Kinsey Institute studies taboo topics
Sex is usually a pretty taboo subject, but for IU’s Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction, the bedroom is its business.
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Sex is usually a pretty taboo subject, but for IU’s Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction, the bedroom is its business.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Sex is usually a pretty taboo subject, but at IU’s Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction, the bedroom is their business.The Kinsey Institute, while sometimes controversial, has become one of the top places in the world for sexual research. The institute’s primary focus is to provide research about and analysis of sexuality to researchers and the public.Alfred Kinsey, a biologist and zoologist, was the founder. He was curious about human sexual behaviors and relationships.He researched his theories using face-to-face interviews, which, especially during the initial stages, caused quite a commotion. From this, he developed the Kinsey Reports, two books featuring human sexuality — one for males and one for females.The institute was brought to IU in 1947 to provide a stable and secure location for Kinsey’s research.“It’s one of the treasures of Indiana University,” said Jennifer Bass, communications director for the Kinsey Institute. “There are many students who are interested in human sexuality, and there are not very many academic sources for studying topics related to sexuality.”Today, the institute includes artwork, books, films and other resources.It has even branched out to create Kinsey Confidential, a question-and-answer blog for students to learn more about sex and relationships in a straightforward and objective fashion.Undergraduate and grad students are encouraged to volunteer, intern or work with the institute, often for credit hours toward their degrees.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>IU traditions make the University atmosphere electric.During many sporting events, the crowds are a sea of crimson and cream, with both students and alumni cheering on the team.“We never turn on our team no matter what, and even in a rough season, we’re always there,” M.B.A. student Carly Lovett said.Indiana fans chant cheers and sing the school fight song during many of the athletic events at the University, often in tandem with the Marching Hundred, IU Cream and Crimson cheer squads and the Redsteppers dance unit.Popular dances and cheers at the games include the “Zombie Nation” dance, which includes extending arms and mimicking zombie moves and the boisterous “Doctor Hoosier” cheer.Many of the traditions are passed down through new student orientations, said Co-Director of the IU Visitor Center, Cole Dietrich.Another job of the Visitor Center is to hand out print-outs with the school fight song.“Having it in printed form is something the kids can hold on to if they decide to come to IU,” he said.Traditions at IU do not always revolve around the Big Ten conference sports, though.Junior Kaitlin Karr said she enjoys the Little 500.“I love how an intramural sport can bring so many people together, and it feels amazing to be part of such a big tradition,” Karr said.At IU, there’s something for everyone to support.“I feel like we have a lot of spirit,” Lovett said. “We are loyal fans, which is very unique and encouraging to me.”IU Fight Song“INDIANA, OUR INDIANA”Indiana, our IndianaIndiana, we’re all for youWe will fight for the cream and crimsonFor the glory of old IU.Never daunted, we cannot falterIn the battle, we’re tried and true.Indiana, our Indiana,Indiana, we’re all for you!Lyrics by Russel P. HarkerMusic from “The Viking March” by Karl L. King
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Sex is usually a pretty taboo subject, but at IU’s Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction, the bedroom is their business.The Kinsey Institute, while sometimes controversial, has become one of the top places for sexual research in the world. The institute’s primary focus is to provide research and analysis to researchers and the public about sexuality.Alfred Kinsey, a biologist and zoologist, was the founder. He was curious about human sexual behaviors and relationships.He researched his theories using face-to-face interviews, which, especially during the initial period of research, caused quite a commotion. From this, he developed the Kinsey Reports, two books featuring human sexuality, one for males and one for females.“Kinsey was a revolutionary of his time, and we get the opportunity to see his research and see what he did in person,” senior Jon Allen said.In 1947, the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction was brought to Indiana University as a stable and secure location for Kinsey’s research.“It’s one of the treasures of Indiana University,” said Jennifer Bass, communications director for the Kinsey Institute. “There are many students who are interested in human sexuality, and there are not very many academic sources for studying topics related to sexuality.”Today, the Institute has grown to include artwork, books and resources.The institute has even branched out to create Kinsey Confidential, a question-and-answer blog, for students to learn more about sex and relationships in a straight-forward and objective fashion.Students agree that the Institute provides excellent resources to help them to learn more about the world of sexuality and gender.“I feel that most college students need somewhere to learn more about sexuality,” junior Minjin Choi said.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>For many students beginning their college years, there is the concern of how to make their new home away from home actually feel like home. It can be a difficult process, but with the right guidance from parents, it doesn’t have to be too painful. Different things such as visits, care packages and learning about resources on campus are great ways to make students comfortable. Bill Shipton, director of Student Programs and Services, said parents should be there to help students feel comfortable without overwhelming their child.