OCR Text |
Show www.dailyutahchronicle.com 5 ARTS Thursday April 17, 2014 REVIEW `In the Next Room' pleases the audience Dylan Griffin STAFF WRITER The invention of the vibrator is a topic about which most Utah citizens aren't knowledgeable. Nonetheless, the U Department of Theatre is hoping to change the conservative state's sentiments involving the sex toy's history with the upcoming production of Sarah Ruhl's "In the Next Room" (also called "The Vibrator Play"). Directed by Hanna Cheek, the production runs April 18-27 in the Babcock Theatre. On April 25, the cast will be available after the show for a post-performance talkback with the audience. Set in a Victorian home, Dr. Givings has seemingly invented a new device meant to cure female hysteria, a 19th century diagnosis no longer considered valid by medical authorities. The play's title comes from Dr. Giving's wife, who, while in the next room, tries to determine what Dr. Givings is doing to his patients. As the vibrator gains popularity, the couple is forced to confront the strength of their marriage and love. Brian Powell, the production's dramaturge, is in his fourth year with the Department of Theatre. He feels the production's criteria is the glove that fits his drama enthusiast's hand. "It's really the only major that fit who I am, though I have been involved in many different departments," he said. Although "In the Next Room" is one of many productions Powell has participated in the making of, it is something he devoted a lot of time to. To replicate the time period of the show, which includes adult content, Powell gathered research. He also found materials for the set designers. With his research he was able to select fabrics that fit in with the look of a Victorian post-Civil War household. By providing expertise for "In The Next Room's" scenery Powell informed actors of what it would feel like to live in another time period. "In particular with this show, etiquette between different relationships and attitudes towards different races and midwives were PHOTO COURTESY OF SPENCER SANDSTROM Stewart Fullerton as Sabrina Daldry and Matthew Windham as Dr. Givings in In The Next Room. vital for a sense of trueness to come across," he said. Powell works behind the scenes, and his work's effect is on a more subliminal level. When audience members react to a play's setting or history, Powell feels like he hit a home run. "As dramaturge, I feel my job is to build the bridge between audience and actors. When a company does a show like this, there is usually a gap between the knowledge expected to enjoy the show and the knowledge readily available to the average audience member. I hope that gap is bridged," Powell said. d.griffin@chronicle.utah.edu Park Building hosts `A Sense of Place' PHOTO COURTESY OF CALLOW The band Callow poses for a photo. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PRESIDENTS ART GALLERY Jessica Julian STAFF WRITER Despite the conclusion of yet another semester on campus, the spirit of creativity is alive and well. In celebration of the Utah Museum of Fine Art's exhibit "Art is ioo," the U is showcasing an art exhibit to be on display at the President's Gallery in the Park Building. Completed in 1914, the Park Building was once home to the U's first art gallery. Sandi Pershing, the assistant vice president for the Office of Outreach and Engagement, chair of the President's Gallery committee and wife of U president David Pershing said the building has been the home of great art. The building's historical significance is now at a new level with the opening of "A Sense of Place." "The 'sense of place' idea is the defining theme that the committee worked on collaboratively. We felt that it allowed us to create a theme that would unite the exhibition in a really wonderful way," Pershing said. The theme was created to be broad enough so artists could showcase their sense of place at the U, as well as the state of Utah. The exhibit will feature visual artists from all campus departments. "A Sense of Place" is set to open at the beginning of Fall Semester at the new President's Gallery, which is located on the third floor of the Park Building. Artists hoping to be featured have already submitted pieces. "Ultimately, President Pershing and I wanted to celebrate the many talented people who are part of our campus community," Pershing said. "We wanted to utilize the Park Building, and the timing around the UMFA's "Art is ioo" program, to really highlight the visual arts in a new and interesting way." The gallery committee selected the artists to be featured in the upcoming exhibit. "The committee working on this is made up of [U] faculty, administrators and staff," Pershing said. The gallery's committee members also include local artists, community members and gallery owners. "We think this collaborative approach brings many perspectives to this effort," Pershing said. Featured artists will reflect individuals from the entire learning community of the U. The campus-wide exhibition is set to be showcased in conjunction with "Art is ioo." The collaboration between the two galleries is set to mark the mo-year effort of art collecting and creative support at the U. During the exhibit, one of the works that is juried for presentation may be selected to receive the Presidential Purchase Award. "We look forward to the opening of this gallery and are excited to engage the campus community in this new endeavor," Pershing said. The exhibit opens August 26. j.julian@chronicle.utah.edu REVIEW Callow takes Salt Lake with `less candy and more howling' Lynette Randall "Being a professional dancer, Sami had a unique interpretation of the songs and an eagerness to create STAFF WRITER something new," Moses said, "Callow was born, and After winning Noise Pop's San Francisco Music we haven't looked back." Video Race's category for Best Song in 2013, Callow is Creating self-proclaimed genre of "Ghost Westtaking the music scene by storm. The duo will bring ern" music, Callow is proud of the innovative sound artistic-rock sound to Bar Deluxe when they arrive in they created. Salt Lake City on Saturday. "It's rock music with less candy and more howling. Selling their belongings and living on the road, the It's a sort of a dance between the two of us on stage ... San Francisco-based Ghost Western duo of Red Mo- not like the usual progressive movement rock bands ses and Sami Knowles dove headfirst into the music tend to follow in their songwriting and composition," world in 2009. Challenging the usual expectations of Moses said. how rock music is performed and written, the two With two albums out, Callow is on its way to succreated Callow, a project and band meant to encom- cess. "Orb Weaver" (2012) and "Blue Spells" (2013) pass their numerous artistic passions. embody the duo's sonic sound. Using these records As a lifelong musician, Moses has written and per- as an introduction, Callow embarks on an extensive formed music most of his life. Carrying a guitar and tour this year, beginning at the South by Southwest providing lead vocals, he leads the group. music conference. "The way we perform the songs [sets us apart from The band arrives at the Bar Deluxe this weekend. other bands]," Moses said. "We try to display a sort "[U students should come] so they can be inspired to of emotional tug of war for the engaged listener. We think outside the box and master a craft. Our show pride ourselves in creating a thought-provoking, emo- seems to have that effect on people," Moses said. tional experience." Pushing past barriers and setbacks, Callow has unOn the other side of the Callow duo is Sami Knowles, doubtedly proven its passion through continuous sucwho adds a noteworthy dynamic to the group with her cess. Moses had this advice for aspiring musicians: artistic background. Thanks to seasoned experience "If you love doing it, keep doing it. Push the limits, as a professional dancer, Knowles has lent her inven- but keep your head. Don't take setbacks too seriously. tive ability to the group's form. Incorporating keys Keep your eyes ahead rather than dwelling on past and drums simultaneously, she also sings to round out difficulties." Callow's arrangement. l.randall@chronicle.utah.edu |