harrell, of the African Studies department, are co-hosts.\nIn collaboration with WFHB and the new show's staff, "Members of the GLBT community were involved with the content, layout and design of the show," said producer Jeff Bennett.\nThe show will first air from 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 9 on WFHB 91.3 and 98.1 FM.\n"The hour-long show will include national and local news that has importance to the local GLBT community, interviews, live musical performances and guests, field reports from local GLBT reporters, an events and entertainment calendar, and commentary on issues of interest to the GLBT community," Brostoff said.\nThe staff of the show hopes that its lineup will educate and inform the entire community, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, about the issues of GLBT population, such as Indiana Equality, the boom in GLBT television representations, same-sex marriage and civil rights cases. Bennett said he believes that a program like "bloomingOUT" has the potential to initiate important conversations about the lives of real people in the community.\nCarrothers also has high hopes for the program and the impact it will have on Bloomington and the IU population.\n"We want to open up the lines of communication between the GLBT community and the rest of that Bloomington population," Carrothers said. "We want to help these two segments of our community talk to each other and learn about each other, and themselves … these people are not 'on the fringe' as so many people think. They are our brothers and sisters, our friends, and business associates. They deserve to be heard."\nBecause the show is still in its pre-production stages, no musical guests have yet been invited for the early October premiere.\nWhile many of the staff positions are already filled, "bloomingOUT" will have openings for free-lance correspondents who would like to write and produce stories and interviews for the program. \nAnyone interested in volunteering for WFHB and "bloomingOUT" or simply to find out more information should e-mail news@wfhb.org. Or if you are interested in being a musical guest, contact correspondence director Lee Chapman at ljchapman@aol.com. \n-- Contact staff writer Liv Cole at olcole@indiana.edu.
(07/10/03 1:13am)
Most people know that the Bloomington Playwrights Project is a great place to find innovative theatre, but few realize how this organization benefits the community outside of the artistic sphere. \nOne of the many ways the BPP gives to the community is with the Acting Against Hunger Benefit in conjunction with the Community Kitchen of Monroe County. The Second Annual Acting Against Hunger Benefit will be at 6 p.m. Sunday at the BPP office, 312 S. Washington St. The cost is $30 a person and because of limited seating, reservations must be made by Friday.\nThe evening will start with a wine and cheese reception at 6 p.m. Then at 6:30 p.m. some of the finest cooks in Bloomington will be serving several versions of red beans and rice along with salad and bread. After the meal, actors from the BPP will be performing dramatic short play readings by BPP writers such as Abhi Kumar, Mike Smith and Doug Bedwell, all on the topic of hunger and homelessness. \nThe idea originated from Phil Casper, a BPP director and Community Kitchen employee. He said he decided to start this event to aid both organizations and form a partnership between the arts and social services. \n"Working at both the Kitchen and the Playwrights Project, I've seen the need for community support for non-profit agencies with very different missions," he said. "We hope to encourage the idea that Bloomington and Monroe County can have the generosity and the capacity to support the arts and social service needs." \nThe two groups share the proceeds equally, so as to benefit all of Monroe County, "one (organization) feeds the body of Monroe County, the other the soul," advertises the BPP. Last year the benefit raised nearly $1,000.\nAlso working in the collaboration is Community Kitchen Executive Director Julio Alonso. He said the arts have always been a great help to social services and this is not the first time the Community Kitchen has collaborated on such a project. \n"We have a very talented and generous arts community in Monroe County," he said. "In addition to supporting our annual silent art auction, area artists support the work of many other agencies, including the Hoosier Hills Food Bank through the Soup Bowl. We're also fortunate to partner with the John Waldron Arts Center to provide a weekly arts workshop for Community Kitchen patrons."\nThe BPP and the Community Kitchen said they hope to introduce supporters of each organization to the work and contributions of the other. \nBPP Development Director Sonja Johnson said artistic expression is a natural and effective way to draw attention to other community needs.\n"We hope this event will provide an opportunity to support both agencies and learn a little more about what they do," she said.\nReservations for the Acting Against Hunger Benefit can be made by calling either the BPP at 334-1188 or the Community Kitchen at 332-0999.