“It’s difficult for parents to understand the difference between supporting and rescuing,” he said.While many Indiana students agree that parent visits can be great, 2012 graduate Brittney Little said if a parent arrives unexpectedly, it can cause more trouble than help. Many other students agreed with Little. Students said parents should come during the day and during more slow-paced weekends when there isn’t much going on. They also said they should give their student plenty of heads up. Little said visits — parents heading to Bloomington or students heading home — should be short and not too frequent so as to allow students to adjust on their own without becoming overly dependent. Little explained that her own parents had her wait at least 6 weeks before they visited.Another great way for students to feel at home while on campus is having their parents mail items to them from home such as favorite foods and letters in the form of a care package. Care packages are great to send, or planned. Junior Britni Farace said receiving a care package during the holidays or randomly throughout the year is an excellent way for parents to get students what they need and a little piece of “home sweet home.” The more personal the care package, the more effective it will be for students, Farace said.It is also a good idea to help first year students adjust to campus by parents educating themselves more about the help resources on campus, said Melanie Payne, associate director of First Year Experience Programs. Parents should learn where they can encourage students to go when they need help. “The beauty of IU is that no matter what the problem is, someone here can help,” said Payne. “Parents should not be the person rescuing the students, but instead helping to empower students.”Build the perfect care package
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Much of Kirkwood Avenue was quieter than usual Saturday evening as students were busy preparing for finals.However, music brought the Buskirk-Chumley Theater to life with the 40th-anniversary performance of the IU Soul Revue.Inside the theater, audience members could hardly stay in their seats as the Soul Revue performed renditions of the great soul and rhythm and blues songs from throughout the years, including “I’m Going Down” by Rose Royce, “A Man’s World” by James Brown and “Love on Top” by Beyoncé. With the theme “Music is Just a Party,” life and color dominated the room.The crowd of 380 included patrons of all ages, who moved and grooved to the music in their seats and the aisles. Even during intermission, the audience members mingled with one another, laughing, hugging and reveling in good vibes.However, while providing a festive atmosphere for patrons, the show also provided a learning experience for the Soul Revue members.“The students get to understand the culture behind the music,” Director Nathanael Fareed Mahluli said.Mahluli said in addition to learning about the music the group performs, the group also learns how to have fun with the performance. This was proven as the Soul Revue performed on stage — members not only sang but interacted with each other and swayed along to the songs. While enjoying themselves on stage, the group captured the crowd’s attention.“It was amazing,” freshman Geneva Moore said. “I just loved how the crowd was engaged.”Moore, a member of the IU African American Dance Company, said while she came to the show to support her fellow performers, she enjoyed the atmosphere. The audience had a community vibe, Moore said.“It’s all like one big family,” she said. “Everyone’s up, everyone’s singing and everyone’s dancing.”Graduate student Brianna Marshall had similar thoughts about the performance.“I loved the energy,” Marshall said. “I loved being able to dance.”Marshall said the concert was a nice break from classes with finals coming up.The Soul Revue performance concluded its party with a classic “Soul Train” line of current Soul Revue members and alumni members.Audience members rose to their feet for a round of applause as the Soul Revue gave audiences a party to remember.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>In downtown Bloomington, the WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology strives to teach a fresh perspective on nature.Photographs of caterpillars, flowers and vegetables line the museum’s staircase, while outside the building the organization’s WonderGarden blooms with native Indiana plants. On April 6, foodscape designer and photographer Jami Scholl presented her exhibit, “Permaculture + Potager: An Edible Eden.” Using kale, Scholl teamed with artist Timothy Carter-East to create a foodscape sculpture of a bearded dragon.Louise Schlesinger, WonderLab marketing director, said foodscaping is the process in which one landscapes using food in an eye-pleasing way.Scholl said the event aimed to reach out not only to children but young adults as well — especially since the occasion was made free for IU students as part of 2012 IU Arts Week Everywhere. “We all have something to learn, and sometimes we have to learn from people younger than we are,” Scholl said.The series of 14 close-up photographs along the WonderLab staircase offer young minds the chance to learn about garden ecology, Scholl said.The exhibit at WonderLab is part of Scholl’s Garden the City 2012 project. The project, which aims to promote sustainability and organic cultivation, will also include classes to help patrons learn how to garden in a city setting.Scholl said the next generation, as future leaders of the world, should not to overlook the culture of gardening and to conceptualize integrating gardening into our culture.