Shakespeare on the Green modernizes “Romeo and Juliet”

Shakespeare on the Green produced a rendition of “Romeo and Juliet” from Saturday April 22-23 on the college green. The show featured a contemporary twist on the classic romance by switching gender roles and modernizing the characters. (Ash Dean/Photo Editor)

Geneseo was treated to a classic Shakespearean tale with a modern twist on Saturday April 22 and Sunday April 23, as a group of talented students presented Shakespeare on the Green: “Romeo and Juliet.” The play was directed by sociology major sophomore Hunter Simms and communication major sophomore Emily Arpino and was narrated by Jeremy Jackson ‘16. 

The rendition was mostly consistent with the original play, but with a few modern changes. The two feuding families, the Montagues and Capulets, both disapprove of any positive interaction between its members. The play opened with an entertaining sword fight that portrayed the already-present tension. 

Amidst this conflict was a budding and hidden romance between Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet. The most interesting part of this reenactment, however, was that Romeo and Juliet were both female characters. Romeo’s name remained, but the character’s pronouns were changed from “he” and “him” to “she” and “her.” 

Additionally, Juliet called Romeo her “lady,” as opposed to her “lord.” Romeo was played by geological science major senior Tanairi Taylor, while Juliet was played by musical theater sophomore Skye Rose. 

Despite this change, the show went on according to script and the plot was treated with humility, thus making that small change so much greater—Romeo and Juliet still got married secretly with the help of the friar, as played by anthropology major junior Blain Shinkle. 

To make the reading stand out even more, the cast and crew integrated edgier elements into the performance’s costuming and music. Juliet wore a leather jacket and fishnet stockings, and garage punk played at the party where Romeo and Juliet first met, rather than classical music.

Some other main attributes that made this retelling shine were the subtle details sprinkled throughout the production. For example, Lady Capulet—played by biology and theater double major junior Leeann Bruetsch—carried around a glass of wine for the entire play, occasionally taking sips, only to have it finished by the end of the play. 

Romeo’s trusty companions Mercutio and Benvolio—played by international relations major junior Rachel Gdula and biochemistry major Quinn Johanson respectively—were comical and lively, bounding into every entrance they made. Every time they stood onstage, they gave the audience a spectacle to see.

Additionally, Paris—played by international relations major freshman John McDermott—offered some comic relief amidst the tragedy of the play with his over-the-top character. In fact, a highlight of the performance was Paris’ death scene, in which he was killed instantly, leaving McDermott to flail on the ground crying out, “I am slain!” all the while garnering a great laugh from the audience. 

“Romeo and Juliet” has been adapted countless times since its origin, and the twists from this cast and production were admirable, making for an enjoyable weekend activity on the green.

Scientists and writers unite to create approachable content

Have you ever been confused by a science report? Were you perplexed at the scientific jargon, not knowing what any of it means? Or on the flip side, have you ever had difficulty trying to explain your scientific research to an audience? 

Amongst the many Geneseo Recognizing Excellence, Achievement and Talent Day student presentations on Tuesday April 25, NeuWrite featured 12 students who discussed their work combining science and creative writing. The students worked in pairs, with one writer and one scientist. Under the guidance of distinguished teaching professor of mathematics Olympia Nicodemi and assistant professor of English Lytton Smith, these students concocted scientific research essays that are both factual and creative.

The participating students include biochemistry major junior Ryan Carpenter, biology major senior Jeffrey Doser, English major senior Maya Bergamasco, biochemistry major senior Adam Wegman, English major senior Sarah Steil, chemistry major junior Brandon Mehlenbacher, biology and vocal performance double major senior Hannah Loo, comparative literature major senior Emily Ramirez, mathematics major senior Shayne O’Brien, biology major junior Rachel Powers, English and economics double major senior Brendan Mahoney and English creative writing major senior Oliver Diaz. 

The students began their presentation by discussing their overall writing progress and the background of NeuWrite. Started in Columbia in 2009, the NeuWrite program created a collaboration between the graduate level neuroscience and the creative writing programs. The goal was to make the content of science research accessible to people who are not necessarily science-minded.

“I think [Neuwrite] lines up very well with what you might consider a lot of our school’s values,” Mahoney said. “Liberal arts really lends itself to a breadth of education and this program is all about that breadth. Science is central for us to graduate, but I think that more broadly it’s essential just to engage in the world around us.”

The process of writing these scientific creative essays mirrored that of any other creative writing process at Geneseo: workshops and rewriting. The science students felt that not only was workshopping helpful for editing purposes, but it also was beneficial hearing feedback from fellow scientists.

 “[The creative writer’s] goal is to make ourselves more critical as thinkers, but also as communicators and collaborators,” Diaz said. 

They also wanted to get people who normally would not gravitate toward scientific research to become engaged with the subject area, according to Steil.

