Ntozake Shange’s ‘For Colored Girls’ to be performed in Goddard

By Mamus Ngeseyan

Senior Monica Black and Junior Tafadzwa Chihanga will be performing Ntozake Shange’s choreopoem, “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf” May 1 and 2 in Goddard auditorium.

“For Colored Girls” has received an Obie Award, Outer Circle Critics Award, AUDELCO Award, as well as Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award nominations. Furthermore, described as “extraordinary” and “wonderful” by the New York Times.

Eight young women are putting together the performance. There are no dominating male characters or roles in this collection of 20 poems drawn from Shange’s own experiences. All the women performing are women of color, in varying academic fields, from different backgrounds and cultures.

Even though one might think that this play is only about black woman, according to Shange there is definitely something more to it than the dialect of the words or the nature of the experiences conveyed.

In an interview with CNN Shange said, “I like women in general, women of color in particular, to feel pride and dignity and joy and fullness that we’re capable of.” While acknowledging the role and value of women, her intent is not to subjugate the male presence but do enlighten and bring him closer to a woman’s world.

“I guess what I look forward to men drawing from my work is the strength, virility and the comedy of the women they are surrounded by,” she said.

Shange was born in Trenton, N.J. on Oct. 18, 1948. Her birth name was Paulette Williams, which she changed in 1971. Williams attended Barnard College, where she attempted to commit suicide several times.

It was during this time that she changed her name to Ntozake, meaning “she who comes with her own things” in Xhosa, and Shange meaning “she who walks like a lion” in Zulu. Both languages are native to tribes in South Africa.

Despite her numerous attempts to commit suicide, Shange graduated cum laude with a degree in American Studies. She continued her education at the University of Southern California, where she earned a master’s degree in American Studies in 1973.

Chihanga, who is co-directing the play with Black, noted despite what some may see as an unstable past, Shange’s experiences contribute a wealth of knowledge that adds to the authenticity of the voices portrayed in the performance.

Shange has written nine plays, of which “For Colored Girls” has been the most well-received and praised. The choreopoem was published in 1975, and first produced in New York City at Studio Riobea, with subsequent productions Off-Broadway at the Anspacher Public Theatre and on Broadway later in 1976.

Another distinguished African-American writer, Toni Cade Bambara talked about Shange’s work as “[celebrating] the capacity to master pain and betrayals with wit, sister-sharing, reckless daring, and flight and forgetfulness if necessary. She celebrates most of all women’s loyalties to women.”

The support and encouragement that the eight young female performers give each other during rehearsals is a testament to Bambara’s words.

Senior Brit Winston, one of the students participating, believes this performance offers her an opportunity to do something she has never done before, outside her usual interests and activities.

“What is most challenging for me is actually having to interpret it, imagine it and most importantly feel it. I also see some relations to my father in some of the men that are depicted in the monologues,” said Winston.

“For Colored Girls” is currently being studied in African American Literature, a class instructed by Assistant Professor of English Joann Quinones.

This is an important venue for discussing the work because, according to Winston, “a concrete thinker would not be able to understand [‘For Colored Girls’] the first time round.”

For Chihanga the play contains a little something for everyone who has had an experience in which they learned something new about themselves.

“There are several voices and experiences so the audience is not limited to connecting with one single experience or voice for that matter,” she said.

After working closely withWinston, as well as Aisha Abdul-Haqq, Tinisha Newland, Melissa Barnes, Nadia Robinson and Hlengiwe Moloi, Chihanga noted, “The audience can expect fun, a rainbow of emotions, comedy, hate, love and passion. Basically, a rollercoaster ride with a happy ending.”

The performance, taking place in Goddard Auditorium May 1 and 2, will be free of charge and open to the Richmond community as well. There will be an age restriction of 17 and above due to the maturity of the content in the performance.

For any further details contact, Monica Black at mfblack06@earlham.edu or Tafadzwa Chihanga at tchiha07@earlham.edu.

Gamelan ensemble brings Java to EC

By John Jacobson

The sounds of Gamelan Ensemble reverberated in Goddard Auditorium last Saturday night as the Javanese percussion group, led by Associate Professor of Music Marc Benamou, made its sixth annual performance.

The pieces of the Gamelan Ensemble were performed on bronze gongs and drums. Guest performers Tri Sutrisno and Joko Sutrisno performed with the ensemble.