“Usually, the natural garden can bounce back, but there’s a time when the environment doesn’t bounce back,” Scholl said.Bloomington resident and parent Teresa Mandell has a similar opinion. “I think that it’s an important part of learning for kids,” Mandell said. “We need to get them dirty and get them to play and love animals.”She mentioned it’s harder to teach young people about nature in a city, but this exhibit provides children with that experience. Schlesinger said the green space of WonderLab is intended to give residents the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauties of Bloomington.“What we try to do is create fun ways (for patrons) to understand the world around them as scientists understand the world,” Schlesinger said.The exhibit runs through May 31.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Sigma Alpha Epsilon, along with MES Production and Consulting, caused a “State of Emergency” on campus last night for the Afrojack concert in the Memorial Stadium parking lot. The makeshift stage in the gravel parking lot acted as a beacon of sorts for students as they followed the thumping bass to the source of the sound.SAE President Jarrett Smith said the concert offered a unique experience for patrons.“Up to this point, there haven’t been too many performances like this,” Smith said. He said the fraternity wanted to do something new.Even before Afrojack took the stage, opening acts R3HAB and Shermanology provided a rave-like atmosphere for the crowd of hundreds of people.Bright colors could be seen from a distance as many patrons donned neon-colored tank tops, T-shirts, hats and headbands.Under the beaming sunset, the crowd danced and sang to covers of electronic dance songs. Orange beach balls floated in the air as members of the crowd swatted them to keep them from hitting the ground.As this was Afrojack’s first time performing on a college campus, senior and Event Director Mitch Schoeneman said the festive setting was a different energy and scenery for the three performers onstage.Audience members said the environment of the Afrojack concert enhanced anticipation for the weekend races rather than detracted from it.“(The concert) gets people pumped for the race, everyone’s so excited,” freshman Marcella Ettinger said. “It really brings us all together.”Ettinger said she chose to attend the concert because she thought it would enhance her Little 500 experience.“I think everybody, Greek and non-Greek, enjoys Little Five,” Ettinger said.Freshman Laura Burnett agreed and said the party atmosphere of the concert succeeded in making the student body excited.Afrojack took the stage and energized the crowd. Behind a wall of amplifiers, he opened with beats that vibrated and shook the ground of the parking lot. “Bloomington, you’re dope,” he said between electronic tracks. “Are you guys ready to go all night? My plane doesn’t leave until 4 a.m., so we’re going to party all night.”Although the concert at the Stadium ended at 10 p.m., there was an official IU Afrojack after-party at Dunnkirk.Little 500 concerts generate energy that rivals a certain West Coast festival that had music lovers in the Midwest cursing their last few weeks of school. Afrojack arrived in Bloomington straight from Coachella, but the minimal sleep caught on the plane did not seem to fatigue the DJ. He kept the crowd jumping as the show progressed. “If you weren’t here, you missed the best night of college,” Schoeneman said.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>From a stable stocked with a wooden horse and a bale of hay to a living room furnished with a sofa and a coffee table, the set decoration made it difficult for any audience member to realize the main source of funding for the University Players’ most recent production was cut.The University Players lost between $1,300 and $3,500 in grant money from the IU Student Association for this particular show. IUSA’s Funding Board provides money from student fees to registered student organizations on a case-by-case basis.Despite this cut, the show still went on.This weekend, University Players performed “Late: A Cowboy Song” in the Studio Theatre of the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center before a small crowd, mostly consisting of friends of the student-run theater group.The play, written by Sarah Ruhl, danced around the sensitive topic of gender identity through a couple, its baby and a lady cowboy who lives a life away from the gender oppression of modern society.The play didn’t call for much of a set, which helped University Players get by in the production without the help of IUSA funding.Hannah Kennedy, a senior and managing director of University Players, said the minimalist play was intentionally planned for the end of the year, especially since the IUSA funding cut has happened before.“It’s just a matter of planning and preparing for that,” Kennedy said.Julie Hurley, senior and artistic director, said IUSA was a significant source of funds for the organization and often, in the form of grants, provided up to 75 percent of what University Players needed.“IUSA is so good with all of our shows, so we got lucky that this show didn’t need much,” Hurley said.Fortunately, Hurley said the group was able to work with its “nest egg” of funds it keeps for emergencies such as this. Hurley said the extra funds came from the group working a concession booth at IU Theatre and Drama Department plays andproductions.In addition to concession funds, Kennedy said University Players always seeks funding through various fundraisers, grants and donations from organizations and students.Kennedy said that in the past, the student-run theater organization has received grants and funding from the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Alumni Association, Department of American Studies and Union Board.Last fall, University Players received about $10,000 in Funding Board money. Funds were dispersed between multiple productions.Kennedy said losing resources could be a challenge at the end of the year when many other organizations are in the same boat.