After a discussion on the program itself, the writers and scientists shared excerpts of their work. Together, Carpenter and Powers authored “Color-coded,” a scientific essay analyzing the reasoning behind the colors of bowls that attract certain insects. The piece neatly combines science and literature, as Powers described Carpenter’s findings at his summer internship at the Smithsonian Museum.

It was especially insightful to notice the distinct perspectives from the writers, most of who had little experience with the scientists’ work. Diaz offered a unique perspective on his collaboration with Mehlenbacher. Diaz wrote their “Quantum Dots in Six Easy Chapters” from an inexperienced perspective, offering some humor and relation to a non-scientific audience.

The Geneseo NeuWrite students certainly achieved the goal of their program—all essays were interesting, informative and easy to understand, regardless of the audience’s background. Whether the readers of these papers are scientists or creative writers, the work of these students is fascinating and intriguing to read—even if you still don’t understand what quantum dots are.

Activist art exhibits promote sustainability for Earth Week

View fullsize

Geneseo Environmental Organization is celebrating Earth Week with two art installations. The Extinct Animals Exhibit (above) and the compost exhibit aim to bring environmental awareness to the campus. (Annalee Bainnson/Assoc. Photo Editor)

If you passed by or stopped in the MacVittie College Union this past week, you probably noticed the eye-opening exhibits located in or around the area. 

Whether it was the paper tombstones in front of the gazebo or the stacked trash cans in the middle of the Union, you might have been wondering why they were there. 

These exhibits, along with other events during the week, are efforts by environmental groups on campus to promote Earth Week and the environmental problems we currently face. These art demonstrations illustrate two separate threats facing the Earth and our current lifestyle. 

The Extinct Animals Exhibit in front of the gazebo emphasizes the importance of protecting endangered species. The exhibition is essentially a lineup of paper gravestones, each portraying varied species and genus names of animals from different habitats. It's hard to predict just how many species are going extinct because there are still so many that have not been discovered by scientists, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature. 

The paper tombstones on the gazebo lawn roughly show the amount of species that go extinct every week. The species featured are all animals that have already gone extinct, such as the Brasilia Burrowing Mouse—which went extinct in 1960—or the Christmas Island Shrew—which went extinct in 1985. 

The gravestones were set up and created by the Geneseo Environmental Organization club on campus, which promotes environmentally friendly practices on campus. GEO co-president and geography major senior Victoria Roberts was optimistic about the potential response to the exhibit.

“Hopefully [the Extinct Animals Exhibit] raises awareness that the Environmental Protection Agency, and the protection laws for extinct species are really important and people will support it and realize how important it is,” Roberts said.

In addition to this exhibit, there was a compost sculpture placed in the Union. The sculpture was created to help students visualize how much trash the average American generates. 

“We’re trying to raise awareness that we have composting workshops on campus through the Office of Sustainability,” Roberts said. “We’re also trying to show that composting is a really great thing and it’s super easy.” 

The sculpture is made up of empty garbage cans stacked on top of each other to compare the average annual trash output of a typical American versus the annual trash output of an individual who recycles and composts. As you can guess, the side of the sculpture that represents the latter is significantly smaller. The other side, on the other hand, is about three times as big.

The trash cans were also on display during Geneseo’s Campus Canvas, an artistic festival on campus from two weeks prior. 

“I think a lot of people were staring at the [trash exhibit during Campus Canvas],” Roberts said. “It’s not pretty, but I think it gets the point across.” 

Overall, with the help of the Office of Sustainability and other organizations on campus, GEO strived for their Earth Week programs to make a difference in the campus community. 

“I really hope that these art exhibits draw attention to the environmental problems and in a visually appealing way draw attention to environmental issues,” Roberts said. “I also hope that they grab people’s attention and alert them to what’s happening on campus and globally around the world … and gets them psyched about Earth Week.” 

Multiple events are to be held throughout the rest of Earth Week; be sure to check out these intriguing exhibits before they’re gone.

Met to include indigenous art in American wing

For decades now, New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art has placed authentic Native American art in the indigenous wing of its museum, beside works from Africa, Oceania and the Americas. Such placement of Native American art has become a recent issue, and the Met has finally decided to place these works in its wing of American art. 

For years, art by Native Americans wasn’t typically included in museums, according to The Smithsonian. Instead, the works were valued not for their aesthetics, but for their ethnicity. As a result, these works were commonly placed in natural history museums as opposed to national art museums.

The location of such works often confuses international art enthusiasts. 

“They go through and expect to see Native American work here,” American wing curator Sylvia Yount said to The New York Times. “Because often where they come from, indigenous art is part of the narrative of a nation’s art, in a way that it’s not in the United States. We’re really behind the curve.”

