“The Fool of the World,” a famous Russian folktale originally written for children, will come to life under the direction of senior Thomas Benoist this semester. Benoist was introduced to the script last year while working on another student’s senior project, “Grimm’s Tales.” He chose to direct “Fool” for its youthful qualities. “Theater has helped…
Theatre department to premiere professor’s work
Acting in a play is an exhilarating experience, but shaping the script of the play as it is written is a rare pleasure. It is one which Butler University theatre students are enjoying with the department’s production of “Pigeons.” Dan Barden, an associate English professor, wrote “Pigeons.” The play is set in Greenwich Village, N.Y.,…
Successful artist inspires greatness
Greatness. Not good, greatness. Common said that word repeatedly as he spoke at Clowes Memorial Hall last Thursday to a sold-out crowd. “This is a chance for me to talk to the future,” said Common, a Chicago native.“ Butler University has the components to make the future full of greatness.” Common is a two-time Grammy…
Director of US Marine Band to join music faculty in 2014
The next director of bands at Butler University will be Colonel Michael J. Colburn, currently the director of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. Administrators and faculty in the school of music announced the decision to members of the wind ensemble late last semester, but Colburn asked that no official announcements be made until…
Professors off the Clock: Jon Crabiel’s Office? The symphony hall and sidewalk.
Drumsticks fly and buckets ring as they are struck in nearly perfect synchronization with Lucas Oil Stadium looming above. It’s like a dream for a music-crazed college student, but this dream is a reality for Jon Crabiel, percussion professor and artist-in-residence at Butler University. “What’s different and fun about the public performances is that there…
Exhibits worth exploring: “Graphite” and “Timeless Beauty”
Rarely-used materials and a Japanese perspective on beauty are the focus of new exhibits currently at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. “Timeless Beauty” is a celebration of beautiful women in Japanese art, and “Graphite” explores the innovative ways in which artists are using the graphite medium. “Timeless Beauty,” which opened Jan. 11, features a Japanese…
A Conversation with Olivia Huntley
Olivia Huntley is an actress, vocalist and model working out of Indianapolis, where she studies at the Park Tudor School. Huntley is appearing in the Phoenix Theatre’s production of the acclaimed Broadway musical “Next to Normal” later this month. In “Next to Normal,” Huntley plays a teenage girl whose family life falls apart as her…
It’s typical Tarantino again in “Django Unchained”
Quentin Tarantino is at it again in his version of “Django Unchained,” a story that has been retold many times since 1966. A memorable soundtrack, incredible cinematography, the occasional out-of-place humor and gratuitous violence and bloodshed display Tarantino’s style. “Django Unchained” follows “Inglorious Basterds” (2009) in Tarantino’s series of historically-inaccurate but nevertheless thrilling tales of…
“Lincoln” Review
Rarely is a historical drama equally illuminating and captivating. Steven Spielberg’s latest production, “Lincoln,” is an exception. Daniel Day-Lewis returns to the big screen for the first time in three years as Abraham Lincoln. The film is not a biographical scope of Lincoln’s entire life as one might expect. Instead, it centers on the trials he faced while pushing…
Interim professor to leave lasting legacy
No one wants to disappoint Vasanth Santosham. He’s a professional. It shows in his determined stride, in the piercing intelligence of his eyes, even in his uniform-like wardrobe—a black sweater, gray Levi 514s and brown boots. This master actor is focused on the pursuit of excellence in his craft and is determined to pass his…