“I don’t think that it was a lack of planning on IUSA’s part,” Kennedy said. “Just gathering things together at the end of the year is a challenge.”Despite the lack of IUSA support, Megan Gray, house manager and freshman, said the quality of the show was still up to par. Gray said she had no idea University Players was even lacking a major funding source until she was told.“I wouldn’t have guessed,” she said. “Everything was as high a quality as any other University Players show.”Gray said the play didn’t need too many props to help the story.Kelly Langtim, a senior who played Mary in the play, said the small ensemble of actors also helped with the financial aspect and the creation of the play.For costumes, the University Players used clothing that the actors already owned, borrowed props from the department and borrowed items from members of the group, Langtim said.“We did a lot of begging, borrowing and stealing,” Langtim said. “Okay, so no stealing.”Kennedy said losing funds is simply a part of working with a theater group.“It didn’t kill us that IUSA didn’t fund our last production because we did something that we were excited about,” Kennedy said.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A lengthy list of warnings was posted on the front door of the Wells-Metz Theatre. Audience members were warned about strong language, mature content and blank gunfire and knew what to expect before they sat down for “The Pillowman” on Thursday.“The Pillowman,” written by Martin McDonagh, is a simple but dark production. File cabinets lined the back wall of the black box theatre, and between stacks of cabinets were two rusted, weathered metal doors. With a table off-center and dried blood stains on the stage floor, a stark image of a police interrogation room was shown to the audience.The play opened with two police officers, Ariel, a surly cop with a quick temper, and Tupolski, a more rational officer, bringing in a young writer, Katurian. Each cop questioned Katurian about the gruesome murders of three children, and each murder was identical to the plot of one of Katurian’s stories.Initially, Katurian answered every question the cops threw his direction and didn’t understand why the police had such distaste for his writing. The ground floor of the stage placed the audience close to the action of the play.Audience members Peggy and Pat Page, both Bloomington residents, sat side by side and were engrossed in the production.“It had an unusual plot,” Pat Page said. “The scenery was sparse, but it was very well done.” Peggy Page agreed and said that although the play was strange, the plot was captivating. Patrons leaned forward in their seats and seemed to hang onto the cast’s every word. Moments of violence caused a soft gasp from the crowd, while other scenes had the audience laughing uncomfortably. Camille Hopson, an IU freshman ushering the show, said she was surprised by the production.“I thought it was thought-provoking and unsettling,” Hopson said. “It wasn’t what I expected at all.”Images in the play shifted between razor blades and whipping to strong police brutality.“We’ve been to all of (the other plays),” Peggy Page said. “This one, I didn’t want to see, but since we’ve been to all the other ones, we decided to come anyway.”Despite some uneasy scenes throughout the play, the two police officers offered comic relief, and ultimately, the play provided a lesson. “It isn’t easy being (alive) or being dead,” said Jaysen Wright, the graduate student playing Katurian. “It’s about what you leave behind.”Hopson said many people tend to lead their lives sleeping, so to speak, watching Lifetime movies and never really knowing a thing about reality.This play, however, was a much needed wake-up, as plays should be, she said.“We need something to make us uncomfortable,” Hopson said. “We may not like it, but we need to know why we’re uncomfortable with these situations.”
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Students in the IU Theatre and Drama Department will bring frightening, twisted and darkly humorous “The Pillowman” to life at 7:30 p.m. Friday when the Wells-Metz Theatre opens its doors to thrill seekers. Be warned that “The Pillowman” is not a play for the faint of heart, as it contains mature content revolving around violence and unsettling, twisted murders.With the plot styled in a fashion similar to “Law and Order” and “Dexter,” the play documents short-story writer Katurian as he undergoes an interrogation concerning the grotesque murders of children after he writes stories featuring similarly gruesome murders.Katurian will be played by fine arts graduate student Jaysen Wright.The playwright of the award-winning production, Martin McDonagh, raises the question: Is it right to censor the works of artists, and to what degree?Most people involved with the play think that, to a certain extent, censoring art is censoring reality, Wright said.Freshman and Assistant Director Katherine Taylor said it is the responsibility of the audience to understand what they are absorbing and how they react to it. However, artists should take into consideration how their works will be portrayed to an audience.“Artists should create what they feel that they should,” she said.The role of Katurian in the play takes the spectators on a journey through the complicated world of censorship, art and how the two concepts can harm each other.As the protagonist, Katurian is meant to be relatable to audience members, Wright said, yet no one knows if Katurian is truly to be blamed for the murders. Can his guilt lie in influence from his stories or in actual murder, and can he truly be trusted at all?Director and fine arts graduate student Mark Kamie said the conflicts of interests are relatable to today’s society in many ways, including the prominent debate about violence in video games and movies. The play helps viewers question whether violence in art is the cause of violence in society, he said.Chris Kleckner, a senior who plays the role of one of the interrogation police officers, Ariel, said it is essential for audiences to realize that stories can affect people.