(06/26/03 12:34am)
At less than three hours away, Cincinnati -- the Queen City -- is the perfect destination of a summer road trip. It offers a plethora of museums, attractions, adventure and sports. \nIf you just want to relax in the Ohio River Valley, then Eden Park is for you. It covers more than 5,000 acres of the city and offers fishing, biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, golfing, camping and horseback riding. \nPerhaps you want to go to Cincinnati because of its rich historical value. William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the United States, is entombed here, and a visit to his monument is free to the public. The house of Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," is also free to visit. \nFort Ancient, a 2,000-year-old park filled with Native American mounds, can be visited for a $5 fee. Not quite as old is the Roman Catholic Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, built in 1910. It is a small-scale Notre Dame cathedral in the middle of the city that features the world's largest stained glass window at 24 feet by 67 feet. A $2 donation is requested when visiting the Basilica.\nIf you like history but would rather find it in a museum, Cincinnati has no shortage of them either. The first is found at the Museum Center at Union Terminal (1-800-733-2077) and houses the Museum of Natural History and Science, the Cincinnati History Museum, the Cinergy Children's Museum, the OMNIMAX Theater and the Cincinnati Historical Society Library. The price of visiting all the attractions is $15.50. Cincinnati also is home to a medieval-style castle, the Loveland Castle Museum, which you can visit for only $2. \nThe National Railway Historical Society Library and Museum highlights the important history of the rails and is free to the public. The Cincinnati Art Museum, showing more than 100,000 works, is located in Eden Park. Admission is $4 for college students and free Saturday. The city also features a Contemporary Arts Center where admission is $2 for students and free Monday. \nCincinnati also offers plenty of performing art venues such as the Aronoff Center for the Arts. It is the city's premier place to see the Cincinnati Ballet, theater and Broadway shows. There is also the Children's Theatre of Cincinnati, with all tickets under $15. The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park offers 11 shows a year with tickets ranging from $34-42. The Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival, hosting works from classical theater in a contemporary style, is a bit cheaper, with tickets under $20. \nIf you prefer music, then the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra is for you -- however, their new season will not begin until September. The Cincinnati Opera, being the second-oldest opera company in the country, does have a summer season. The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra also performs this time of year with a free summer concert series in various parks. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs this summer at Riverbend Music Center. \nWhile not all sports teams have summer seasons, Cincinnati is home to quite a few, including the country's oldest professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds. Tickets to see the Reds play can be as cheap as $5. The city also is home to the NFL's Bengals, hockey teams The Cyclones and The Mighty Ducks, the arena football's Cincinnati Swarm and a professional soccer team, The Riverhawks. \nThe most well-known Cincinnati attraction is Paramount's King's Island, with more than 300 rides and attractions and a 30-acre water park, all for $42. \nThere are also numerous attractions in Cincinnati such as The Beach Water Park located near King's Island that features the Midwest's only water coaster. Admission is $25. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in 70-acres and houses 700 animal species and 3,000 types of plants. It can be visited for $11.50. The Newport Aquarium also exhibits more then 11,000 species and features glass walls and floors for $16. Coney Island in Cincinnati features water slides, miniature golf, live shows and festivals, all for $12.50. \nCincinnati offers numerous things to please everyone. Whether you want to make a day or a weekend of it, the Queen City is your place to visit. Information on her attractions can be found at www.cincyusa.com, www.ohiocities.com or www.cincinnati.com.
