“PSYCHOPOMP,” an incredible performance written and directed by a former Salt Lake City resident Roger Benington, is an intimate and enlightening experience that brings to light the recent and continuing descent of white male privilege. The play takes place in Salt Lake City itself during the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election and shows the instability that followed.

The venue which Benington chose is an old Mormon church, setting the stage against religious history in one small room. The closeness of the actors — Tyler Fox and Paul Kiernan — and the small crowd size only elevated the performance. Not only was attending the show a new and exciting experience for theatre in Salt Lake after a return from lockdown, but it allowed me to see and feel everything that took place. I felt close to the characters and their struggles.

Differences in Opinion

“PSYCHOPOMP” is an incredibly innovative and artistic expression of prominent social issues, bringing to light recent changes in discussing systemic racism as well as political differences, through the perspectives of fathers and sons.

I admire the way that Benington as playwright discussed religion. I first latched on to it in seeing the play’s advertisements that drew attention to the “Mormon formula” at the center of the core relationships — “mission, marriage, family.” Identifying these values outright sets the stage for the characters’ behaviors that challenge that norm, resulting in an eventual clash of religion and identity.

“PSYCHOPOMP” doesn’t put down religiosity, but calls on its characters and audiences to think about their personal beliefs. 

Performances for People

For the past year and a half, the industry of theatre has been on hold. Sitting in a crowded room surrounded by other people is the very thing we have been told to avoid. However, the unique and enlightening experience of watching artists do what they love is like no other, and all who appreciate that cannot wait for the arts to return to normal. 

“PSYCHOPOMP” is on the front end of these returning performances, and it was an absolute joy to be able to attend. Not only was it incredible to be able to experience theater again, but my safety was always upheld, and I never felt at risk. The small and intimate performance allowed for a safe space to engage with a powerful work like Benington’s, and I would tell anyone to attend it before it closes. 

“PSYCHOPOMP” runs through Sept. 19 and tickets can be found here or on the play’s website.

s.gillett@dailyutahchronicle.com

@sara_gillett

The post Intimate Settings and Powerful Performance in Benington’s ‘PSYCHOPOMP’ appeared first on The Daily Utah Chronicle.

WiPS-UH annually hosts a lunch & learn session with physics students and faculty. | Courtesy of WiPS-UH

With women making up only 28 percent in STEM jobs, UH organization Women in Physics Society hopes to foster an environment to support and uplift women in the field.

WiPS-UH holds events, seminars, luncheons and networking sessions to help women in STEM have a heavier presence in academics as well as the workforce.

“The motto of our organization is MC^2, or Motivate, Connect and Construct,” said WiPS-UH president Ananya Mondal. “We serve as a central organization where women in physics and related areas from all career levels come together to discuss topics in the field and uplift each other in their career trajectories.”

Members of the organization conduct studies that could potentially have day-to-day impacts. For instance, some members are working with faculty members, looking at the origins of the universe. 

“In my research, I study the phases of matter at extremely high temperatures and densities, which existed in the early universe a few microseconds after the Big Bang,” said faculty advisor for WiPS-UH Claudia Ratti. 

Outside of working on studies and projects, WiPS-UH works to empower women in STEM for the future.

“In the past, we’ve visited high schools both virtually and in person to make kids excited about physics and aware of the opportunities that a physics degree can give them,” Mondal said. “We also are regularly organizing meetings, like lunches, to get together and touch base. And, we organize meetings with the incoming graduate students to introduce them to our department and answer any questions they might have.”

For this year, WiPS-UH is planning different networking events to talk through things like being a woman in STEM and how to make their workplaces more equitable.

“The number of women in STEM (grows) as we go higher and higher in career ranks. By starting out early, we want more women in physics at UH to have a community to fall back on and discuss any career issues, or doubts or share their achievements,” Mondal said. “We want to involve more people, irrespective of gender, to motivate more women in STEM and work towards a common goal of recruitment and retention.”

Students looking to get involved with the organization can find WiPS-UH on Twitter, via email or on their website. 

“Any STEM women or men enrolled (at) UH can participate in our panels, outreach and workshops to help build this community,” Mondal said. “We encourage women who are seeking a physics community to reach out to us. We are always happy to speak to younger women about science and pursuing graduate studies.” 

news@thedailycougar.com

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“WiPS hopes to uplift women in STEM at UH” was originally posted on The Cougar

5 things you’d understand if you live in UC Berkeley dorms

Charlene Wang/Staff

While the UC Berkeley residence halls might not be the most luxurious — unless you’re lucky enough to live in Blackwell — they do promise to add to one’s college experience in a unique way. As a current freshman, I find that living in the dorms at UC Berkeley is a mix of summer camp and a never-ending (fully masked) party. There is never a dull moment in the hallways, bathrooms, elevator or study lounge which creates the inevitable love-hate relationship between students and dorm life. One might complain about the many struggles involving dorm living, but at the end of the day, these experiences unite us. So, here at the Clog, we gathered some common experiences that only people who live in the UC Berkeley dorms can understand.