The Met’s decision to rearrange their American wing was made when Charles and Valerie Diker—owners of one of the largest country’s private collections of Native American art—donated 91 Native American pieces from various locations and time periods to the museum. Along with 20 other previous works donated by the Dikers, these pieces will be featured in a mass exhibition set to debut in 2018. 

“We always felt that what we were collecting was American art. And we always felt very strongly that it should be shown in that context,” Charles Diker said to The New York Times.

One of the newly located pieces includes a jar created by the Hopi-Tewa potter, Nampeyo. Other pieces include an 18th century Tlingit dagger with a face-shaped hilt and a painted shield by Hunkpapa Lakota master Joseph No Two Horns from the Standing Rock reservation. 

These works will now be shown beside the works of celebrated American artists, such as portraitist Gilbert Stuart and Jon Singer Sargent. The Met’s goal for the rearrangement is “to display art from the first Americans within its appropriate geographical context.”

Twenty pieces of Native American art from the Dikers have already been moved to the American wing, as they serve as a preview for the upcoming unveiling in 2018. The combination of pieces has already shown some interesting and new perspectives.

A John Trumbull painting of George Washington and his slave Billy Lee is now located next to an Iroquois pouch, drawing parallels between Native Americans and enslaved individuals. This relationship—which is shown by so many works in the updated American wing—is one of the many ways “to complicate the narrative,” Yount said.

Other museums such as the Denver Art Museum and Art Institute of Chicago have notable Native American art collections, but have yet to separate them from their ethnological ties. Although the Met’s inclusion of the Native American art in their American wing is a step forward, curators admit that there is still a long way to go until the value of the Native Americans’ art is given its justice. 

Still, it’s nice to know that with the help of the Met and the Dikers, often-neglected cultures—like that of the Native Americans’—can finally be recognized in an artistic setting.

Legendary comedian Don Rickles dies, leaves behind witty legacy

Hollywood suffered another true loss. At 90 years old, legendarily abrasive comedian Don Rickles died in his home in Beverly Hills on April 6 due to kidney failure, as confirmed by his publicist Paul Shefrin. Rickles is survived by his wife Barbara Sklar and his daughter Mindy Rickles.

After serving in the navy during World War II, Rickles followed in his father’s footsteps, working in the insurance industry after the war. He quickly discovered, however, that insurance wasn’t for him, and instead pursued acting. 

He attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, but found pursuing acting to be difficult, so he turned to comedy instead. 

Rickles’ career spanned an amazing 60 years, his hilariously crude humor and wild insults never getting old. He appeared on television and in movies, but mainly at nightclubs where he would hurl insults at audience members without holding back.

His fame began to flourish when he met singer Frank Sinatra—member of the musical group The Rat Pack—at Slate Brothers nightclub in Los Angeles. The two became fast friends, as Sinatra helped Rickles gain fame. Rickles then went on to use America’s favorite singer as a punching bag in some of his most successful routines.

After a decade of Las Vegas performances, Rickles finally broke free from typical nightclub appearances. He landed his first film role in 1958 in director Robert Wise’s Run Silent, Run Deep. In addition, he found himself in some guest appearances on television programs, such as “Bikini Beach” and “Beach Blanket Bingo.”

Rickles really broke out into television in 1965, when he appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and later Dean Martin’s comedic roasts. He even tried his hand at a variety show in 1968 and a situational comedy in 1972, both called “The Don Rickles Show,” though they were both short-lived, along with 1993 sitcom “Daddy Dearest.” 

Despite his success, Rickles’ comedic style was not always favored. In the 1970s and 80s, his crude humor was not popular. Just as his fame seemed to be waning, however, a new generation of comedians burst onto the comedy scene to compliment Rickles’ signature style. 

Later in life, he starred in Martin Scorsese’s Casino with stars, such as Robert De Niro and Sharon Stone. Some modern audiences might also know him as the comical and outspoken Mr. Potato Head in Pixar’s Toy Story films. 

Rickles also published a memoir, Rickles’ Book, in 2007, which was later the subject of an HBO documentary titled, Mr: Warmth: The Don Rickles Project. The documentary won an Emmy award, and Rickles gained a new nickname that stuck—Mr. Warmth. 

While Rickles began to suffer from health issues, he never stopped working or performing in his own shows, the occasional concert and television appearances. He even appeared as one of the last guests on the “Late Show with David Letterman” in May 2015.

Whether it’s for his irresistibly funny insults or his hilariously cranky Mr. Potato Head, Rickles is sure to be remembered as one of comedy’s greats.