(05/22/03 12:49am)
Still in Bloomington this summer and wondering what to do with your full tank of gas? Indianapolis, the nation's 12th largest city, is a little over an hour away and is packed with things to do. In fact, the early summer is the best time to visit Indy. \nThe Indianapolis 500, which happens this year on Sunday, puts the city on the map. This year marks the 87th running of the annual race, and tickets are available for as little as $20. While the race lasts for only one day, qualifications and practices take place nearly every day and are open to the public for a minimal fee. \nIndianapolis also boasts several sports teams that have summer seasons. The WNBA team, the Indiana Fever, and the men's soccer team, the Indiana Blast, have games until the end of August. \nIf sports are not your style, Indy offers several art and cultural opportunities. The city is home to many art galleries, such as the G.C. Luca Gallery, 4930 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis Art Center, 820 E. 67th St., and the Kuaba Gallery, 876 Massachusetts Ave., most of which have no admission fee. For a small price, art and history fans can also visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Rd., which offers an abundance of art from different cultures, periods and movements. \nHistoric artifacts also can be found in the nation's largest children's museum, the Indianapolis Children's Museum, 3000 N. Meridian St. The Children's Museum is home to dinosaur fossils, a mummy, numerous collections and the Cinedome, similar to an IMAX theatre. Indianapolis also boasts having a large collection of Native American art and artifacts in the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, 500 W. Washington St. \nThe newest addition to museums in Indy is the Indiana State Museum, which was relocated to 650 W. Washington St. The building facade features art that highlights each Hoosier county, an Indiana history exhibit and an IMAX theatre. Coming to the IMAX theatre in June is the underwater exploration film, "Coral Reef Adventure."\nIndianapolis has no shortage of theatres; one can always find a show in production. \nThe American Cabaret Theatre, 401 E. Michigan St., currently is doing a run of the original musical revue "May Madness." The only year-round equity theatre in Indianapolis, Beef & Boards, 9301 N. Michigan Rd., is just ending its run of "MAME," and "Peter Pan" will open May 29. The Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St., is showcasing "The Immigrant" until Sunday before it shuts down for the summer. \nThe Indianapolis Civic Theatre, adjacent to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, presents its last show of the summer, the musical "Lend Me a Tenor," until Saturday. \nIndy is also home to contemporary theatres such as the Phoenix Theatre, 749 N. Park Ave., and Theatre on the Square, 627 Massachusetts Ave. Phoenix is offering performances of "The Home Team" until Sunday and "La Sangre Llama" until June 1. TOTS is putting on the musical "When Pigs Fly" until June 14.\nWhile many opportunities in Indianapolis are inexpensive, free activities might be what you're looking for. The best free activity offered in Indy is the Canal Walk located by White River Gardens. The Canal is lined with jogging trails, fountains and murals depicting Indiana history and life. If you do have a few dollars, bicycles and paddleboats are available for hourly and half-hourly rent. \nWhite River Gardens is home to the Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St.; however, it does charge $9.75 admission. The zoo houses many species of animals and features dolphin and walrus shows, a new baby elephant and an upcoming rhino exhibit. \nRegardless of your interests and budget, Indianapolis is a great resource for activities less than a tank of gas away. \nAdditional information on these attractions and other establishments and festivals can be found by visiting www.indy.org.
(11/15/02 4:51am)
The "Golden Age of Radio" may be long gone, but in Bloomington, audio theater is very much alive thanks to the not-for-profit organization Mind's Ear. \nMind's Ear, founded in 1991, produces modern audio theater, where unlike television and movies, the audience sets the scene itself. Also, unlike audio books, audio theatre uses several actors, music, and sound effects. \n"Some people might think that producing plays just for the ear is limiting, but I consider it liberating. The listener's imagination can create sights beyond anything that could fit on any stage," said Artistic Director Joel Pierson. \nMind's Ear goes further than most recording groups would, causing them to be the winner of many audio theater awards. Instead of simply adding background noises into a scene, if the scene takes place in a park or a kitchen, that is where it is recorded. They do this so that both the actors and the listeners get the authentic feel of the scene. Mind's Ear also travels to locations. To get the feel of New Orleans for "French Quarter," they went to the city itself.\nThis group has done productions such as "French Quarter," "The Dante Experience," and "Where Men Are Empty Overcoats." They are currently working on a show in cooperation with Bloomington High School South. The show is called "The Children's Zoo" and highlights the stresses and mental illnesses that affect teens.\nPerformances of these shows can be heard live on WFBH's (91.3 and 98.1 fm) "Firehouse Theatre", on CD, occasionally on NPR and also live at Borders. The next performance will be at Borders Saturday, Dec. 14. Following that performance will be a WFHB radio performance at 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. These live performances are done after a few rehearsals, returning to the roots of radio theatre. \nThey are different from other types of performance because "there's a lot less to worry about. No sets, no lighting, no stage really. So actors can just focus on the performance," said Mind's Ear member Tony Brewer.\nMind's Ear offers many opportunities. "This is just one of many places where local people with a wide variety of talents and skills can come together to generate something above average, sometimes spectacularly so" said Mind's Ear actor Jim Hettmer. \nMind's Ear needs actors, sound technicians and playwrights. They are currently hosting the International Audio + Theatre Script Competition. They are looking for new and original work that was designed for audio theatre. Scripts may be submitted until midnight of December 31. \nMind's Ear continues to gather listeners and critical acclaim and hopes to do more so in their upcoming season with shows such as "The Valhalla Triangle," "She-Who-Is-Made-Of-Clay" and "Boudica."\nMore information about Mind's Ear performances, contributions, auditions, and contests can be found at www.minds-ear.org.