Junior Michael Skib and senior Alex Arnold both performed as members of the ensemble. Arnold played the gong while Skib played the bonong. Both Arnold and Skib were members of the gerong, the male vocal ensemble.

“We learned everything orally,” said Arnold. “Marc [Benamou] would either play it or sing to us. He taught us the notes on the different instruments and we would then learn it through repetition.”

Benamou explained his thoughts on teaching the pieces the group performed. “I’ve been teaching gamelan since 1986, so I’ve kind of developed my own techniques, my own ways of teaching, which are a little quirky,” said Benamou. “I don’t actually teach things exactly the way they are taught in Java … I teach primarily without notation … We start with easy pieces and in the very beginning we often switch instruments so that they can get an idea of how the pieces should sound.”

Benamou was impressed with this particular performance of the ensemble.

“I thought they did a really great job, they really came together and they were really focused,” he said. “That long piece that we did in the middle of the program … is quite a challenging piece … You need to stay focused for twenty minutes … and they did.”

Arnold and Skib reflected on the audience at the concert.

“I think there was a good amount of people there … they were pretty responsive and they seemed to enjoy it,” said Arnold.

“I was glad that [the audience] stuck around for the twenty minute piece, I feel like it really tested some peoples’ patience,” said Skib.

Lit mag, sexuality zine throw party to celebrate new releases

By Gabriel Middaugh

Two student-run publications, Crucible and (Not Just) Lip Service, are joining up together for the first time to release their newest issues, next week.

Many of the members overlap from one organization to another, and work closely on both projects. However, the joint release and celebratory dinner party is exciting for fans of both publications and anyone interested in becoming involved.

The release party will be held in Runyan’s Orchard Room on Thursday, April 29 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The goal of the social event will be to share the new issues, listen to readings from the contributors, eat pizza and bring more awareness to the work they do.

Freshman Seth Wenger said, “I have a couple pieces being released in the Crucible. We changed the format by releasing one issue instead of two. I think it came out better this way.”

Senior Helen Marie Staab, co-convenor of Crucible, also works as a staffer for (Not Just) Lip Service.

“I love the poetry and art so the Crucible is important to me. Lip Service is great as it’s trying to start a discourse about positive sexuality,” she said. “The hope is that by doing the release together, it will demystify everything. We want people to join and be part of the process.”

This will be the release of the 2009/2010 issue of Crucible and the fourth issue of the year for (Not Just) Lip Service.

Although some members are in both organizations, the publications run differently for a few reasons. Crucible has funding from the Student Organizations Council, popularity among literary groups on campus and accepts submissions through either boxes around campus or email.

In contrast, (Not Just) Lip Service lacks funding, they have less popularity because they are so new, and most of their submissions come via word-of-mouth or e-mail.

Staab mentioned that “there are limitations to becoming more popular and Lip Service doesn’t want to, because of these limitations.”

Students interested in submitting art, poetry, plays, stories or anything else that may fit into either of these publications are encouraged to contact Crucible at arthurmillerisdead@gmail. com or (Not Just) Lip Service at NotJustLipServiceZine@gmail.com. More information is available on their Facebook event page (search for “Crucible and Lip Service Release Dinner”) and at the release this Thursday.

Horoscopes of the week

By Rosa Ostrom

Aries: March 21 – April 19

The sunshine should be encouraging your creative juices to flow. Grab some chalk, take to the Heart, and spread the love.

Taurus: April 20 – May 20

While the quizzes in your Monday class are usually a piece of cake, next week’s will surprise you. Hit the books BEFORE checking out Marmon house — you won’t regret it.

Gemini: May 21 – June 20

Walking barefoot may be a passion of many, but this week be sure to check that your tetanus shot is up to date before scampering back campus. Your soles will thank you.

Cancer: June 21 – July 22

Have you been feeling lonely? Before you consider getting a pet, remember that they aren’t allowed in the dorms and summer is just around the corner. Befriend the campus groundhog instead.

Leo: July 23 – Aug. 22

Graduation is nearing, and you’re getting lucky. Although you may never see them again, let your hookup down lightly — karma’s a real b—-.

Virgo: Aug. 23 – Sept. 22

You must have been quite the good Samaritan last week, because great vibes are coming your way. Use this as your push to talk to that sweetie you’ve been eyeing in CGI.

Libra: Sept. 23 – Oct. 22

Before you put three weeks of white laundry into the washer, stop and take a look around. Is that a black pen wedged into a pocket? Better deal with that in less you’re in mood for inky tie dye…

Scorpio: Oct. 23 – Nov. 21

Aww, your girlfriend made you dinner. How cute! Just remember this next time she asks for a back rub — reciprocity is the best.