Spring musical impresses with choreography, strong characters

View fullsize

The Department of Music put on a production of “Gypsy: The Musical” from April 5-9. The college’s biggest musical to date, “Gypsy” showcased innovative choreography, risky director’s choices and impressive vocals. Pictured above are mathematics education major senior Benjamin Reiner (left) and psychology major senior Nicole Eras (center). (Keith Walters/Campus Photographer)

Geneseo’s Department of Music presented “Gypsy: The Musical” this past weekend from April 5-Sunday April 9 in the Alice Austin Theater. 

Under Director Scott Scafidi, choreographer Katie LeSur and music director Don Kot, the student cast amazed audiences as their musical and choreographic talent made for a thrilling production. 

“Gypsy” is the story of a pushy stage-mother named Rose—played by communication and musical theater double major junior Sophie Yeomans—who forces her two young daughters, Louise—played by musical theater major junior Jessica Murphy—and June—played by psychology major senior Nicole Eras—into show business. 

After being in the business for years, June quits and elopes, leaving Louise—the always-undermined daughter—to carry out her sister’s legacy. After mistakenly booking an appearance at a burlesque house, Louise transforms herself into Gypsy Rose Lee, a famous dancer.

Apart from the main narrative, this performance of “Gypsy” had attributes that touched upon other themes. The musical takes place in the Great Depression era and discusses the collapse of the vaudeville musical genre. Additionally, there were multiple feminist themes that came from the driven female characters. 

Rose was persistent no matter how many times she failed and didn’t seem to care about her marriage to Herbie, played by political science and musical theater double major junior Aram Peers. 

In addition, Louise started from nothing and grew into an astounding success story, one who loves her job despite its bawdy reputation. In a brilliant scene toward the end of the show, Louise proclaimed, “I am Gypsy Rose Lee and I love her,” illustrating self-love.

Yeomans was excellent in exhibiting Rose’s true determination for her and her children’s future and well-being. Underneath the hard exterior, Yeomans portrayed Rose’s underlying love to achieve her own dreams and wishes—which she was unable to accomplish in her own life.

The finale song, “Rose’s Turn,” was a true exhibition of Yeoman’s talent and Rose’s character. The audience saw Rose’s true desires when Yeomans belted her song and stole the show, as Rose’s name dropped down in big flashing letters. 

On a more comical note, “You Gotta Get a Gimmick” with Mazeppa—played by musical theater major sophomore Erica Milliman—Electra—played by communication major sophomore Maria Floriano—and Tessie Tura—played by musical theater major junior Kimberly Cole—was a comical number that showcased the burlesque dancers and their gimmicks. 

To highlight these aspects, Electra’s outfit contained flashing lights and Tessie Tura was dressed in a beautiful butterfly costume for “You Gotta Get a Gimmick.” In addition, Mazeppa’s trumpet skills soared in the performance. “You Gotta Get a Gimmick” was a funny scene that introduced the risqué world that Louise was about to enter in a lighthearted way.

After Louise becomes Gypsy Rose Lee, the audience witnesses her rise to fame in “Gypsy Routine.” This consisted of vignettes of her performances across the country in various risqué performances—one actually involving a strip tease at the end, which ended with Murphy wearing nothing but nude underwear in dim lighting. 

The choreography also played a crucial role in the success of this production. Whether it was the main ensemble dance routine, “Baby June and Her Newsboys,” or an intimate scene between Louise and her love interest Tulsa—as played by musical theater major freshman Brett Hammes—the choreography was definitely a highlight.

“Baby June and Her Newsboys” appeared throughout the show in different forms, but specifically in the “Farm Sequence.” Here, two actors were dressed in a cow costume and—though it seemed challenging—danced in perfect synchronization with both each other and the other cast members. 

On the other hand, “All I Need Is The Girl” with Louise and Tulsa was brilliantly and articulately performed, showcasing many dance styles of the era. 

As always, the Department of Music produced a performance that wowed the audience. This production of “Gypsy” is sure to be remembered for many years to come for its incredible choreography and many memorable moments.

The Scarecrow Show wins Battle of the Bands

View fullsize

The Scarecrow Show, a local rock band, won The Battle of the Bands on Thursday March 30. Its three members have been playing together since childhood and plan to continue to grow their local popularity. (Annalee Bainnson/Assoc. Photo Editor)

This year’s Battle of the Bands winner, The Scarecrow Show, intertwines self-taught musical talent with a strong sentimental connection of companionship. 

Hailing from Delevan, NY, the band consists of Ray Cook III on guitar, accounting major junior Benjamin Juchniewicz on bass guitar and Juchniewicz’s older brother Jon Juchniewicz on drums. All three contribute to the band’s vocals. 

The trio titles their sound as a “high energy rock and roll with a punk attitude and a bluesy twist.” The group performs both originals and covers from bands like Black Sabbath, Metallica and ACDC.

The Scarecrow Show has grown their bond—as well as their band—since childhood. The chemistry and work ethic between the band members is an “organic process,” according to Benjamin Juchniewicz. 