(11/01/02 5:08am)
"It's different this time." \nThis is the message of the Bloomington Playwrights Project's new play opening tonight, "Kate Crackernuts," by New York playwright Sheila Callaghan. The play is innovative theater at its best and is filled with poetic prose and a magical pulse. \n"Kate Crackernuts" is being heralded as one of the most compelling and inventive evenings of theater you'll see this year. It's different from most shows at the BPP. \n"This material takes a lot of chances that you normally would not get to see in Bloomington theatre," said Rick Perez, director and BPP artistic director. \nThe play is based on the folk tale "Kate Crackernuts" which has been revised to take place in the underground world of rave culture, as opposed to fairy dances of the original. The updated version is about the quest of two sisters searching for the recovery of a lost head and themselves. The play takes them on a journey through love, sickness, drugs, a talking sheep and the lure of sex to a techno beat. \nCallaghan said he used the rave scene because: "The hyper-kinetics and the odd loneliness of rave dancing is what most attracted me. The music is so charged and panicked, and even in the dreamy parts there is a tension that always verges on exploding into color. Rave dancing is all elbows and angles and rainbows and closed eyes." \nPhil Kasper, also a director of the show, was the person who came across Callaghan's script while interning at New York's "New Dramatist." \n"I was reading plays for a contest we administered and was drawn to Sheila's work," Kasper said. "So I just held on to it and contacted her about doing the show once I came to the BPP."\nThe words and visions of the play are spun into every scene and character, moving the audience with them. \n"Sometimes floods of images would just pour onto my keyboard and I felt like I was almost channeling," Callaghan said. "But the writing at times was a strenuous and tedious process of examining imagery and trying to find the most accurate, excellent, compelling, and fresh way of describing a thing. Then I'd just get so word-drunk, completely intoxicated by the pretty sentences."\nIn addition to the show, on opening night there will be an open reception with food and dancing to music performed by "Kate Crackernuts" D.J., "Special K" Scott Kellogg.\nThere will also be a talk back with playwright Sheila Callaghan after the November 3rd Sunday matinee. The audience will be free to discuss the show and ask questions of Callaghan, directors Rich Perez and Phil Kasper, and the actors. \n"Kate Crackernuts" is a mystical weave of truth and glitter opening tonight. It will run through Nov. 17 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.). Ticket cost is $15 General, $12 Students & Seniors. Show and ticket information can be received at The Bloomington Playwrights Project at 312 S. Washington St, or by calling the Reservation Hotline 355-9001.