Sagittarius: Nov. 22 – Dec. 21

Your priorities are all out of wack! You need to step back and reassess. Try a new perspective and you just might learn something.

Capricorn: Dec. 22 – Jan.19

This semester is speeding by for you, and you can’t wait to get home. Just be sure to enjoy the time you do have left, so that when the seniors leave, you’ve gotten to say goodbye.

Aquarius: Jan. 20 – Feb. 18

Now is a good time to let go of your caffeine addiction. Consider your annoying roommate the perfect motivation to get that homework done early.

Pisces: Feb. 19 – March 20

You’ve been doing an admirable job of hiding your addiction to ‘90s television. Just remember to clear the history before you let your boyfriend borrow your computer!

All aspects of theater combine to bring ‘Othello’ to life

By Simon Levine

The Earlham theatre department’s production of “Othello: The Moor of Venice” fires on all cylinders, giving a vibrant, and affecting performance of William Shakespeare’s tragedy about jealousy and prejudice.

Guest Theatre Director Lynn Perkins-Socey, who also designed the sound, uses a score of resonating bells, which complement the stark but adaptable sets.

Throughout the production, light and sound amplify the drama of the material. Early, as Roderigo (sophomore Kellen Paine) howls up at Brabantio (Professor of Theatre Arts Michael White) to warn him that his daughter is missing, Iago (senior Nick Husted) lies hidden in the shadows, his hat removed. Later, as Othello (Kyle Haden, guest actor) languishes in the throes of jealousy and confusion, the droning of bells in the background seems to be the incoherent buzzing in his own head.

In contrast to the starkness of the set, Costume Designer Karen Adams’ outfits are quite colorful. The soldiers all wear ornate Napoleonic uniforms with brass chest plates and large red sashes, while Desdemona (junior Sarah Waddle) wears a flowing gold trimmed robe. Brabantio’s gray, striped, tuxedo, meanwhile, evokes the antebellum south.

Accolades also go to Fight Choreographer Rob Johansen, a teacher at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. The audience cheered as Cassio (sophomore Uldis Elksnitis) staggered drunkenly across the stage, brawling in succession with Roderigo and Montano (freshman Ethan Sallee).

Haden is excellent as Othello. His booming voice is well suited for the lead, a character both charmingly energetic and ferociously angry. Haden convincingly portrays this whole range of emotions and is legitimately frightening as his jealousy crescendoes to the climactic murder scene.

Opposite Haden is Husted, playing the most celebrated villain in Shakespeare, with more lines than the protagonist. Husted is good as the brooding sardonic Iago who soliloquizes to the audience, but really shines when he is playing the charmer, making it believable that his character could endear himself so strongly to his comrades. The bawdiness of Iago’s archaic, bar humor is never lost and the audience laughs along as he chides Desdemona.

Desdemona has great chemistry with Othello’s two lieutenants and her interactions with Cassio are very persuasive as inspirations of guilt. By comparison, Haden’s and Waddle’s relationship sometimes feels stiff and never quite reaches the passion suggested in the text.

Also notable was Michael White’s blubbering and mercurial portrayal of Brabantio. White succeeds at capturing the boorishness and unlikability of the domineering father, a figure who seems confused throughout the play.

The play had some technical difficulties. Lights went out shortly after the intermission and didn’t return for several minutes.

Eat a large meal and go to the bathroom beforehand, because Othello is a long play, going from 7:30 p.m. to nearly 11 p.m. with one intermission.

That said, it is time spent that you will probably enjoy. The material comes to life in a way that a modern audience can relate to. Shakespeare’s jokes are funny and the moments of evil still spine-tingling.

This is a faithful and laborious reworking of the material that makes some interesting choices but is still conservative enough to be familiar. Fans of the material are sure to enjoy and the play is also highly recommended to those who have never read Shakespeare.

Showings are tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.

Seniors communicate magic, meaning via exhibition of art

By Mamus Ngeseyan

The Senior Art Exhibition in the galleries of Runyan Center and Lilly Library displays artwork diverse both in meaning and medium, after senior art majors developed unique projects for others to scrutinize and admire.

Each art major’s display serves as a comprehensive gauge of experiences both at Earlham and beyond it. For senior Sydney Sogol, who exhibited contemporary saddle blankets, the line between fashion and function is one that deserves a five-page paper response, yet managed an effortless retort.