“My brother and I have been jamming since we were 10 years old,” Benjamin Juchniewicz said. “My dad hooked us on Black Sabbath by the time we were four. I started playing bass, [Jon] picked up drums … it was a natural thing.” 

The Juchniewicz brothers have been friends and musical buddies with Cook since they were around 12 years old. 

“We pride ourselves on the chemistry within the band,” Benjamin Juchniewicz said. “We say we can be in different rooms playing the same song and still be note-for-note spot-on because we just have that natural chemistry that comes from playing together for 10 years.” 

Although the three members have been playing together for quite some time, The Scarecrow Show was just recently established in 2015. After years of playing together, things just “fell into place” to make their band official, according to Benjaminn Juchniewicz.  

They spent their first year as a band working on their debut album, self-titled The Scarecrow Show. Available on Spotify, the band members are enjoying local fame. They have had 40 shows within the last six months and have even more lined up for the summer.

In fact, the band performed at the Hard Rock Cafe in Niagara Falls just two weeks ago. Sponsored by radio station 107.7 Alternative Buffalo, the band was joined by the local Geneseo-based band Ponder the Giraffe at the event. 

Benjamin Juchniewicz described the Hard Rock performance as incredibly unique. 

“We went in and the place was packed; everyone loved us, and it’s so cool—the legacy of playing the Hard Rock—everyone wants to play there, so it was a lot of fun,” Benjamin Juchniewicz said. 

In the future, The Scarecrow Show aims to expand their horizons and grow even further as a band. 

“I think for all of us, the number one priority is the band,” Benjamin Juchniewicz said. “We all have our backup plans, but I think any musician is in it to win it. You want to become big, and you don’t want to just play in local bars for the rest of your days. But at this stage, we realize that’s what we have to do.”

To spread their music locally, The Scarecrow Show hopes to open the 2017 Spring Concert for Catfish and the Bottlemen—which has been the privilege of previous Battle of the Bands winners.

For right now, though, The Scarecrow Show’s main objective is to continue making music. 

“The reason we do it, even if we don’t become famous, is for the fun of it,” Benjamin Juchniewicz said. “We’re definitely in it for the long haul.”

Student author publishes first novel

View fullsize

American studies major senior Olivia Vetrano published her first novel, Neverland, in 2015 at the age of 20. The fiction novel was selected to be published by the Kindle Scout Campaign, which called upon readers to vote for their favorite book. (Courtesy of Olivia Vetrano)

Getting a book published is no easy feat, but American studies major and history and anthropology double minor senior Olivia Vetrano has done just that. 

It all started in her senior year of high school when she was 17 years old. 

“[Neverland] is primarily about this 18-year-old with an eating disorder,” Vetrano said. “She’s kind of battling her own demons, trying to figure out life post-graduation.” 

When Vetrano was 19 years old, she finished the novel, and it got published immediately after she turned 20 years old.

Vetrano obtained a book deal in March of 2015—the spring semester of her sophomore year—with Kindle Press, where the book was electronically published. The paperback edition was self-published about a year later.

“I really didn’t think anyone would want to read it because it was a book written about a teenage girl by a teenage girl,” she said. “[It’s] not exactly award winning, but I got a really good response to it.” 

The Amazon website writes, “Neverland follows a thin line of magic that strings together Hayley Winter’s last shreds of hope. At 18 years old, the thoughts of glimmering kingdom lights and enchanted tea parties were the only way to dull the flashbacks, insecurities, burying of loved ones, etc.”

In addition, the prompt warns, “This is not a happy tale. And despite the green-eyed man who inspires magic with every touch, it’s not a love story either. It’s a reminder to always cherish the things that give us strength, real or make-believe.”

Hayley Winters, however, is not so different from the writer herself.

“The book has been a really big comfort to me because I wrote it about a lot of personal stuff, so it’s kind of like my diary in a weird way,” she said. “[Writing Neverland] was sort of a way for me to write a script of my own struggles, sit down and say, ‘This is how she’s going to respond to this,’ because I didn’t have that much control of myself.”

Vetrano submitted an excerpt of her novel to the Kindle Scout Campaign—a 30-day campaign that involves advertising your book and getting people to vote for it. When she received an acceptance for her submission, she was taken aback.

“I was raised by a librarian so everyone always knew, ‘Oh she loves to read, she loves to write,’” she said. “So the idea that I was writing a book wasn’t really a big shock to anyone, but the fact that I wrote this 300-page book as a teenager, and it was a published, everyone was like, ‘Oh, that’s cool.’”

Even though she’s not an English major, Vetrano said she is looking forward to pursuing a career related to writing after graduation. 

“Yes, ideally, I would love a career as a novelist, but … it’s not the most realistic thing. So I’d like to go toward the publishing world,” she said.