(10/17/02 5:29am)
Hundreds of Dorothys, Tin Men, Scarecrows and Cowardly Lions were running around Bryan Park Saturday, a little early for Halloween. The reason was the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department was hosting "A Maze n' October."\nThe event, in its fourth year, celebrated autumn with the theme of the 1939 classic film "The Wizard of Oz." Everyone who attended was encouraged to dress up as their favorite character to celebrate the movie.\n"This started because we were looking for a great reason for families to come out and enjoy the fall," \nParks department employee Marcia Veldman said. "Then we came across the idea of 'The Wizard of Oz.'" \nFamilies flocked to the event, pushing the total attendance to more than 1,500 people, most dressed as characters from "The Wizard of Oz."\nThere were many activities offered for both children and adults, such as a petting zoo, face painting, wall climbing, crafts and the maze constructed from corn stalks. Apple bobbing and hayrides were also on hand to keep children busy.\nWhen asked what their favorite part of the day was, Bloomington residents David Polansky and Chris Alexeev shouted, "Candy Scrabble!" The game involved children diving into bales of hay for candy hidden within, with the candy serving as the prizes.\nThe Parks and Recreation Department also offered concessions so festival-goers would not go hungry. Available treats included hamburgers, hotdogs, nachos and chips.\nAdults and children alike were dressed up in celebration of the movie. Among those people dressed up were Bloomington resident Deb Speer and her daughter Emily, as the Scarecrow and a miniature Dorothy, complete with ruby slippers.\n"We came because we love 'The Wizard of Oz,'" Speer said. "We even made sure that we watched the movie before we came."\nIn addition to all the costumes and activities, a stage was set up for live music. The first group to perform was "The Monks" with a twangy, bluegrass sound. Also performing was "The Big Ol' Things" who presented more mellow blues music.Rosen and Reiss gear the cookbook toward college students and young professionals, but I've yet to find a college student who has Norwegian smoked salmon in their fridge, which is the main ingredient needed for "Smoked Salmon Wedges." This is just one example of the ingredients that this cookbook assumes you have on hand.\nIf by chance you do have a wide variety of odd ingredients in your kitchen, you're in luck and will be able to make wonderfully simple dishes. My favorite was Impromptu Pizza. The pizza calls for seven ingredients. The only ones I already had were salt and pepper. While I did have to go to the grocery store and spend quite a bit on fresh mozzarella and fresh basil, along with the other ingredients, I found the final product to be satisfying. All the fresh ingredients blended together nicely to create an enjoyable entree. Minus the time spent at the grocery store, the actual preparation and bake time were brief.\nAnother recipe I enjoyed were Buckeye Bars. They have a peanut butter base with chocolate on top and are very similar to peanut butter cups. While I actually had more of the ingredients involved in this recipe (peanut butter, graham crackers and chocolate chips) I did have to make a run to the grocery store for unsalted butter, confectioners sugar and brown sugar. These took a little bit longer to make but were worth the effort.\nIn addition to food dishes, "Midnight Snacks" even includes self-care sections like "late night rehab," which offers energizing drinks like Ginseng-Sling and "spa night," which consists of relaxing remedies like Japanese Sake Bath. Even with these sections, chances are you'll have to hit up the grocery store before embarking on your cooking adventure.\nOverall, this is a really good cookbook, as long as you understand that it will not live up to its claim of providing late night snacks to college students. If you are interested in getting an out of the ordinary cookbook, then this is for you. Most of the recipes seem new and original, yet simple to create. If you love to cook, check this book out, but if you want an alternative to "standing by the freezer eating ice cream from the carton," order pizza.