Waiting an eternity for the elevator

The view from many of the dorm rooms is absolutely breathtaking, especially if you live on one of the higher floors. However, I guess one must pay a price outside of the tragic housing fees for a beautiful look at the Bay Bridge. That additional price is one elevator that stands a good likelihood of breaking down. A single elevator just doesn’t work for a building that houses hundreds of students who are always on the move, but the wait is usually better than hiking up those flights of stairs. 

Observing the absurd sticky-note art and messages on the dorm windows

I guess UC Berkeley students have moved beyond writing “hi” with sticky notes on their windows. If you live in the UC Berkeley residence halls, you see all the creative and funny sticky-note art. From sticky notes that illustrate penises to the many windows that read “MILF,” these windows always make you stop on your way out and just think.

Cherishing the short and rare quietness

One of my favorite parts of the UC Berkeley dorms is that they are so close to everything. Unlike most college dorms, which are secluded from the local city, UC Berkeley residence halls are integrated into the city and situated near so many restaurants and stores. This is amazing until you realize that NYC is not the only city that never sleeps. Paired with students that lack a proper sleep schedule, there is always noise sneaking into your room. However, the occasional moments when it’s silent feel like heaven.

Calling your family and friends from back home in the courtyard

With roommates and halls that are never quiet, UC Berkeley dorms will often have you heading outside when it’s time to make calls. Every time I go to the courtyard, whether on my way out or to meet up with friends, I can count at least five different people sitting on benches talking on their phones. Even I sit all alone in the courtyard at least once a week, so I can talk to my friends and family in peace.

Going onto the study lounge balcony to get a breath of fresh air

Sometime during the first week of September, the study lounges reopened which meant our balconies were back as well. I don’t think anybody knew how much they’d appreciate a balcony until it was there. University can get stressful, but stepping onto the balcony immediately gives one peace and serenity. Whether you are down in the courtyard or in the study lounge, it’s not uncommon to spot at least one person finding tranquility as they people-watch from that balcony — which even I have done a good handful of times.

I can’t deny the perpetual homesickness that occurs while living in the UC Berkeley residence halls, but it is comforting to know that there are thousands of students who are sharing a similar experience with you. These common experiences will soon lead to unforgettable college memories!

Contact Zara Koroma at zkoroma@dailycal.org.

The Daily Californian

The Pittsburg State University Choir and Chorale will present classic stage numbers and more in “Back to Broadway,” a modified dessert-only version of their annual choir dinner.

The event, which the choirs are calling a “choir dessert” due to attendees receiving a boxed dessert in place of the usual choir dinner meal, will be held on Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the ballrooms of the Overman Student Center.

“As part of the University Choir and Chorale, I believe that our constant goal is to bring beautiful music to our PSU community and provide the opportunity for our members to have a place to learn and grow with diverse musical experiences,” said Kimberly Harries, administrative associate in the department of music and member of the University Choir and Chorale. “This first concert comes from our yearly Choir Dinner, which has provided in the past a themed music program and a dinner. This year to make sure this is a safe experience for all, we have chosen to have a ‘Choir Dessert.’ This will be a themed concert “Back to Broadway” where we will perform various pieces from Broadway through the years and will end with a delicious, boxed dessert to take home.”

As the changes to this year’s event format were based around restrictions due to the pandemic, masks will be required at the event. The choir and chorale plan to sing tunes based on numbers from Broadway’s past and present, such as a medley from George Gershwin’s jazz-inspired opera “Porgy and Bess” and the song “You Will Be Found” from the musical (and soon to be movie) “Dear Evan Hansen.”

“(One of our goals for this year was) ​to return to live performance,” said Susan Marchant, director of PSU choirs. “We have some wonderful music chosen for the year, representing many different styles and traditions, and we hope that we’ll be able to share it with audiences in a way that is safe and meaningful.  We have already performed with the SEK Symphony in the recent 9/11 Concert of Remembrance, and we’ll collaborate with that ensemble again in October. The upcoming Sept 24 program features repertoire from musical theater and popular song traditions.  Then in November we’ll present a more traditional program.  We’re fortunate that the choral repertoire is so vast and varied…we have many choices!”

Some of the students performing at the choir dessert concert will have the opportunity to sing with PSU’s auditioned choral group, the Chorale, while others have been given solos.

“Some of the pieces will be performed by the full University Choir, while others will be sung by the smaller Chorale…and beyond that, subsets of the Chorale, and even a few solos in the mix,” Marchant said. “I think it will be a really nice program with something for everyone to enjoy.”

The funds raised during the choir desert serve as a fundraiser for possible choir trips in the upcoming academic year. Ticket sales to receive the dessert at the end of the evening are closed.

Rosie discussing the history and possible realities of Aliens among us with Professor Tyson Davis.

The post Reel Talk Episode 3- Aliens appeared first on The George-Anne Media Group.