Right now, she’s planning to take a year off before going to graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in young adult and children’s literature. Another dream of hers is to write children’s books.

This is just the start of Vetrano’s career, as she has big and bright plans for her future. Seeing what she’s already done this early in life, it seems like there’s no limit to what she’ll be able to accomplish.

Spring musical plans to amaze with production of “Gypsy”

What’s one word that describes this year’s spring musical, “Gypsy?” According to some cast members: bigger. Much bigger. Sponsored by the Department of Music and opening the week of April 5, “Gypsy” will involve a myriad of dance numbers, emotion and passion. 

The musical tells the story of Rose, a mother who pushes her two young daughters into show business. After years in the business, Rose’s young daughter June quits and elopes, leaving Louise to carry out her sister’s legacy. Louise takes the only job she can get—one in a burlesque house—and transforms herself into Gypsy Rose Lee, a notorious dancer. 

Geneseo’s rendition of the musical features two outside hires as the orchestrators: director Scott Scaffidi—a friend of musical director Don Kot—and choreographer Katie LeSur. 

“The students are working really hard—it’s a big show,” Scaffidi said. “Lots of people are playing different roles; it takes place over 10 years. It’s a historical piece, too, because it takes place in the Vaudeville Era, when movies with sound were becoming a thing and the Great Depression happened and all that … so there are a lot of moving parts.”

The student cast members are incredibly enthusiastic about the upcoming performance. Communication and musical theatre double major junior Sophie Yeomans—who plays Rose—claims this musical is “going to be bigger than ever before.” 

“With the dance incorporated, too, the songs are just bigger and the staging is bigger. This just seems much grander,” she said. “It’s going to be a true spectacle.” 

Furthermore, this cast exhibits great chemistry. “What’s really special about this show is that you can tell that the people onstage have a real connection as well,” music major freshman Rachel Wilson said. Wilson plays two characters and is the production’s dance captain. “I think that’s so special and it will read really well for the audience, and the audience will be so transported because I know just during the rehearsal process, I find myself getting lost in what they’re doing onstage.” 

The choreography is one of the most appealing attributes of this show, according to the cast and crew. 

“I think for everyone, the choreography has been really new and exciting.” Wilson said. “I know not everyone in the major has dance as their strongest talent, but we’re super excited about it and it’s been an awesome experience from day one. Seeing the growth from the beginning has been so incredible; everyone has just been really pushing themselves and really digging right in—it’s awesome.” 

In addition to the astounding choreography, look out for some of the cast member’s favorite scenes when watching the show. 

“I personally like the cow and farm scene, just because of its high energy and fun dance number,” musical theater major junior Jessica Murphy—who plays Louise—said. “There’s just so much going on and there’s so many different pieces of it put together.”

Murphy added, “I also love the dressing room scene between me and Sophie. There’s so much power in the scene; I think it grows so much throughout, and it just shows the overall arch of the characters.” 

No matter your favorite element of the show, it’s sure to be a stellar performance. You can catch “Gypsy” at the Alice Austin Theatre from April 5-9.

SASI provides stage for student creators to entertain, educate

Andre Doeman ‘15 performs at the Students Against Social Injustice’s third annual Express YaSelf event on Sunday Feb. 26. Students were invited to recite poetry, songs and other creative mediums to express themselves and educate their peers about recent social issues. (Jenna Harbus/Staff Photographer)

Among the politically charged current events surrounding the nation and the campus, a bright light was the Students Against Social Injustice’s third annual Express YaSelf event. Held at the Knight Spot on Sunday Feb. 26, the event was a safe place for students to enjoy and to appreciate entertainment, socialization and education from peers.

Founded in 2013, SASI is a student organization that aims to educate the campus community about issues of social injustice and what we as a campus community can do to reduce the suffering of others. Over time, the group has found their own space in Geneseo by “bringing more awareness on campus in terms of activism.”

“Express YaSelf was sort of the brain child when we were all baby freshmen, and we tried to think of something on campus that was directly toward social injustice, activism and a safe space for all the activists on campus to come together, celebrate each other and then also bring awareness to different clubs that are doing different things,” SASI president political science major senior Sasha Miller said.

During the event, multiple students performed an array of different talents, such as psychology major sophomore Kevin Vazcones’ impressive dance. Additionally, the event provided deep and meaningful slam poetry from Andre Doeman ‘15, Josh Roychowdhury ‘15 and history adolescent education major junior Ilana Turk. Their poetry spoke to social injustices in our country and around the world. 

Among the student performers, however, were representatives from certain activist clubs on campus such as Alpha Delta Epsilon sorority, One Love and Peace Action. This way, attendees could learn more about each respective organization.

