drama

drama

Much Ado about Shakespeare

Much Ado about Shakespeare

More than 450 years after William Shakespeare’s birth, the Bard of Avon remains one of the most indelible and influential authors of all time.  His works continue to find relevance and meaning today; as their subtlety and wit and understanding of human drives and foibles offer a mirror which still cogently reflects society (as seen in numerous adaptions that easily translate the action to modern settings).  His writings – principally plays, sonnets, and poems – remain among the most widely reproduced writings in history, and modern literature is full of allusions to his texts.  His unparalleled literary influence supports contemporary poet Ben Jonson’s analysis that Shakespeare was “not of an age, but for all time”. Shakespeare’s rich, colorful language is … Continued
How accurate is Hamilton?

How accurate is Hamilton?

Hamilton, the ten dollar Founding Father musical released in May 2015, is among the most successful musicals in history.  With the all-time best selling cast recording and a total gross of $463 million by January 2019, not to mention 11 Tony awards and a thoroughly lovable collection of alternative “Hamildrops,” the musical continues to remain in the popular imagination.  But one question that needs to be asked is – Just how true to its history is Hamilton? Alexander Hamilton, by John Trumbull (1806) Nobody listens to a musical for a history lesson.  While a new play by novelist Ishmael Reed asks rather pointed questions about the musical’s accuracy, it can be stated that Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton, went … Continued
Casting Call

Casting Call

Would you like to star in a video?  The library is producing a music video to promote LibGuides.  Libguides are a resource tool for specific subjects and courses. They include links to just about everything you need to do reliable research – books, e-books, articles, videos, websites.  You can see samples at http://iue.libguides.com/. So we need actors (and singers!) for the video, which will be viewed on IU East’s YouTube channel.  Most of the parts are entirely physical acting – there’s very little dialogue, if you’re nervous about delivering lines.  Most of the actors will ‘act out’ using the LibGuides. And you’ll be famous!  Our previous library video was viewed more than 1400 times: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IENKivi3pEg.  You’ll be fully credited for … Continued
Post-Mortem on a Murder

Post-Mortem on a Murder

For those who couldn’t join us, the Friends of the Library Murder Mystery unfolded on Saturday, entangling all in a web of deceit and murder.  Set in 1923, the library’s supporters had gathered to celebrate the acquisition of a priceless manuscript.  But on the eve of his greatest professional triumph, archivist Archie Vist fell prey to poison before a startled audience, and soon everyone was embroiled in the attempt to discover which of his coworkers was the killer.  And it seemed like everyone had a motive! Accusations flew.  Was it Noelle ‘Noe’ Itall, who desperately wanted the archivist job?  Ray Ferénce, a librarian who had lost a wager with Archie?  Louisa Books, a beautiful librarian Archie had humiliated?  Some guests … Continued
A Murder Mystery in the Library!

A Murder Mystery in the Library!

Sherlock Poems here, detective extraordinaire.  Perhaps you’ve heard of me? Regardless, you’ve no doubt heard that the IU East Friends of the Library, Drama Club, and Humanities Club are hosting a murder mystery luncheon on Saturday, April 17th.  A murder has been committed in the library, and only my refined intellect is up to the challenge!  Or maybe not.  As a detective, I like to hedge my bets, and a room full of enterprising sleuths seems like just the thing to shed light on this shadowy crime! So join us at noon on the 17th, and be treated to a three-course meal and a twisting, turning plot of skullduggery and murder that even a storied detective like me might need … Continued