“I am a weaver. The majority of my work is functional,” Sogol said.

For her, sources of inspiration have been plenty and in range, from Nazca lines to Harry Potter, and she plans to have the blankets used for what they were made for in the first place, as saddle blankets.

On the walls of Lilly’s Ronald Gallery is senior Mia Herring’s work. Her pieces took on the form of a complex critical literary theory paper, with paint and a piece of canvas as her primary communicators. Herring describes her series of three pieces as referencing modernist works through a feminist lens.

Not only is the concept behind her work a handful — some of the challenges Herring came across was the sheer size of her work and figuring out its composition, with each canvas measuring 8 feet by 6 feet.

Upon being asked what she would do with her pieces if they were not sold during the exhibition, Herring said, “I don’t really think about that. I know that I need to make stuff and making it is what is important to me.”

Back in Runyan Center’s Leeds Gallery, senior Laura Meilman’s various pieces are all strung together by one common idea: magical realist literature, which has always appealed to Meilman.

“I loved the imagery that they put in books,” Meilman said.

Her pieces intermingle realistic landscapes with some elements of an otherworldly nature. In one of her pieces, done on a wood panel, the Heart is covered in snow, with a vibrant sunset in the distance contrasting the cool foreground. On the sidewalk, penguins waddle through puddles.

“I liked the idea of likening penguins to students, because we are similar in some ways,” she said.

If all of her pieces are not sold during the exhibition, Meilman will be taking them home in Ithaca, N.Y., and have them displayed in local coffee shops.

As for a career in the arts, Meilman has taken a job as an art and crafts coordinator at a summer camp.

The Exhibition will be on until graduation. Information on the price and artists are available in both Leeds and Ronald Gallery. If any artwork is purchased, nothing can be removed from the gallery until May 8.

If you are interested, or have any questions regarding the artists or their work you can contact the Fine Arts office.

Photos by Alex Pianetta

Drumaddix brings rhythm to Richmond

By Gabriel Middaugh

Percussion beats reverberated off the walls in the Civic Hall Performing Arts Center during the Drumaddix performance last Thursday, April 8. Groups from Earlham College, Test Middle School and Richmond High School performed at the event.

“What’s so great is the diversity of the music itself,” said Terry Bettner, director of the Richmond High School Steel Drum Band. “We have all of this going on right here in Richmond!”

Earlham College brought two groups to the stage that night: the Earlham Hand Drum Ensemble and the Earlham Rhythm Project. Singing and chanting accompanied the different sections of the Hand Drum Ensemble’s pieces and many students played at least two instruments. The crowd participated by clapping whenever Keith Cozart, director of the Hand Drum Ensemble, clapped.

The Rhythm Project also had an eclectic mix of arrangements that they brought to the event. One piece was performed in costume as a crew of construction workers, another comprised four students on different colored ladders, and they ended the evening with a song called “Stompin’ Ground,” written by Bela Fleck and Victor Wooten.

Test Middle School students performed three arrangements that their director, Kevin Van Note, helped them create. The musicians performed on a variety of percussion instruments and several soloists performed on hand drums.

“Pulse,” the last piece performed, was a crowd favorite. Partway through the piece, the lights went out and black lights came on, leaving the crowd to view only the glowing green and orange drumsticks of the performers, clicking against one another, then on the drums, then spelling out “Test” and “Ensemble.” This brought cheering and whistling to the air immediately.

Richmond High School’s Steel Drum Band opened with a single young man on stage who walked around and looked at the instruments. He picked up a shaker and put it down. He tapped on a symbol with his hand and shrugged. Then he picked up two drumsticks and began to play a fast paced funk-style beat. This brought the rest of the Steel Drum Band out on stage to perform a song called “Dain Brammage,” followed by three more traditional steel drum tunes.

“We have a lot of talented kids in the community,” said sophomore Grant Collier.

After the show was completed, percussion ensemble T-shirts were given away to raffle winners and the grand prize of a hand-crafted drum went to Judy Schamel, a Richmond local. Cozart, as well as others who were in the percussion groups last year, made the drum.

ETC’s ‘No Exit’ takes audience to Hell’s living room

Photos by Abby Kathan

 

 

Harumatsuri springs to life with Japanese culture

by Alex Pianetta

Sometimes college life is such a drag…

by Abby Kathan

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