“We call it a one-stop shop for education and entertainment because you come here to celebrate your peers and their talent, but then also you find out about the activities of specific organizations, so you don’t realize that you’re learning,” Miller said. “That’s sort of one of the hidden outcomes of Express YaSelf.” 

Express YaSelf not only presented many talents, it also fostered a larger sense of community. 

“Before, this event was sort of a nice time for people to get together for you to learn, but this event this year is more targeted toward self-healing and relaxation,” Miller said. “You feel tired and depressed, so this is sort of a moment for like-minded people to come together, celebrate each other and sort of validate what we know and what we stand for.” 

Considering recent events surrounding our country, this annual event came at the perfect time.

“Express YaSelf reminds people that you’re not alone on campus and [not alone in] what you’re feeling. People see you,” Miller said. “You may feel like your rights are taken away by this presidency, but we’re here with you 100 percent of the way.” 

Although this event was SASI’s biggest event of the year, they still intend to promote their ideas in any way possible. For example, they marched in the Solidarity Riot together as an organization on Friday Feb. 24.  

Express YaSelf was and continues to be an excellent way for students to “express themselves,” to communicate with other student activists and to make a change on our campus and ultimately our nation as a whole.

Witty Whitman story discovered

It’s not every day that a long lost, forgotten work of a celebrated author is discovered after being hidden in the archives of old newspapers. Recently, however, University of Houston doctoral candidate Zachary Turpin has made an incredible discovery. 

A 36,000-word, anonymously published work of short fiction was published in 1852 for a New York newspaper. Titled Life and Adventures of Jack Engle: An Auto-Biography; In Which The Reader Will Find Some Familiar Characters, the newly discovered work was published in six parts and has now been attributed to American poet Walt Whitman. 

The finding of this novella was published and announced on Feb. 20 when it was published in the Walt Whitman Quarterly Review, with the University of Iowa Press releasing it in the form of a book. 

The amazing discovery was made in 2015 when Turpin found Whitman’s work while conducting research on multiple online databases of 19th century newspapers. He was specifically searching for newspapers that contained popular names found in Whitman’s notebooks. 

Turpin was unintentionally looking for the literary treasure when the work popped up on his computer. The work was originally set to run in The Sunday Dispatch, a newspaper formerly based in New York that Whitman was known to have contributed to. Growing more curious, Turpin requested a scan of the first page from the Library of Congress, which held the only known copy of that day’s Dispatch. 

He was stunned to receive an email clarifying his curiosity a month later.

“I was at my in-laws,’ setting up a Pack ’n Play, when the email arrived,” he said in an article from The New York Times. “From that day until now, I’ve had this simmering inside me.”

Oddly enough, this is not the first time that Turpin has made such a brilliant discovery. In the past, he found a series of articles by Whitman that offered tips for a healthy and vigorous lifestyle, which were featured in another newspaper.

For such an incredible discovery, it’s amazing to look at how this new finding fits into the timeline and the quality of Whitman’s other works. 

Jack Engle was written three years before Whitman published Leaves of Grass, the work that placed him in the American literary canon, according to an article published on the National Public Radio website. Prior to the reveal of this novella, it was believed that Whitman spent the early 1850s entirely on Leaves of Grass, publishing nothing of great importance. Now, thanks to Turpin, we know better. 

Additionally, it’s apparent as to why Jack Engle took this long to be attributed to the great American poet. 

“It’s not a great novel, though it’s not a bad read either,” David Reynolds, author of Walt Whitman’s America, said.

Turpin, on that other hand, disagrees with Reynolds. 

"I'm really blown away by this book,” Turpin told NPR. “It's all things to all men. It's weird, it's wild, it's beautiful and hilarious, and turns on a dime in ways that are both great and terrible. It's truly phenomenal, and I think something that everyone will enjoy picking up."

Despite the disputed quality of Whitman’s 1852 work, it’s certain that this is an unbelievable find for Whitman literature fans. Such an artifact gives us brand new insights into the mind of this legendary author, and, according to Turpin, gives any reader much to think about.

Dance lecturer teaches Katherine Dunham’s legacy, technique

In Brodie Hall’s Fink Lecture Room, the college’s 20th century dance history class was treated to guest lecturer Molly Christie González on Monday Feb. 20, as sponsored by various programs such as The Department of Student Life and Orchesis Student Dance Organization.  

A former student of American dancer Katherine Dunham and current adjunct professor at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, González spoke of Dunham’s legacy and the messages the legendary artist aimed to portray through her art. 

It was by chance that González met and came to be instructed by Dunham. At just 12 years old, González was introduced to the famous “Dunham technique” through a teacher who studied with Dunham.

Five years later, that same teacher brought her fellow company members to Dunham’s dance seminar in St. Louis, Missouri. González said that Dunham “always had an intergenerational approach to education and life,” as her seminar had a range of participants from children to professional dancers to older community members. 