“(This play) speaks a lot about the power of writing,” Kleckner said. “There are a lot of things out there that people don’t necessarily want to hear.”Kleckner said it is good for people to be exposed to other opinions and ideas.McDonagh’s play, as much as it raises the conversation about how stories can affect people, is a stab at censorship and what audience members should and shouldn’t be exposed to. Audience members will be subjected to the concepts of disturbing violence with no real censors.“(McDonagh) has crafted a play about storytelling, so the play has a way of looking in on itself,” Wright said. “It’s a self-aware play.”Kamie said he hopes audience members consider how censorship can affect them and if torture is the right way to receive information.“I think that by explaining and examining the darker parts of a person’s soul, it could help us to understand humanity,” Kamie said.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>A passion to promote the arts caused Andy Beargie and Kevin Winkler to start a local web series, “Midwest Underground.” The series, currently published sporadically, was created to reach college students in the Midwest, especially in Bloomington, where the show originated.Writer Gabriel Wallace plays host Archibal Prodgers, who takes viewers to venues to present local bands from the Midwestern area to capture the “Midwest ‘house-show’ vibe.”Episodes feature humorous segments written by the show’s host and include breakaway scenes to musicians while they perform their pieces.“This whole thing isn’t just for us,” Beargie said. “We’re really trying to make this a community thing.”How it All BeganAfter meeting at a mutual friend’s party, Beargie and Winkler realized they both had a love for music and local arts and that they possessed the skills necessary to promote that world.Beargie was the audio guy, and Winkler was the video guy. “I think we’re very complementary with our skills,” Winkler said.Beargie, who had been in multiple bands prior to the start of the series, said that, after being a performer for 12 years, he understood the detailed aspects of the local arts industry. He said he realized that artists needed the ability to put their work out there for people to see.Thus, Beargie proposed to Winkler the idea of creating a web series. “Andy was like, ‘Let’s do a show,’ and I was like, ‘A show?’ The following week, Andy had a stage built,” Winkler said. “We made it an outlet to put (the art) all together,” Beargie said. The SeriesThe show is currently filmed in a party setting for the viewers. Beargie and Winkler said the party atmosphere has been both positive and negative for their show. They said they have grown with the series to the best of their ability.Once, during a performance by Bloomington band Hotfox, an episode was cut short when a patron stepped on the cord and left them with only two songs from the band’s performance. “Now we have everything plugged into a place no one could reach,” Beargie said. The arts advocates said they are trying to make the most of their situation and grow as a series. “We are slowly investing in advertising and facilities,” Winkler said. “It’s a labor of love.” Winkler and Beargie used Kickstarter, an online company that uses crowd funding to raise money for creative projects, to give the series a financial boost. The campaign reached its goal of $10,000 on March 16 with help from 41 sponsors. They said the campaign funds will help them provide a space for bands to perform and to promote the artists in the Midwest.Additionally, the campaign funds will help Beargie and Winkler invest in advertising for their production company, Winkler said.The Future of Midwest Underground“It’s really something special about arts in Bloomington,” Winkler said.Winkler and Beargie said as of now, they are completely dedicated to their show and production company. After the campaign, they hope to make their shows more frequent and expand their fan base and the artists they work with.“We’re coming into the game at a really good point,” Winkler said.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>In light of the March Women’s History Month, Phoebe Wolfskill, visiting assistant professor for the IU Department of the History of Art, spoke at the monthly IU Art Museum Noon Talk on Wednesday about the portrayal of women in artwork.Focusing on the 1930s works of Reginald Marsh, Wolfskill analyzed the pieces with about 25 patrons and discussed the way the artist depicted women. Marsh’s works included four prints and one double-sided drawing and feature what is known as “the Marsh girl.” The women in his pieces are full-figured and curvy, a concept that he developed from the Renaissance and made modern with the locations, occupations and roles women play in society.Marsh, a proclaimed American regionalist, set many of his works in New York City and other urban environments, which contrast other regionalist artists.The women in the pieces displayed at the museum are portrayed in settings such as Coney Island, the Metropolitan Opera, the streets of New York City and even a burlesque hall. Wolfskill said the women in the works, while sexualized, are depicted in a variety of occupations, from a working woman to a stripper. In a way, the woman are even sympathized by the artist, Marsh said.“He’s showing that image that comes out of Hollywood and advertisement, but he’s also responding to the change of women in today’s society,” she said.The works, coming from the Great Depression, according to Wolfskill, are important because they offer a glimpse into American history.