The 51st senate of the Associated Students of Colorado State University convened on Wednesday, Sept. 15, for their third session of the semester to hear a presentation on facilities-related committees across CSU’s campus, introduce a bill resolution and hold elections for the Legislative Strategy Advisory Board. ASCSU heard a presentation by Fred Haberecht, leader of […]

“Closet to Quarantine: Queer Art Then and Now” highlights portraits, social media and queer history.

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In 2020, Phoebe Bridgers shot to indie — and to some extent, mainstream — stardom following the release of her critically acclaimed album, “Punisher.” Meanwhile, Kesha, known for her raunchy early ‘10s hits, also released an album: “High Road.”

This fall, both artists have returned to the concert stage to tour their new albums, coincidentally visiting Minneapolis on the same weekend and providing Twin Cities music fans with an opportunity to observe the juxtaposition of their differing career paths. Phoebe Bridgers easily displayed the talent that has garnered her such universal praise while Kesha relied on showmanship and nostalgia in her effort to churn out a night of messy fun.

Tonally, Phoebe Bridgers and Kesha could have easily switched nights. Kesha gave the crowd a Saturday night type of debauchery. Within minutes of arriving on stage, she yelled, “Let’s forget the world is a f–cking dumpster fire and just dance our f–cking asses off!” as muscular men in mesh shirts gyrated behind her.

As exciting as it is to take part in Kesha’s unapologetic sleaziness, there is something to be said about watching an artist perform their craft at the top of their game. Everything about Phoebe Bridgers was thought out and executed almost flawlessly. She was backed by a five person band, including a trumpeter and pianist, and the storybook-inspired background visuals corresponded well with her songs’ deft lyrical content. The Phoebe Bridgers crowd was there to watch Phoebe Bridgers play her songs, not to party and get high off of nostalgia, among other things.

Phoebe Bridgers performed a cover of Bo Burnham’s “Funny Feeling,” a song that details how our daily life has become increasingly apocalyptic as post-capitalism and global warming rage on. Phoebe Bridgers’ own lyrics were also full with the types of melancholy observations that take place on Sunday nights, as one dreads the week ahead.

Yet the Phoebe Bridgers concert was not necessarily all doom and gloom. As with nearly every concert, fans were ecstatic to see their favorite performer, perhaps more now than ever. Both performers mentioned how thankful they were to be back on stage and many in the audience at the shows excitedly chatted about how this was their first show since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Most differences between the two are surface level. One could summarize them as an “up-and-coming indie darling” and a “popstar in her flop era”, but those descriptions would do neither justice. As Phoebe Bridgers and her crew walked onto stage, “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas blared on the speakers —the 2009 hit single co-written and performed by Will.i.am, a Kesha collaborator. The song choice speaks to how small the gap between these two music scenes have become. As streaming services have taken the place of 99 cent iTunes songs and CDs, it has become easier and cheaper than ever before to casually explore genres. This technological shift has affected the way artists consume and produce music as well. They too are exposing themselves to larger varieties of music and can become more genre-adverse without risking part of their fanbase. This is part of the reason why similarities between Phoebe Bridgers and Kesha are easy to spot, despite their vastly different careers.

Both women have released songs about the abuse they have suffered at the hands of well-known men in the music industry and both shows were adamantly queer-friendly spaces. For all their stylistic differences, it is not hard to imagine the two artists being fans of each other’s work. After all, Phoebe Bridgers has declared her love for the empowering raunch of Megan Thee Stallion, and Kesha has worked with indie folk rocker Sturgill Simpson. While in line for Kesha, I spotted a fellow fan wearing a Phoebe Bridgers shirt from the night before. It was rather unsurprising.

Georgia Southern updated their bus routes, taking away the Sweetheart Shuttle and bus stops along Forest Drive and adding a few steps to their commute.

“I think they’re too crowded, it’s kind of scary,” Bee Byers, a sophomore, said. “I don’t ride them as much as I used to.”

In order to not be late to her classes she would have to leave an hour in advance and the only reason she would ride the bus is for the convenience of housing, Byers said. 

Masks are required while riding on the bus and no social distancing required this semester, Director of Parking and Transportation Services, Derrick Davis said. 

While masks are said to be required, upon observation, students still enter the bus without masks with no further actions being taken to have them wear one. 

In addition to the COVID-19 protocols, Byers said she felt most of the students did wear their masks but, “the huge crowd kind of defeats the purpose.”

With only two stops on the pedestrium, students felt it was still a lengthy walk to classes. “That’s why I stopped taking the bus,” Byers said. 

On the other hand, another GS student, Brianna Tilley, said, “Well, since my class is right in the physics building, the stop at the bookstore is not a far walk at all.” 

“I would recommend the buses to other students,” Tilley added.

The Statesboro bus routes run from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, cutting out early at 6 p.m. on Fridays.

This year, the Sweetheart Shuttle Route will not be in operation. The only bus routes are the Blue and Gold.

The Gold route has 4 stops: Paulson Stadium, Cambridge apartments, Eagle Village, and Russell Union/Dining Commons. 

The Blue route only has 3 stops: Paulson Stadium, RAC, and College of Education.

The post Let’s talk about the buses: Are students getting to class on time? appeared first on The George-Anne Media Group.