(10/17/02 5:22am)
Late fashion designer Bill Blass donated $1 million to the University, a gift IU president Myles Brand announced at the opening of "Bill Blass: An American Designer" at the IU Art Museum.\nBlass, who died in June at age 79, did not specify what the donation was to go toward. Brand said in a statement that the money has been allocated to the Elizabeth Sage Historic Costume Collection and the IU Department of Apparel Merchandising and Interior Design.\nBlass chose to have his retrospective exhibition here after being approached by the curator of the Sage Collection, Kathleen Rowold. In a statement, the director of AMID said, "This gift would not have been possible without the strong working relationship formed between Professor Rowold and Mr. Blass."\nBecause Blass was an Indiana native from Fort Wayne and very impressed with the IU community, he decided it was a good idea to have his first retrospective here. Since 1999 he was very involved with the development of the exhibition and approved all designs for the mannequins. \nThe exhibition features more than 100 examples of Blass' 50-year career. Pieces that are included are from Bill Blass Ltd., Sage Collection, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and customers such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Nancy Reagan, Claudette Colbert and Barbara Walters. Also featured are sketches and childhood drawings from Blass. \nIt was his time at IU that made him want to donate. "He wanted to make it possible for young people in the Mid-west, and in Indiana in particular, to be able to study fashion design and history at a first- rate university. As he said, Indiana is, after all, where the dream began," Rowold said.\nBlass was asked to do a retrospective exhibition not only because he was from Indiana, but because of the changes he made in fashion design. When he left Indiana in 1940 for New York City, designers got no recognition for their work. He was one of the first designers to put his name on the label. Bill Blass Ltd. was also one of the first companies to design clothing for women, not only men. Blass went on to manufacture gowns, sportswear, shoes, jeans, fragrances, sunglasses, Lincoln Town cars, airline uniforms, linens, furniture, and chocolates. He retired from designing during the creation of the IU exhibition in 2000 after the release of his Spring Collection.\nWhat Blass has left at IU will always be greatly appreciated. It has taught the students studying and working with the collection, more about design and given Apparel Merchandising and Interior Design and the Sage Collection visibility that would have never been possible without it.\nThe "Bill Blass: An American Designer" retrospective exhibition is free of charge and open to the public until Dec. 17. The museum hours are 10 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
(10/03/02 5:43am)
Shalom. The Hebrew word for hello, peace and goodbye was the message of local Jewish artist Bruce David at his Tuesday program "The Biblical Odyssey of the Jews through the Eyes of a Contemporary Artist." David was brought to IU by Stephen Katz, a professor in the Jewish Studies Department. Katz said he wanted his class, on Biblical themes in Modern Hebrew text, "to interact with an artist who has such an intimate relationship with the Hebrew text."\nBruce David vividly displays his relationship and faith with Judaism through serigraphs, lithographs, mosaics, stained glass, metal sculpture, bronze relief and Seder plates. His work is a whirlwind of color and tradition. Every artwork displays the Jewish hope of peace, the history and hidden details of the faith. His hidden objects include Shabbat and Havdolah candles, spice boxes, wine cups, menorah, Torah scrolls, shofar, the tablets of the Ten Commandments and mezuzah. \n"I wanted to take these Jewish foundations and make them relevant to today," David said. "I see that Judaism has aspects of life, beauty, love and nature. I was looking for a way to share what Judaism has to offer."\nAll of his pieces are extremely colorful, descriptive and lifelike. It is this quality that placed his work in many synagogues nationwide. He has also been featured in publications such as BabagaNewz, Jewish World, Jewish Sentinel, Jewish Tribune, and Jewish Post and Opinion. His artwork was on the cover of books "The Thirty Third Hour and Seventh Telling" by writer Mitchell Chefitz and CD "We Are All Connected" by Marge Eiseman. \nIn attendance was junior David Lizzo, a Jewish Studies major, who said, "His work shows Judaism as being vibrant and that it isn't an archaic and outdated religion. It shows how alive the religion is and that it has the ability to move people."\nIn addition to students from the Jewish Studies program, many community members attended\nDavid's program about his art and the backgrounds. Also being a storyteller, he provided the history and journey of the Jews in each piece and its making. Accompanying his stories and explanations were slides of art showing the hidden symbolism.\nDavid's work can further be viewed at David Gallery at 7777 South State Road 446 or at his Web site, www.davidart.com.