“Marsh, I think, allows us to see a lot going on during the Great Depression,” Wolfskill said. “I think it’s always important to understand history.” Wolfskill said especially with the state of the country now — the lack of employment and the fall of the housing industry — there is a similarity between Marsh’s time and the present. “We’re revisiting the Great Depression now,” Wolfskill said. Nan Brewer, the Lucienne M. Glaubinger curator of Works on Paper, said the talk pulled more details from the works a patron might not have simply received from reading the labels.“I want people to be stimulated and to appreciate the artwork,” Brewer said. According to Brewer, Marsh’s artwork will be on display at least until the end of the semester, if not the summer.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The new Studio Theatre in the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center was filled beyond capacity for the first of two showings of “Shorts: A Student Play Festival,” which was performed by University Players Friday. The simple production consisted of six separate short plays, each written, directed and performed by students. Sets were changed consistently between the pieces, and some actors even performed different characters in more than one play.The plays averaged 15 minutes each. The themes of the shows spanned from dramatic to comedic, giving audience members the chance to have moments of truth and comedic relief. The plays included “Something Solid, Something Dead” by Patrick French, “12th Time’s a Charm” by senior Jordan Kay, “The Spoils of Pleasure” by senior Sean Magill, “What You’ve Got” by junior Allison Hillmann, “Beyond Happily Ever After” by Leslie Boyden and “Uncouth” by Paige Henry.While each play had its own meaning and story behind the process, many of the writers said they hoped their scripts would enlighten and entertain the audience.“I wanted to captivate the audience and pull them in through someone else’s eyes,” Kay said. “Going into this, I was scared because writing a play and watching it be performed are so different.”Kay wasn’t the only writer with this fear. Hillmann said she was equally as frightened about the presentation of her creation.The 16-minute play Hillman wrote portrayed a time in her life when she was struggling with family issues and coming to terms with the realization that people aren’t perfect. In the play, the character Coryn, played by Franki Levenson-Campanale, was an abstract representation of a younger version of herself.Coryn’s attitude toward the issue was similar to Hillmann’s reaction to family troubles. Additionally, Hillmann said that she leans on her friends as much as Coryn leans on her friend, Manny.Hillmann said the process of her writing this play was therapeutic. “It’s hard to realize that because people have a problem that they’re not bad people,” Hillmann said.In the play, Coryn goes through the struggle of realizing that although her father is imperfect, he is still her father and still strives to make things work for him and his family.“You know that disappointed feeling you have when you find out adults aren’t these godly people? It hurts when you realize that,” Hillmann said.Hillmann initially created the play for a class. But for “Shorts,” the reason she presented her play was to have a character who everyone could relate to — someone who could help viewers grow.Magill had a similar idea for his play. The characters, although outlandish, ultimately had traits that were easy for audience members to relate to.In his production, the main character, Chris, talks about a yellow crayon streak on the wall that he drew as a child. It never seems to go away no matter how hard he scrubs the streak and thus the task seemed pointless and repetitive. Magill said that he retrieved the metaphor from his own memory.“As a child, I’d always been afraid of work,” Magill said. “I feel a lot of times, people’s lives do end up like that. Pointless and repetitive action.”
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Sitting in the cushioned auditorium chairs of the Ruth N. Halls Theatre, one would not have realized that a production crafted by Shakespeare was to be performed. The stage boasted a simple set that seemed unfinished with a “Cupid’s Studios” sign as the main focal point. The actors wore black and white garb from the 1930s — not the expectation for Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”However, as the production evolved and transformed from one play to a play within a play, colors and more finished products appeared. For the past two weeks, members of the Department of Theatre and Drama have performed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The show, which has received much acclaim for its modern style, helped reach an audience that might not understand the antiquated language of Shakespeare.The early Hollywood setting, paired with the traditional language of the playwright’s creation, launched a new take on the original concept of the show.For some members of the audience, the language of the production was more accessible because of the addition of dance numbers, glitz and Hollywood glamour.“Going into this, I expected it to be exactly how it was when I read it — confusing,” freshman Chris Pilipiszyn said.However, Pilipiszyn said this non-traditional performance style made the play make much more sense than it had when he read it in a high-school English class. “The 1930s are a lot more familiar than the mythological times Shakespeare had it originally set in,” Pilipiszyn said.Freshman Maya Ferrario said that although she had never read the Shakespearean tale, she had seen a more traditional showing of this production prior to coming to IU. While she was confused by the play at first, the rendition made more sense as the show continued.“I seem to be able to connect with this a little bit more, and I seem to be more interested,” Ferrario said. “I like the show and what they’ve done with it.”However, other audience members were confused by the modernized production. Sally Miller, a junior in the audience, said she had read the drama before seeing the performance.“I’m confused as to what Cupid’s Studios has to do with anything,” Miller said. “I like it, but I feel like it doesn’t flow.”