In her lecture, González emphasized Dunham’s legacy, impactful messages and effects on the study of dance by presenting the idea of an artist as a scholar, activist and an educator all in one. 

Dunham’s purpose was to break barriers in the discipline of dance. In addition to dance, she studied anthropology, which prompted her to consider the meaning behind dance. Dunham would ask such questions as why do people partake in the activity or how do dancers grow as people through their art. 

As a result, Dunham’s approach to teaching dance was unconventional, according to González. She would occasionally stop her lessons to ask her students, “Why are you here?” Dunham was very reliant on the functions of dance rather than the form, which she called “socialization through art.”

Outside of the performance area of dance, Dunham wanted to break the stigma and the labeling not only behind her identity as dancer, but also that of dancers everywhere. Often recognized as the “mother of black dance,” Dunham wanted to break the label of a “black” dancer to be simply recognized for her talent and value as a human being. 

Additionally, Dunham aimed to eliminate the negative stigmas of dance in the academic world. She wished to show that dance can be both beautiful and smart, not strictly one way or the other. She faced these problems “head on” through her teachings and specific dances, according to González. 

Dunham’s technique is all about “movement for a purpose” and connecting to others through the art form. She comprised this technique from her personal opinions as well as from studying history from other cultures such as those in the Caribbean. All of this led to Dunham becoming a prominent figure in the creation of modern dance. 

González’s goal was to teach Dunham’s technique and legacy through the eyes of the dancer’s students. Professor of dance studies Jonette Lancos met González at SUNY Brockport—both professors’ alma mater—in 2015, where González was performing. 

Lancos reached out to González—who has been an artist resident at Geneseo for the past two semesters—to perform in the upcoming Geneseo Dance Ensemble performance 49 Live: Leaping Boundaries, to which González agreed. 

González encouraged the student dancers at her lecture to pass Dunham’s legacy onto their peers and younger generations of dancers. 

“Now it’s on you. Now it’s your responsibility to pass it on,” González said. “She is very relevant; she needs to be taught and she needs to be shared.”

Rutkowski lectures on importance of transgender studies

Geneseo’s international English honor society Sigma Tau Delta decided to not only revolve their lecture series around political and social issues that are relevant today, but to also illustrate how the study of English adds to social criticism. 

They kicked off the series by inviting associate professor of English Dr. Alice Rutkowski to speak about transgender topics and literature in a lecture entitled “The Transgender Turning Point” on Thursday Feb. 9. 

Rutkowski began working at Geneseo in 2003 as an English professor, but she has also taught classes in women’s studies, American studies and humanities. Her scholarly interests include 19th and 20th century literature, American literature, civil war literature, women’s studies, queer theories and transgender studies.

To begin her lecture, she told the story of how she, as a cisgender individual, became an activist and teacher of transgender studies. It all started 10 years ago when one of her students came out to her as transgender. She had never met someone who was transgender, and so she researched some terms, wanting to be a better educator and friend to this student.   

That student—the first publicly transgender student at Geneseo—embarked on a roving education about transgender issues and findings, and in 2006 created an assembly for open conversation about trans identities on campus.

In addition to this experience, in the summer of the same year, Rutkowski attended the National Women’s Studies program in Oakland, California. At the conference, she was introduced to many of the vital issues in trans politics.

“It seemed to me that students needed more background in theory and critical terms to explore gender identity in a setting that both demanded rigorous engagement, but offered a sort of safe place for discussion and exploration and disagreement,” Rutkowski said.

She introduced a women’s studies course that focused on transgender studies in the spring semester of 2008. Even though she was not an expert in the field, she felt as though “it had to be done.” 

In fact, Rutkowski pointed out that at least one student from the class every semester transitioned, though not because her course encourages transitioning; rather, because they finally felt they had a safe space to be who they are, according to Rutkowski.  

Rutkowski’s main point in Thursday’s lecture was to start a discussion and to increase the knowledge of trans identities on campus. Rutkowski is also the coordinator of the Geneseo Safe Zone Program training. Safe Zone is a program where individuals become allies in their commitment to educating themselves about oppression, heterosexism and homophobia and in their combat of these issues on a personal level. 

The Safe Zone program will have a class in the fall semester where students can become trainers. Although students must apply to be in the class, it will serve as a great opportunity to learn more about how to use appropriate language and it will serve as a safe environment for people in the LGBTQ+ community. 

Rutkowski mentioned that she was doing a lot of “speaking for” the trans community and ideally a trans employee or professor would be able to be present and to represent his or her own community. 

For now, however, Rutkowski is attempting to make waves in Geneseo’s trans community in order to make the campus—and by extension the larger community—more understanding and accepting of trans identities.