(07/25/02 8:23pm)
The "Taste of Bloomington," was a new experience to me, since I am not a Bloomington native. I had heard rumors and seen signs about "The Taste," but no one had ever explained to me what it was. \nOnce I had been filled in, I was very excited to be able to go and sample all of the town's specialities. However, the fact that I had to pay for each of these samples after paying the five-dollar entrance fee never occurred to me. I wasn't too worried about the cost though after learning that all of the proceeds were going to the Monroe County Community Kitchen and Hoosier Hills Food Bank.\nArriving late in the afternoon to beat some of the heat, my group decided that the best way to handle that much food would be to devise a plan of attack and establish a home base. The first stop was Bloomingfoods Market and Deli for the Mongolian barbecue tofu skewers, it was labeled as spicy, but how hot could tofu be? \nI was mistaken and this set my rule of the day: Pay attention to all ingredients and labels. Next was Tortilla Flat for a potato taco. This was one of the major benefits of the festival, being able to try foods I wouldn't normally order, in a only small portion. \nThere were stops for ice cream and smoothies at Da Vinci's Grill and IU Athletics Food Service. One of the most interesting foods I sampled was a veggie brat from The Royal Dog Grill & Pub. I did only try the vegetarian foods, but I was informed by the meat-eaters with me that the rest of the food was just as tasty. All of the food samples ranged in price from 50 cents to three dollars, even though I never spotted any of those for only 50 cents.\nAfter all of those samples, the best suggestion was to sit down and relax where the bands were playing. I was able to hear "The Floating Men" from Nashville and "Virginia Coalition" from Virginia. It was surprising and a little dissappointing that the bands weren't local, but I did enjoy them and the rest of the crowd seemed to as well. \nSitting on the steps was the best part of the experience. It really gave us a chance to observe all those in attendance and truly "people watch." What is great about Taste of Bloomington is that it attracts such a wide range of people. There were families eating on the grass, little kids playing in the fountain, seniors talking on the steps and teenagers and 20-somethings conversing with the bands. Everyone was having a good time regardless of their age or what type of person they were. \nThis really gave someone who isn't from Bloomington a good taste of it from all aspects, and I certainly hope that this Taste of Bloomington won't be my last.
(07/25/02 8:23pm)
The IU version of Stephen Sondheim's "Putting It Together" is the show choir of opera. The revue is an amusing melange of song, dance, and sarcasm. The show is a compilation of famous Sondheim songs. The IU Opera Theatre performed "Putting It Together" Saturday at the Musical Arts Center.\nStephen Sondheim, who has been composing since 1957 until his latest show in 1991, was the most touted composer of his time. He wrote popular musicals such as "Sweeney Todd," "Gypsy," "Sunday in The Park With George," and "West Side Story." "Putting It Together," which originally opened in 1992, is the compilation sequel to the 1976 "Side by Side With Sondheim." \nMost of Sondheim's songs are insightful glimpses into human emotion. It is difficult for these songs to stand alone in a revue format, thus "Putting It Together" is set in a dinner party. The guests then proceed to tell their stories of love, sex, marriage, and the stress they all cause, through the self-selected works of Sondheim. \nThe IU cast, comprised of Betsy Bare, Trent Casey, Erin Kelley, Melissa Korzec, Corey McKern, Nicholas Provenzale, Jeremy Truhel and Heather Nicole Winter, strayed a bit from the original dinner party idea. \nThe dialog and story of the first half was somewhat vague. The party was not present and instead the songs were independent of context and simply sung in medley style. The impact of the songs tried to be carried by the dance and blocking, however, this wasn't always clear to the audience. Regardless of not understanding completely, the audience still enjoyed the humor and the ensemble's wonderful singing. \nThe first songs were centered around sex, flirtation, the perfect girl and relationships. Highlighted selections were "Everybody Ought to Have a Maid" from "A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to The Forum," "Sooner of Later" from "Dick Tracy," and "Could I Leave You" from "Follies."\nThe second half of the show was the dinner party. Guests were seated and asked to play a game. They each wrote down a question entailing the word marriage. Then everyone drew a question and their answers were in the form of Sondheim pieces either extolling or condemning married (or unmarried) life. \nSome songs presented were "I Could Drive a Person Crazy" from "Company," "Being Alive," "The Miller's Son" from "A Little Night Music," and "Live Alone and Like It" from "Dick Tracy."\n"Putting It Together" was originally put in a storyline for clarity; perhaps if IU does the show again they will follow more closely the original. Regardless of a little confusion in the beginning, "Putting It Together" was an enjoyable show about love and all of its consequences. The cast and band did a fine job of entertaining. It is certainly a show that one should take along either the one they love or the one they would like to love.\n"Putting It Together" will be performed at the Musical Arts Center Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.