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>In any production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” it is uncommon to see characters running around stage in hot pink underwear. It is not typical to have dance numbers or have the king and queen portrayed as musical movie stars.However, Director Gavin Cameron-Webb’s version of the play will feature just a little more Hollywood magic and a hint of 1930s sparkle.While not taking away Shakespearean charm, the play adds “magic of a different kind,” said Evelyn Gaynor, an acting student who plays Titania in the play.“(The production) adds another element,” Gaynor said. “I think that it’s really fun. I’m enjoying embodying a movie star.”The production of “Midsummer” is a movie musical within a play.In the original Shakespearean plot, four lovers run away to a land of fairies and are sorely surprised by the mischievous antics of the mystical creatures. Spells and potions distort the lovers’ realities and make things both comical and strange.In Cameron-Webb’s adaptation, the lovers don’t simply run into a jungle but onto the set of the movie musical “Tarzan.”“Audiences should expect a different kind of Shakespeare, and yet, the same story,” Director of Audience Development John Kinzer said. “You can see how the story can take place in this environment.”“It’s just giving it a time period,” said Haley Conger, crew member of the production. “For some of the characters, it gives them more flavor and depth than if it had been set in a different time period.”Conger said the majority of the differences in this newer interpretation are in the cast costumes and set. Yet, the language of the show is the same as the original script.Lee Cromwell, assistant director of the play, said modernization of the show should help audiences connect with the Shakespearean play. “The concept allows the dialogue to have a meaning that is easier to understand the relationships, such as the relationship between Titania and Oberon, and the language,” Cromwell said. “After seeing it, (audiences) will come away with a better understanding of the play,” Kinzer said. “There’s an educational value in it.” Ticket informationTickets are still available and can be purchased online at indiana.edu/~thtr or at the IU Auditorium box office. Prices range from $15 to $25.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Recently named Miss Indiana University 2012, junior Brianna McClellan portrays the roles of two strong, powerful women. First, she is Miss IU — a pageant queen involved with the Safe Schools for Every Student organization after her brother was bullied in high school for being gay. But this weekend, McClellan, who is a musical theater major, will be better known as Hermia in the upcoming play featured by the Department of Theatre and Drama, Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” McClellan describes both her personas as women with a passion for something and with ambitious desires.In “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which opens 7:30 p.m. Friday, the traditional Shakespearean language is paired with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood in the 1930s. The plot of the play emphasizes the extremes of love and their effects. The role of Hermia is a young woman who falls in love with the wrong man, Lysander. Her father, Egeus, is intent upon marrying Hermia to Demetrius, a man she refuses to love. Distraught, Hermia flees her family and elopes with Lysander. “(Hermia) is very self-possessed, willful, determined, defiant, and witty and funny, and passionate, all of which Brianna has done extremely well,” said Gavin Cameron-Webb, director of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The very high-strung Hermia, McClellan said, has a passion to be with the love of her life. As Miss IU, McClellan is a woman with a passion for her community and school. “Some of the most talented and smart girls are at IU,” she said. “Some just need a nudge in the right direction.”McClellan said her affection for both roles makes her a strong representative for both IU and the theater department.She strives to juggle the two roles to promote the IU arts community.“Unfortunately, theater falls by the wayside in Big Ten schools,” McClellan said. “My goal is to constantly be involved in the theater department on campus and draw people in.”Drew Bratton, arts administrator for the Department of Theatre and Drama, said it is sometimes a challenge to get the word out about some of the department’s productions.“If Brianna’s role as Miss IU helps raise student awareness of the IU theater program, I think that is great,” Bratton said. “Brianna is a wonderful person, and I am sure she will make a great ambassador for IU and our program.”In the Miss IU competition, 35 percent of the competition is dedicated to the talent portion. McClellan chose vocals as her medium. She said that by showing other students in the arts her passion for her school via the pageant, she hopes other girls in the arts will gain the excitement to be a part of the competition next year.“We like to say that you can see ‘theater stars of tomorrow’ on the IU theater stage,” Bratton said. “But it’s not often that we have a celebrity on stage while still in school.”
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Racism is not dead, according to Koritha Mitchell’s book, “Living with Lynching: African American Plays, Performances and Citizenship.”Mitchell is an English professor at Ohio State University and will speak about modern segregation at 4:30 p.m. today in the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center.“Living with Lynching” is a tribute to sympathetic theater performances written about African-American culture. Mitchell focuses on the historical fight for black citizenship and highlights scenes from past plays and photographs in her work.“Since the October 2011 publication of my book ‘Living with Lynching,’ I have been asked whether I see parallels between our contemporary moment and the period that I study, 1890 to 1930,” Mitchell wrote in a blog post.“The short answer is yes. In fact, I find the last turn of the century fascinating partly because it looks so much like this one. The similarities include the ugliness of anti-immigrant sentiment, the need for women to fight for baseline equity and safety, the ease with which certain families are denied recognition and respect and the dehumanizing treatment of the poor while corporations are treated as people.”Mitchell wrote that historical issues such as this one are important for Americans because they highlight the treatment of U.S. citizens.Drew Bratton, arts administrator for the IU Department of Theatre and Drama, said because plays highlight the human condition, it is essential to feature Mitchell’s work in the department.“What we always strive to do is to bring stories, real, honest portrayals of life, to plays. We’re just helping to educate students about how society has shown depictions throughout time,” Bratton said.In addition to it being a good event for the theater department, Bratton also mentioned that the event is an excellent opportunity for the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center. Stephanie Power-Carter, director of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, said she believes racism still exists.“Racism, it’s different — it’s more covert,” Power-Carter said. “I think that it’s sometimes more comfortable for people to not discuss racism, I think we have made some strides to combat racism, but, unfortunately, it still exists.”Melody Barham, an arts administration graduate student, said she agreed that racism, however veiled, is still a facet of America life. “Although race is a social construct, the effects are very real,” Barham said.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>The cast of the University Players brought “A New Brain” to life this weekend, and Studio Theatre in the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center provided the stage. Blue lights beamed on a simple set that featured a human head and various phrases such as “music,” “songs I never wrote” and “daddy issues,” around the head. This conveyed the many thoughts of the main character. University Players is a student-run theater group that provides hands-on experience for students. The group stages less common productions, and “A New Brain,” performed by the group Thursday and Friday, was one of them.“A lot of people don’t give enough credit to these student projects,” junior Taylor Crousore said. “They’re doing this because they love to do this. That’s what’s so great. In the words of this musical, they had so much ‘heart and music.’” The production, written by William Finn, is somewhat autobiographical. The plot is sprinkled with humor and is about a young songwriter, Gordon Michael Schwinn, dealing with a brain malfunction and discovering the healing power of music. After fainting at lunchtime and waking in a hospital, Gordon takes the audience through the journey of a man desperate to write a song before he dies. He also battles the haunting presence of Mr. Bungee, the host of the show he works for. Gordon struggles to pull through with the help of his apparition and his loved ones.Jamie Anderson, director of the production, felt a similar connection to the musical. While Anderson was growing up, his father had an aneurism.“This show is very near and dear to my heart, to be on the verge of almost losing a loved one,” Anderson said.The production was as informational as it was entertaining, demonstrating coping mechanisms and the importance of art and music, Anderson said.“I was shocked by the outstanding production value and the sheer level of talent of everyone on that stage,” senior Matt Birdsong said.
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Throughout history, seduction and deceit have found a place in cultures around the world. “Les Liaisons Dangereuses,” set in 18th-century France, reflected this.Performed in the Wells-Metz Theatre, this Christopher Hampton production is set in a time of morals, class status and white wigs. The performances, although staged in a different era, featured modern music to help the audience connect to the show. Courtney Lucien portrayed the young Cecile Volanges, the innocent 15-year-old girl manipulated and seduced into the sexual world surrounding her.The classic tale of sex and revenge remains relevant to contemporary times, appearing in the modern film “Cruel Intentions,” starring Reese Witherspoon.“Les Liaisons” is a production about two scheming characters, La Marquise de Merteuil, played by Molly Casey, and Le Vicomte de Valmont, played by Adam St. John, who use sex to hurt those around them, particularly as a form of revenge. The two characters stop at nothing to hurt each other. To them, love is simply a word used in lieu of deceit and vengeance. “The love game is really interesting,” said Ross Van Dongen, a senior and actor in the show. “I enjoyed it and the way that we put it in the modern influence.”Van Dongen played the role of Le Chevalier Danceny, a young man caught in the lies of the two seducers. His character fell prey to La Marquise and failed in comparison to Le Vicomte. Senior Hana Slevin played the part of Emilie. Her role as one of the many mistresses of Le Vicomte was both energetic and raunchy.Lucien said that the characters of this show are all relatable to many people.“We didn’t try to make it modern,” Lucien said. “It just was.”